A Suggested Tour Plan to Spend a Week in Assam
Assam captivates with its lush tea gardens, misty hills, vibrant culture, and the majestic Brahmaputra River. Rich in wildlife and tradition, it’s a serene blend of nature and heritage. Commonly referred as the gateway to the Northeast India, Assam offers an enchanting blend of lush landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unique wildlife. A week spent exploring Assam is a journey through serene river islands, verdant tea plantations, and centuries-old traditions that create an unforgettable travel experience. From Guwahati to the tranquil Majuli Island and the lush forests of Kaziranga, Assam’s rich heritage and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for curious travellers.
This 7-day suggested itinerary takes you through Assam’s must-visit destinations, giving you a taste of its history, culture, and natural beauty.
Day 1: Arrival at Guwahati
Your sojourn begins in Guwahati, Assam’s largest city and cultural hub. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to settle in. If you’re flying in, Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is well connected with major cities in India. Guwahati sits by the mighty Brahmaputra River and serves as the ideal gateway for your exploration of Assam.
Day 2: Guwahati Sightseeing
Guwahati has much to offer, and a full day here will allow you to soak in its spiritual and scenic beauty. Start your day with a visit to the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most revered Shakti shrines in India, dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya. Perched atop Nilachal Hill, the temple provides sweeping views of the city and the Brahmaputra River. The temple is visited by huge crowd of devotees daily. Therefore, it is better to reach the shrine as early as possible.
Next, head to the Umananda Temple, located on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra. Afterward, visit the Assam State Museum to get acquainted with Assam’s history, art, and culture and wind up for the day.
Day 3: Transfer to Sualkuchi
Make your way to Sualkuchi, often called the “Manchester of Assam” for its famed silk weaving industry. Located about 30 km from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is the center of Assam’s traditional silk production, particularly the golden Muga silk, which is exclusive to the region.
A walk through the town will reveal the artistry of local weavers working on traditional looms, creating beautiful silk sarees and garments. You can visit the weaving workshops to observe the meticulous process of silk production, interact with the artisans, and perhaps even pick up a traditional silk souvenir. At the day’s end return to Guwahati to halt for the night.
Day 4: Kaziranga National Park
Leave early for Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the iconic one-horned rhinoceros. Located about 165 km from Guwahati, Kaziranga spans lush grasslands, wetlands, and forests, supporting a range of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and an impressive variety of birds.
Upon arrival, settle into a forest lodge or resort, and prepare for an afternoon jeep safari. The park is divided into 4 zones for Kaziranga Jeep Safari. Returning to the hotel or resort you will be further entertained by the cultural programs arranged by the authorities. Lay back and indulge in the program, while enjoying some delicious evening snacks.
Day 5: Kaziranga to Jorhat
Wake up early to enjoy an elephant safari at the Bogori Range of Kaziranga National Park. Leaving behind the one-horned rhinos, your journey takes you to Jorhat, around 137 km from Kaziranga. Jorhat is Assam’s tea capital, and the drive through scenic tea gardens is a highlight of this route. On arrival, visit the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, one of the oldest tea research centers in the world, to learn about Assam’s tea heritage. Pack some tea samples as souvenirs.
Day 6: A Day Trip to Majuli Island
Take a ferry ride to Majuli Island, the world’s largest river island and a cultural hub for the Assamese. Located on the Brahmaputra River, Majuli is known for its unique traditions, especially the Neo-Vaishnavite culture introduced by the 16th-century saint Srimanta Sankardeva. Visit the Satras (monasteries) where you can witness spiritual practices, dance-drama performances, and ancient art forms like mask-making. Majuli is also a nature lover’s paradise, with migratory birds, scenic landscapes, and picturesque villages.
Day 7: Transfer from Jorhat and Departure from Guwahati
On your final day, make your way back to Guwahati from Jorhat for departure. It will take nearly 6 hours to reach Guwahati. Accordingly, book your return tickets to board an evening flight or train. Depending on your schedule, you can take some extra time to shop for souvenirs, especially Assamese handlooms, handicrafts, and, of course, Assam tea.
