Lower Assam Travel Guide

Lower Assam is also geographically denoted as the Western Assam. The region comprises of the largest city of North East India, Guwahati; famed wildlife habitats such as Manas National Park, Pobitora and Chakrasila; traditional silk industry at Sualkuchi, bronze and bell metal industry at Sarthebari; archaeological sites like Ambari, Madan Kamdev, Surya Pahar, and Hajo. Lower Assam is also home to many tribes like Bodo, Rabha, Hajong, and Garo and it hosts a number of rivers that are ideal for rafting. The region also caters to spiritual appetite with its sacred destination of Hajo.

Once, home to the powerful kingdom of Kamrup, Lower Assam is a hub of vibrant festivals and rich culture. The four main destinations that are part of this region are Guwahati, Hajo, Kamrup and Goalpara. Other than these Lower Assam also comprise of Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Baksa, Chirang, Barpeta, Nalbari, South Salmara-Mankachar. Where Guwahati today is reckoned as the gateway of Northeast India, it was once a prosper capital named Pragjyotishpur for Pala and Varman rulers. Guwahati, though a chaotic city is dotted with numerous temples of interest like Kamakhya and Umananda. The city also has some really nice markets that are apt for shopping. The river Brahmaputra that passes through the city also makes for an important attraction.

More religious places can be traced in Kamrup, which is popular for its Hayagriva Temple and Powa Mecca Mosque. In the same district is also situated Sualkuchi, which is the centre for production of Pat and Muga Silk. Lower Assam also comprises of Goalpara which offers a nice meld of religious places and scenic landscape.

In Lower Assam, the fair of Bhatheli is of utmost importance. The same fair is known by the name of Sori or Suari in southern Kamrup. Bihu is also celebrated with equal zeal like in other parts of the state, only that the three Bihus are named differently as “Baihagar Domahi,” "Maghar Domahi," and "Katir Domahi.