Meena Travels Pvt Ltd..... Assam

A S S A M

I N D I A

MEENA TRAVELS PVT LTD

The name "Assam" is derived from the term "Asom" which, in Sanskrit, refers to unequal or unrivalled. The uneven topography of the land, full of hills, plains and rivers might, therefore,have contributed to her name. A land of about 25 million people the principal language of Assam is Assamese although a large number of other languages are spoken.

Assam, the land of hills and valleys, the land of the mighty river Brahmaputra, the land of Mother Goddess Kamakhya, lies in the northeastern corner of India. It is a land where you find flowers that are exquisitely beautiful, animals that are rare, and a beleagured people that are proud and inviting.

Bihu is the national festival of Assam. The principal of the three Bihus, Bohag or Rongali Bihu ushers in the Assamese New Year, in the middle of April, and is celebrated with distinctive Bihu dances and songs.
GUWAHATI
Situated on the bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra, Guwahati is said to be the legendary Pragjyotishpur or City of Eastern Light - is the gateway to north eastern India. The name is a combination of two words: Guwa meaning areca nut and Hat meaning market. Guwahati is the commercial nerve centre of the North-East.

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
North east of Guwahati, on the banks of Brahmaputra river, is the Kaziranga National Park, famous both for the Flora & Fauna. The last major home of the rare one horned Rhinos. The 430 sq Km park is thought to have the largest population of rhino in all India. The park also has Elephants, Wild Gaur (Buffaloes), Swamp Deer, Tigers, bears and Rare birds like the Florican and the Hornbill. The park is open from November to April.

TEZPUR
Sonitpur, as Tezpur was known in the olden days, is a city steeped in mythology, legend and folklore. Tezpur or the 'city of blood' conjures up images of the romantic legend of Usha and Anirudha. Situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra, this town repletes with a raw natural beauty and fascinating archaeological ruins and is the headquarters of district Sonitpur. Undulating green valleys surrounded by the lofty hills and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, and lush tea gardens render Tezpur a tourist's delight.
SIBSAGAR
Sibsagar was the capital of the mighty Ahoms, who ruled Assam for more than six hundred years, before the advent of the British. The town, which literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire. The most remarkable landmark of the town is the 200 year old Sibsagar tank. On its banks are three significant temples - Shivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol. Modern Sibsagar is a fast developing urban settlement. It is the headquarters of the district Sibsagar, a leading tea and oil producing centre.

HAFLONG
At 680 metres above sea level, in the lush hilly terrain lies this lovely lakeside resort which is Assam's only hill station. It is the headquarters of North Cachar Hills District and is situated at a distance of 355 kms from Guwahati. Haflong is the name of variety of orchids, one of them being the rare Blue Vanda.

JORHAT
It is famous for its sprawling tea gardens. It is the nerve centre of tea industry. It has the world renowned Teklai Experimental Centre. Research is carried out to find new varieties of tea and also therapeutic effects of green tea. Regional Research Laboratory which is situated here conducts investigation on plants, herbs and soil. There are also other organisations such as Assam Agricultural University, Technical School etc. From Jorhat, one may visit Majuli, the largest island on the Brahmaputra. In Majuli, there are numerous satras or monasteries. 60 kms aways from Jorhat, lies Nambar Forest reserve which is famous for being a rejuvenating hot spring. Further 90 kms down, one comes across Dimapur (in Nagaland), once the seat of Cachar Kingdom

DIBRUGARH
It is an upcoming major trading centre and a lovely river side town in Upper Assam. This is the place where the mighty river Brahmaputra is at its majestic best.