Introduction

Assam......the rich, green land of rolling plains and dense forests is the gateway to the north eastern part of India. The mighty Brahmaputra river that has its origins in Tibet charts its majestic course through this state. This mystic land of eternal blue hills and beautiful rivers is renowned for its tea, rich flora and fauna, the world famous one horned rhinoceros and other rare species of wildlife on the verge of extinction. Barring Africa, there is perhaps no part of the world where such a variety of wildlife exists.

Situated between 90-96 degree East Longitute and 24-28 degree North Latitude, Assam is bordered in the North and East by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Along the south lies Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Meghalaya lies to her South-West, Bengal and Bangladesh to her West.

History

Assam's history goes back to ancient times. The base of this history can be found in Tantric literature, Buddhist literature, Assamese folklore and Vedic literature.

However, first mention of the state of Assam is found in the epics and the religious legends. The Aryans belonging to the priestly and warrior classes found their way into Assam in very early times. Various places mentioned in the epics, like Mahabharata etc. are now identified with sites in this state.

The first known ruler of  Assam was Mahiranga Danava of Danava dynasty, who was succeeded in turn, in the direct line by Hatakasur, Sambarsur and Ratnasur. After them there was a chief  named Ghatakasur, the ruler of the Kiratas. He made Progjyotishpur (the modern Guwahati) his capital, and settled numerous Brahmans at Kamakhya. Narakasur was killed by Lord Krishna of Dwaraka. Narakasur's successor, Bhagadatta, figured in the Mahabharata war leading a vast army against the Pandavas.

Sri Krishna frequently appears in Assam Mythology. Sri Krishna fought against king Bhismaka of Kundil (now Sadia) in his bid to marry Bhismaka's daughter Rukmini. Another king Banasura of Sonitpur (now Tezpur) fought against Sri Krishna, when Banasura's daughter Usha was secretly married to Anirudh, the grandson of Sri Krishna.

Places to visit

Kaziranga National Park

This place is best known for its' large population of the one-horned Rhinoceros, a species that once faced extinction.

Manas Sanctuary

Previously known as North Kamrup, Manas was declared a sanctuary in 1928. It was established as the core of the Manas Tiger Reserve with effect from April 1973, and designated a World Heritage site in December 1985. Upgrading of the sanctuary to national park status is being considered. Manas harbours by far the greatest number (21) of India's Schedule I mammals of any protected area in the country. Many are typical of South-east Asian rain forest and have their westernmost distribution here. Its' wetlands are of international importance. It is also the single most important site for the future survival of the pygmy hog and hispid hare.

Sualkuchi

This place is famous for producing golden silk thread.

Hajo

This is home to the Pua-Mecca mosque, set up by an Iraqi Prince who turned preacher and travelled all the way to Assam in the 12th century. Also visit the Hayagriba Madhava Temple, reached by a long stone stairway.

Madan Kamdev

It is an archaeological site where erotic sculptures and other stone carvings abound.

Sibsagar

The capital of the mighty Ahoms, former rulers of Assam, is a fast developing urban settlement. The town, whose name means "the ocean of Lord Shiva", is strewn with the ruins of a powerful empire. The most remarkable of these is the 200 year old Sibsagar tank. On its banks are three significant temples - Shivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol. Also visit the Ahom Museum.

Dibrugarh

This is the largest tea exporting town in India. You can visit the tea gardens located in and around the town.

Tezpur

Near Tezpur lie the ruins of 'Da Parbatia' stone temples. Other architectural remains include those of Agnigarh, Bamuni Hills, Bhairavi and Mahabhairab temples and the twin tanks of Bar Pukhuri and Padum Pukhuri.

Eco Camp

The Eco Camp is a unique experiment by the Assam Anglers' Association and the state's Forest Department. The Nameri National Park is nearby.

Digboi

Digboi is Assam's oil city with a history going back to the early 18th century, when oil was first discovered in the area. It has a hundred year old oil-field still producing oil and the world's oldest operating oil refinery. Visit the continent's oldest oil well - the Discovery Well, completed in 1889 AD. The Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is a safe haven for extremely rare white winged wood duck and many migratory birds. Digboi also has an 18-hole golf course.

How to reach

Air : The state has one international Airport in Guwahati. Other airports are Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Silchar. Air India , Indian Airlines , Sahara Airlines , Jet Airways and Deccan Air operate regular flights also operates an international weekly flight between Bangkok and Guwahati.

Road : A network of National Highways and other roads connect Assam other Indian cities. The tourist destinations in Assam are also well connected by road network.

Rail : A convenient Indian Railways network runs through out the state connecting major Indian cities with Assam.