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There are 22 districts
in Assam. Except for the districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar
Hills, Assam is generally composed of plains and river valleys.
Guwahati is the gateway to the enchanting north eastern India. The
various other places in Assam are Majuli, Sibsagar, Haflong, Digboi
and Tezpur.
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Majuli |
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Assam is famous
for Majuli, the world's largest river island. Majuli is situated
amidst the Brahmaputra river and accessible by ferry from the
tea estate town of Jorhat. The total area of Majuli has been
steadily decreasing due to strong erosion of the river
Brahmaputra. Majuli is the centre of Vaishnava culture and known
for the numerous satras, or Vaishnavite monasteries set up in
the 16th century by the revivalist leader, Sankaradeva. There
are about fifteen Satras in Majuli. Some of the major
Satras are Kamalabari, Natun Kamalabari, Auniati, |
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Garmur,
Samoguri, Dakhinpat and Bengenaati. These Satras are regarded as
the main centres for Assamese art, music, dance, drama,
handicrafts, literature and religion etc. Auniati is famous for
its considerable collection of Assamese old utensils, jewellery
and handicrafts. Upper Majuli is the centre of a living heritage
of colourful costumes and festivals. Members of the Mishing
tribe that came from Arunachal Pradesh live here, and are
renowned for their woven Mirizen shawls and blankets. A large
variety of migratory birds can also be seen here.
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Sibsagar |
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Sibsagar is located about 369 kms. towards the east of Guwahati
and also the headquarters of the district of the same name. It is
also a leading tea and oil producing district. Sibsagar is a fast
developing modern and beautiful town located around the huge
Sibsagar tank, an artificial lake constructed by Queen Madambika
in 1734 A.D. Sibsagar was the capital of the Ahoms who ruled Assam
for the six hundreds years before the coming of the British. The
Shiva Temple built on the bank of this tank is believed to be the
highest Shiva temple in India. |
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Haflong |
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Haflong, the
Assam's only hill station is situated in the rugged terrains of
Assam. It is the district Headquarters of North Cachar Hills.
Hilly Assam is like a heaven to the senses where one can touch
the sweetest dream with the fingers. Haflong Lake, a beautiful
lake is located in the heart of the town.
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Jatinga |
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Jatinga, about 9 kms.
from Haflong, is famous for the unexplained phenomenon of
migratory birds, committing mass suicide. The migratory birds come
here during the month of August to November. From the elevated
watch tower, one can see them yielding to their death wish and
their little plumage dropping down. Other attractions here include
exciting trekking in Borail Hills, watching the traditional dances
of the tribes and a visit to the Orchid Garden. The best season to
visit the Jatinga is from August to April. |
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Digboi |
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Digboi is a major oil town which is surrounded by numerous tea
gardens and hills. A 100 years old refinery and 112 years old oil
field still exist here. The Digboi Refinery was started in 1901 as
the first refinery of Asia and the second refinery in the world.
Today, the oil field and refinery are the oldest oil field and
refinery in the world. There is also a War Cemetery and Golf
Course in Digboi. |
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Tezpur |
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Tezpur is situated on the north bank of the majestic river
Brahmaputra, and known for the magnificent scenic beauty and
exquisite archaeological ruins. It is the headquarters of Sonitpur
district and is considered as one of the most beautiful towns of
the state. Undulated green valleys surrounded by the hills, with
snow capped peaks of the Himalayas and lush green tea gardens have
all contributed to make Tezpur a tourist's delight. Tezpur, also
known as Sonitpur, the city of blood in Puranas, is associated
with the eternal love and romance between princess Usha, the
daughter of King Bana and prince Anirudha, the grandson of Lord
Krishna. According to the legend, a great mythological war was
fought between the Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva and as a result the
whole city was said to have been drenched in blood. So this place
was known as Sonitpur. Tezpur has received a unique place in the
history of Assam due to its contribution to art, culture,
literature and particularly during the freedom struggle. In 1942,
for the first time in entire British India, the Indian flag was
hoisted in the police station at Gahpur. Fourteen year old
Kanaklata braved British bullets and died holding the national
flag aloft. |
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