Assam travel tips
A few practical notes for planning a trip anywhere in Assam.
When to go
October to April is the main season across Assam. The monsoon (June–September) is lush but brings floods and closes most national parks.
National parks
Kaziranga, Manas, Orang, Nameri and Pobitora open for safaris roughly from October/November to April/May. Book jeep safaris and stays early for December–February.
Permits for neighbouring states
Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland or Mizoram (apply online). Bhutan border towns can be visited; going further into Bhutan needs an entry permit.
Getting around
Guwahati is the main hub by air, rail and road. ASTC and private buses connect all district towns; hiring a car with a driver is easiest for parks and villages.
Visiting satras and temples
Dress modestly, remove footwear where asked and follow the rules about photography inside prayer halls. Many satras welcome visitors to evening prayers.
Festivals to plan around
Rongali Bihu (mid-April), Magh Bihu and Jonbeel Mela (January), Ambubachi at Kamakhya (June), Raas on Majuli (November) and the Karbi Youth Festival (February).
Food to try
Masor tenga (sour fish curry), duck with ash gourd, pitha rice cakes, khar, smoked pork in the hills, and of course strong Assam tea.
Stay safe
Carry ID, keep some cash for rural areas, follow forest guards’ instructions on safaris and check weather and road updates in the monsoon. National emergency number: 112.