Are you planning a trip to North East India? Then, Assam is the biggest state to explore in this region. The state is known for its excellent cuisine, ancient heritage, tea gardens, and traditional handicrafts, which enjoy wide appeal in the international market.
Assam tour packages are the best way to explore this beautiful region. In 2023-24, the state received 70,41,206 domestic and 26,129 international tourists. This also highlights Assam’s growing popularity as a travel destination.
In this guide, we walk you through the best Assam tour packages, places to visit, food and cuisine, and shopping destinations.
Assam: The Land of Red Rivers and Blue Hills
Assam has some of the most picturesque landscapes as one of the seven sister states of the Northeast. All tourists can explore its biodiversity in the form of majestic waterfalls and tranquil tea plantations. There are several destinations you can explore when booking Assam tour packages.
The following highlights explain why Assam is a must-visit destination for travellers:
Assam is the birthplace of black tea, popularly known as English Breakfast Tea. In this valley of innumerable tea gardens, one estate you must visit is the Kaliabor Tea Estate. Several Assam holiday packages include visits to major tea estates, allowing you to experience the heavenly aroma as you enter. Sometimes, you may also get the opportunity to visit the estate manager’s bungalow and enjoy authentic local cuisine.
Assam’s party, nightlife, and event scene is primarily centred in Guwahati. The state capital, Dispur, is also located within the city. You can find several upscale hotels, such as Radisson Blu, modern lounges, and clubs in this area. You can also enjoy cultural performances in areas like Kaziranga. Major celebrations revolve around traditional Bihu festivals held across the state.
If you are a thrill seeker, you can go mountaineering and rock climbing at Simhasana Hill in the Karbi Anglong district and in the hills of the adjoining Dima Hasao district. Some Meghalaya tour packages also offer trekking routes from Basistha to the Garbhanga Reserve Forest via the hills of the neighbouring state. You can also enjoy mountain biking and motorcycling as part of the state’s adventure tour packages. If you enjoy river rafting, make sure to visit the Jia Bhoroli River.
If you wish to immerse yourself in Ahom culture by visiting iconic heritage sites, choose Assam holiday packages that include these architectural marvels. You can visit the Rangghar in Sivasagar town, which is Asia’s first amphitheatre. The amphitheatre is a part of several weekend tour packages, and is close to Talatal Ghar, also known as the underground palace. You can also visit other heritage sites like the ruins of the doorframe of the Da-Parbatia Temple, Madan Kamdev, Agnigarh, Ambari excavations, and the Moidams (royal burial grounds).
Assam is famous for the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, the sacred town of Hajo, which hosts Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic sites, and the Vaishnavite monasteries of Majuli. Many Assam tour packages include visits to sacred sites such as the Ugrotora Temple and the Umananda Temple. Other important sites, such as the Nabagraha and Basistha temples, offer rich tantric, historical, and scenic pilgrimage experiences.
Top Places Covered in the Best Assam Tour Packages
Most Assam holiday packages include locations that are must-visit destinations for both domestic and international tourists travelling to the state. The region offers top attractions, such as:
Kaziranga National Park is a standard inclusion in family retreat tour packages and is home to the largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros in the world. It is one of India’s national treasures in terms of flora and fauna. Located in Assam in North East India, the park spans the districts of Nagaon, Golaghat, and Karbi Anglong.
Guwahati, famously regarded as the gateway to North East India, is the largest city in Assam. It is also the largest metropolis in the entire North Eastern region, making it a preferred staging point for travel to other destinations. The mighty Brahmaputra River surrounds the city and is also included in several Meghalaya tour packages.
Located on Nilanchal Hill in the western part of Guwahati, Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered shrines of Goddess Shakti in India. According to Hindu scriptures, it is one of the four important Shakti Peethas.
Majuli is a verdant, eco-friendly freshwater island nestled in the Brahmaputra River, located just 20 kilometres from Jorhat city in Assam. Covering an area of approximately 1,250 square kilometres, Majuli is recognised as the world’s largest river island.
Manas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, as well as a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam. It is the only tiger reserve in the state and is included in several Assam tour packages. The park is also known for the rare golden langur and the red panda, and is regarded as one of the best-preserved national parks in India.
Chandubi Lake is an earthquake-formed natural lake located at the foothills of the Garo Hills, near the Assam–Meghalaya border. It is a calm and peaceful destination, surrounded by tea gardens, dense forests, and small villages.
Best Time to Visit Assam
The best time to visit Assam varies by season. The table below can help you plan your visit when considering Assam holiday packages.
| Season | Months | What to expect | Best for |
| Winter |
Mid-November to February |
Pleasant, cool weather with cultural festivities and vibrant tourist activity |
Family trips, wildlife safaris, sightseeing, festivals |
| Monsoon |
Mid-June to October |
Lush green landscapes, rain-soaked tea gardens, fewer crowds, humid days with cooler evenings |
Nature lovers, solitude seekers, budget travellers |
| Summer |
March to May |
Warm tropical climate, active wildlife, river-based activities |
Adventure seekers, bird watchers, budget travellers |
Shopping in Assam
Assam is an excellent destination for shopping enthusiasts. The state hosts everything, such as modern malls and bustling traditional street markets. Here is a list of some popular shopping destinations included in the best Assam tour packages:
If you are unsure where to shop in Guwahati, Maati Centre is a good place to begin. A local couple runs the shop and sells products exclusively made by NGOs. Its primary focus is to promote awareness of north-eastern handicraft traditions and generate income for underprivileged communities.
Silkalay is one of the most renowned stores in Guwahati. The shop specialises in premium-quality silk and offers Muga, Tussar, and mulberry silk among other varieties. Traditional Assamese sarong-style garments are also available here.
This emporium is maintained and operated by the Government of Assam. It is also one of the largest and most popular handicraft markets in Guwahati. You can bring home various regional arts and crafts featuring traditional patterns and designs from this place.
Pan Bazaar is the best place for individuals who enjoy exploring vibrant shopping streets. This area is situated close to Fancy Bazaar and Paltan Bazaar in Guwahati. You can easily walk across its narrow lanes lined with booksellers and street vendors. You can also find silk clothing and sample local cuisine at the nearby eateries.
The Maligaon Market is located near the Kamakhya railway station. You can buy several souvenirs and gifts from the convenience stores in this area. You can find several Bengal-based products, such as sweets, spices, décor items, artefacts, and traditional clothing in this market.
NEDFI Haat is a government-run marketplace similar to Delhi Haat. You can shop for various handicrafts and handmade speciality items from across the region. It means you can easily support local artisans by shopping at a platform that showcases their work. A visit here offers insight into Assamese culture and craftsmanship.
Fancy Bazaar is the official Chandni Chowk of Assam and is a very popular shopping destination. This bustling market is filled with tea stalls and small shops selling handmade artefacts, clothing, jewellery, home décor, Gamchas, silk sarees, sweets, dry snacks, and bamboo pickles. Most items are reasonably priced, which makes it ideal for bargain shopping.
Food and Cuisine in Assam
Assamese cuisine is quite delightful because it usually includes a fusion of flavours and traditional influences. That is why the state is often considered a haven for food enthusiasts. Here are some popular dishes to try when exploring Assam tour packages:
Khar is a class of dishes named after the main ingredient. No major Assamese meal starts without adding this dish! Khar is believed to cleanse the stomach and is prepared by filtering water through the ashes of the sun-dried skin of specific varieties of bananas. Later, the liquid is used with raw papaya, pulses, vegetables, or fish to prepare a signature Assamese khar dish.
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Duck Meat Curry (Kumurat Diya Hanhor Mangxo)
This dish is a popular Assamese preparation and features duck meat cooked with ash gourds. Whole spices, such as crushed black pepper, add to its distinctive flavour. The duck meat is usually cut into small pieces and cooked with tender ash gourd. This allows the spices to infuse thoroughly.
Masor Tenga is another must-try dish of Assam, and is a sour and tangy fish curry. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice and is a staple of Assamese cuisine. As a popular dish, it has several regional variations. While some recipes use lemon or mangosteen for sourness, tomatoes are the most commonly used ingredient.
It is an Assamese variant of mashed potatoes, called aloo pitika. It boasts many more flavorful ingredients other than the normal garnishes, like some raw onions, mustard oil, and green chillies. It is a signature dish of the state. Ingredients like coriander leaves, pumpkin, gourds, boiled eggs, and dried fish are sometimes added for variation.
Another authentic Assamese dish, xaak aru bhaji, features leafy vegetables as its main component. Prepared using herbs and vegetables, it is typically seasoned with ginger, garlic, cinnamon, onions, and occasionally lemon. A stir-fried version can also be made with potatoes added to the mix.
Ou Khatta is a chutney-like preparation made with elephant apple and jaggery. Locals boil the elephant apple, lightly mash it, and sauté it in mustard oil before adding jaggery. The sharp flavour of mustard oil and elephant apple always contrasts well with the sweetness of jaggery. Green chillies, pepper, or cumin seeds can be used for additional spice.
The traditional Assamese dish uses chicken and bamboo shoots, and lentils as its main ingredients. The cooking process begins with boiling chicken and bamboo shoots before combining them for their final preparation. In keeping with Assamese cooking traditions, the dish uses minimal spices. While the taste of bamboo shoots may take time to adjust to, it complements meat dishes well.
This traditional Assamese dish is prepared using chicken, bamboo shoots, and lentils. The chicken and bamboo shoots are boiled separately before being cooked together. In keeping with Assamese cooking traditions, the dish uses minimal spices. While the taste of bamboo shoots may take time to adjust to, it complements meat dishes well.
Book Assam Tour Packages with EaseMyTrip
If you are planning a visit to any state in North East India, Assam should be on your list. Book your tickets directly through EaseMyTrip for further assistance. Tickets can be booked on the official website, which offers zero hidden charges. You can also review what is included in your Assam or Meghalaya tour packages for families or couples before confirming your booking.
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