ASSAM 
Assam is a state of breath taking scenic beauty, rarest flora and fauna, lofty green hills, vast rolling plain, mighty waterways and a land of fairs and festivals.
The ancient name of Assam was Pragjyotishpur . However, during the time of the Ahom conquest, Pragjyotishpur was known as Kamrup. In ancient Sanskrit literature, both the names Pragjyotishpur and Kamrup were used as a designation for ancient Assam . In 1228, the Ahoms, Shan tribe from North Thailand entered and defeated the Kamrup ruler and established a kingdom, which came to be known as Assam with its capital at Sivasagar (Sibsagar). Most probably, the modern name Assam comes from Ahoms, the dynasty that ruled from the 13th to early 19th Century. The ancient name Kamrup, is today confined to only a district of Assam.
The population of Assam as per the 2001 Census (Provisional) is 26638407. Summer months are from April to October and the winter months are from November to March.
LOCATION:
Assam Situated between 90-960 E. Longitude and 24-280 N. Latitude. Assam is bordered in the North by Bhutan and in the east by Arunachal Pradesh. Along the south lies Nagaland, Manipur, and to the extreme south lies Mizoram. Meghalaya lies to her Southwest, Bengal and Bangladesh to her West.
Guwahati:
Situated on the southern bank of the mighty Brahamputra river in Kamrup district of Assam, Guwahati is a fast growing premier city .It is the gateway to the North eastern states of India and a principal centre of socio-cultural, political, industrial and trade and commerce of the entire region. Dispur, the capital of Assam is a part of Guwahati. A reference of Guwahati has been mentioned in the Kalikapuran and Mahabharata. A copper plate inscription of Balavarman II, a king of Kamrupa distinctly states that "Naraka lived in the city named Pragjotishpur within Kamrup and that the city was full of areca nut trees wrapped by pan creepers". Hence, this city subsequently got the name Guwahati. The word `Guwa' in Assamese means areca nut and 'Hat' means market. The mighty river Brahmaputra passes through Guwahati and atop Nilachal Hills, 8 km. from the city centre lays the famous Shakti temple of Goddess Kamakhya , one of the 51 Sakti peeths in the country.
Batadrawa:
Batadrawa or Bardowa is the birthplace of the greatest Vaishnava Saint Srimanta Sankardeva where one will find a Shrine and a centre of Vaishnava art and culture. It is about 140 kms from Guwahati and about 15 km from Nagaon town.
Bhalukpung::
Lying on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam , Bhalukpung is known for its unique natural beauty and rafting. 56 km away from Tezpur town, Bhalukpung is a place of peace and tranquillity. It is also the entry point to Bomdila and Tawang. Minibuses ply regularly to Bhalukpung from Tezpur. Accommodation: Tourist Lodge, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Assam . There is also an Eco-Camp at Potasali run by Anglers' Club. For Booking Contact: Mr. K.K. Bhattacharjee - Ph (03712) 220041(O), 2210008 (R), 220004 (O).
Bogolamari:
120 km from Guwahati near Dudhnoi in Goalpara district, the Bodos, Rabhas, Garos and Rajbongshi tribals inhabit Bogolamari. The village is rich in tribal culture and ethnic traditions.
Dhubri:
District Headquarters and a major commercial town, Dhubri is famous for the Gurudwara of Guru Teg Bahadur Singh, Rajbari and the ancient caves at Jagihopa.
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park:
Covering an area of 340 sq. km. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is famous for its semi-wild horses and other wildlife like the White-Winged Wood-Duck, Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Asiatic Buffalo, Slow Loris, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon and more then 250 varieties of birds.
Digboi:
Surrounded by numerous Tea Gardens and mystic blue hills, Digboi is a major oil-producing town. One of the oldest refineries of the world exist here. There is also a War Cemetery and a Golf Course.
Diphu:
This hilly town 269 km from Guwahati is the district head quarters of Karbi-Anglong district. Diphu is the centre of Karbi art and culture. Karbis are the indigenous tribe of the State and they are well known for their hospitality and colourful culture. Both day and night buses ply regularly from Guwahati.
Haflong:
9 km from Haflong town is Jatinga, famous for the birds mystery. The migratory birds come during the month of August to November and it is a paradise for the Ornithologists. From an elevated watch tower one can see them yielding to their death-wish and their little plumage dropping down.
Road:
Haflong is 353 km from Guwahati. Bus services are available.
Rail:
Railway station, Lower Haflong 285 km from Guwahati.
Hajo:
Often referred to as the cultural melting pot of Assam , Hajo around 24 km from Guwahati, is an interesting place where one can find the shrines of three different faiths namely Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist coexisting peacefully down the ages. Some Buddhist claim that Buddha attained mahaparinirvan in the present Hajo area and that the image inside the temple of Hayagrib Madhava is that of Buddha. Hindus worship Vishnu in his horse headed form at the temple of Hayagrib Madhava . Both the Hindus and Buddhist offer prayer in the temple of Hayagrib Madhava according to their own rites and customs.
Sri Surya Pahar:
14 kilometres to the east of Goalpara town, Sri Surya Pahar had been a major trade centre and the seat of administration in the past. It is the only place in the Northeast where one can see the sculptures and architectural remains of Buddhism, Jainism and the Hindu periods.
Sualkuchi: Lying on the northern bank of river Bramhaputra and about 32 km away from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is famous for the Assamese silk namely Pat, Muga and Endi.
Madan Kamdev:
Approximately 35 km from Guwahati, Madan Kamdev is an archaeological site where erotic sculptures are found. It is often referred to as the miniature Khajuraho of Assam. A museum nearby is a must for tourists visiting this place. Madan Kamdev is also a picnic spot.
Mayong:
Once a nerve centre for black magic, Mayong is to day an important tourist destination. A unique feature being the presence of so many temples in a small area.
Tezpur:
Situated on the north bank of the majestic river Bramhaputra, Tezpur is considered as one of the most beautiful towns of the state. Tezpur is also remembered for the legend of princess Usha, the daughter of King Bana and prince Anirudha, the grandson of Lord Krishna for their eternal love and romance. It is 181 km from Guwahati. Buses ply regularly from Guwahati and other towns of the State. The nearest railhead is at Rangapara and the airport is at Salonibari.
Majuli:
The biggest riverine island in the World, Majuli is famous for its Satras or Vaishnava monastries, which are the center of learning, art and culture. It is also famous for migratory birds and Mising tribal culture. Nimatighat, the nearest ferry ghat is only a few km. from Jorhat town. Tourists intending to visit Majuli can stay at the Tourist lodge in Jorhat or in the Govt Guest House at Majuli.
Sivasagar (Sibsagar):
Sivasagar is 369 km from Guwahati. It is also a leading tea and oil producing district. Sibsagar was formerly the capital of the mighty Ahoms who ruled Assam at a stretch for over six hundred years before the advent of the British. It is a beautiful town located around the huge Sibsagar tank, an artificial lake constructed by queen Madambika in 1734 A. D. The Shivadol or Shiva Temple on the bank of this tank is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India.
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