Pakke Tiger Reserve is located on the border of Arunachal Pradesh, adjacent to Nameri National Park. The reserve is a favorite amongst birders due to its rich and diverse avifauna. Plants and flowers are also abundant in the reserve, many of which are rare and endangered. Trekking in Pakke Tiger Reserve is an experience we would definitely recommend.
Jia Bhoroli, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra which flows along the southern boundary of Nameri National Park, is one of the most beautiful rivers in Northeast India. Rafting on the river is a popular activity, best enjoyed during winters. The banks of the river are dotted with dense beautiful forests, the water is cool and clear, the rapids are gentle yet fun to experience and on a clear day, you might see snow-clad Himalayan mountains from your raft.
Nameri National Park is home to a rich population of elephants. Other mammals include capped langur, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar and deer. The avifauna of Nameri National Park comprises over 350 species. Birds of interest include white winged wood duck, Palla’s fish eagle, wreathed hornbill, rufous necked hornbill, great pied hornbill, ibisbill and blue-bearded bee eater.
Situated on a hillock in Dergaon, the Negheriting Shiva Doul is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was first constructed in the 8th-9th century AD by Kachari rulers (an indigenous tribe of Assam). It however got destroyed due to natural calamities and was later rebuilt by Ahom king Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha in 1687.
The name Negheriting comes from a rare bird called Negheri that used to inhabit the area many years back. A sizeable population of rhesus monkey lives in the temple grounds today.
The Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is a small protected area near the town of Jorhat, well known as home to the western hoolock gibbon- the only species of non-human ape found in the country. Various species of primates can also be found here such as capped langurs, Assam macaque, rhesus macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, stump tailed macaque and Bengal slow loris.
Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island, is immensely rich in history, culture and nature. The island has been the cultural capital and cradle of Assamese civilization for centuries. Revered Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciples had set up Vaishnavite satras (institutions) here around the 15th century and developed a unique way of worship through dance and drama. Many of these satras exist even today and continue to give the island its unique identity. Majuli is also home to several indigenous communities such as the Misings, Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis, each having its own traditions and practices.
Sivasagar occupies an important position in the history of Assam as it once was the capital of the Ahom kingdom which ruled Assam for nearly 600 years. The palaces and monuments in the city are significant treasures from the Ahom era.
Some of the notable places to see are
Rang Ghar: Rang Ghar is an iconic two-storeyed building which once served as the royal sports pavilion from where Ahom kings and nobles watched games such as buffalo fights, wrestling etc. which took place in the adjoining field known as Rupohi Pothar. It is said to be the oldest surviving amphitheater in Asia. Read More
First designated a reserved forest in 1890, Dibru-Saikhowa was declared a national park in 1999. The park is a haven for many endangered species and is one of the few places in the world which is home to feral horses. Mammals found in the park include Ganges dolphin, Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Asiatic water buffalo etc. The park also has rich avifauna.
Just a three-hour drive from Guwahati in the neighboring state of Meghalaya is Shillong, a hill-station known for its excellent music culture, delicious food and unparalleled natural beauty. From charming cafes and shops to hiking trails and majestic waterfalls, Shillong has a lot to offer to its visitors.
Beyond Shillong, Meghalaya is dotted with quaint villages, waterfalls, emerald-green lakes and beautiful gorges. There are many activities and places worth exploring, including, but not limited to, touring Cherrapunjee, kayaking at Dawki, hiking down to living root bridges and waterfalls in Nongriat and Mawlynnong. Even a simple drive to the country-side is a breathtaking experience.
The annual festival of IORA - The Retreat, kaziranga is held from the First Saturday of December to the Second Sunday of December.