Assam is known for tea plantations and one-horned rhino. The state is surrounded by cloudy hills, soothing water bodies, a large variety of flora and fauna, and magnificent culture. During festivals like Bihu, the hustle-bustle in the city increases a few notches which bring the city to life. Kaziranga and Manas National Parks are two of the largest national parks in India which are also declared as world heritage sites by UNESCO. These national parks are predominantly famous for one-horned rhinos, elephants, and tigers. Here are some of the best and cheap holiday destinations in Assam. Let’s get started!
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK –
This is a splendid destination if you want to break free of the monotonous daily routine of life. An adventurous meeting with rhinos, tigers, and elephants is bound to happen at this place. You can either go for a jeep safari or elephant back ride to explore the area. Other notable animal species include swamp deer, sambhar, hog deer, and gaur. The national park also has a wide variety of flora like elephant grass, water lily, and tropical trees. You can hire easily reach here from Guwahati via car.
KAMAKHYA TEMPLE –
This is by far the most famous temple in Assam. The temple is surrounded by Nilanchal Hills and has a pretty amazing story with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the lead role. The temple is well connected by roads. Ambabuchi festival is celebrated in June every year and a large number of devotees line up outside the temple in large numbers just to have a glimpse of Goddess Kamakhya, take her blessings, and pay respect to her.
UMANANDA ISLAND –
This is a cheap holiday destination and probably the world’s smallest island. It stands in the middle of the Brahmaputra River. There is a temple in the middle of the island dedicated to Lord Shiva. The island opens around 6 AM and closes at 6 PM. Entry is free of cost.
SHILLONG –
Shillong around 150 Kilometers out of Guwahati and has good road connectivity. The climate here stays pleasantly warm in summers. Police Bazar is the centre of the city and this is where you will find a bunch of shopping options. Accommodation is cheap here and traditional restaurants are present in abundance. Shillong tops the list of cheap holiday destinations in Assam. Dylan’s Café and Hoiti Toiti are two must-visit cafes in Shillong.
LAITLUM –
Not many people know about this hidden gem in Assam. Laitlum is around 100 kilometers out of Shillong and is connected pretty well via roads. The journey to this place goes to cloud-covered mountains. Also, the weather here changes like fashion so you have to be prepared for the worse. Laitlum is basically a valley and a pretty exciting one. You can see the clouds rising from beneath. Most of the area in Laitlum is lush green and clean. You will get countless photo opportunities here.
MANAS NATIONAL PARK –
As mentioned above, Manas National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site. Some endangered species like a hispid hare, pygmy hog, golden langur, and Assam roofed turtle call this place home. The forests here are dense with deciduous trees. The Manas River is a constant companion here. Manas National Park boasts a different kind of natural beauty which tourists from around the globe find very compelling. Jeep safari is perhaps the best way to explore Manas National Park. It opens at 8 AM and closes around 5 PM.
KAKOCHANG WATERFALLS –
This waterfall is at a distance of around 50 kilometres from Kaziranga National Park. The waterfalls from a great height and forms a pond below. You can feel the droplets of water on your face. The hills all around the waterfall add to the beauty of the whole scene. This also makes Assam cheap holiday destinations.
DIGBOI –
The first oil well was drilled in Asia is located in Digboi. The city has a fairly good infrastructure which gives British vibes. The temperature here stays pleasantly cool all year long which is why a large number of tourists come here every month. Also, there are many cheap and good guesthouses here. Therefore, you can easily find a place to stay on Digboi. It is a cheap holiday destination and perfect to go with friends and family.
NORTH CACHAR HILLS –
This place is also known as Dima Hasao. Tribal people of different tribes like Zeme Nagas, The Kukis, Dimasa kachauris, and The Hmars call this place home. Haflong Bazar is the place for shopping Assamese souvenirs and artifacts.
TOCKLAI TEA RESEARCH CENTRE –
Assam and tea have a deep connection which can never be broken. The tea produced here has a distinct taste and is popular in the whole world. The people at Tocklai Tea Research Centre make sure that every batch of tea leaves they harvest is the best out there. This research centre was established in the British era and has created a distinctive identity when it comes to tea research. The research centre has a tea garden, a restaurant, and a museum. If tea is an integral part of your life, then you must visit this place. The research centre opens at 8.30 AM and closes at 5 PM.
NAMERI NATIONAL PARK –
This is yet another National Park where you can spot animals like rhinos, tigers, and elephants in large numbers. Aside from these, you may also come across other species like leopards, hornbills, ducks, sambhar, dhole, and storks. Nameri is well connected through roads. The national park opens at 5 AM and closes around 5 PM.
Honorable mentions: Hajo, Majuli Island, Siva Sagar, Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Haflong Lake, Padam Pukhuri, Dipor Bil, Tezpur, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat.
