The northeast is a scarcely regarded crown when it comes to the heritage and beauty that our country possesses, and Assam is one of its jewels. This north-eastern state is not only a home to a large variety of wildlife but also boasts of some of the most picturesque landscapes. Most of them are well known tourist attractions but there are a handful off-beat locations that are seldom explored. For anybody with a healthy appetite for uncharted territory, it would be a mistake to not pay these spots a visit.
Umananda Island
Sitting quietly and majestically in the midst of the Bramhaputra river is the Umananda Island. Little is it known that Umananda is the smallest inhabited riverine island in the world. The island is also known as the Peacock Island and was named so by the British because of its unique shape.It not only has deep mythological ties to Lord Shiva but also has historical links to the Ahom king Supaatphaa due to the Umananda Temple located on the Island. The island serves as a home to the golden langurs – one of the most endangered species of primates. The tranquillity of nature can be witnessed at its best on the Peacock Island.
Tea Estate of Sadgaon
Not too far away from Guwahati is a place called Sadgaon which has a huge army base in its Panbari area. And just behind these premises is a startlingly huge and unexplored tea estate. It makes for the perfect get-away trip since this estate doesn’t have a particular name and neither is it listed on any map so you can be assured that you will not be met with a crowd. The entire estate comprises of small hillocks of beautiful tea shrubs spread out like a beautiful maze. It is an excellent place to enjoy the peace and sublimity of nature without having to travel too far away from the busy city life.
Saraighat
Saraighat is the place to be if one wants to watch a breathtaking sunset. It is considered to be the longest ghat in Guwahati. Coupled with that is also the 55 year old Saraighat Bridge that stands tall over the Bramhaputra river. Interestingly, it is not only the longest water bridge in India but also the longest rail-cum-road bridge across the country. Saraighat makes the perfect spot to relish the magnificence of nature and a man-made structure at the same time.
Panimur Falls
Panimur Falls never featured under tourist spots or places to visit until it was accidentally discovered on the way to the small village of Dima Hasao. The waterfall is scenic and ethereal with the fierce water lapping against the rocks. The water gushes in all its glory – a view that is bound to leave one mesmerised. Panimur Falls’ similarity to the Niagara Falls has resulted in it often being called the Niagara Falls of Assam.
Halflong
The only hill station in Assam, Halflong stands at an altitude of 680m above sea level. Often referred to as the land of blue hills, Halflong is also infamously known for its mysterious bird suicides on the nights when there is new moon. Stunning and beautiful landscapes are spread all over this hill station and one can see emerald green rivers running between the hills or unique orchids growing on the foot of the hills. Halflong is not only rich with the gifts of nature but anthropologically too with its inhabitants being a part of the Himar, Mizo and Naga Tribes.
Northeast India
These five lesser known places in Assam demand a personal exploration – one that would leave you wanting to come back time and again. So, the next time you are google-ing tourist destinations, you know where to go!
