Top 11 most visited tourist places in Assam

Assam is a magical land of diversity. Mountains, hill stations, water falls, river islands, ancient temples, and museums—it has everything to attract tourists.

The scenic beauty of Assam and the simplicity and hospitality of the Assamese people have contributed to Assam becoming the most popular tourist destination in north-east India.

Diversity Assam

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Updated on :

September 22, 2024

Although there are more than 43 famous tourist places in Assam, the favorite and most visited tourist places in Assam are different for domestic and international tourists. According to government data, 98,12195 domestic and 18,946 foreign tourists visited various popular tourist places in Assam during the years 2022–23. Combining both domestic and foreign tourists interests, here are the most visited tourist places in Assam.

The top 11 most visited tourist places in Assam by the number of tourists visited during the years 2022–23

1. Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar

Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar is a famous Namghar located at Dhekiakhowa village, 15 km east of Jorhat Town. It was established by Vaishnav saint Sri Sri Madhabdev in 1528.

Assamese people have a tradition of lighting an earthen lamp in every Namghar. It is believed that the original lamp lit by Sri Madhavdev is still burning without discontinuity, and it is refueled every day with mustard oil by the Namghar priests. This unique feature of the Namghar is a point of attraction for both devotees and tourists. Every year, approximately 462,5222 tourists visit this place, and in the years 2022–23, it was at the top of list of most visited tourist places in Assam.

2. Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site and a spiritual tourist landmark in Assam. It is located on Nilachal Hill, on the embankment of the Brahmaputra River, in the verdant embrace of Guwahati City’s northern side. The temple attracts devotees and tourists alike, who come to seek blessings and witness the mesmerizing blend of ancient architecture and breathtaking vistas.

The divine energy and blessings of Devi Kamakhya attract devotees and tourists from all over India and international tourists as well. In the years 2022–23, except for local devotees, almost 10,98206 tourists visited Kamakhya Temple, placing it second on the list of most visited tourist places in Assam.

3. Assam State Zoo

Assam state zoo cum Botanical garden is a popular spot for tourists in Guwahati, Assam. The Assam State Zoo opened for public viewing in 1958 after being founded in 1957 within the Hengrabari Reserved forest, Guwahati. It expands over an area of 432 acre and is the largest zoo in North East India. It is home to over 1250 species of birds, animals and reptiles.

The Assam State Zoo is referred to as the “Green Lung” of Guwahati due to its abundant wildlife. You can enjoy the lush greenery and a variety of plant species. From Rhinoceros to vultures, exotic birds to swampy crocodiles, Assam state zoo provides an adventurous ride into the wildlife. One of the most interesting sight is the reptile house where one can find different varieties of snakes slithering along the branches. From python to cobras, you can enjoy an up-close view.

The beautiful scenery and wildlife adventures make it a popular recreation center. People love to visit it during the weekends and tourists are attracted to the space and greenery. In the year 2022-23, it was the third most visited place among all the tourist places in Assam with a total of 80,4569 tourists.

4. Shivasagar Town

Sivasagar Town, the former capital of the Ahom Dynasty from 1699 to 1788, is now the headquarters of Sivasagar district. Sivasagar is popularly known for the archeological and architectural marvels of the Ahom Kingdom.

The town was named after the Sivasagar Tank, a 133-acre artificial lake excavated by Ahom Queen Ambika Modambika in 1733 AD. The historical monuments, temples, and modern-day infrastructure are located in the surroundings of this tank; hence, the Sivasagar Tank is known as the heart of Sivasagar.

There are more than 350 archaeological imprints in Sivasagar, and Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Kareng Ghar, and Shiva Doul (a Shiva Temple) are the most remarkable ones. Every year in March, the Shiva Doul hosts the International Shiva Festival, one of the biggest Shiva festivals in the world. This festival attracts a number of devotees and tourists to Sivasagar.

Every year, almost 63,5305 people visit Sivasagar to sense the essence of its historical significance, and so Sivasagar always ranks among the top most visited tourist places in Assam.

5. Sankardev Kalakshetra

Sankardev Kalakshetra is a museum and a premier cultural institution in north-east India, located on Panjabari Road, Guwahati. It was established in 1988 by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, to preserve the cultural heritage of Assam.

The primary museum, “Sangrahalaya”, portrays the cultural and social histories of the indigenous people of Assam. Another museum is called the “Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Museum,” named after the iconic Assamese musician and singer, the late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, to preserve his life crafts, musical instruments, and awards. The campus also houses a library, an art gallery, a language research center, and an international auditorium. It also has a children’s park, an amusement park, and an open stage to hold different cultural activities.

It sounds unbelievable, but every Assamese person visits Sankardev Kalakshetra at least once in their life. It is the favorite destination of schoolchildren during summer vacation. For these reasons, it has always been one of the most visited tourist places in Assam making it 517,559 people a year.

6. Umananda Island

Umananda Island, a 5-acre island in the heart of the Brahmaputra, is identified as the smallest inhabited river island in the world. It is 3km away from Guwahati Railway Station, and it can be reached via a ferry or a ropeway installed on August 24, 2020, by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of Assam. The island was termed Peacock Island by a British officer looking at its structure.

The island houses a Shiva temple called Umananda Temple, named after Uma, or Parvati Devi, the wife of Lord Shiva. It is an inhabitable island, as only temple priests and caretakers are allowed to live there.

Except for the spiritual ambience, tourists can experience the breathtaking splendor of the Brahmaputra River. Be it summer or winter, tourists always enjoy the island’s picturesque allure intertwined with an unparalleled journey in the heart of the mighty Brahmaputra. Thereafter, it always marks a position among the most visited tourist places in Assam. In the year 2022-23, a total of 423,538 tourists visited this place.

7. Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is an international biodiversity landmark, especially for one-horned rhinoceroses. The majority of the park is located on the south side of The Assam Trunk Road (National Highway 127) passing through the Kohora region of Golaghat district of Assam.

It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is a true paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Kaziranga National Park is a healthy ecosystem for more than 35 mammal species, 479 species of birds, 42 species of reptiles, and many amphibians and fish. It is home to two-thirds of the world’s total one-horned rhinos and a nourishing land for wild animals such as Indian wild buffalo, tigers, eastern swamp deer, hog deer, Bengal fox, etc.

Besides the natural serenity, the hospitality and cultural integrity of the local people attract more than 200,000 domestic and international tourists every year. In the years 2022–23, a total of 311,946 tourists visited this place ranking it as the among the top visited tourist places in Assam.

8. Doul Govinda Temple

Doul Govinda Temple, located in North Guwahati, is another of the most visited tourist places in Assam. It is a Hindu temple situated on the base of Chandra Bharati Hill at Rajaduar, a place in North Guwahati, 22 km from Guwahati Railway Station.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed that ‘Ganga Ram Baruah’ from Nalbari carried a Lord Krishna idol from Sandhyasar (a sacred place in Nalbari) and established it at Rajaduar. He used to pray to the idol regularly, and eventually it became a common place of worship for all. The first structure of Doul Govinda Temple was built more than 150 years ago; however, it was refurbished again in 1966.

Presently, the temple is managed by a committee of 25 devotees. The temple is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for visitors. It is also popular for Holi and Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. To feel the saintly vibe of the place, except for the local devotees, almost 232,832 tourists visit the place every year placing it among one of the top most visited tourist places in Assam.

9. Bordowa

_{Image: The backside entrance to Bordowa Than, Original photo by Diversity Assam.}

Bordowa (Officially Batadrawa) is a village almost 16 km north-west of Nagaon Town. The village is popularly known as the birthplace of Guru Srimanta Sankardev, the great social reformer and originator of Vaishnav culture in Assam.

The Bordowa Satra, or Borduwa Than, is the first Namghar or Kirtanghar founded by Guru Sankardeva himself in 1468. ‘Namghar’ or ‘Kirtanghar’ is like a prayer house where Guru Sankardeva and his followers used to sing the holy scripts of Bhagwata and Shastra Puran in Brajabuli in the form of songs called ‘Nam-kirtan’. He used to do so to propagate Vaishnav culture in Assam as a new religion called “EK SARAN NAM DHARMA”. 

The present-day Bordowa Than was later built in the same place in 1958. Almost 1 km south of Bordowa Than, there is another Namghar called ‘Doul Mandir’.

Irrespective of religious belief, Bordowa Than has a special vibrance that attracts people from different religions and cultural groups. Although the village gets crowded with devotees and tourists, especially in Bhadra Month (August–September), people keep visiting the place throughout the year. Every year, more than 232,400 people visit the place, and it stays at the top of the list of most visited tourist places in Assam.

10. Manas National Park

Manas National Park, a marvellous creation of nature and a UNESCO world heritage site, is located in Baksa district of Assam on the foothills of the Himalayas near the Indo-Bhutan border. It is a reserved site for many rare and exclusive wildlife species, including civet, royal Bengal tiger, leopard, golden langoor, pygmy hog, Assam roof turtle, etc. Moreover, the park is protecting and nourishing almost 60 species of mammals, 311 birds, 43 reptiles, 7 amphibians, 54 fish, and more than 100 species of insects.

Rivers, sub-rivers, grasslands, tropical forests, and the hill—the combination of these natural splendours makes the park a tempting destination for adventurers. Element safaris, Jeep safaris, river rafting, and birdwatching are some of the pleasing activities travellers can do during their visit.

To enjoy the serenity and exclusive vibe of nature, almost 53,786 tourists, including foreign tourists, visit the park every year, making it one of the most visited tourist places in Assam.

11. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a dense wildlife habitat located almost 27 km north-east of Guwahati in the Morigaon district of Assam. After Kaziranga National Park, it is the second-most popular park for one-horned rhinos, as it has the densest population of the species.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most loved wildlife destinations in Assam due to the diverse blend of various terrains’ flora and animals. Its ecosystem is a perfect amusement park for many rare species such as Asiatic Buffaloes, Leopards, and Wild Bears, as well as 22 species of mammals, 9 amphibians, 375 exquisite birds, 27 reptiles, and 39 species.

Aside from the serene nature and wildlife atmosphere, the facilities for Jeep safaris and elephant safaris, cultural integrity programs with the local community, and the taste of authentic Assamese food in nearby restaurants entice tourists around the world.

Including foreign tourists, almost  40,973 tourists visited Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in the years 2022–23, and it holds the 11th place among the most visited tourist places in Assam.

Disclaimer: Any information we publish on this website is authentic and verified from trusted sources. The most visited tourist places in Assam are ranked based on the data collected from the Statistical Handbook Assam-2023, published by the Government of Assam.

Diversity Assam

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