ASSAM

Assam is a land of myths and mystery. "The land of red rivers and blue hills," as it is described, has a unique landscape with sprawling tea gardens and unending stretches of paddy fields interspersed with groves of coconut, areca nuts, and banana trees. Besides that there are a number of national parks, that are host to rare species of flora and fauna. There are a number of tribes, each having their own story of lineage and origin.

Guwahati
Situated on the bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra, Guwahati - said to be the legendary Pragjyotishpur or City of Eastern Light - is the gateway to north eastern India. The name is a combination of two words: Guwa meaning areca nut and Hat meaning market. Guwahati is the commercial nerve centre of the North-East. The places to shop for handicrafts and handloom items include the State Government's department store, Pragjyotika at Ambari as well as several private shops in Pan Bazar and Fancy Bazar, two of the main commercial markets.

Sivasagar
Sivasagar was the capital of the mighty Ahoms, who ruled Assam for more than six hundred years, before the advent of the British. The town, which literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire. The most remarkable landmark of the town is the 200 year old Sivasagar tank. On its banks are three significant temples - Shivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol.

Tezpur
Situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra, this town replete with a raw natural beauty and fascinating archaeological ruins, is the headquarters of district Sonitpur. Undulating green valleys surrounded by the lofty hills and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, and lush tea gardens render Tezpur a tourist's delight. There are many spots which bear historical and mythological importance.

Manas
Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve Formerly known as North Kamrup, Manas, in Assam, was declared a sanctuary in 1928. In 1985 it was accorded the status of World Heritage Site. The park straddles two rivers, the Manas and its tributary the Hakua, along the Assam-Bhutan border. The protected area extends into the Bhutan foothills. Besides tiger this park is famous for its beautiful and rare flora and fauna.

Kaziranga
Kaziranga National Park is one of the largest Protected Areas in India and one of the most significant conserved forest areas on the earth. From the time it was declared as a Proposed Reserve Forest for the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), it has become an exceptional model in conservation, also providing an ideal habitat for numerous other threatened species. Despite instances of poaching, this park has recorded a significant increase in the number of one horned rhinos . The entire park is divided into two ranges Kohora Range and Bagori range. There are a number of tourists lodges with excellent facilities , that are at par with other national and international standard. Beside Rhinos Kaziranga is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. One can have elephant safari and also jeep safari.