Assam is one of India’s unspoilt treasures, where the land is equally rich in biodiversity and culture. The region if filled with forests, hills, lakes and rivers offering plenty of mesmerizing eco-spots where tourism revolves around exploring natural beauty and local cultures. Mayong, the land of black magic, Umrangso in Dima Hasao, National Parks like Nameri, Orang and Manas, Chandubi Lake, etc. offer tourists with peace amidst nature and are hot-spots for ecotourism in Assam.
All of these can be thoroughly enjoyed and savored across the countryside of Assam with the locals. The people of Assam are very welcoming and ensure that any guest visiting their homes never leave on an empty stomach which makes Ecotourism in Assam a memory that you cherish forever because ‘Once you visit Assam, it stays with you forever’!
Some of the Ecotourism Hotspots across Assam are ~
- The Singpho Eco-Lodge at Inthong Village ~ Awesome Assam
With eagerness of spreading knowledge of their culture around the world a group of Singho youths formed the Singpho Community based Ecotourism society (SCES) in 2006. With an aim to showcase the culture of their community while preserving it too they built the Singpho Ecolodge at Inthong village 7 kilometers from Margherita under Dehing Patkai belt of Tinsukia district in Assam. A long driveway through tea bushes lead to the thatched building built along the lines of a traditional Singpho house on the slits. This lodge has eleven spacious double bedrooms, one seperate kitchen, on large dining hall which follows a low seating pattern where guests are served an elaborate, yet organic and eco-friendly Singpho dinner that consists of delicacies such as rice steamed in bamboo sticks, spicy tomato chutney, fresh eggplant, greens and potato preparations and yam soup.
- The Tai Phake Ecotourism Camp at Naharkatia ~ Awesome Assam
Tipam, one of the seven Tai-Phake villages in Dibrugarh district situated Naharkatia has a large Buddha temple, Trekking, Fishing and River Boating facilities. Stay for tourists is arranged at the traditional Bamboo Cottages at the village which the villagers have constructed. There are provisions to accommodate a total of sixteen guests at the village. During their stay tourists are offered traditional cuisine that is served by the women folk of the village.
- Ecotourism at Majuli River Island ~ Awesome Assam
At Majuli, although there are many options of stay with the locals one noteworthy accommodation is that of La Maison de Ananda. Staying at the eco-friendly property of La Maison de Ananda is definitely the best way to experience local culture and hospitality. Constructed by a French couple, Jim Chauvin and Maka Korbaa in 2005 under collaboration with a dedicated Mishing person named Danny Gam who is a renowned scholar and officer at the Tourism Dept of Assam, it is now looked after by the caretaker Mahendra Payeng and also Mr. Monjit Risong owner of the Risong Family Lodge, who lives next door with his family, and a small, affable staff. The other half of the eco-friendly property across the lane, built a few years later and renovated last year, is the contribution of an Englishman, Ian McCarthy. The cottages and rooms (except for one concrete cottage) have all been built of bamboo and stand on stilts, replicating the traditional houses of the local Mishing community. The in-house restaurant serves some delicious Assamese and Mishing cuisine and even a glass of the local rice brew, apong, on request.
- La Lolat Eco Camp at Majuli Island ~ Awesome Assam
From the promoters of the La Maison De Ananda we present to you the newest Eco Camp at Majuli Island ~ the La Lolat Eco Camp. A traditional style Mishing constructed camp that offers travellers a unique experience of camping at the World’s Largest River Island of Majuli. A haven for backpackers and traveller groups, the La Lolat Eco Camp at Majuli, offers accommodations at nominal rates along with traditional Mishing tribe food that is sure to leave your taste buds crave for more. The La Lolat Eco Camp is equipped with facilities for over 15 travellers who can choose to stay at tents at our camp or carry the option of bringing tents of their own and staying at our premises (conditions applicable). The La Lolat Eco Camp has a traditionally constructed Mishing kitchen and the local chef churns out delicious meals for dinner and lunch. Conversations of travellers with the locals of Majuli over a glass of rice beer (Apong and Sai Mod) discussing the rich heritage and culture of Majuli island is a common sight to be witnessed at the La Lolat Eco Camp. Nearby tribal villages can be accessed with our team who can guide you in detail about the day to day life of the Mishing tribal people of Majuli. A nearby lake ensures a soulful breeze touches your skin every moment. Traditional fishing can be experienced by our travellers at the La Lolat Eco Camp. Bathrooms with running water is an added advantage. When at leisure during your visit to Majuli get a chance to rest on the hammock at our camp alongside a river savouring a cup of black tea. We arrange for your pickup and drop to our campsite from the Kamalabari ghat at Majuli. Cycles on nominal rent are available at our camp to assist you to explore the mysteries of the largest river island in the World. Bird watching can be experienced at the lake and rivers adjacent to the La Lolat Eco Camp. Local guide to explore the Satras of Majuli can be arranged upon prior request.
- The Nature Hunt Eco-Camp at Kaziranga National Park ~ Awesome Assam
Nature Hunt Eco-Camp at Kaziranga gives you an opportunity to reveal the secrets hidden in Kaziranga and interact with natural resources as well as to enjoy the pristine beauty of this region. The Camp provides an excellent experience of an Eco-Camp with Bamboo cottages that are very ethnic and it is on the stilts which is called “Chang Ghar (house)” in local language and made of bamboo,thatch,Ikora (Long grass) and wood with mud clad wall–typical Assamese way to build houses. The Nature Hunt Eco-Camp is a medium to interact with nature and give opportunity for the conservation of flora and fauna to both the host and guest.
- Chandubi Jungle Camp at Chandubi Lake ~ Awesome Assam
When in Guwahati, the perfect location to enjoy bird watching is the Chandubi Lake. A lake that is crystal clear at certain places and covered in other places with thick growth of the ‘arali’ grass that keeps changing its location is all set to change a nondescript area inhabited by Rabha community. Not too far from the bustling capital city of Guwahati, this place is trying its best to emerge as one of the hottest Ecotourism spots in the entire Northeast while providing the city dwellers with a rejuvenating retreat. This lake was created by the devastating earthquake of 1897. It is around 65 Km from Guwahati city. The lake is at the base of Garo hills bordering Assam and Meghalaya. The place is surrounded by deep forests, tea gardens and small and discrete villages and is an ideal place for a day out and picnic. Efforts have been put by the local people at Chandubi towards the development of Ecotourism near the lake.
- Manas Maozigendri Ecotourism Society ~ Awesome Assam
The Manas Maozigendri Jungle camp is a small setup with four cottages and a dining cum commons area in ethnic style architecture. In the near-by village two guesthouses can accommodate 20 guests and for those who prefer immediate insight into a Bodo household home stay facilities are available.
- Banashree Eco Resort at Dibru-Saikhowa National Park ~ Awesome Assam
Of the five (5) National Parks in Assam, the National Park of Dibru-Saikhowa is one of the best bio diversity spots of India. Dibru-Saikhowa is known for its population of White winged wood duck in its natural habitat and also for its bright colored wild horses known as Feral Horses that are descendants of the domestic horses that strayed, escaped, or were deliberately released into the wild and remained to survive and reproduce there. Famous across the United States as ‘Mustangs’, Australia as ‘Brumby’, ‘Misaki’ in Japan these horses are a prized breed to watch out for at Dibru-Saikhowa.
- Nameri Eco Camp at Nameri National Park ~ Awesome Assam
The National Park of Nameri is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, straddles the border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Located at a distance of 181 kilometers from Guwahati, it is just the place for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers with its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna. The National Park of Nameri is one of the National Parks in Assam that provide tourists the option of trekking into the Wilds (accompanied by forest guards) to spot the majestic tiger species at the Nameri Tiger Reserve view point. It is also less frequented by tourists thereby avoiding the hustle bustle at other National Parks of importance in the State.
- Maibong Eco Resort at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary ~ Awesome Assam
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, is situated around 42 kms from Guwahati, in the plains of River Brahmaputra in the district of Morigaon. Legend has it that the King of Mayong gave the name Pobitora to the forest after his lovely daughter who died in her youth. In 1971, the forest was declared a reserve forest to protect the famous rhinos. In 1987, Pobitora was declared a wildlife sanctuary. The extent of the Protected area is 38.81 sq km. Pobitora is mainly famous for its great Indian one horned Rhinoceros. Besides Rhinoceros the other animals found are Asiatic Buffalo, Leopard, Wild bear, civet cat etc. The Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to more than 2000 resident and migratory birds such as Indian pied hornbill, osprey, hill myna, kalij pheasant. Due to its rich birdlife, the Sanctuary is also called as the ‘Bharatpur of the East‘. Various species of reptiles like Indian python, common monitor lizard, Indian tent turtle, Indian cobra are also found in the sanctuary.
