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.
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Although there are more than 43 famous tourist places in Assam, the favorite tourist places are different for domestic and international tourists. According to government data, 1702932 domestic and 1231 foreign tourists visited various popular places in Assam during the years 2021–22. 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 2021–22
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 300,000 tourists visit this place, and in the years 2021–22, 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 2021–22, except for local devotees, almost 216,800 tourists visited Kamakhya Temple, placing it second on the list of most visited tourist places in Assam.
3. 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 2011–22, it was the third most visited place among all the tourist places in Assam.
4. 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.
5. Bordowa, Nagaon
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 200,000 people visit the place, and it stays at the top of the list of most visited tourist places in Assam.
6. Sivasagar 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 145,000 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.
7. 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 120,000 tourists visit the place every year.
8. Madan Kamdev Temple
Madan Kamdev Temple, situated 40 km northeast of Guwahati and 3 km from the 52nd national highway, is another of the most visited tourist places in Assam. The main attraction of the site is the ruined yet ageless sculptures and engravings of Kama, or Madan, the God of Love and Erotica, scattered around the Diwangiri Hillock.
The archaeological charm of the sculptures takes us back to the 10th–12th centuries A.D., showing the historical glory of the Pala Dynasty that used to rule Kamrupa, present-day Kamrup district of Assam.
According to Hindu mythology, Kamdev was cursed and cast into ashes by Lord Shiva. Then Kamdev’s wife, Rati Devi, begged Lord Shiva to return her husband. So, Kamdev was reborn and united to Rati Devi in this Dewangiri Hillock. Concerned archaeologists believe that this is the reason behind the existence of eroctic sculptures in Kamdev temple, showcasing an ancient way of making love.
Madan Kamdev temple is also known as the Khajuraho of Assam’ and is undoubtedly a mesmerizing place for tourists who delight in the enchanting realms of mythology and historical wonders.
9. 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 vibe, tourists can experience the breathtaking splendour 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.
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 26,000 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 pisces.
Aside from the serene nature and wildlife atmosphere, the facilities for Jeep safaris and elephant safaris, cultural integrity programmes with the local community, and the taste of authentic Assamese food in nearby restaurants entice tourists around the world.
Including foreign tourists, almost 16,000 tourists visited Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in the years 2021–22, 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-2022, published by the Government of Assam.
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