Assam, a northern state of India, offers you a plethora of places that are full of natural beauty. These places offer you a sneak peek into their diverse culture. Whether you are a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast, you will not regret exploring Assam during your Assam tour. From beautiful tea plantations to its wildlife-rich national parks, there is so much to explore in Assam. However, apart from the popular places, this state also has numerous lesser-known destinations. If you, too, are willing to explore the lesser-known travel destinations of Assam, you must include the following places in your Assam tour package:
Umananda Island
One of the lesser-known places in Assam is Umamanda Island, which is also known as the smallest inhabited island in the world. Located in the middle of the Brahmaputra River, this island is known for its Shiva Temple. The temple was constructed in the 17th century by Ahom Kings and houses a variety of sculptures. You will find the sculptures of Vishnu, Parvati, Ganesha, and other prominent Hindu deities when you visit this temple. The name of the island is derived from an Assamese word, ‘Uma’, which is another name for Goddess Parvati. The British, who ruled this region, gave it the name ‘Peacock Island’ due to its peacock-like shape. According to Hindu mythology, it was Lord Shiva himself who created Umananda Island to please goddess Parvati. People also have a belief that he used to reside on this island as Bhayananda. According to a legend, Shiva burnt Kamdeva as he disrupted his meditation. Due to this legend, the island is also known as Bhasmachal.
The beauty of Umananda Island is the reason why tourists rush to this place. However, apart from its natural beauty, this island is also famous for its golden langurs. If you are an adventure junkie, you can do a lot of things near Umananda Island, such as rock climbing, joomering, water zorbing, elephant rides, etc. Thus, if you are visiting Assam for the first time, you must not forget to visit Umananda.
Bholaguri Tea Estate
You would also love to visit this place during your Assam tour. Bholaguri Tea Estate is the perfect spot in Assam where you can observe the process of making tea. The sight of the lush tea gardens here will amaze you to the core. Once you are here, spend your time in the lap of nature and take photos of the stunning natural surroundings. If you are a history buff, explore the museum here that houses the equipment used in the films. Bholaguri Tea Estate is also popular for being the location of the first Assamese film named ‘Joymoti’. The place is a must-visit if you have an interest in Assamese cinema. You can join the tea-tasting sessions here and learn about their characteristics. You can also explore the beautiful tea gardens and observe the plucking process of the tea when you visit Bholaguri Tea Estate during your Assam Tour.
Haflong
Being the only hill station in Assam, Haflong offers an ideal getaway for nature lovers. From the enchanting views of the mountain ranges to lush green forests, Haflong has no dearth of places that can leave you awestruck. Located at a height of above 600 meters, this is not only an apt place for nature lovers but also for adventure enthusiasts. You will be amazed to see the dense forests and beautiful waterfalls here and want to get immersed in the beauty of this region. Whether you want to spend your time amid nature or satisfy your adventure lust, Haflong is the best place to be. One of the unique places to visit near Haflong is Jatinga village. Here, you can see many birds committing suicide in the monsoon season. If you are interested in this strange phenomenon, you must head to this place straightaway.
However, this place is also suitable for you if you want to experience nature at its best. From pristine lakes to beautiful landscapes and majestic mountains, there is a lot to explore in Haflong. A few attractions that you would love to visit here include Fiangpuri Garden, Haflong Lake, etc. You can do a lot of things on your Halfling tour, such as trekking in the beautiful hills, visiting Halflong Lake, exploring the local culture, etc. Hence, do not forget to add Haflong to your Assam tour package.
Digboi
It is also one of the offbeat destinations in Assam that every traveler must visit once in their lifetime. Known as the ‘Oil City’, Digboi has the first drilled oil well in the whole of Asia. This is one of the important places in Assam due to its crude oil production. The oil refinery in Digboi was established in the year 1901. It continues to function to date with the help of ultra-modern equipment. You will clearly see the influence of British colonialism in the buildings located here. There is a centenary museum that was constructed to commemorate the World War II cemetery and 100 years of the oil refinery. Whether you are a history buff or want to learn about the local culture, visiting Digboi will be a rewarding experience for you. Some of the things that you can explore in Digboi are the golf course, war cemetery, Digboi oil museum, Digboi oil refinery, etc.
Hajo
Located in the Kamrup district, Hajo is also one of the hidden destinations of Assam. The city is approximately 24 kilometers away from Guwahati and is a sacred place for Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims. According to Hindu Mythology, Buddha attained Nirvana at this very place. You will get to see many places of worship here, such as pagodas, mosques, and temples. Some of the must-visit places to worship in Hajo are Hayagriva Mahadeva Mandir and Pao Mecca. Hajo is also known for its bell metal industry. Apart from the religious places, this place is also popular for its pottery, brass work, and traditional handicrafts. The ideal time to visit Hajo is the monsoon season.
Sivasagar
Sivasagar is another lesser-known destination in Assam, which is popular for its Ahom palaces and monuments. They are a perfect reminder of the glorious past of this state. Some of the places worth exploring here are Talatal Ghar, Rang Ghar, and Kareng Ghar. One of the most popular places here is Sivasagar Sivadol, which was constructed by Kuwori Ambika in the year 1734. If you are planning a trip to Assam, you must not forget to visit Sivasagar. If you are planning your trip during Shivaratri, you will get to see the grand celebrations here. Shivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm. On this day, devotees of Lord Shiva gather in large numbers and seek his blessings.
Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra
Another less-explored destination in Assam is Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra. It was established in the year 1988 by the renowned playwright and poet named Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. The reason behind constructing this institution was to promote the culture as well as the art of the Assamese people. It spreads to a large area and is divided into 3 sections. You will get to know the culture and traditions of Assam after visiting this place. Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra also houses many structures that showcase the architectural brilliance of Assam. Besides, you will also find a cultural museum as well as a library here.
Paradise Lake
Do not forget to visit Paradise Lake during your Assam tour. This lake has blue water, which adds more grace to its beauty. If you are a bird watcher, you will love visiting this place. The lake is home to many migratory birds that arrive here during winter. Some of the birds that you will see here are the Grey Leg Goose, the Bar-headed Goose, the Mallard, the Spot-billed duck, etc. Hence, if you are a birdwatcher and love to watch various species of birds, you must include Paradise Lake in your Assam tour package.
Hojai
It is a new district which is popular for Kerelajan City Centre and Kampur Fru. Apart from these places, tourists can also visit the beautiful Akashiganga waterfalls and Akashiganga Lake here. Even though Hojai is a new district, it is connected to all state bus stations. Thus, you will not face any problems if you want to visit this destination. The best time to visit this place is during winter, as it lets visitors explore Hojai with ease.
Panimur Waterfall
Situated in the Dima Hasao District, Panimur Waterfalls attracts a large number of tourists from around the country. This is one of the best places to enjoy time with your friends and family. Located approximately 220 km from Guwahati, this is a must-visit destination during your Assam tour. Panimur waterfall is a haven for photographers due to its surrounding natural beauty. You can also visit other nearby places after visiting Panimur Waterfalls. Some of them are Haflong Hill, Maibang, Umrangso, etc.
Kakochang Waterfall
Kakochang Waterfall is another mesmerizing place you must explore during your Assam tour. Located only an hour’s drive from Kaziranga National Park, this is the best place to visit for nature lovers. The waterfall has a unique charm attached to it, which attracts visitors from all around the country. Once you are here, you can view the remnants of Numaligarh town from here. Some of the famous nearby attractions you can explore include the ruins of Deoparbat, rubber farms, etc.
Majuli
Located on the Brahmaputra River, Majuli is yet another lesser-known destination to visit in Assam. The island covers an area of 1250 sq. kilometers and is the largest River Island in the world. Due to its surreal beauty, this place has been on the tentative list of UNESCO since 2004. The majority of the population here is tribal people. If you are planning to visit Majuli, you need to take ferries from Jorhat. A few tourist attractions in Majuli are Dakhinpat Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, etc. If you want to get the most out of your Majuli visit, you must visit it during the Raas festival. Majuli River Island offers visitors a perfect setting for yoga as well as meditation. This is the best place for those who are looking for inner peace. Whether you are a nature lover or a birdwatcher, you can enjoy the best time here. You will also find a large variety of migratory birds here if you visit the island in the winter season.
Nameri National Park
Nameri National Park is the perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts. This park does not offer you Jeep Safaris. However, the beauty of this park is the reason why people rush to explore it. The park has a rich flora and fauna and offers you an opportunity to indulge in river rafting and camping. This place is not only suitable for nature lovers but also for bird watchers. Some of the famous animals that you can see here include sambars, wild pigs, leopards, tigers, etc. The Nameri River has a variety of fish. One of the most popular fish here is the Golden Masheer Fish, which is 3 to 9 feet in size. This fish is also called the “Tiger of the Himalayan Rivers”.
Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in Assam, Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the lesser-known places in Assam. This place is popular for its population of western hoolock gibbons. You will find a variety of wildlife here, such as leopards, capped langurs, stump-tailed macaques, etc. Apart from that, you will also get to see approximately 200 species in this sanctuary. You can see the wildlife through trekking, which would be a thrilling experience for you.
Lesser-Known Places to Visit in Assam: Conclusion
Apart from the abovementioned places, you will find many other places in Assam that are less explored. All these places offer you a lifetime experience. Assam tourism is witnessing rapid growth as the state has a lot to offer for the globetrotters. This is the reason why not only Indians but also foreigners book Assam tour packages. If you are interested in exploring the lesser-known destinations in Assam, you must book a package through the best Assam tour operators.
