Assam

The largest of the North-Eastern states, Assam, consists mostly of the plains around the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. A large part of the state is located in the narrow valley that the river has created over the ages. Assam is known for its scenic beauty, with gushing rivers on one side, snow capped mountains on the other, and lush forests in between.

Assam is the gateway to North-East India, best known for its' tea plantations which yield the strong Assam leaf tea, popular all over the world. The whole region remains overwhelmingly agricultural. Assam produces more than half of India's petroleum.

Cities - Guwahati:Straddling the banks of the mighty River Brahmaputra that has its origin in Tibet, Guwahati, said to be the legendary Pragjyotishpur (Light of the East), is a bustling and crowded city.

Hajo: This is home to the Pua-Mecca mosque, set up by an Iraqi Prince who turned preacher and travelled all the way to Assam in the 12th century. Also visit the Hayagriba Madhava Temple, reached by a long stone stairway.

Madan Kamdev: It is an archaeological site where erotic sculptures and other stone carvings abound.

Sibsagar: The capital of the mighty Ahoms, former rulers of Assam, is a fast developing urban settlement. The town, whose name means "the ocean of Lord Shiva", is strewn with the ruins of a powerful empire. The most remarkable of these is the 200 year old Sibsagar tank. On its banks are three significant temples - Shivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol. Also visit the Ahom Museum.

Digboi: Digboi is Assam's oil city with a history going back to the early 18th century, when oil was first discovered in the area. It has a hundred year old oil-field still producing oil and the world's oldest operating oil refinery.

Eco Camp: The Eco Camp is a unique experiment by the Assam Anglers' Association and the state's Forest Department. The Nameri National Park is nearby.

Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary: The Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is a safe haven for extremely rare white winged wood duck and many migratory birds.

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