‘If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.’ – Rachel Wolchin
They say, “You may discover the entire globe, but you’ll always head back home.” Well, they are true. As a teenager, I might still be too young to be preaching or sharing wisdom, but the lessons life has taught me over the years seem worth this effort.
My favourite place to visit is my native state – Assam. Now, if a few years ago someone had asked me this question, my answer probably would have been Switzerland or Bali. One couldn’t deny the fact that the landscaped European nation that boasts numerous lakes, nestled in the high Alps peaks and a tropical paradise island sure sound tempting. However, a recent trip to Assam changed my view completely.
Assam is host to some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, riverine grasslands, bamboo orchards, and several wetland habitats, many of which are now protected as national parks and reserved forests. The world renowned Kaziranga National Park on the bank of River Brahmaputra and the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary near the Bhutan border are also situated in Assam.
The Kaziranga National Park is a haven for the rapidly vanishing Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Assam has a variety of orchid species as depicted by the Foxtail orchid being the state flower. The recently constructed Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park is home to numerous distinct orchid species. Waterfalls with ethereal vistas are fairly abundant in Assam, which has waterfalls such as the Panimur Falls, Chmapawati Kunda, Akashiganga Falls, and Sivakunda Falls.
Umananda Island, the world’s smallest river island, is an oasis packed with narratives, a place where man and nature coexist in tranquilly and peace. Umananda Island is in the midst of the Brahmaputra River, which runs through the city of Guwahati It was labelled as the Peacock Island by British colonists who were inspired by its form.
The island is home to a particularly uncommon and endangered species known as Golden Langurs, which are held in great regard by Himalayans. According to legend, it is the same location where Lord Kamadev was burned to ashes by Lord Shiva’s third eye when the latter attempted to break his meditation, hence giving it its alternative title Bhasmchal. The island gets its name from the Umananda Devi Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Situated on the peaks of Nilachal Hill, rests the famous Kamakhya Temple which is considered as one of the oldest among the fifty-one Shakti Pithas. This devotional shrine is a major pilgrimage hub for Hindu pilgrims. It is a sight to behold due to the solitary and serene environment around it, as well as the magnificent backdrop of the entrancing Nilachal Hill. This sacred place of devotion, on the other hand, is well-known due to its black magic ceremonies and Tantrik worshippers.
The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife lover’s paradise, being one of the world’s two treasure troves of the renowned and endangered one-horned rhinos, together with a fantastic birdlife that has earned it the moniker “Bharatpur of the East.” A jeep safari through this ethereal landscape will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience worth seeing.
Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra is a cultural centre in Panjabari, Guwahati, named for the mediaeval poet-playwright and reformer. The complex comprises various centres dedicated to promoting Assam’s cultural brilliance with an astounding presentation of its history and magnificent past.
Established in 1990, this Kalakshetra highlights the creative grandeur of the North East while also preserving the past. Sage Vashishta is credited with writing the Hindu epic Vashishtha Ramayana. It is believed that the sage established an aashram and passed away there. A visit to Basistha Ashram is a rejuvenating retreat for both pilgrims and history buffs.
Rafting down the strong currents of the Kameng River provides for a thrilling experience amidst the rich tribal culture which is surrounded by a serene environment. Taking in the pleasant aroma of Assam tea as you step out into an Assam tea bagan is a soothing experience that no one should skip. Renowned tea estates in Assam include Sonapur Tea Estate, Manohari Tea Estate, Joonktollee Tea Estate etc.
After such a memorable trip, I hardly ever think about travelling abroad. This experience made me fall in love with my birthland so much so that I wish to explore other states of India. I would like to take this adventure as every destination in India is a mysterious haven of rich heritage and culture.
By: Pratistha Bhattacharya
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