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ASSAM
The second largest of the North Eastern states, Assam is blessed with an incredibly rich variety of natural resources,
bio-diversity and a proud and ancient historical heritage. Dominated by the mighty Brahmaputra, whose monsoon ferocity wreaks havoc but whose bounty enriches the alluvial plains, forests, lush tea gardens and paddy fields, Assam is the largest producer of tea and timber in the country and also has the oldest oil refinery.
It is home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros and other unusual and endangered species such as the clouded leopard, the golden langur and the Gangetic dolphin. The world's largest inhabited riverine island, Majuli, is in Assam. For six hundred years, Assam was ruled by the Ahoms who successfully repulsed the Mughal invasions but eventually fell to the British in 1826. Today Assam is one of the most advanced and accessible of the North Eastern states.
PLACES TO VISIT
Guwahati, formerly known as Pragjyotishpur ("The Light of the
East"), is the capital of Assam, the commercial hub and virtual gateway to the
North East. It has many ancient temples, the most important being the Kamakhya Temple which is said to be a centre for tantric worship.
Guwahati also has several interesting museums and the largest natural zoo in the the country. Nearby
Sualkuchi is a centre for the production of the much-coveted Assam silk. There is a confluence of the Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist faiths at
Hajo with its 12th century mosque which is referred to as
"Poa Mecca", said to be the fourth in line of sanctity to Mecca and
Hayagrib Madhab Temple where one school of Buddhism believes the Buddha achieved Nirvana.
Sibasagar is near the site of Charaiadeo, the ancient capital of the Ahom kings. There are are many interesting archaeological sites to visit here including pyramid-like burial vaults. Picturesque
Halflong is the only hill station in Assam.
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