An Awesome Assam Is Gateway To North-East India
Nasokia was invited by the Indian Government through its Ministry of Tourism to be part of the 66 international delegates from 29 countries which included tour operators, travel writers and media for the 6th International Travel Mart for the North East region from December 5-7 hosted at the Vivanta by Taj at Guwahati, the capital city of Assam.
Splendid heritage and history abodes in Assam, one of the eight states that make-up the North-East India region. Assam, also known as the ‘Land of the Eastern Lights’ is one of the growing tourism destinations for international and domestic visitors alike.
Its accessibility from the rest of the country makes it the gateway to the north-eastern states.
The set-up is not only rich in biodiversity, but also in ethnic and cultural diversity where a distinct variety of cultures exists with a strong tradition of art, music, dance, literature, and distinctive languages and customs.
The people are renowned for their hospitality and courtesy. Many south, eastern and southeast Asian societies have called Assam their home over the centuries.
Exploring Assam
Over the last one and half years Assam has become well connected with domestic and international flights through Guwahati Airport. There are immense beautiful hill areas rising above the spectacular Silchar and Bhramaputra rivers, providing the opportunity for scenic river tourism that lures tourists from Europe and America. When in Assam there are huge restaurants for transfer and dinning opportunities including the Alfresco Grand, on board the MV
Manuphura, a ferry which the international delegates encountered.
Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands, is found in the Brahamaputra River 310 km east of Guwahati.
Pilgrimages
Some pilgrimages have attracted a lot of visitors to the Kamakhya Temple on the Nilachal hill for Hindus.
Not forgetting the Pura Tirupati Uma Nanda Temple, and Navagraha and Balaji temple which were built centuries ago.
Wildlife preservations
Kaziranga National Park where the state has conserved the onehorned Indian rhinoceros from near extinction, along with the wild water buffalo, pygmy hog, tiger and various species of Asiatic birds.
Other parks are Manas, Rajiv Gandhi Orang, Nameri, DibruSaikhowa, Pabitora, Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife sanctuary, Dehing Patkai and Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary.
Golf and tea tourism
In Assam they say golf and tea have a great instinct to blend in with their blessed environment. There are more than 20 magnificent golf locations in a spectacular settings within the state. Since 1839 Assam Tea found itself in the home of the British in London and has never failed to impress even today.
Boost
There has been a massive transformation in the state in terms of tourism related programmes.
In a space of two years there has been a tremendous investment in five-star-properties such as the Vivanta by Taj and many are under construction in the state as well. The boom in tourism and lack of rooms has given birth to home stay ventures.
Assam State chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “we want to grow without affecting our ecology, without destroying our environment.”
“Assam is the organic hub of the North-East, whatever resources we have been given by the Almighty is to have great health and happiness in life,” the chief minister said. “We have all kinds of beauty so our beauty exists in this nation and everyone is interested to have beauty in life and existence.
This will not only assist us, but it will also purify the mind-set of youngsters that will add to our global existence.”
Cuisines
Cuisines do vary in the NorthEastern region including the people of Assam, which boasts from Tandoori to Chinese and to Continental and diet dishes.
Their favourite delicacy, the Jalpan, goes well with the Assam tea.
History
The first oil well in Asia was drilled in the state, in 1827 but it wasn’t until 1867 that oil was found in Namdang and later it was found in other places as well.
There are large architectural marvels and monuments which have stood the test of time which bear testimony to the creative genius and prowess of the antecedents of the people of Assam.