Upcoming

Sibsagar

State
Assam

Sivasagar, previously known as Rongpur, is a heritage place in Assam famous for the monuments of Ahom kingdom. The region was once the capital of the Ahom rulers, who reigned over the whole of Assam from 1228 until; their kingdom fell in the hands of the British, in 1826.

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History

Sibsagar, ex Rangpur, was once the capital of the Ahom rulers who dominated Assam for more than 600 years. They ruled Assam virtually uninterrupted for 6 centuries until their kingdom fell to the Burmese in 1819, and their ruling class was all but wiped out. The province was liberated by the British in 1825 but, owing to the state of anarchy which prevailed in the province, it was completely annexed in 1826.

Accessibility

Air

There are several airports near Sibsagar – Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Dimapur and Tezpur.

Rail

Simaluguri is the nearest railhead.

Road

Sibsagar is well conneceted with Guwahati, Kaziranga and Dibrugarh.

Location
On the Dikhu River, Assam
STD Code
03772
Topic
Historical
Upcoming
Best time to visit
November to April

Majuli Island

State
Assam

Majuli Island, he biggest freshwater river island in the world, is formed by the Brahmaputra River in the south and by the Subansiri and Kherkutia Xuti Rivers in the north. It is the main center of Vaishnavism in Assam, propagated by Srimanta Sankardeva (a great social reformer of the 16th century who is credited with starting the Neo-Vaishnavite movement started in Assam).

Accessibility

Air

The township of Jorhat, situated in Upper Assam, presents the nearest air link from Majuli. It is well connected with all the major cities of Assam as well as India, by air. For instance, there are flights to Jorhat daily from Guwahati and four flights a week from Calcutta. From Jorhat, there is a short distance travel of fourteen kilometers to Neemati Ghat, where ferries are available to Majuli, from around 10 a.m.

Road

Jorhat also serves as the nearest road link from Majuli. The ASTC buses, operating on a regular basis within the state, have day as well as night deluxe buses covering the distance from Guwahati to Jorhat in seven hours. You can easily find buses connecting the city with other parts of Assam as well.

Ferry

There are at least two ferry rides to Majuli. The first ferry ride lasts for about an hour. After this, there is a ten minutes bus ride across Major Sapori which is yet another small island en route Majuli. The second ferry starts around 3 p.m. in the afternoon and is only for a short time. Finally, after another bus ride, the main town of Majuli, Kamalabari, is reached.

Location
200 km to the east of Guwahati
STD Code
03775
Topic
Upcoming
Island
Best time to visit
October to March

Jorhat

State
Assam

Jorhat, often referred to as the Cultural Capital of Assam, is famous for its vast lying tea gardens and is also called the 'Tea capital of the world'. Since the time of British rule, Jorhat has been the main center for tea cultivation. Before the British Raj in 1824, it was the capital of Ahom Kingdom. It was "The last Capital of the Ahom Kingdom", has archeological values associated to Rajamaidan— the last burial mounds of the Ahom kings.

History

Jorhat, also known as Jorehaut, means two hats or mandis-“Macharhat” and “Chowkihat” which existed on the two different banks of the river Bhogdoi during the 18th Century, Jorhat was "The last capital of the Ahom Kingdom". In the year 1794, the Ahom King Gaurinath shifted the capital from Sibsagar while Rangpur to Jorhat. This town was a flourishing and commercial metropolis but completely destroyed after a series of the Burmese invasions of Assam since 1817 till the arrival of the British force in the year 1824 under the stewardship of David Scott and Captain Richard.

The British Rule, though, was not free from rebellions and revolutions, contributed to reemergence of this historical town. From the very first decade of the British rule, the great revolutionists who emerged were Gomdhar Konwar, Jeuram, and Piyali. The British system of administration came into vogue in the year 1839 with an established Police Thana. During the great Sepoy Mutiny and Piyali Barua was sabotaged and these leaders were hanged in public at this very place in 1858.

Accessibility

Air

There is an airport in Jorhat itself which makes it easy to visit Jorhat. There are regular flights from Guwahati and other cities. Jorhat is situated in the center of the city and is easily accessible from any part of the city.

Rail

Jorhat has its own railhead and is well connected to major cities of Assam. There is regular trains to Jorhat from Guwahati.

Road

Jorhat is well connected by bus to all parts of the state. The city is around 308 km from Guwahati and there are regular bus service that take around 7 hrs to cover the distance. There are both state buses and private buses have to and fro transportation for Jorhat.

Local Transportation

Jorhat is a big city and you will find almost all modes of transportation inside the city. There are buses, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and taxis that make commuting in the city easy and comfortable.

District
North Cachar Hills district
Location
Central part of the Brahmaputra Valley, Assam. It is about 85 km north of Silchar and 345 km from Guwahati.
STD Code
03673
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
October to April

Haflong

State
Assam

Haflong, popularly known as "The land of blue hills", is situated at a distance of 84 kilometers north of Silchar. It is garlanded by the hills and is an unending saga of gently flowing streams and waterfalls. Apart from its scenic beauty, the hills of Haflong is also known for its more than 2 lakh different flowers include the orchids such as Blue Vanda, rare species of birds, Pineapple, Pera, Peaches, and Oranges and thus adoringly known as the 'Switzerland of the East'.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is Dimapur (266 kms), Jorhat (364 kms) Gguwahati (355 kms). All there connected by Indian Airlines with Calcutta.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is 3 kilometers off Lower Haflong. One can get private buses from the main road.

By Road: Buses for Silchar are available in the morning while those for Guwahati are available in the evening. Assam State Transport Corporation Buses connect most of the places with Haflong.

Accommodation

Staying options are limited in Haflong but there are independent cottages, lodges and homestays . Mostly are particularly well located in Guwahati, Assam's commercial hub. Near the main market, there is pleny of small restaurants and there one can find delcious rice dal fish curry a kind of Assamese food.

Accommodation options are available in Halflong from medium budget hotels to Assam Tourism's Tourist Lodge.

Tourist Lodge
Reservation Authority
Tourist Information Officer
Haflong
Tel: (03673) 2468

Govt. Guest House
Reservation Authority
Addl. Deputy Commissioner
Haflong
Tel: (03673) 2223

District
North Cachar Hills
Location
345 km from Guwahati
STD Code
03673
Topic
Hill Station
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 15°C - 28°C, Winter 10°C - 15°C
Best time to visit
October to April
Famous For
Haflong is best known for a beach resort on the lake developed into luscious green hills surrounding the city.

Digboi

State
Assam

Digboi, known as the Oil City of Assam, is a small town area where the first oil well in Asia was drilled. The first refinery was started here as early as 1901 and is the oldest oil well in operation. This place still retains the British ambience, complemented by the clubs and Golf courses nearby. Therefore, the place can proudly boast of two unique features - a 100-year-old extant oilfield and the world's oldest operating oil refinery.

History

Assam's oil city with a history going back to the early 18th century, when oil was first discovered in the area.

The history of this town dates back to the year 1869, when a group of people from the Assam Railway and Trading Corporation found the legs of their elephants soaked in black mud that smelt somewhat like oil. In 1889, after much exploration and investigation, a small oil establishment was started here, by the British, which was later enlarged to form the first oil refinery of the country, in the year 1901.

People say that Digboi actually got its name from the phrase “dig – boy – dig”, which the British used to tell the laborers as they dug the fields for crude oil. There has always been a strong influence of the British culture and tradition over the lifestyle of Digboi. The world famous golf course in the town, with 18 holes, is a major attraction. Apart from this, some of the beautiful bungalows that the British had constructed for themselves can still be found in this town and attract tourists and travelers from all across the globe.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest Airport to Digboi is at in Dibrugarh, around 65 km and is connected by flights from Guwahati and other domestic airports in Assam.

By Rail: Tinsukia is the nearest railway station, around 40 Km from Digboi and is connected by regular trains from Guwahati.

By Road: Digboi is connected by NH 38 to Guwahati which is at a distance of 527 Km from here. Regular state transportation buses and luxury coaches plying between the cities.

Shopping

Digboi is also a great place to indulge in shopping as traditional textiles and handicrafts, unique only to this area, can be purchased from the local shops and cottage industries, that too at reasonable prices.

Accommodation

Digboi has slowly and gradually climbed up the ladder and has become one of the most important destinations for tourism in Assam. Accordingly number of tourist coming to the town has increased and for accommodating them, many good and relaible hotels have come up in Digboi. You will find good number of 3 star hotels along with budget hotels.

District
Tinsukia
Location
Northeastern part of Assam
STD Code
03751
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Also known as the "Oil City of Assam" Digboi is famous for it oil fields and petroleum refineries

Dibrugarh

State
Assam

Dibrugarh, situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Upper Assam, is the gateway to the three tea producing districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Sibsagar. It is the largest tea exporting town in India and also an important commercial centre of the Assam state. The town got its name from Dibarumukh, 'Dibaru' is the name of a river and 'mukh' means mouth.

History

Dibrugarh which is the headquarter of the district derived its name from Dibarumukh. The name derived from the mouth(mukh) of the river Dibaru or Dibru (Bodo word dibru, a blister) during the reign of Suhungmung[when?], Pharsengmung Borgohain, Chao Siulung, Kilong fought against the Chutiya king who was defeated in the battle and surrendered before the Ahom King. Dibarumukh was a renowned encampment of Ahoms during Ahom Chutiya War. Earlier Dibrugarh was the District HQ of undivided Lakhimpur District. But now Dibrugarh is a separate district having its own identity with the District HQ still in Dibrugarh town itself.

Accessibility

Air

Mohanbari Airport connects Dibrugarh to all the major airports in India, like Guwahati, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. The airport is situated at a distance of 13 km from the center of the city and is one of the busiest airports therein. Some of the major airlines, like Air India, Indian Airlines, Jetlite and Kingfisher, conduct flights to and from the city, on a regular basis. Besides this, the Airforce field at Chabua (25 km from Dibrugarh) is also used to connect the city to other places in the north-east and also to Kolkata.

Rail

The railway station in Dibrugarh has trains for the purpose of both interstate and intercity transport. There are three major interstate transport expresses - two of which originate from New Delhi (Rajdhani and Brahmaputra Mail) and the third one is from Kolkata. Besides this, daily express trains are available for traveling to Guwahati and the other regions within Assam.

Road

The city of Dibrugarh is at a distance of 440 km from Guwahati and 240 km from the famous wildlife sanctuary, Kaziranga. The NH-37 connects all the major towns and cities of Assam and has greatly facilitated transport by road within the state. The ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) provides regular bus service at periodic intervals to all the major places within and outside the state. Apart from the normal day and night service buses; the corporation also has a number of special mini buses to travel to the hilly areas. In addition to the transport services, ASTC also provides other services, like computerized ticketing system, courier services and also cargo services.

Shopping

Dibrugarh city is one of the popular tourist destinations in Assam, India. The people who come to visit the city definitely like to take back something, as souvenirs, for themselves as well as their near and dear ones. And it is a surety that the city of Dibrugarh will never disappoint them in this respect. Apart from the indigenous native shops, a number of malls and complexes are present here and some others are still in the process of being constructed. Some of these are the Vishal Megamart, the Leela Mall, Khusi Megamart etc.

Dibrugarh city is famous for its tea. It is, in fact, called the nerve centre of the tea industry in India and even within the city; you will find a number of tea gardens, like the Jalan South Tea Estate. Hence, a visit to the city without getting a sample of the local tea is simply not done. Besides tea, Dibrugarh is also famous for its traditional silk garments, like mekhela chaddar (made of muga or paat).

The locally-made Gamochas, one of the most recognizable cultural symbols of the Assamese people, is a popular item amongst tourists. Such items can be purchased from the innumerous indigenous shops present within the city, like Kalpatoru, Mamta. A unique shopping location present in the city is the ‘Bhutiya’ market place, offering a wide range of trendy items like clothes, bags and shoes. This is one of the most favorite places for young boys and girls to shop, as the products are reasonably priced.

District
Dibrugarh district
Location
On the banks of the River Brahmaputra, Upper Assam
STD Code
0373
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Largest tea exporting town in India

Malinithan

State
Arunachal Pradesh

Malinithan, situated at the foot of the Siang hills under the Likabali Sub-Division, is a pilgrimage centre and draws a large number of visitors and piligrims each year. It is a is a temple site in ruins.

According to one of local legends associated with this place, Lord Krishna carried away Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhismaka on her marriage with Shishupal. Then Krishna and Rukmini were welcomed here by Parvati with garlands. Parvati thus got the name as Malini and the place Malinithan.

Accessibility

Air: Lilabari and Dibrugarh are the nearest airports.

Rail: The closest railhead is at Silapathar.

Road: Buses or cars from Guwahati and Itanagar make you reach Malinithan comfortably.

Accommodation

While in Malinithan, accommodation at the Circuit House will be made available.

Topic
Pilgrim
Upcoming
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Bomdila

State
Arunachal Pradesh

Bomdila, nestled in the celestial Himalayas, is a beautiful small town situated at a height of about 8000 ft. above the sea level offers brilliant landscape and snow-clad mountains of the Himalayan Range. The place also boasts of a beautiful river named Bharali which offers great angling opportunity. The town is surrounded by Apple orchards, brilliant Himalayan landscape and and Buddhist Gompas. This town is famous for its 400 year old Buddhist monastery.

History

Bomdila has a strong Buddhist and Tibetan influence evidenced from the fair number of monasteries and quaint little eating-places serving traditional Tibetan cuisine plus the all time favourite – momos and thukpas.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is Tezpur, 160 Km from Bomdila.

By Rail: Nearest railway station-Bhalukpung (Tezpur). Rangapara Railway Station is another option and Arunachal Express has a stop over here.

By Road: Bomdila is connected by daily bus and Tata Sumo service from Naharlagun, Itanagar and Tezpur (Assam) -> Dirang-42, Tawang-185, Bhalukpung-100, Tezpur-164, Naharlagun-340, Itanagar-350, Guwahati-343

Getaways
Tawang
Shopping

Buy Tibetan carpets, paintings and thangkas to take back home. The crafts have intricate carvings and interesting themes and are quite different from anything you would get back home.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the Tourist Lodge, PWD Inspection Bungalow and the Government Circuit House apart from medium and economy budget hotels - 03782-22021. Other staying options of Bomdila are:

Pangchen Lodge: 09836489939
Hotel La: 03782-222097
Hotel Sifiang Pong: 03782-222286
Hotel Sang-Ri-La: 03782-222226
Hotel Bomdila: 03782-222416
Hotel Himland: 09831097019

District
West Kameng district
STD Code
03782
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 23-30°C, Winter 13-20°C
Best time to visit
April to October
Famous For
Buddhist Monasteries called ‘Gompas’, which show a strong influence of Tibetan and Buddhist culture.

Anantapur

State
Andhra Pradesh

Anantapur, also known as 'Hande Anantapuram', is known throughout the country for its silk trade industry. It was an important place for the British Indian Army in 2nd World War. The place is said to derived its name from 'Anaatasagaram' (meaning Endless Ocean), a huge tank in the vicinity. It appears drenched in a celestial aura with its ancient temples. There are imposing forts in its periphery that conjure up the reminiscences of the royalty.

History

Anantapur offers some vivid glimpses of the prehistoric past. It is generally held that the place got its name from 'Anaatasagaram' , a big tank, which means "Endless Ocean". The villages of Anaantasagaram and Bukkarayasamudram were constructed by Chilkkavodeya, the minister of Bukka-I, a Vijayanagar ruler. Some authorities assert that Anaantasagaram was named after Bukka's queen, while some contend that it must have been known after Anantarasa Chikkavodeya himself, as Bukka had no queen by that name.
Anantapur is familiarly known as "Hande Anantapuram" . ' Hande ' means chief of the Vijayanagar period. Anantapur and a few other places were gifted by the Vijayanagar rulers to Hanumappa Naidu of the Hande family.

The place subsequently came under the Qutub Shahis, Mughals, and the Nawabs of Cuddapah, although the Hande chiefs continued to rule as their subordinates. It was occupied by the Palergar of Bellary during the time of Ramappa but was eventually won back by his son, Siddappa. Morari Rao Ghorpade attacked Anantapur in 1757. Though the army resisted for some time, Siddappa ultimately bought off the enemy for Rs.50,000.

It then came into the possession of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Tipu hanged all the male members of the Siddappa family except Siddappa who escaped from his confinement at Srirangapatnam. After Tipu's death, it was once again taken back by Siddappa. Siddappa submitted himself to Nizam because of the treaty of 1799, who took the total control of the area. He was later pensioned off when British occupied the territory.

Accessibility

Air: The airports at Bangalore and Puttapurthi serve the needs of air-passengers for getting to Anantpur. The former lies at a distance of 200 km, while the latter is 70 km from the town. Bangalore airport is well-connected to all the major cities of the country, while Puttaparthi airport is connected with some limited cities. One can take bus or hire taxis to cover the remaining distance.

Rail: Anantapur is connected to the cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Vishakapatnam and other major cities, by well laid out network of Indian Railways.

Road: The National Highways 7 and 205 pass through and connect Ananthapur with all the major cities of India. Moreover, there are numerous private and government bus services connecting the city with the other parts both, within and outside Andhra Pradesh.

Accommodation

Luxury Hotels
SRS Regency (3-Star), Kamala Nagar
Hotel Saptagiri (2-Star), Saptagiri Circle

Budget Hotels
Hotel Sri Balaji, Saptagiri Circle
Hotel Nama Residency, Subhash Road
Hotel Sampoorna, Railway Feeder Road
Hotel Bheema, Railway Feeder Road
Hotel Hari Priya, Rajiv Gandhi Circle
Hotel Amaravathi, Raju Road
Hotel Swagath, Railway Feeder Road
Hotel Manju, Dharmavaram
Hotel Lepakshi, Guntakal
Hotel Rahmat, Hindupur

Guest Houses
Ashoka Lodge, Kamala Nagar
Janatha, Anantapur
Maruthi Lodge, Kadiri
Prashanthi Lodge, Rajiv Gandhi Circle

District
Anantpur district
Location
Located 356 kilometres (221 mi) south of state capital, Hyderabad
STD Code
08554
Topic
Historical
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 20-32°C
Best time to visit
October to February

Chittoor

State
Andhra Pradesh

Chittoor, located in the Poini River valley of southernmost Andhra Pradesh, is a renowned city known for producing the best jaggery in India. Mango trees and tamarind groves further add to the picturesque setting of the city. The place is loaded with enlightening scriptures, lush green vegetation and excellent agrarian products.

Accessibility

Air: Since Chittoor doesn't have its own airport, the nearby airdromes serve the needs of the air-passengers. Within the state, Tirupati airport is the nearest one. Chennai Airport is another major airport, which is located at a distance of 154 kms from Chittoor. Tirupati airport is connected to few cities, while Chennai airport is connected to most of the major cities of India as well as the world. One can hire taxis to cover the further distance from airports.

Rail: Chittoor Railway Station is an important station that lies on the Renigunta - Katpadi line of the Southern Railway. It is well linked with all the places within and outside the state. Tirupati is another railway station, which is quite near. From stations, you can take bus or taxis to reach Chittoor.

Road: The city boasts of a wide network of roadways. It is well-connected to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as well. The Chennai Mumbai Trunk Road and the Chennai- Bangalore National Highway lead through this region. APSRTC runs numerous buses to and from Chittoor for Bangalore, Chennai, Tirupati and various other cities of the state.

District
Chittoor district
Location
Chittoor lies on the banks of Ponnai River at the southernmost part of Andhra Pradesh.
STD Code
08572
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-45°C, Winter 19-32°C
Best time to visit
October to February
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