Just like everyone has a soft corner for something or the other, God had one for Assam. This state in the northeast of India is loaded with nature’s treasure trove and always blooming with flora and fauna. It’s a place adored by nature lovers and those who are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. From the majestic Brahmaputra River to the Kaziranga National Park, you can enjoy nature to the fullest. Especially when the monsoon announces its arrival and the green becomes a bit brighter and the river feels a bit more alive. This time when you plan for a destination to visit during the rains, make sure Assam is in the top five. To help you with your planning, we’ve even mentioned all the fun things you can do in Assam during the monsoon season.
Bask In The Glory Of Nature At Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park prides itself for displaying nature in its rawest form. It’s where animals roam freely in their natural habitat. It’s also where you’ll get to see the one-horned rhinoceros going about their daily lives. In 2006, it also became a tiger reserve, making it a great place to spot the big and wild cats. Along with furry friends, you also get to photograph some really cool feathered friends!
All the nature enthusiasts can book a jeep safari to get a closer look at nature. With the arrival of rains, the hues of the trees in the forest will only get enhanced. The gypsy safari will take you through wooden bridges, deep forests, and open meadows, giving you a tour of both flora and fauna. Apart from the rhinoceros and tigers, you’ll also get to greet elephants, wild water boars, and birds like ferruginous duck, white-fronted goose, and Asian Openbill stork. The ride sits about five people at a time and needs to be booked prior. July is the best month to visit the national park as it usually stays closed in the later months of monsoon due to the warnings of Brahmaputra River floods.
Price For The Safari:
- Indians: INR 3,800
- Foreigners: INR 7,100
Stay At The Eco-Friendly Majuli
Nestled on the mighty Brahmaputra River, Majuli is the world’s largest river island and a haven for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike. The monsoon season brings the island to life, with lush green paddy fields stretching across the landscape and vibrant wildflowers blooming everywhere.
Experience the unique Mishing tribal culture, known for their traditional dance forms and vibrant handloom textiles. Explore the island by bicycle, soaking in the fresh monsoon air and the breathtaking scenery. Stay in an eco-friendly hut, built using local materials and promoting sustainable tourism. These huts offer a chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature. In the evenings, enjoy traditional Assamese meals prepared with fresh local ingredients and participate in cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of the island.
Experience The Meeting Of Three Religions At Hajo
Hajo, an ancient pilgrimage site, is a fascinating confluence of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. The monsoon rains cleanse the historical monuments, leaving them sparkling and adding a mystical charm to the atmosphere. Explore the Hayagriva Madhava Temple, a 12th-century Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Climb atop Hajo Powa Mecca, a revered site for Muslims, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Visit the Kameshwar Temple, a Shiva temple with unique erotic carvings, and Poa Mecca, a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Muslims.
Hajo is a place to experience religious harmony and tolerance. Witness the daily rituals performed by devotees from different faiths, creating a vibrant tapestry of traditions. During the monsoon, the surrounding hills turn a lush green, and the waterfalls cascading down them create a picturesque scene.
Witness Some Black Magic At Mayong
Mayong, a small town shrouded in mystery, is known as the ‘Land of Black Magic’. The monsoon season adds an eerie charm to this place, where legends of tantric practices and mystical powers have thrived for centuries. Visit the Mayong Ashram, a center for learning about traditional Assamese medicine and occult practices. Witness the ‘Naam-Bilaap’ ceremony, where a person is seemingly buried alive and then brought back to life.
Be prepared for a dose of wonder and skepticism as you explore the mysteries of Mayong. While the reality behind the magic shows may be debatable, the experience is sure to leave you intrigued. The town also boasts beautiful natural landscapes, with hillocks and paddy fields that come alive during the monsoon season.
Escape The Reality At Tinsukia
Tinsukia, a charming town nestled amidst tea gardens and rainforests, offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The monsoon transforms the landscape into a verdant paradise, with the air filled with the refreshing fragrance of wet earth and blooming flowers. Explore the lush Dibru-Sadiya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can spot elephants, gibbons, and a variety of birdlife.
Take a boat ride on the pristine Dibru River, surrounded by the captivating beauty of the monsoon. Visit the sprawling tea estates and witness the process of tea plucking and production. Indulge in a cup of freshly brewed Assam tea, savoring its strong flavor and invigorating aroma. Tinsukia offers a chance to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Sit By The Banks Of Silchar River
Silchar, nestled in the Barak Valley, is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture. The monsoon season paints the town in a palette of greens, with the Barak River overflowing with rainwater and creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade, enjoying the cool monsoon breeze and the captivating views.
Explore the lush green hillocks surrounding Silchar, perfect for a picnic or a nature walk. Visit the Kamakhya Temple, a renowned Shakti shrine, and witness the unique rituals performed there. Indulge in the delectable Barak Valley cuisine, known for its distinct flavors and use of fresh local ingredients. Silchar offers a tranquil escape amidst the beauty of the monsoon, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate.
Enjoy A Hot Cup Of Chai At Jorhat
The monsoon season brings a fresh lease of life to the tea plantations, with the emerald green leaves glistening with raindrops. Visit one of the many tea estates and embark on a guided tour, learning about the different stages of tea production. Indulge in a cup of freshly brewed Assam tea, known for its strong, malty flavor, at a charming tea bungalow overlooking the sprawling plantations. Jorhat also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Explore the Jorhat Gymkhana Club, the oldest club in Assam, and step back in time to the colonial era.
Summing Up
Get closer to nature after indulging in these fun things in Assam during monsoon. From visiting the tiny villages to exploring their culture, we’ve added a little bit of everything to spice things up. None of the places will disappoint you and give you a glimpse of how the place comes to life after the fresh rains. Do make sure that you’re doing research before planning a trip as the Brahmaputra River tends to flood as the monsoon season progresses.
FAQs
What Is The Best Time To Visit Assam?
Tucked away in the misty eastern corner of the country, Assam is one of those places that attracts tourists throughout the entire year. However, you can consider planning your trip from November to March, when Assam is said to be at its best.
Which Is The Dance Of Assam?
Bihu is the most famous dance form of Assam that is traditionally performed during the Bihu festival of Assam. Both men and women dancers wear colorful and traditional attires and participate in the dance celebrations. The Dhol (a native drum-like instrument) is central to the entire performance. All the dancers either form circles or straight lines and dance to the beats of the Dhol.
What Is Assam Famous For?
Exquisite silk fabrics and premium tea flavors are synonymous with the name Assam. Not only this, but the state is also well renowned for housing the first site for crude oil drilling in Asia. To add to that, Assam is also inhabited by the one-horned rhinoceros, wild water buffaloes, Bengal tigers, a wild variety of birds, and aquatic animals, and it is the last remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic elephant.
Is Assam A Rich State?
The richness of the state lies in its abundantly available water resources and huge chunks of extremely fertile land. To add to that, the state is also famous for being the country’s 3rd largest producer of natural gas and petroleum, and it also has several lime reserves. Not only this, but the state is the hotspot of biodiversity as it is home to 18 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks.
What Was Assam’s Old Name?
Assam’s old name was “Pragjyotisha” and “Kamarupa” as per records in Sanskrit literature.
Which Language Is Spoken In Assam?
Assamese is widely spoken in Assam.
