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People working on a tea plantation in Assam, India.

Things to do in  Assam

Tiptoe through the tea fields

When most people outside of India hear the word “Assam,” tea is the first thing that comes to mind—and for good reason. Located in Northeast India, Assam is one of the world’s largest tea producers, and the tea grown here is celebrated for its rich, bold flavors. While tea tourism is popular in the state, there are plenty of other things to do in Assam, from taking boat rides down the mighty Brahmaputra River to heading out on safari in search of rare one-horned rhinos.

Top 2 attractions in Assam

Top activities in Assam

All about Assam

Local Currency
Indian Rupee (₹)
When to visit

The best time to visit Assam is during the winter when temperatures are cooler, but note that parts of the state can get quite cold, particularly at night. Winter is also the best time to spot wildlife at Kaziranga National Park. Monsoon season, which usually starts in the middle of June and can last until October, brings heavy rains to the region and can lead to flooding and traffic congestion.

Getting around

There are lots of ways to get around Assam, including trains and public buses run by the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC). Many destinations along the Brahmaputra River are served by ferry, too. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are convenient for traveling shorter distances in Guwahati and other larger cities. For longer journeys, many people opt to hire a taxi for a few days or join a tour that includes transportation.

Traveler tips

Assam is known for its tea, and sampling some of the state’s famously rich but smooth brews is a quintessential part of the Assam experience. Tea in this region is typically grown near the Brahmaputra River, which contributes to its rich taste. For the freshest cuppa, it’s worth going on a tour of a tea estate; Dibrugarh, which has nearly 150 tea gardens, is a popular destination for tea tours.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the top tourist attractions in Assam?
A:

Kaziranga National Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Assam, and it draws in visitors who are eager for the chance to spot one-horned rhinos in the wild. The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is also famous among religious pilgrims, particularly those practicing Tantric Hinduism.

Q:What is Assam famous for?
A:

Assam is perhaps most famous, at least internationally, for its tea production. It is also home to a relatively large population of one-horned rhinoceroses, and many people come to the state specifically with hopes of seeing the endangered beasts in the wild. Assam is known for its numerous dance traditions as well.

Q:What are the must-try traditional dishes in Assam?
A:

Many traditional Assamese dishes are significantly different from what you might expect Indian food to be. Meat and fish feature heavily in many dishes here, from masor tenga, a type of tangy fish curry, to duck curry prepared with ash gourd. Khar, made from banana peel ashes, is also a common ingredient.

Q:Is it safe to travel to Assam?
A:

Yes, it is safe to travel to Assam, and incidents of violent crime toward tourists are few and far between. Although pickpocketing is uncommon, travelers should take basic precautions and avoid leaving valuables within easy reach of potential thieves. Take care when crossing the road in Guwahati, where traffic can be intense.

Q:What festivals are celebrated in Assam?
A:

Assam has all sorts of unique festivals throughout the year, including Bihu, which takes place three times a year. Bohag Bihu honors the Assamese New Year, while the Magh Bihu festival observes the harvest. Kati Bihu is a time of prayer, celebrated when crops are growing.

Q:What are the best shopping places in Assam for local handicrafts?
A:

The best places to shop for handicrafts in Assam are in Guwahati, where you can pick up items from across the state and beyond. Fancy Bazaar is a main hub of trading activity, but it can get hectic. The government-run Pragjyotika Assam Emporium is a calmer, fixed-price alternative.