Tea Time: All About Assam Tea | Serious Eats Tea Time: All About Assam Tea 2 [Photos: Liz Clayton] From the most tea-producing region in the most tea-producing country in the world comes Assam tea, a sultry, malty black tea among India's most famous. Discovered in the early 1800s growing wild in the tropically warm and wet Assam region at the edge of the eastern Himalayan mountains, this indigenous tea (the varietal name is Camellia sinensis var. assamica) is versatile enough to have been planted throughout Asia, proving extremely prolific, easy to grow, and able to be harvested frequently. Assam tea was brought to the world beyond India by Scottish explorer-turned-tea-planter Robert Bruce (not to be confused with Robert The Bruce), who in the 1820s engendered friendship with Assam tea gardeners and exported seeds to the East India Company in Calcutta for their identification as a newly discovered varietal. Bruce's efforts would slowly launch a botanical shift of permanent significance to the tea trade, as India would eventually eclipse China in worldwide tea production in direct result of this discovery.

Though modern-day Assam tea largely ends up as mass-market, crush-tear-curl leaf style, "probably tastes better with milk in it" kind of teas, there are high grade Assams that are worth seeking out—the leaves from the second flush of harvest are most esteemed—and a cup from the hugely productive region is a necessary point in any tea exploration (though due to the political climate, you will likely wish to visit vicariously). Plagued not only by political but environmental instability, Assam's tea production currently strains against recent rising temperatures and lowering rainfalls, which are slowly shifting the flavor profile of the teas iconic to the region. For now, the tea is still identified as a brisk and strong, bready and smooth tea that may err towards astringency in a lower quality, or poorly steeped, cup. Like some other black teas, many enjoy Assam as an alternative to coffee, citing its "bold", direct, malty flavors as just the kick of intensity they prefer. One will often find teas like English Breakfast or other morning-suggested teas to be comprised of Assam.

How to Steep Assam Tea Tea Select a high grade Assam tea for your first cup—look for whole leaves with golden tips—and dispense a tablespoon of tea per 8 ounces of water. Avoid constraining vessels, like tea balls or small infuser baskets, to allow the leaves to fully develop flavor during steeping. Water Like other black teas, Assam prefers a higher brewing temperature to extract the best essences of the darkly fired leaves. Bring your good quality water to a boil and be ready to infuse your tea straight off the boil. Time Overinfusing an Assam can lend your tea an unpleasant bitterness that eclipses its spectrum of malty, raisin-sweet flavors. Take care not to oversteep and begin with an experimental time of 3 minutes, increasing if you find you're not extracting enough character from the leaves. Besides breakfast time, Assam teas are also an excellent base for chai, as its intense flavors are not drowned out by the milk and sweet spices characteristic of chai preparation. For these same reasons, Assam makes an ideal companion to milk and sugar, for those who take them. Experiment with your own taste preferences as you explore one of the tea world's most historically significant plants.

About the author: Liz Clayton drinks, photographs and writes about coffee and tea all over the world, though she pretends to live in Brooklyn, New York. She is bad at keeping up her coffee-world blog at . Travel to Assam - Tourism, Destinations, Hotels, Transport Travel to Assam Disclaimer Close Disclaimer: All efforts have been made to make this image accurate. However Compare Infobase Limited and its directors do not own any responsibility for the correctness or authenticity of the same. Assam Tourism Assam is often called "The land of Red River (the Brahmaputra is called Lohit in Assamese) and blue hills (the Eastern Himalayan range)". The mighty river of Brahmaputra, originating from the Mansarovar Lake in Tibret, meanders through the wooded hills and the rolling plains of the Assam. Travel to Assam for age-old myths, enticing songs and dances, world famous tea, diverse colourful tribes and last but not the least important - rare species of one horned Rhinoceros. Added to that warmhearted people and exotic aroma of a cup of Assam Tea would make your travel to Assam a cherished memory.

Brush up your knowledge on Assam with a few fast facts, before you travel to Assam. Assam Demographics Winter -Woollen How to Reach Assam Assam is the gateway of northeast region in India, so necessity for improved transportation in the state is essential for future expansion in the Northeast region. Assam is well linked with the rest of the country by air, rail and road network. By Air The main airport in Assam is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, the largest city of Assam. The airport links to major cities in India with daily flights. Other airports in Assam are at Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Silchar. Regular back and forth flights operate from these airports too. By Rail The North Eastern Railway zone of the Indian Railways connects the largest city of Assam, Guwahati and the rest of the country together. Guwahati is the railway headquarters of the northeast region. Travelers can reach conveniently to Assam via rail as it is well connected to all major cities of India. Some cities within the state are linked up through train services from Guwahati.

By Road Being the gateway of Northeast India, Assam has a well connected network of national highways and other roads to different cities and towns in and around the state. The National Highway Number 37, 31, 40, 38 and 52 connects Assam with other states in India. The State Transport and other private operators run daily bus services for commuters. Taxis and jeeps can also be hired for commuting within the state. Distance to Guwahati From Ranchi- 1046 km Shopping in Assam Since the state is traditionally rich in handicrafts, shopping in Assam is a delightful experience. Wide range of handicrafts is available in Assam. Assam also excels in tradition handloom products. Assam is well known producer of exclusive silks.

While shopping in Assam, watch out for : Hand made toys made from clay, cork (pith), wood and bamboo and an admixture of cloth and mud Silk fabric of various types like - Muga (the golden silk exclusive only to this state), Paat, Eri Handloom products like Laichampi (quilt-like material) Cane and bamboo work Decorative items in bell metal and brass Furniture made of bamboo and cane Tribal arts, including masks bhaonas Products of bell metal Assam Tea There are a large number of Government Emporia and private shops in the state. The main shopping centres are Fancy Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar and Pan Bazaar in Guwahati. Like any destination in India, local vendors flock in street side evening bazaars offering good shopping in Assam. A little bargain would ensure variety and price. Places to See in Assam Kamakhya Temple Assam | state, India | Britannica.com Assam Assam People’s Council Assam, state of India .

It is located in the northeastern part of the country and is bounded to the north by the kingdom of Bhutan and the state of Arunachal Pradesh , to the east by the states of Nagaland and Manipur , to the south by the states of Mizoram and Tripura , and to the west by Bangladesh and the states of Meghalaya and West Bengal . The name Assam is derived from the word asama, meaning “peerless” in the now extinct Ahom language. The neighbouring states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya were once part of Assam. The capital, formerly Shillong (now the capital of Meghalaya), was shifted to Dispur , a suburb of Guwahati , in 1972. Area 30,285 square miles (78,438 square km). Pop. (2011) 31,169,272. Assam state, India. Land Relief and drainage Assam, which is shaped roughly like a Y laid on its side, is a land of plains and river valleys.

The state has three principal physical regions: the Brahmaputra River valley in the north, the Barak River (upper Surma River ) valley in the south, and the hilly region between Meghalaya (to the west) and Nagaland and Manipur (to the east) in the south-central part of the state. Of those regions, the Brahmaputra River valley is the largest. According to Hindu mythology, the Brahmaputra rises as the son of the god Brahma from a sacred pool known as the Brahmakund, in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh . The river enters Assam near Sadiya in the extreme northeast and runs westward through the length of Assam for nearly 450 miles (725 km) before turning south to enter the plains of Bangladesh . Studded with low, isolated hills and ridges that rise abruptly from the plain, the valley is rarely more than 50 miles (80 km) wide and is surrounded on all sides, except on the west, by mountains. Numerous streams and rivulets that flow from the neighbouring hills empty into the Brahmaputra.

Although only a small portion of the Barak River valley lies within Assam’s borders, it nevertheless forms an extensive lowland area that is important for agriculture in the state’s southern region. Geologically, the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys lie on ancient alluvial sediments, which themselves cover a variety of deposits from the Neogene and Paleogene periods (i.e., some 2.6 to 65 million years old). Among those deposits are hard sandstone , soft and loose sand, conglomerates, coal seams, shales , sandy clays , and limestone . Ferry in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India. © Suraj N. Sharma/Dinodia Photo Library Similar Topics Gandhi and Indian History Forests, formerly extending over nearly two-fifths of the state’s area, were reduced by the creation of Meghalaya and Mizoram in the early 1970s. In the early 21st century about one-third of Assam was covered with various types of woodlands, including tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, broad-leaved hill forests, pine forests, and swamp forests, as well as grasslands.

Assam is home to some 75 species of trees, many of which have commercial value. Sal (Shorea robusta) and hollong (Dipterocarpus rhetusus) trees are among the most bountiful of the hardwoods. Bamboo, orchids, and ferns also are abundant. Elephant in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, northeastern India. © Jeremy Richards/Fotolia Assam has numerous wildlife sanctuaries, the most prominent of which are two UNESCO World Heritage sites —the Kaziranga National Park (designated in 1985), on the bank of the Brahmaputra River, and the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (designated in 1992), near the border with Bhutan . Both are refuges for the fast-disappearing Indian one-horned rhinoceros, and the sanctuary at Manas is known especially for its tigers and leopards. Among the other notable inhabitants of Assam’s forests are elephants, gaurs (wild oxen), wild pigs, various species of deer, and primates, such as langurs and hoolock gibbons.

Common birds include cormorants, herons, ducks, and other water birds, as well as warblers, thrushes, owls, and peacocks. Hornbills are characteristic of Assam, although they are endangered in some areas. The state also has dozens of species of reptiles, including poisonous snakes, such as kraits, cobras, and vipers; an array of lizards, skinks, and geckos; and many types of turtles. People Economy Agriculture, forestry, and fishing Agriculture is of basic importance to Assam, engaging about half of the total working population and generating roughly one-third of the state’s gross product. Rice accounts for more than two-thirds of the sown area. Tea and jute , widely cultivated in the Brahmaputra valley, are important foreign-exchange earners. Assam grows a large portion of the country’s tea. Other crops include oilseeds, pulses (legumes, such as peas, beans, or lentils), corn (maize), sugarcane, rape (an oil-yielding plant, the leaves of which are used for fodder), mustard, potatoes, and fruits. Through improved cultivation methods, some farms yield more than one crop per year.

Women harvesting tea leaves in Kaziranga, Assam, India. AFP/Getty Images Livestock and dairy farming have shown moderate growth since the late 20th century, largely promoted by the government. Nevertheless, those activities remain but small contributors to the state’s economy. Sericulture (raising of silk worms), on the other hand, is well established, and Assam is a major producer of silk. In the forestry sector, sal and other tropical hardwoods are highly valued. Depletion of forest resources and increased erosion, however, have led the government to impose logging bans and enact other legislation to reestablish the country’s woodlands. Aside from timber, important forest products include bamboo , firewood, and lac (the source of shellac). Aquaculture has been a major focus of agricultural development since the mid-1990s, and yields have increased. Overall yield, however, has continued to fall short of domestic demand. Resources and power Eyjafjallajökull volcano Minerals exploited commercially in the state include petroleum , coal, natural gas, and limestone. Since the late 19th century, extensive oil reserves have been discovered in northeastern Assam.

A refinery, built in the region in 1901 at Digboi, was the first in South Asia. Later, another refinery was established in Guwahati in the west-central part of the state. Coal—used locally by the railways, tea estates, and steamships—also is found in northeastern and south-central Assam. Liquefied natural gas is produced in the northeast, and limestone is quarried in the Mikir Hills. Assam’s energy is provided by thermal and hydroelectric plants. Less than half of the state’s energy is generated locally, however. A significant portion of Assam’s power is purchased from the national government, private sources, and, to a much lesser extent, other state governments. Manufacturing Development of the manufacturing sector has been inhibited by the state’s isolation from the rest of India, by an underdeveloped transport system, by a small local market, and by the lack of sufficient capital. Small-scale industrial enterprises produce (or process) fertilizer, jute, paper, silk and textiles, sugar, chemicals, electronics, and cement. Sawmills and plywood and match factories make use of timber resources.

Transportation Historically, geography has inhibited the growth of efficient transport systems, and underdeveloped transport and communication systems have in turn hindered economic development in Assam. The Brahmaputra , for example, long has been a major barrier to integrating the transportation networks lying north and south of the river. The situation improved, however, with the opening of several rail and road bridges since the late 20th century. With Assam’s abundance of waterways, inland water transport is important. The Brahmaputra and Barak (Surma) rivers are the state’s primary water channels. Numerous passenger ferries operate between various points on the Brahmaputra, and freight service is offered between Guwahati and Kolkata , West Bengal. There is considerable air traffic between Assam and Kolkata. Among the towns with air service are Guwahati, Dibrugarh , Jorhat , Tezpur , and Silchar . The Guwahati airport offers international service. Government and society Constitutional framework Like most other Indian states, Assam has a governmental structure that is defined by the national constitution of 1950.

The governor, who is the head of state, is appointed by the president of India and is assisted by a popularly elected unicameral legislature and a Council of Ministers led by a chief minister, who is head of government. The state of Assam comprises about two dozen districts, each of which is administered by a deputy commissioner. Districts are subdivided at several levels, with the village as the smallest administrative unit. The high court at Guwahati has jurisdiction not only over the state of Assam but also over the states of Nagaland , Meghalaya , Mizoram , Manipur , Tripura , and Arunachal Pradesh through outlying benches. The chief justice and all other high court justices are appointed by India’s president. Permanent judges serve until they are a maximum of 62 years old. Short-term judges are appointed to help with periodic backlogs. Lower courts include district courts, sessions courts, and magistrate’s courts. Education and welfare Education, which is free up to the secondary level, is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 12.

Government universities and colleges are located in the state’s larger cities, including Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, and Silchar. Assam also has specialized colleges in the arts, sciences, commerce, law, and medicine. Welfare-extension projects, operating through dozens of centres, provide recreational and cultural facilities for women and children. Jorhat Engineering College, Jorhat, Assam, India. Simplydipu Hariprasanna Das Deryck O. Lodrick Cultural life The cultural life of Assam is interwoven with the activities of a number of cultural institutions and religious centres, such as the satra (seat of a religious head known as the satradhikar) and namghar (prayer hall). Satras in Assam have been looking after the religious and social well-being of the Hindu population since the 15th century. The Assamese people observe all the pan-Indian religious festivals, but their most important celebrations are the three Bihu festivals. Originally agricultural festivals, they are observed with great enthusiasm irrespective of caste , creed, and religious affinity .

The Bohag Bihu, celebrated in the spring (usually mid-April), marks the commencement of the new year (first day of the Bohag or Baishakh month). Also known as Rangoli Bihu (from rang, meaning merrymaking and fun), it is accompanied by much dancing and singing. The Magh Bihu, celebrated in mid-January (in the month of Magh), is a harvest festival. Known also as Bhogali Bihu (from bhog, meaning enjoyment and feasting), it is a time of community feasts and bonfires. The third Bihu festival, the Kati Bihu (in mid-October or November), is also called the Kangali Bihu (from kangali, meaning poor), because by this time of year the house of an ordinary family is without food grains, as the stock is usually consumed before the next harvest. Weaving is another important aspect of the cultural life of the people of Assam, particularly the women. Nearly every Assamese household, irrespective of caste, creed, and social status, has at least one loom, and most women are expected to be skilled in producing fine silk and cotton cloths.

Assamese cuisine is based on rice , a variety of vegetables and fruits, and fish . Distinctive are its bitter (khar) and sour (tenga) dishes, which are often served at the beginning and end of meals, respectively. A popular tenga dish is a stew made with pieces of fried fish that are then simmered with fenugreek seeds, vegetables, and lemon or lime juice. Khar recipes often achieve their slightly astringent taste by using a sodalike substance made from the ashes of the banana plant. History Prehistory to c. 1950 In the earliest recorded times, Assam was part of Kamarupa , a state that had its capital at Pragjyotishapura (now Guwahati ). Ancient Kamarupa included roughly the Brahmaputra River valley, Bhutan , the Rangpur region (now in Bangladesh ), and Koch Bihar , in West Bengal state. King Narakasura and his son Bhagadatta were famous rulers of Kamarupa in the Mahabharata period (roughly 400 bce to 200 ce).

A Chinese traveler, Xuanzang , left a vivid account of the country and its people about 640 ce. Although information about the following centuries is meagre, clay seals and inscriptions on copper plates and stone that date from the 7th to the mid-12th century indicate that the inhabitants of the region attained considerable power and a fair degree of social, economic, and technological development. The copper plates further provide clues as to the locations of important ancient settlements and the routes connecting them. Ahom palace at Gargaon, near present-day Sibsagar (Sivasagar), Assam, northeastern India. © Dinodia Assam was ruled by various dynasties—the Pala , Koch , Kachari, and Chutiya—and there was constant warfare among the princes until the coming of the Ahom people in the 13th century. The Ahom crossed the Patkai Range from Myanmar (Burma) and conquered the local chieftains of the upper Assam plain. In the 15th century the Ahom, who gave their name to the region, were the dominant power in upper Assam.

Two centuries later they defeated the Koch, Kachari, and other local rulers to gain control of lower Assam up to Goalpara. Ahom power and prosperity reached a zenith during the rule of King Rudra Singh (reigned 1696–1714), before the kingdom was occupied by warriors from Myanmar in the late 18th century. Conflict among the princes gradually weakened the central administration until 1786, when the ruling prince, Gaurinath Singh, sought aid from Calcutta ( Kolkata ), which by that time had become the capital of British India . A British army officer, sent by the British governor-general in India, restored peace and subsequently was recalled, in spite of the protests of the Ahom king. Internal strife then caused one crisis after another until, in 1817, forces from Myanmar entered Assam in response to the appeal of a rebellious governor and ravaged the area. The British, whose interests were threatened by those developments, ultimately drove out the invaders, and, after the Treaty of Yandabo was concluded with Myanmar in 1826, Assam became a part of British India.

A British agent, representing the governor-general, was appointed to administer Assam, and in 1838 the area was incorporated into British-administered Bengal . By 1842 the whole of the Brahmaputra valley of Assam had come under British rule. A separate province of Assam (administered by a chief commissioner) was created in 1874 with its capital at Shillong . In 1905 Bengal was partitioned, and Assam was amalgamated with eastern Bengal; this created such resentment, however, that in 1912 Bengal was reunited, and Assam was once more made a separate province. During World War II , Assam was a major supply route for Allied forces operating in Burma. Several battles fought in the area in 1944 (e.g., at Bishenpur in Manipur and Kohima in Nagaland ) were decisive in halting the Japanese advance into India. Assam - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) The Indian state of Assam is located in the far northeastern part of the country. It shares international borders with Bhutan on the north and Bangladesh on the west.

It is also bounded by several other Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh on the north, Nagaland and Manipur on the east, Mizoram and Tripura on the south, and Meghalaya and West Bengal on the west. Assam has an area of 30,285 square miles (78,438 square kilometers). The vast majority of the people live in rural areas. The capital is Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati, which is the state’s largest city. Article Contributors Indian Tea Indian Tea Assam with generous golden tips Munnar tea estate in southern India Originally cultivated by the British in the early 1800's to meet high international demand and exceptional standards, tea is commercially grown in three primary areas of India: Darjeeling in the north, Assam in the northeast, and Nilgiri in the south. Darjeeling Darjeeling is one of the world's most revered tea growing regions. This relatively small area lies high in the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations of 3,000 to 6,500 feet.

Today there are more than 80 Darjeeling tea gardens in an area of less than 70 square miles. Here, the "Champagne of teas" is grown. To give you a sense for the value of this origin, it is widely estimated that 70% of the tea sold around the world as "Darjeeling Tea" was not actually grown in Darjeeling. Some governing bodies, such as the European Union, have given legal protection to the name "Darjeeling"ï¿½only teas produced in the region, produced to its standards can legally be labelled "Darjeeling." Among black tea drinkers, Darjeelings are prized for their unique characteristics and exceptional quality. The notable difference between Darjeeling teas and almost any other is the characteristic "Muscatel" flavor. The muscat grape is prized for its sweet, floral notes and is used to make dessert and sparkling wines. Teas from Darjeeling often exhibit this bright, sometimes sharp characteristic. The extreme altitude plays a significant role in flavor development. Darjeeling black teas are often very colorful, with shades of gold, brown, green and white in the dry leaf.

They have a lighter, golden liquor, with a floral, "greener" flavor than most black teas. Leaves growing at this altitude are more tender and fragile, and often dry up entirely during the tea making process (rolling, oxidizing, etc). So, you're experiencing a very different spectrum of flavor in a cup of Darjeeling tea. The growing season in Darjeeling is divided into four periods: First Flush lasts from March through April and produces the first, tender shoots of the season. Because the plants have been storing nutrients all winter and the cool weather prevents rapid growth, they offer a very high concentration of the polyphenols that give tea its characteristic astringency. First Flush Darjeelings are generally less oxidized during processing and appear much greener than most Black teas. Example: Darjeeling Spring . Second Flush runs from May through June and the increased warmth and sunshine result in more rapid growth. During the second flush the bold muscatel flavors come to the forefront and the finished teas take on a stronger, smoother character. Most Darjeeling tea on the market is from the second flush, and is often not labeled as such, simply because selections from the other seasons are far less common to see for sale.

Example: Darjeeling Puttabong . Monsoon season lasts from July to early October. The heavy rains and heat drive rapid leaf growth, but this same speed and "easy growing conditions" result in much more muted flavors. "Monsoon Darjeelings" are usually used for iced or bagged teas. Autumnal Flush lasts from early October to mid-November. As the temperatures cool and the soil dries out, the plants are again stressed and forced to put all of their efforts into the final few leaves before their winter hibernation. Autumnal teas are often rich and smooth with a nutty, sometimes woody characteristic that is remarkably different from the briskness of the First Flush. Assam The Indian state of Assam lies in the northeast corner of the country. Annexed by the British in 1838, the climate and culture of this region shares more in common with South East Asia than with India. Assam's warm climate, intense rainfall and loamy soil combine to make this area the world's most prolific tea producer. There are currently around 800 tea estates in Assam.

Whereas the Darjeeling gardens grow mainly the smaller leafed Camellia sinensis sinensis variety from China, Assam is home to the appropriately named the Assamica variety. The discovery of wild ﻿Assamica trees growing in the jungles of the region leads some botanists to believe that India is one of the birthplaces of tea. Nearly all of the tea in Assam is grown at or near sea level and the Assamica plants thrive in the warm, sunny conditions. The highest quality leaves are grown in the spring, but Assam produces tea all but a few months of the year. Assam teas are very bold, rich and astringent. Depending on the tea, you can expect notes ranging from malt and caramel to honey and butternut squash. Most Assam teas show a slight nuttiness and earthiness. These powerful teas are perfect partners for cream and sugar. Example: Example: Assam Harmony Nilgiri The Nilgiris, or Blue Mountains, lie at the southwestern tip of India. This is an area of sweeping grasslands, dense jungles, home to herds of elephants. It's also one of the few remaining natural habitats for Bengal tigers.

The Nilgiri mountains rise to a height of 6,500 feet and receive an incredible 80 inches of rain each year. Tea production began in Nilgiri in 1840 and today there are more than 60,000 acres under cultivation. As a result of the low latitude and warm, moist conditions, the tea plants bud year round. In fact, this is one of the few regions that receives two monsoons each year. Nilgiri teas are strong and well-balanced, with a smooth, rounded flavor. They are often used as the base for tea blends. Nilgiri also produces a rare type of tea, known as a "frost tea", where the leaves are harvested in the winter. The quick chill creates a concentrated sweet and rosy flavor in the leaves, very similar to what you would find in an "ice wine." 10 Best Tourist Destinations in Assam: Tour My India 10 Best Tourist Destinations in Assam by Nidhi Singh on Sep 04, 2014 9:13 am Assam gets you wondering! It truly does!

Catching the eyes of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, Assam is an absolute delight! AND if boasting is not a sin may I say that even the veteran photographers have put Assam in their Good Books! This North Eastern state flaunts its natural beauty and its ever so delightful culture. The tribal traditions, the sprawling tea gardens, the riverine islands, the Satras, abundant wildlife, majestic Brahmaputra, exotic Bihu dance, fragrant cuisine and gorgeous people are the true identity of this amazing destination called Assam. It is one of those places in India that gives you the notion that the country is absolutely diverse and filled with colours that the world has no clue about! Here is the list of best places to visit in Assam that will help you explore more about this Golden Land: Guwahati: It seem like the elders in the society can never be wrong. They once named Guwahati Pragjyotishpur (Light of the East) and we believe that Guwahati has lived up to this title. It is the largest cosmopolitan city in the North East and is often referred to as the Gateway of North East India as well.

Snuggling the turbulent Brahmaputra River and touching the feet of the Shillong plateau, Guwahati has been blessed with immense natural beauty that one can apparently witness, once one moves towards the suburbs of the city. Since, it is the centre of many alluring tourist destinations in Assam like Kaziranga National Park, Kamakhya Temple, Bamuni Lake, Umananda Temple and Sualkuchi, tourists have to pay a visit to this incredible place. Sualkuchi: Find the best handloom work at Sualkuchi. Situated about 35kms from Guwahata, Sualkuchi is the pride of Assam. Visiting here can be an eclectic experience as at each house here one can find traditional bamboo looms. Known for silk weaving and making of some gorgeous Mekhla Chadars, (Traditional Women Attire), saris and shawls, the locals of Sualkuchi have simple traditional lives. It is one of a kind place, where tourists have the opportunity to witness the lifestyle of the natives and interact with them. The rustic setting and the nature’s beauty further add to the attraction of this lovely place.

Hajo: Sheer divinity is the identity of Hajo. Situated at a distance of about 24kms from Guwahati, Hajo can rightly be called the pilgrimage city. Dotted with a number of Hindu temples, Hajo invites all to taste the flavour of utmost spirituality. Among the famous Hindu shrines in Hajo are Hayagriva Madhab Temple on Manikuta Hill, Kedareshwar Temple and Ganesha Temple. On the other hand Muslims also rever Hajo as a holy place and come here to pay homage at Powa Mecca. Buddhists see Hajo as a pious place where Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana. Hajo or precisely Sarthebari is famous for its bell metal items and when you are there, make sure you buy at least a souvenir. Whether you believe in religion or not, you will love to see this holy destination in Assam, which defnitely has the capability to change your perspective towards spirituality. Tezpur: Abounding archaelogocal sites, deep mythological connection and beauty that can woo any nature lover, make Tezpur one of the best places to see in Assam.

Situated in Sonitpur district, Tezpur is located at the bank of the River Brahmaputra. The city is often called the City of Eternal Romance as it narrates a love story of Usha (King Baana’s Daughter) and Anirudha (Grandson of Lord Krishna). The scenic beauty of Tezpur has been enhanced by the surrounding mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, the sprawling tea gardens, swiftly flowing Brahmaputra and the northern backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, which honestly make the city ever so romantic. Bamuni Hill, Agnigarh, Cole Park, Mahabhairab Temple, Hazara Pukhuri and Bhomoraguri are the major attractions in the city. Tezpur can be an ideal honeymoon destination in Assam, the kinds that will amplify the power of Love. [ Check out the best customized honeymoon packages for north east ] Jorhat: Reckoned to be the Cultural Capital of Assam, Jorhat owes much to its history. It was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom and thus has the last burial mounds of the empire.

Today Jorhat has the largest Tea research station in the country and therefore it is now known as the Tea Capital of India. Jorhat is inhabited by people of different culture; thus every now and then the city is seen celebrating one festival or the other making it one of the most popular travel destinations in Assam.The main attractions of Jorhat include Bangal Pukhuri, Thengal Manor, Burigosain Devalaya, Purnananda Buragohain Maidam, Bilvesvar Siva Temple, Magolu Khat, Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar and Raja Maidam. Majuli: A little of history and whole lot of nature makes Majuli the best place to visit in Assam. It is India’s largest riverine island and is also one of the most important Satras established by Sankardeva and Madhavdeb. Formed by the turbulent Brahmaputra, Majuli islands sprawls over an area of approximately 452 sq km. Most of the islands in Majuli get submerged in water during monsoon; however, the bigger islands like Kamalabari, Auniati and Garamur remain in a better condition.

Majuli is a birdwatcher’s paradise and the camera wielders are simply going to get hooked to this place. Holiday in Assam is incomplete without paying a visit to this impeccable destination. With almost no hotels, Majuli is a one of its kind place that you will visit in India. Homestays are the only option here, but during the stay one gets the chance to witness the lifestyle of the people of Majuli. The main occupation here is agriculture, weaving, fishing, pottery and boat making. Sivasagar: Literally meaning The Ocean of Lord Shiva, Sivasagar is one of the popular tourist attractions in Assam. This Upper Assam city has served as the seat of the Ahom for over 6 centuries, so you can expect a lot of Ahom influence in the architecture and culture here. Sivasagar was reckoned as the Golden Land by the Ahoms, who by chance reached this gorgeous place and found it worthy enough to be their power seat. At present, the city is amongst the most important tea and oil trading centres in Assam. Sivasagar is a great place for history lovers. Also, since the city has a fabulous backdrop, photographers are likely to get attracted to it as well.

Shivadol, Gaurisagar Tank, Joysagar Tank and Temples, Rang Ghar, Charaideo, Ahom Museum, Talatal Ghar and Gargaon Palace are the tourist attractions in Sivasagar. Dibrugarh: Meet the Tea City of India, Dibrugarh, which is situated in the Upper West region of Assam. An important tea trading centre and the authentic reflection of Assam, Dibrugarh has been quite a charmer all through the years. One has the opportunity to see the most turbulent face of Brahmaputra here along with witnessing the scenic panorama of pristine beauty. Dibrugarh has been popular amongst tourists as it offers the opportunity of trekking , mountaineering and camping and if you are travelling in Assam you are likely to be advised to visit this beautiful place for sure. The city is also an important hub of silk garments. Exhilarating is all its senses; Dibrugarh is one experience that you should not miss out in Assam.

North Cachar Hills: Yes, this is the place that you were looking for… far from the maddening crowd and nestled in the pristine lap of nature; North Cachar Hills are amongst the best sightseeing places in Assam that you can think of! The rollings hills are home to many tribes in Assam like Dimasa, Hmar, Kuki, Zeme, Biate and Hrangkhol, who have their own customs, dialects and traditions. A lively region with ever so vivacious culture and landscape, North Cachar is a nature lover’s heaven with cascading waterfalls, streams and rivulets and the chain of emerald green mountains. Dima Hasao as it is called has attractions like Jatinga, Haflong, Maibang, Umrangso and Panimoor. Each of these places has the enigmatic power to leave one spellbound with its beauty and utmost tranquility. Barak Valley: Assam got it rolling and Barak Valley leads the march. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions that one can come across in Assam, Barak Valley cover the regions of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi.

Silchar is the major town of this region, which lies on the bank of Barak River. The whole of Barak Valley is a dreamland with undulating lush green hills, tea gardens, meandering rivers (Barak and Kushiara) and impeccable peace; it is indeed the best place for sightseeing tour in Assam. The main attractions of Barak Valley are Khaspur, Bhuban Temple, Salganga, Karimganj, Badarpur Fort, Hailakandi, Pirbadi, Siddeshwar Temple, Adi Kali Mandir and Kachakanti Temple. Winter is the best season to visit Barak Valley but if you want to taste the famous Lakhipur pineapple, monsoon is the best time to be here. I am spellbound and hope you are too! Assam just made an indelible mark in my mind and is definitely in my list of places to visit in India. As a traveller, you should also make a note on Assam and visit this surreal land whenever it is possible. Regional Updates - Gospel for Asia Where We Work: The Regions of South Asia Country and Region Listing Welcome to the regions of South Asia where Gospel for Asia serves.

Below you'll find an open door into each of these places with photos, maps and descriptions of the area. Regional descriptions are available for India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh (below). Other countries we serve are Cambodia, China, Laos and Thailand. (more info.) Please pray for God's blessing upon the people in these regions. Assam Travel,Assam Tourism,Assam India,Where Is Assam,Assam Map 1 2 3 4 5 Where is ASaam? Assam, one of the seven north-eastern states (together called as 'seven sisters'), is the gateway to the north-eastern part of India. Situated just below the eastern Himalayan foothills, Assam is bodered by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to its north-east. The states of Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram lie in the south, while Meghalaya lies to the south-west. West Bengal and Bangladesh are to its west. The state of Assam spreads over an area of 78,438 sq.kms and has a population of 26,638,407.

Assam - Overview Blessed with several natural gifts, Assam is dominated by the massive Brahmaputra river which has its origins in Tibet. The state is bestowed with vast alluvial plains and dense forests, tracts of paddy and Assam tea and oil from the deep depths of the earth. In Assam, you can see a variety of flora and fauna including the world famous one Horned Rhinoceros and other rare species. In fact, after Africa, Assam is perhaps the only part of the world where a wide variety of wildlife exists. Besides, Assam's colourful fairs and festivals, rich art and culture and cuisine will surely leave you spellbound. Assam India - History Assam has an old history dating back to the ancient times. You can find the base of Assam's history in various literatures like Tantaric literature, Buddhist literature, Vedic literature and Assamese folklore. Reference of Assam is also found in the epics and the religious legends. According to legends, the earliest ruler of Assam was Mahiranga Danava, who was followed by other rulers namely - Harakasur, Sambarsur, Ratnasur and Ghataksur.

Naraksur removed the earlier rulers and established his own dynasty. The Naraka king was slain by Lord Krishna of Dwarka and Bhagadatta became his successor. As per history, from 350 AD to 12th century, Assam was mainly ruled by the Varman Dynasty and several other dynasties such as the Kacharis, the Chitias etc. During the rule of the famous Varman king, Bhaskarvarman (600 AD-650 AD), the Chinese traveller Xuan Zang visited the Assam region and recorded his trips. The Ahoms ventured into Assam in around 1228 AD and ruled till 1826 AD. Other noted kingdom during that period was the Koch, which arrived in the region in 1510 AD. ¤ ¤ Request Quote For a Tour ¤ ¤ In the latter part of the 18th century, Ahom Kingdom weakened due to internal conflicts. Later in 1821, the Burmese invaded Assam and installed a puppet king. Due to the Burmese intervention, the first Anglo-Burmese War broke out.

The war ended with the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826 and the East India Company occupied the region. Between 1905-12, Assam was separated with some parts of Bengal and separate provinces of Eastern Bengal and Assam were established. At the time of India's independence in 1947, Assam consisted of the original Ahom kingdom and the present-day Arunachal Pradesh. Further, Assam was divided into four more states to become one of the seven sister states in the 1960s and 1970s. Currect Assam Population is around 26,63,8407. Assam Travel- Tourist Destinations Assam, a land of pleasant contrast and excitement attracts large number of tourists every year. From the big towns and cities to the remote areas, Assam offers a wide array of attractions. A journey through this picturesque land is bound to cheer up your mind and body and stimulate you to explore more as well as learn more. Important tourist destinations of the state are Guwahati , Dispur and Tezpur .

Assam - Wildlife Blessed with nature's scenic grandeur, Assam has a wealth of rarest and near-extinct wildlife species. Some of the wild species which you can spot in the wildlife sanctuaries and parks are Tigers, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Swamp Deer, Gangetic Dolphins, White-Winged Wood-duck etc. Apart from these, a number of resident and migratory birds make Assam their habitats in winter and other seasons. Most popular wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of Assam include Kaziranga National Park , Manas National Park , Nameri National Park, Orang (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park and Pabitora Sanctuary. Assam - Arts & Culture A perfect fusion of heritage of several old races has made Assam the home of a rich art & culture. Art and culture of Assam reflect the true spirit, tradition and lifestyle of the people of the state. Music, Dance and several other art forms make important part of the people of Assam. Also, since time immemorial, the people of Assam have traditionally been master craftsmen.

Though the state is known mainly for its fine silk fabric and the bamboo and cane products, but you will find several other excellent pieces of crafts here. Some of the popular arts and crafts include Cane and Bamboo, Metal Crafts, Woodcraft, Handlooms, Toys, Pottery, Masks, Jewellery, Terracotta and Traditional Paintings. Assam - Cuisine People of Assam love traditional as well as Indian and continental cuisine. A fusion of indigenous as well external influences, Assamese cuisine will definitely pamper your taste-buds. Assamese cuisine is characterized by the use of simple ingredients which are very delicious. Rice is principle component of Assamese cuisine, besides, fermented food is also used widely which has a distinct flavour. Fish and Meat are the favourite food of the Assamese. Vegetable dishes are also liked by large number of people. Amongst the vegetable dishes 'Aloo Pitika' is very popular.Last but not he least Assam black tea is most popular not only in India but throughout the world.

¤ ¤ Request Quote For a Tour ¤ ¤ Assam - Fairs and Festivals A land of varied culture and traditions, Assam witnesses a number of fairs and festivals all through the year. Most of the festivals in Assam have their roots linked to the diverse faith and belief of its inhabitants. Important fairs and festivals are Bihu, Baishagu, Rongker, Ali-ai-liang, Rongali Utsav, Jonbeel Mela, Majuli Festival, Elephant Festival, Brahamaputra Beach Festival, Dehing Patkai Festival, Baikho, Rajini Gabra & Harni Gabra, Ambhbashi Mela, Bohaggiyo Bishu and Tea Festival. Assam - Shopping Rich in traditional handicrafts and locally made items, Assam provides you a wonderful shopping experience. While you visit Assam, you can shop a wide range of handicrafts available everywhere from Government Emporia to private shops. In addition to handicrafts, Assam is renowned for its traditional handloom products. Amongst the variety of handlooms, Assam silk is one of the exclusive souvenirs to take back home.

Must buy items in Assam include Tea, Silk fabric like - Muga and Paat, Hand made toys, Eri Handloom products, Cane and Bamboo work, Decorative items, Furniture, Bell metal products. Assam Climate Assam's climate is characterized by a high humidity. The climate of Assam is somehow different from rest of the country, the most distinguishing feature is the copious rainfall between the month of March and May when most parts of Indian territory remain dry. Climatically, the year in Assam can be divided into two main seasons namely winter season and the rainy season. The south-west monsoon starts in the state from mid-June and continues till September. The winter season begins from October and ends by February. In between monsoon and winter seasons, the summer comes for a short duration. Best Time to Visit Best time to visit Assam is between October to April. Trip To Assam - Transportation Airlines : Guwahati airport is the only international airport in the state of Assam. Deccan Air operate an international weekly flight between Guwahati and Bangkok.

Apart from Guwahati airport, the state has other airports in Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Silchar. Several airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Deccan Air and Sahara Airlines operate regular flights from Guwahati to major cities of India. Railways : An excellent rail network of Indian Railways connect Assam with rest of the country. Assam is well-connected by railways with rest of the country. Rajdhani Express and several Super-fast and Express trains run between Delhi and Guwahati. A number of trains also run to Guwahati from cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and rest of the country. Roadways : National Highways and many other roads link Assam with other cities and towns of the country. All the tourist destinations in Assam are well-connected by road network and served by buses and other modes of road transport. What does Assam mean? A black tea named after the above Indian region where it is grown. Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Assam Assam is a northeastern state of India. Its capital is Dispur, located at Guwahati.

Guwahati is also known as the North-Eastern corridor of India. Located south of the eastern Himalayas, Assam comprises the Brahmaputra and the Barak river valleys along with the Karbi Anglong and the North Cachar Hills with an area of 30,285 square miles. Assam is surrounded by six of the other Seven Sister States: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya. These states are connected to the rest of India via a narrow strip in West Bengal called the Siliguri Corridor or "Chicken's Neck". Assam also shares international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh; and cultures, peoples and climate with South-East Asia – important elements in India’s Look East policy. Assam became a part of the British India after the British occupied the region following the First Anglo-Burmese War of 1824–1826. It is known for Assam tea, large and old petroleum resources, Assam silk and for its rich biodiversity.

Assam has successfully conserved the one-horned Indian rhinoceros from near extinction, along with the tiger and numerous species of birds, and it provides one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephant. It is becoming an increasingly popular destination for wildlife tourism, and Kaziranga and Manas are both World Heritage Sites. Assam was also known for its Sal tree forests and forest products, much depleted now. A land of high rainfall, Assam is endowed with lush greenery and the mighty river Brahmaputra, whose tributaries and oxbow lakes provide the region with a unique hydro-geomorphic and aesthetic environment. It was at Assam where the first oil resources of India had been found out. The numerical value of Assam in Chaldean Numerology is: 3 Pythagorean Numerology 10 Attractive Places In Assam That Will Keep You Spellbound – Trans India Travels Complete Guide to Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam If you are looking for variety while choosing your holiday destination, Assam could be the perfect spot. Be it the natural scenery or culture of the people of Assam, you are sure to be awed by the variety and color Assam has to offer.

People belonging to various cultures and races live here. The land has people following various faiths. Assam is home for various crafts as well. Though the picturesque state has so much to offer, ensure that you do not miss the top 10 places to visit in Assam. 1. Kaziranga National Park Photo by rajkumar1220, CC BY 2.0 Kaziranga National Park has been declared a World Heritage Site. The park is spread over 430 sq. kms and you will find various wild species such as tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, Indian bison, sambar, deer and many more. If you love birds, you need to be here during winter as migratory birds are seen in great numbers. You could go round the park in a jeep or car. If you fancy elephant ride, you are most welcome. The nearest cities from Kaziranga National Park are Jorhat and Tezpur . 2. Agnigarh Hill Photo by Anupom007bora Agnigarh hill is situated in Tezpur in Assam.

As per Hindu mythology, a fortress was built here by King Banasura with a view to isolate his daughter Usha. The legend further goes to say that the place derived the name owing to the fire that surrounded the fortress always to avoid movement in and out of the place. The word Agni means fire. 3. Kamakhya Temple Photo by Kunal Dalui, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kamakhya Temple is located on Nilachal Hill, Guwahati top at an altitude of 800 feet above sea level. River Brahmaputra flows on the northern side of the hill. The temple is over 2200 years old. Apart from its rich cultural heritage, Kamakhya is beauty personified. It offers a stunning view of rivers and hills. Whatever faith one follows in life, being at this location would make one experience divinity. 4. Dibru Saikhowa National Park Photo by Rubul Deka, CC BY 2.0 Dibru Saikhowa National Park is situated in Tinsukia in Assam. It owns the credit of being one among the major biodiversity hotspots of the world and one among the largest parks in Assam .

The park is a blend of deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests and swamp surface making it bio-diverse. You will find many rare wildlife species here and feral horses are one of the most famous species seen here. 5. Orang National Park Photo by Wikimedia Commons , CC BY-SA 2.0 Orang National Park is situated on the northern banks of the river Brahmaputra. It is the only National Park in the country , which was created naturally. The tribes who lived there had abandoned 78.81-sq.km area. Some of the animals found here include royal Bengal tiger, one horned rhinoceros, leopard, elephant and many more. The place offers great delight to bird watchers as one could find various local birds and migratory birds here. 6. Haflong Lake Haflong Lake is situated at the centre of Haflong hill town, which is famously called the ‘Switzerland of the East’. The picturesque landscape with blue hills, large and beautiful lakes, enthralling streams, waterfalls and abundance of pineapple trees and orange trees earns the title for Haflong town. Haflong Lake is one among the two lakes of the town.

It is situated at an altitude of 1683 feet above MSL and no wonder you will find clouds and mists touching your arms as they gently move away. The beauty not only enthralls you but also offers various water sports and hence both your body and mind are rejuvenated. Photo by Subhashish Panigrahi, CC BY-SA 3.0 Asia’s first oil refinery, which is the second in world, is in Digboi. The oil town not only has refinery, which is over 100 years old but also has number of tea gardens. The place with misty blue hills offers various attractions including Digboi Oil Refinery, Ridge Point and Digboi Centenary Museum. From Ridge Point, you could have a stunning view of snow-clad mountains of eastern Himalayas. Digboi Centenary Museum gives you an insight into the history of the town. Photo by Sardar Hironjyoti Beshra, CC BY-SA 3.0 Diphu is situated in Karbi Anglong district in Assam. The town has various tourist attractions. If you love nature, you would love Arboretum, which is located near Diphu.

The 13-hectare lush greenery offers spectacular views, which soothes your mind. Botanical Garden, which is a 5 km distance from Diphu, houses a variety of species of trees and plants. Boating facilities are available here. If you are keen to learn about the cultural past of the town, you need to visit District Museum. The museum was founded in 1886 and it displays artifacts that have archaeological importance and represent the culture of the land. You could find hunting tools used by the tribes here. 9. Umrangshu Like most of the towns in Assam, Umrangshu is a picturesque beauty with beautiful hills and lush greenery. You would love your journey if you go trekking from Haflong Hill to Umrangshu. If you are planning a perfect holiday in a serene atmosphere that elevates your spirits, you cannot choose a better place than Umrangshu. Nature has blessed certain places on earth abundantly, but Umrangshu gains prominence as it remains untouched by the modern world in the name of so-called civilization. Garampani, the hot spring here attracts many tourists for its medicinal value.

Kapili Hydel Power Plant is situated near the border and it is a famous tourist spot being the first of its kind here. 10. Cruise on River Brahmaputra

Question: In which country would you find the region of Assam?
Answer: India