Nestled in northeastern India, Assam is steeped in great historical, political and cultural significance. Its capital is Dispur, placed in the suburb of Guwahati. Assam is part of the seven northeastern states, also known as the seven sisters and is famous for its wonderful natural beauty with the Brahmaputra and Barak river valleys and the various cultural diversities that abound this landscape. Most importantly the cheerful nature of the Assamese and Assam tea is a major reason for Assam's popularity on the world map, with its expansive tea gardens presenting a panoramic view of the Assam valley.
History of Assam
Assam has a very ancient history with the earliest civilizations formed probably during the Stone Ages. Ancient Assam was known as Kamarupa and was ruled by many dynasties, including the Ahoms, which was a Thai group and ruled Assam for nearly 600 years. Though there were periodic invasions from the west, primarily by the Mughals. The British, who introduced poppy cultivation in the state, first colonized Assam properly and extensively. Post independence, Assam has seen a fluctuation in its economic fortunes due to foreigners migrating to the place in large numbers, which however is slowly recovering.
Geography of Assam
The river Brahmaputra is the chief embodiment of the physical geography in Assam, which flows in a braided pattern and has created the flood induced plain known as the Brahmaputra Valley. It has the unique advantage of having extended plains, hills from the South Indian plateau and the towering Himalayas surrounding it.
Climate of Assam
Assam being in the tropical rainforest climatic zone receives high rainfall and heavy humidity. There are besides, the overarching rainy season, two major climatic zones:
- The hot humid Indian summer, starting from about middle of May and continuing to June which records heavy rainfall.
- Winter is for a period of approximately three months, starting from middle of October till late February, when temperatures fall to about 8 to 6 degree Celsius.
What to see in Assam
There are a number of places that the general tourist can explore, in his Tours to Assam. The primary must –visit place is the pristine beauty of the Himalayas along with the Brahmaputra plain. Some of the popular spots of tourist attraction are the Kaziranga national park, which is a famous habitat for its Rhinos.
Apart from its wildlife tours, Assam Travel also includes witnessing the rich historical landmarks, like Tezpur, a region acclaimed for its rich mythology. It has a large number of architectural ruins and bare natural beauty, which is of major importance for the tourist in Assam travel.
Festivals: The state of Assam is a land of fairs and festivals. The main festivals are Majuli Festival, Elephant Festival, Brahmaputra Beach Festival, and Dehing Patkai Festival.
Arts & Crafts in Assam: Arts and Crafts have been a part of Assam and the natives of the state from time immemorial. Assam is known for its exquisite silks and products made out of bamboo and cane.
Monuments in Assam: Erstwhile rulers of Assam, the Ahoms built a variety of structures that make Sibsagar District a place of high tourist interest.
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