Adventure in Assam

North East India Tourism

Brahmaputra River Cruise

The mighty river Brahmaputra has been flowing relentlessly since time immemorial towards southwest through the heart of Assam calling for a soothing and breathtaking river cruise along it with a view of the majestic blue hills and calm countryside. The source of Brahmaputra River is Talung Tso Lake in south-western part of Tibet. This trans-boundary river is named as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, Siang in Arunachal Pradesh, Brahmaputra in Assam and Jamuna in Bangladesh. About 2900 kilometers long, Brahmaputra River is vitally important and virtually the life line to the people of Assam. The Waterway of Brahmaputra River from Sadiya to Dhubri covers entire Assam with a navigable length of 891 kilometers. It is declared as National Waterway No.2 vides National Waterway Act of 1988.

Cruise tour in Assam provides a naturally exciting experience since the travelers shall come across traditional rural villages, local culture, rich wildlife and wilderness of the state along its way. Cruise journey also offers a glimpse of wonderful bird life and endangered Gangetic River Dolphin across the river Brahmaputra on its route to various tour destinations of Assam.

Angling

The tributaries of the mighty river, Brahmaputra, of Assam, mainly Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas provides best sites for angling. The famous Manas National Park and Nameri National Park offer facilities for this popular sport.

River Jia Bhoroli contains 6 different species of the famous Mahseer, a favourite of every angler of the globe. An organization named ‘Assam (Bhorelli) Angling & Conservation Association’ (registered as ‘Assam Bhoroli Anglers Association’) linked up with the State Forest Department organized angling competition for several years in the month of November at Jia Bhoroli River. Participants from within the state and abroad also took part in this competition. At present, such competition has been stopped due to restriction of law.

River Rafting

River rafting is a famous adventure sport in Assam. The presence of mighty Brahmaputra River and its ever flowing tributaries like Manas, Jia Bhoroli and Kapili serves an ample scope for this sport. Rafting downstream in these tributaries is an exhilarating lifetime experience for all vacationers and considered secure during winter. Being snow-fed streams, these tributaries are calm, serene and cool all the year round. But during monsoon season, they become speedy and violent. River rafting facilities provided in Manas National Park and Nameri National Park are key attractions for tourists.

Golfing

British officers in the pre-independence period during their rule over Assam influenced the tea-planters of Assam to try a hand in Golf as a relaxing activity. Over the years, sincere interest of the tea planters in golfing led to the creation of a few wonderful golf courses in Assam. In comparison to the best golf courses of the world, these golf courses are marvelous in terms of location, grass and exquisite landscape. Assam, the land of tea gardens beckons a large number of tourists every year. Most of the tea gardens of Assam have golf courses, with suitable facilities and proper arrangements. Nearly, all the Golf courses are 9 holes courses, whereas the Digboi and Kaziranga golf courses possess 18 holes courses.

Boat Racing

Boat racing in Assam is quite akin to the snake boat racing of Kerala. This adventurous water sport is very much popular in Assam. During festive occasions, boat racing is organized at places like Hajo, Sualkuchi, Barpeta and Guwahati by local organizations.

At Sualkuchi, this indigenous sport of Assam has been revived in the form of annual boat festival. In 1965 AD, some local community formed a committee to recommence the age old competition. The race is arranged every year to honour the death anniversary of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev (1449 AD – 1568 AD). Over the years, the competition has been organized to spread the message of unity, integrity and social harmony among the masses. Local people belonging to different caste, community and religion participate in the race with great zeal.