Flora and Fauna
Assam has different types of flora that is unique to the state. One such variety is the 'Foxtail' orchid or 'Kopou Ful' (in local dialect) which blooms during spring at the onset of Bohag Bihu. Apart from this there are varieties of trees and plants like the Hollong tree (150 ft in height), extensive Khair-Sisoo forests, Segun tree (Assam teak), Sal tree etc.
Bamboo groves are a common sight all around the state. One can also see areca nut palm trees, jackfruit trees, betel-nut trees etc in abundance.
In terms of wildlife the state boasts of rare and endangered species like Tigers, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Swamp Deer, Gangetic Dolphins, and White-Winged Wood-duck etc. Migratory birds fly into Assam during winter and other seasons from far off regions.
Eco Hotspot
From Guwahati it takes an hour's drive to reach Madan Kamdev which is known for its magnificent archaeological ruins. Adjacent to this location one can come across the Chandubi Lake, a natural lagoon and a scenic spot for outdoor picnics.
Dighalipukhuri is a natural water body located in the heart of Guwahati and is a favorite with people for boating purposes.
The Guwahati Zoo with its abundant greenery is considered as the 'green lungs' of Guwahati and this zoo is also the largest natural zoo of India.
Just on the outskirts of Guwahati, near the airport is the Deepor Beel, a wetland and a Ramsar site, which attracts a large number of migratory birds during winters.
64 kilometers from Tezpur, near Arunachal Pradesh border one will come across Bhalukpong which is a nature reserve. This reserve lies on the banks of Jia Bharali and is a tourist's delight because of its natural beauty, calm and for excellent angling and rafting opportunities.
A few kilometers from Nagaon town are the Chapanalla Waterfall which is popular picnic spot as well as a place of worship. During Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) large numbers of people visit this place to scale the hill and offer prayers to a rock deity resembling Lord Ganesha (the elephant God).
More Eco Hotspots
Other Attraction
Haflong, the district headquarters of North Cachar hills is Assam's only hill station and is located at a distance of 355 km from Guwahati and 84 km from Silchar. It is a scenic town with breathtaking views.
Just 9 kilometers from Haflong is Jatinga where every year thousands of migratory birds commit unexplained mass suicide between the month of August and November. There is an elevated watch tower from where one can watch this spectacular phenomenon.
One of the oldest clubs of India and the world's third oldest golf club is the Jorhat Gymkhana club. It was established in 1876 as a recreational center for British planters. Every year tourists converge here to witness the annual pony race.
Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra is a multi-arts complex in Guwahati which showcases the life and culture Assamese people.
Digboi is famous not just as the oldest oil refinery of Asia, but also because of the Oil museum that is located within the National Oil Park.
Another famous landmark of Digboi is the Digboi War Cemetery which houses the graves of World War II martyrs. A prayer ceremony is held every year in the month of November on second Sunday morning.
Equally famous is the Digboi golf course with its (18) Hole course which is considered as one of the best of North-East India. National and International tournaments are organized here.
Shopping
Assam is home to rich art and craft and Assamese people are master craftsmen. Apart from fine silk fabrics and bamboo/cane products, one can get several other excellent pieces of crafts like Metal Crafts, Woodcraft, Handlooms, Toys, Pottery, Masks, Jewellery, Terracotta and Traditional Paintings etc.
The state is also known for different types of hand-woven cloth but the best of the lot is the fine golden 'Muga' silk and 'Mekhela Chadar' is the most popular attire worn by Assamese women.
The cane and bamboo products of the state like different types of baskets, mats and musical instruments, household items and furniture etc have many takers from all over the country.
Assam's bell-metal and brassware products like 'Xorai and Bota' which have been traditionally used for centuries have gained international recognition. One can get these products in Hajo and Sarthebari which are quite near to Guwahati.
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