Why visit Assam? Is it for the great one-horned rhinoceros, food or festival? How about if we suggest you take a heritage tour of the state? With history dating back to 9th – 10th century AD, Assam has seen a number of kingdoms, has allowed many cultures and traditions to seep in. A place with such vibrant history, will only have best of heritage.
Kaziranga National Park
Straddling two district—Golaghat and Nagaon—is Kaziranga National Park. The park is home to two-third of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceros, making it a world heritage site. Apart from rhinoceros, the park is also a place where you will find highest density of tigers. The park is also known for conservation of water buffaloes, swamp deer and wild elephants.
Sivasagar
Formerly known as Rangpur, Sivasagar is the place to go to if you are interested in Ahom palaces and monuments. Tanks, temples and palaces are the chief attractions of Sivasagar. Joysagar—the biggest man-made lake in the country (318 acres); Sivasagar Sivadol—a 1734 temple standing tall at 104 feet; Rang Ghar—the famous double-storied Ahom ruin; and the Kareng Ghar, one of the finest examples of Ahom architecture, are the reasons why one should visit Sivasagar.
Guwahati
Guwahati was formerly known as Pragjyotishpura. In present times, the city is probably one of the most recognised destinations in India. Guwahati’s history dates back to several thousands of years. When in Guwahati, there are some places you can’t give a miss. Kamakhya Temple, the ancient Shakti temple, is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Tantric worshippers. Navagraha temple on top of Chitrasal Hill is dedicated to nine celestial bodies—Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, North Lunar Node and South Lunar Node. This temple was built by Ahom King Rajeshwar Singha and remains one of the most important heritage sites in Assam.
Jorhat
Jorhat was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom and hence home to many historical monuments. In terms of heritage, two names pop up when we speak of Jorhat—Majuli and Dhekiakhowa Bornamghor. The riverine island of Majuli is not only the largest freshwater river island in the world, but also an important Vaishnavite pilgrimage centre. The 657-year-old Dhekiakhowa Bornamghor also is one of the most important attractions in Assam.
Digboi
Also known as Oil City of Assam, Digboi is an important part of Assam’s heritage. With the oldest oil well still in operation, Digboi also qualifies to be one of the things that makes Assam unique. The city has grand bungalows from the British era that deserves a dekko.