Assam - In the North Eastern part of India, is a mixing urn where culture, heritage, tradition, lifestyle, faith and belief of her Aryan & Non-Aryan, numerous tribes & sub-tribes, Mongoloids & Australoids, drawn from various hives at different points of time have gone into form the Assamese culture - a fascinating and exotic recipe of delightful flavor.

Assam is a home to several wildlife sanctuaries which are a home to endangered and rare species and orchids.North East is a hub of wide variety of flora and fauna.

Orchids are abundantly found in Assam; a variety - Khopo phul(Fox tailed orchid), Bhatou Phul or Vanda coerulea etc. Assam has several attractive destinations; majority of these are National Parks, Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Manas National Park in Assam

Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Himalayan foothill in the western part of Assam and it is contiguous with the Royal Manas National park in Bhutan. This Sanctuary is well known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog.

History of Manas National Park:
The Manas National Park was declared a sanctuary on October 1, 1928 with an area of 360 km². Manas Tiger reserve was created in 1973. Prior to the declaration of the sanctuary it was a Reserved Forest called Manas R.F. and North Kamrup R.F. It was used by the Cooch Behar royal family and Raja of Gauripur as a hunting reserve. In 1951 and 1955 the area was increased to 391 km². It was declared a World Heritage site in December 1985 by UNESCO. Kahitama R.F. the Kokilabari R.F. and the Panbari R.F. were added in the year 1990 to form the Manas National Park. In 1992, UNESCO declared it as a world heritage site in danger due to heavy poaching and terrorist activities. In 25 February 2008 the area was increased to 950 km².

How to reach: Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Borjhar, Guwahati is 145 kms. and Barpeta Road Railway Station is 20 Kms. away.
Nearest Highway: NH 31 (22 km away)
Nearest town: The town of Barpeta Road.
Nearest city: The city of Guwahati is 176 km away from the park.
Climate: Heavy rainfall occurs between May and September and the annual average rainfall is around 333 cm.
Best season for visit : November to April.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Adventure Sports In The Land of Assam

If you are motivated by the zest of thrill, then commit yourself for a tour to Assam, the Northeastern state of India. You have ample time to the state. The topography of the land and varied terrains attracts fans of the adventure.

Rafting: The majestic Brahmaputra engulfs many opportunities for rafting. You can enjoy river rafting in this titanic river and its various tributaries.

Angling: Home to many species of fish like game fish, the Golden Mahseer, or tiger of the Himalayan rivers, rivers like Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas give the fun of angling.

River Cruise: Thinking of challenging the stalwart Brahmaputra, even if it is hazardous ! Hmm! That's the spirit. The torrential river, the wild environs, the mighty hills all come in your way of river cruise. Enjoy the thrill down your nerves.

Boat Racing: Cities like Hajo, Saulkuchi, Barpeta, Guwahati hold boat racing events during festive occasions.

Golf: Many tea gardens of Assam India have golf courses tucked with them. A visit to the tea gardens, playing golf will be an unmatched experience of paramount happiness.

Mountaineering and Trekking: The North Cachar Hills and Karbi Hills are on hit list of the trekkers and mountaineers. These provide extreme friskiness to the tourists. The 'Elephant Rocks' in Morigaon District attract many trekkers.

Mountain Biking and Cycling: Hey! bikers over there... enthused by the frolic biking spirit. Welcome to Assam India and curb those savage and unexplored terrains. You can even take part in bicycle and motorbike rallies.

Para Sailing: Indian and Foreign tourists are attracted to this novel sport in Assam introduced by The Assam Tourism Development Corporation. The best place for para sailing in Assam is the spot is North Guwahati.

Hang Gliding: Who does not like to fly high? So if you wish to enjoy hang gliding come to the Kamakhya Hills and hills around Kaziranga and soar up high.

Bird Watching: The north east India is a shelter for many rare flora and fauna. In the Himalayan foothills you will encounter some of the prettiest birds in their natural habitat.