This is Part 18 of Incredible India, our state-by-state travel series. Start from Part 1: Ladakh or read the previous part, Part 17: Sikkim.
Assam is the gateway to Northeast India. Defined by the mighty Brahmaputra river, it is famous for its tea, its wildlife and its rich Assamese culture, from Bihu dances to the satras (monasteries) of Majuli.
Best time to visit
November to April is best. Kaziranga is usually open from around October/November to May. The spring festival of Rongali Bihu (mid-April) is the most joyful time to visit. The monsoon brings heavy rain and floods.
Top places to see
- Kaziranga National Park: jeep and elephant safaris to see the greater one-horned rhino, wild buffalo, elephants and tigers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Majuli: once called the world's largest river island, home to Vaishnavite satras, mask-making and Mising tribal villages.
- Guwahati: the Kamakhya Temple, a Brahmaputra river cruise and Umananda island.
- Tea estates around Jorhat and Dibrugarh: heritage bungalow stays and tea tasting.
- Sivasagar: Ahom-era monuments such as Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar.
- Charaideo Moidams: royal burial mounds of the Ahom kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Manas National Park: another UNESCO-listed park on the Bhutan border.
Getting there and around
Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the main hub, with airports also at Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Tezpur. Kaziranga is about a 4-5 hour drive from Guwahati. Majuli is reached by ferry from Nimati Ghat near Jorhat.
Sample 7-day itinerary
- Guwahati and Kamakhya Temple.
- Drive to Kaziranga; afternoon safari.
- Morning safari in a different range.
- Drive to Jorhat; tea estate stay.
- Ferry to Majuli.
- Majuli satras and villages.
- Sivasagar and depart from Jorhat or Dibrugarh.
Practical tips
- Book Kaziranga safaris through official or reputable operators in advance.
- Ferry timings to Majuli vary with the river; check locally.
- The sun rises very early in Assam; plan activities accordingly.
What to eat
Masor tenga, khar, pitika, duck curry and pitha, with plenty of Assam tea. Try our masor tenga recipe.
Next in Incredible India: Meghalaya.
