Beautiful view of tea garden of Assam

One of the most beautiful destinations of North East India, Assam is famous for its tea plantations. Producing more than 50% of India’s tea and accounting for one-sixth of the world’s tea, the state collectively yields 680400 kg. of tea on annual basis. It houses more than 850 tea estates and 2500 tea gardens, which are spread in thousands of acres of land. Talking about the tea growing areas, Sibsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Sonitpur, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, etc., are some of the districts where most of the tea gardens are found. Even the lowland region of Brahmaputra valley, hordes of Assam tea bush is grown. Tea gardens of the state not only acts as major spot for tourists but also known for engaging more than 17% of workers in the tea industry. Thanks to ideal weather condition, extensive tea growing season and generous rainfall, Assam is regarded as one of the most prolific tea producing regions of the world.

Red tea prepared from Assam tea.

Green leaves of Assam Tea

A Brief History of Assam Tea : A Scottish adventurer, Robert Bruce was the man who has discovered the Assam tea bush in 1823 while trading in the region. He found local tribesman brewing tea from the leaves of the plant. He send some samples of the leaves for scientific examination. Because he died shortly, therefore no results were highlighted. It was his brother, Charles, who have again taken initiative and sent Assam tea bush to the botanical gardens in Calcutta for detailed examination in 1830′s. There, it was identified as a variety of tea and plant was recognized as Camellia sinesis, different from the Chinese versions. The leaves of Assam tea bush are glossy and green and wide as compared to Chinese tea plants.

Commercialization of Assam Tea: The British had first set up the plantations in Assam by the sweat of their brow and today the tea industry is one of the most lucrative enterprises in modern history. With the discovery of tea in Assam, the export history of the country took a new turn. Assam and tea both are inseparable. Tea is grown both in the Brahmaputra and Barak plains of Assam. Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur are the districts where tea gardens are mostly found. Assam produces 51% of the tea produced in India and about 1/6th of the tea produced in the world. On the international market, Assam tea is recognized by the official logo provided by the Tea Board of Assam. Assam tea is sold mostly through the Auction Centre at Guwahati.

Harvesting: Assam tea is generally harvested twice, in a “first flush” and a “second flush.” The first flush harvest starts during late March after a prolonged harvest break. The first flush harvest has a more fresh, fragrant, flowery and a slightly spicier character than its second flush counterparts. It is the lightest of the varieties.

The second flush is harvested in May-June and is the more prized “tippy tea,” named thus for the gold tips that appear on the leaves. It is the highest grade Assam tea releasing that full, strong, creamy and malty character, that is so true to form. The color is a rich coppery red to deep brown in the cup. It also has a slightly spicy tinge to its taste and is the most prized harvest for importers in Europe and North America.

Assam tea harvested from October to early December is known as the winter harvest (despite the harvest time being in autumn) or end-season harvest. Assam tea may come as full leaf, broken leaf with golden tips.

Specialities of Assam Tea:  Assam tea is black tea, which is basically used in the breakfast. Comprising of Irish Breakfast tea leaves and English breakfast tea leaves, the tea has distinctive malty flavour which is stronger than Darjeeling’s tea. Containing caffeine content, having rich aroma, bright colour, briskness, tart and pungent flavour are some of the distinguishing factors of the tea grown in the state. Harvested two times in a year, “first flush” and “second flush”, the taste of latter tea is superior than the former one. Being eaten and chewed by certain tribes and local people, it tastes the best when served with cream or milk. For getting sweeter taste, people add sugar or honey in it.

Benefits of Assam Tea: Assam tea is considered as a stimulating beverage which provides numerous health benefits to people. As it is natural sedative and acts as stimulant, therefore it improves mental health by keeping the mind alert. It helps in decreasing daily stress, reducing blood pressure by lowering level of cortisol in the blood and thereby reduces risk of stroke. The tea leaves contain antioxidant properties, therefore help in reducing the risk of cancer. It increases oral health and enhances blood circulation.

So, do not forget to stroll around tea gardens of the state as it is one of those experiences which can be cherished for lifetime.

It is labelled as one of the seven sister states and surrounded by other six states- Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura. Covering total area of 78438 square kms., the state has 3 principal regions- the Barak Valley in the South, the Brahmaputra Valley in the North and the Barail Range of hills in the south-west. Its official language is Assamese.

Its History : The word Assam is derived from Sanskrit word asoma which means “unparalleled” or “peerless” land. Assam finds special place in mythological epics like Mahabharata. During Mahabharata age, it was known as Pragjyoitsh Rajya and considered as centre of culture of astrology. Pragjyotishpur (which is currently known as Guwahati) was its capital. The state came to known as Kamaroopa (Kama-Kamadeva, Roopa- Bodily image) because the God of Love, Kamadeva has regained his bodily image in this state. He was being cursed by the Lord Shiva and reduced to ashes. It was in the mid of 13th century Kamaroopa got its new name Asom (Assam), which was derived from Ahom conquerors, who had discovered Brahmaputra valley in 1228 A.D.

Beauty of Assam (Sonitpur) – by Vikramjit Kakati

Its Culture : Diverse cultures are found in this mystical land. It is being inhabited by people of diverse culture and race such as Monogloid, Indo-Burmese, Aryan and Indo-Iranian. The natives of the state are popularly known as Asomiya. The major population of the state belongs to following tribes- Bodos, Ahoms, Dimasas, Chutiyas, Misings, Manipuris, Kacharis, Rabhas, etc. Other religions like Hindus, Muslims, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc., are also practised in the state.

Fairs and Festivals :Assam is regarded as colourful land of fairs and festivals, which symbolize the spirit of togetherness and accommodation. The major festivals celebrated in the state with pomp and glory are Bihu, Baikho, Baishagu, Rongker, Bohaggiyo Bishu, Jonbill Mela, Ambubashi Mela, Rajini Gabra Harni Gabra, Ali-Ai-Ligang and many more. Other festivals like Holi, Diwali, Durga Puja, Idd, Muharram, Saraswati Puja, Lakshmi Puja, etc., are also celebrated by the local people.

The state’s tribal have their own festivals. For instance, Bodos celebrate the Kherai Puja, Mishing tribe celebrates Ali-ai-ligang and Parag, Rabhas celebrate Baikhu and Pharkantis and so on.

Places of Interests :Though, the state has remained the least explored destination of India, it has so much to offer to its every kind of tourist- be it natural beauty admirer of wildlife lover. Some of the main places of interests in the state are temples and monuments, national heritage accredited wildlife sanctuaries, tea gardens and water sports activities like river rafting, boat racing, golfing, etc., near the Brahmaputra river.

So, come and explore the land of diverse tribes, festivals and explore amazing destinations which have something special to offer to its visitors.

Wildlife Attractions of Assam

Kaziranga National Park-  The oldest and first national park of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is spread over a wide area of 430 sq.km. Being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the landscape of the forest basically comprises of sheer forest, rugged reeds, tall elephant grass, shallow pools and marshes. The park is worldwide famous for housing two third population of the rare Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Other animals that play crucial role in forming ecological balance of the park are Elephant, Indian bison, Hog Deer, Swamp Deer, Leopard cat, Tiger, Hollock Gibbo, Hornbills Ibis, heron fishing eagle, Capped langur, Goose and many more. During winters, visitors get the opportunity to see several migratory birds over here.

Manas National Park-  Covering an area of approximately 520 sq kms, the park is located in the Himalayan foothill of bhabararea region of the western Australia. The major notable point of the park is it is regarded as one of the nine tiger reserve sanctuaries in India which was declared as Tiger Reserve in 1974. Also acclaimed as a World Heritage Site, it was declared as a National Park in 1990. Housing the largest population of rare species of Golden Langur, Hispid Hare, Asiatic Buffalo, Leopard, etc., the park is the abode of several other animals. Hog Deer, Wild Boar, Elephant, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Beer, Tiger, etc., are some other species of animals commonly found in the park. During winters, the park remains full with a number of migratory birds like Riverchats, Cormorants, Ruddy Shelduck (duck), Forktails, etc.

Other popular wildlife sanctuaries of Assam which provide enthralling experiences to visitors if explored are:

1. Orang Wildlife sanctuary
2. Pabha or Milroy sanctuary
3. Sonai Rupai wildlife sanctuary
4. Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary
5. Dibru-Saikhowa wildlife sanctuary
6. Pobitora wildlife sanctuary
7. Bornadi wildlife sanctuary
8. Gibbon wildlife sanctuary
9. Nambor wildlife sanctuary
10. Nagaon Dist. Namver wildlife sanctuary

So, next time if you are planning for wildlife tour, hope you are very much clear about your destination!

Mountaineering  and Trekking

 Assam is an amazing place for trekking, both for novice as well as experienced trekkers. The hills and knolls of the famed Karbi Hills and North Cachar hills are a trekker’s paradise. They are often referred to as dream location for trekkers and mountaineers. There are many camps as well that provide you with all the necessary items for trekking. At high altitudes, carrying sun protection like sunscreen lotion and shades to mitigate the effect of hard rays is advised. The best time to visit Assam for trekking is in the months from April to October. “Elephant Rocks” in Morigaon district offers ample scope and great deals for rock climbing. Sorrounded by dense green forests and high hills, Assam is the best place for escapade.

River Rafting

A wonderful opportunity for the tourists of Assam is the river rafting with an opportunity to explore the mighty River Brahmaputra. Rafting is a thrilling and at the same time challenging recreational outdoor activity. Rafting in the swift flowing titanic river of Brahmaputra and its tributaries helps the tourists find out their sporting spirit. The Manas, Jia Bhoroli, and Kapili provide one with enormous scope to explore the die hard zeal within oneself. Dressed in the attire of a professional sportsman, the Assam Tourism Development Corporation helps the adventurous tourists to experience the fun and the peril associated with rafting in the river. The unique experience of rafting in the River Brahmaputra fills the tourists with an intense sense of satisfaction. Beaming with self confidence the excited tourists narrate their wonderful experience to their near and dear ones. The best time to go rafting is in the months between August and September. River rafting is one of the most acknowledged forms of sports event in Assam. There are many camps  that organize the adventure trips in Assam. This sport can be dangerous if basic safety precautions are not observed.

 River Cruise

 The turbulent rivers, the mystic blue hills, the savage terrains and serene countryside beckon the adventurers to Assam .Wildlife and wilderness are the main features of a cruise in Assam on the vast Brahmaputra river – the river bed. Tourist can not miss the experience of cruising along the magnificent Brahmaputra river. Cruising on the highest navigable reaches of the Brahmaputra reveals the unique culture of the area, including at Sibsagar, the old capital of the Ahom kings, and Majuli island, home to Hindu monastic communities known for their dance drama. Brahmaputra river cruise provides luxurious rides to explore the AssamRiver cruise destinations that have most exotic combination of river and jungle. The Assam river cruise packages have special access to a number of National Parks such as the Kaziranga Sanctuary and the Manas Tiger reserve. For a grand entertaining evening  on mighty Brahmaputra , Alfresco Grand River Cruise is a nice choice.

  Boat Racing

Boat racing is a very popular sport of the state.

People very often organize boat racing during festive occasions at places like Hajo, Saulkuchi, Barpeta, Guwahati etc. The involvement of the masses in this sport can be compared with the snake-boat racing in Kerala.

 Para Sailing

 Para Sailing, a totally new sport, is slowly and gradually making its way to becoming the most favored adventure sports in Assam. It has not been long since it was introduced in Assam but already there are many foreign and domestic tourists who wish to indulge in Para Sailing. Assam Tourist Development Corporation has set up many institutes to organize the whole setup. In Para Sailing, a parachute is attached to the back of vehicle and is towed behind the vehicle and are practiced in vast open lands. There are many favorable open spots in North Guwahati for Para Sailing.

 Hang Gliding

 Hang Gliding is a sport that hugely depends on climatic conditions. So if you are not able to enjoy on the day that you kept aside, don’t get disappointed, come back another day when the weather is absolutely perfect for Hang Gliding. Kamakhya Hills is an ideal spot for Hang Gliding. Apart from that the hills around Kaziranga can also be opted for this sport. Trained guiders will guide you correctly in enjoying a safe fly. Except the monsoon season this sport can be enjoyed all year around.

Golf

 To golfers delight, Assam boasts of many golf clubs, specially upper Assam , the Mecca of Golf as for as the North Eastern states are concerned.  Many tea gardens of Assam have golf courses tucked with them .There are twenty-one golf courses in Assam, most of which are run by the tea estates. All the golf courses are generally 9 holes but the largest one is in Digboi which has 18 holes. Tourists can carry your own golf equipment or you can hire it from the shops in the golf clubs.

 Assam has over the years made adventure as one of the prime attractions for tourists. They have immensely improved the infrastructure for adventure sports making it really worthwhile to come to this state and enjoy the thrills and frills of heart pumping sports.

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