2
ASSAM
This chapter presents an overview of Assam State, Tourism Resource Analysis, Tourism
Infrastructure Analysis, Institutional Setup, Ongoing tourism projects, Prioritisation Strategy,
Tourism Product Planning and Proposals for sub circuits/ destinations, Block cost estimates etc.
2.1 REGIONAL ANALYSIS
A. GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING
Assam, one of the largest states in India, is the gateway to North-East India. It is located between
the latitude and longitudes of 24.30 and 28.00 North & between 89.50 and 96.10 East. The
capital of the state is Dispur located in the city of Guwahati. Assam is surrounded by six other
states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya. These states
are connected to the rest of India via a narrow strip in West Bengal called the Siliguri Corridor or
"Chicken's Neck”.
Assam is surrounded by a ring of blue hills. It is an
amalgamation of plains and river valleys. The state
is divided into three broad geographic units:

The lower and central Assam hills, known as
the Shillong Plateau

The Barail ranges and the low hilly terrains of
Mizo hills

The Alluvial valley of Brahmaputra, Dhansiri
and the Barak river
Brahmaputra River is the life-line of Assam. The river with steep gorges and rapids in Arunachal
Pradesh entering Assam becomes a braided river and with tributaries, creates a flood plain. The
Brahmaputra Valley has an area of 56,350 sq. kms and constitutes 70% of the total area of the
state. In the south, the Barak originating in the Barail Range (Assam-Nagaland border), flows
through the Cachar district with a 25–30 miles (40–50 km) wide valley and enters Bangladesh.
The Barak Valley has a total area of 6965 sq. kms. The drainage of the area is slow because the
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river has hardly any gradient. The hill Region of Karbi Anglog and North Cachar is one of the most
picturesque areas of Assam. The region has an area of 15,200 sq. kms and is 20% of the total
area of Assam.
Assam has one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world and consisting of tropical
rainforests, deciduous forests, riverine grasslands, bamboo orchards and numerous wetland
ecosystems.
B. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
Assam was formed on 15.8.1947. The total geographical area of the state is 78,438 sq. km.
Assam accounts for about 2.4 percent of the country’s total geographical area. Assam is divided
into 27 administrative districts namely, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Darrang, Dhemaji Dhubri,
Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Golaghat, Hailakandi, Jorhat, Kamrup, Karbi Anglong, Karimganj, Kokrajhar,
Lakhimpur, Marigaon, Nagaon, Nalbari, North Cachar Hills, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, Tinsukia,
Kokrajhar, Baska, Chirang and Udalguri.
To decentralize the authority in administrative set up a district is divided into one or more
subdivisions, further divided into tehsils and blocks. There are 149 tehsils and 26,312 villages in
the state. Assam has 125 towns and Guwahati is the largest city. The principal languages of the
state are - Assamese, Bengali, Hindi and Oriya. Its major towns are Guwahati, Dhubri, Barpeta,
Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Silchar, Tezpur. Under the unicameral legislature
system, it has 126 seats of legislative assembly. The state is represented in the Lok Sabha by
fourteen members and seven members in the Rajya Sabha.
C. DEMOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE
The population of Assam is 26,655,528 according to 2001 census and is scattered over 27
districts and 26312 villages. Of them, 3,308,570 persons are Scheduled Tribes (STs), constituting
12.4 per cent of the total population of the state. Assam accounts for over 70 % of the
population of the Northeast (census 2001).
Table No 2.1 Demographic profile of Assam State as compared to India figures
1991 Census
2001 Census
Particulars
Unit
Assam
India
Assam
India
Population
Lakh
224
8463
266
10270
Decadal Growth Rate
Percent
24.24
23.86
18.92
21.34
% Change in decadal growth
Percent
-
-
- 5.32
-2.52
Density
Per Sq. Km
286
273
340
324
Literacy
Percent
52.89
52.21
64.28
65.38
Urban Population
Percent
11.10
26.13
12.90
27.78
Rural Population
Percent
88.90
73.87
87.10
72.22
S.C. Population
Percent
7.40
16.73
6.85
NA
S.T. Population
Percent
12.83
7.95
12.41
NA
Source: Census of India 1991 and 2001
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The District “Kamrup” is one of the most densely populated regions of Assam. Guwahati is a fast
growing metropolis and the most important city of the region. Guwahati with a population of 8.9
Lakhs (Census 2001) is by far the largest settlement, while Shillong and Imphal, with population
size of only 2.7 and 2.5 lakhs respectively are second and third largest cities in the North Eastern
region. The State has the highest population density among NE states, of 339 persons per sq.
km. As against decadal growth rate of 21.54% at the national level, the population of the State
has grown by 18.92% over the period 1991-2001. The sex ratio of Assam at 935 females to 1000
males is higher than the national average of 933. Female literacy of the State rose to 56.03%
from 43.03% in 1991.
D. INFRASTRUCTURE- CONNECTIVITY
Assam is the gateway to the North Eastern part of India and is best connected. By Road, all
States except Sikkim have to travel through Assam and shares border with all these 6 States and
West Bengal.
BY AIR
Major Airports in Assam are:
Guwahati Airport:
The Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati is 18 km from the city centre
and is well connected to New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.
Indian Airlines, Air Sahara, Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Kingfisher Airlines, SpiceJet and Indigo fly
operate regular flights to and from Guwahati. Air India also operates an international weekly
flight between Bangkok and Guwahati. It also acts as a base for the Indian Air Force.
Mohanbari Airport, Dibrugarh:
Mohanbari Airport of Dibrugarh is located at a distance of 15 km from the centre of the city. A
number of flights, like the Indian Airlines, Air India, and Air Sahara, operate from here,
connecting Dibrugarh to major cities, like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, apart from the other
airports within the state. This is one of the busiest airports of Assam, because of its close
proximity with areas of leading industries like ONGC, OIL, and Coal India Limited, etc.
Lilabari Airport, Lakhimpur:
Lilabari Airport of Lakhimpur also serves the state of Arunachal Pradesh and is around 9 kms
from the town. It is said that this is one of the most strategically placed airports in the valley of
Assam.
Salonibari Airport, Tezpur
Salonibari Airport is situated at a distance of 10 km from the heart of the Tezpur city and about
181 km from the city of Guwahati. This airport has daily flights from Guwahati and three flights
per week to Kolkata and Jorhat. From the airport, cabs and buses are available to take the
passengers to the city.
Rowriah Airport, Jorhat
Rowriah Airport is located in the city of Jorhat and regular flights are conducted from this place
to the airports at Guwahati and Dibrugarh.
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Kumbhirgram Airport, Silchar
This is another major airport located in Assam, in the Silchar region, known as Kumbhirgram
Airport. It connects the city to areas like Guwahati, Agartala, Imphal, Aizwal and Kolkata.
Table No 2.2 Helicopter Services
Helicopter Services
Route
Guwahati - Naharlagun(A.P.)
Guwahati - Shillong - Guwahati
Guwahati - Shillong - Guwahati
Depart
1330
0900
1000
Days
1357
1235
46
BY RAIL
Railway transportation infrastructure was set up by the British in view of the export potential of
tea, oil and other raw material. Assam has a convenient railway network connecting the state to
the rest of the country. There are train services from Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,
Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum. B.G. line connection is up to Dibrugarh and M.G. line with
Haflong and Silchar.
Out of the total gauge length, the share of broad gauge is 1228 kms compared to 1289 kms of
meter gauge. Meter gauge connects sectors of Lumding to Haflong.
BY ROAD
A network of National Highways and other roads connect Guwahati with all the important places
of Assam and India. It is the connector city of NH - 31, 37 and 40 with the other cities of India by
road.
The total length of road under public works department of 34, 423 kms out of which 2044 kms
are National Highway, 2028 kms are surfaced roads and the rest are unsurfaced roads. Most of
the districts are connected by national highway except Karimagnj and Hailakandi and the North
Cachar Hill region. For tourists ATDC operates tours in Kaziranga, Tezpur, Bhalukpong, Majuli,
Shivsagar and Shillong.
Many private travel companies and the Assam State Transport Corporation operate a large
network of buses from anywhere around. There are routes connecting Guwahati with Dibrugarh,
Jorhat, Tinsukhia, Silchar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizawl and Itanagar.
INLAND WATERWAYS
Assam has 1600 kms of waterways that are navigable by the stemmers. These waterways are
primarily used for ferrying cargo and passengers, and also luxury cruise for the tourists.
2.2 TOURISM IN ASSAM- SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
Several efforts have been made by the Government of Assam to identify and develop tourist
spot and to classify them as per availability of tourist resources. On the basis of the available
tourist resources in the state, the department has categorized tourism as follows: wildlife
tourism, cultural tourism, pilgrimage tourism, adventure tourism and tea tourism. The Shakti
peeth Kamakhya and Kaziranga National Park constitutes the most attractive points for both
domestic and foreign tourists. Adventure and tea tourism are the two new areas, which have
been adopted by the tourism department for development.
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A. TRAVEL CIRCUITS – INTRA AND INTER STATE CIRCUITS
CIRCUITS IDENTIFIED BY DEPT OF TOURISM
The Department of Tourism, Govt of Assam has identified the following interstate travel circuits
linking the tourist places of nearby states and intrastate circuits:
Interstate Travel Circuits:
1. North East Circuit No. 1 (Eco Tourism Circuit): Shillong- Guwahati- Kaziranga- TezpurBhalukpong- Tawang- Majuli- Sivsagar- Kohima
2. North East Circuit No. II (Riverrine and Hill Circuits): Dubri- Goalpara- Guwahati- SilcharKarimaganj- Hailakandi
Intrastate Travel Circuits:
1. Wildlife Circuit: Manas- Kaziranga- Dibrugarh
2. Buddhist Circuit:

Jorhat- Titabor- Shivsagar- Ledo- Lekhpani

Guwahati-Rangpara-Tawang

Guwahati-Hajo-Suryapahar
3. Srimant Sankardev- Madhavdev Circuit

Coochbehar- Madhupur- Barkota-Hajo-batadwara- Majuli
EXISTING TRAVEL CIRCUITS
Inter State Circuits:
Guwahati being the main entry point to the 7 states, features in most circuits. The most
commonly visited circuits are as below:

Guwahati- Shillong- Kaziranga

Guwahati- Shillong- Kaziranga- Majuli-Jorhat
This is one of the most popular tourist circuits existing also, with established destinations. Majuli
also added a key destination in circuit.
As time permits Umiam Lake- Cherrapunjee etc are added.

Guwahati- Tezpur- Bombdilla- Tawang

Guwahati- Shillong- Kaziranga- Majuli- Tezpur- Bhalukpong- Bomdilla- Tawang
These two are among the most popular tourist circuits existing also, with established
destinations.
Intra State Circuits:
The existing Tourist Circuits in the state are:
1. Guwahati-Shillong-Guwahati
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2. Guwahati-Kaziranga-Guwahati
3. Guwahati-Tezpur-Bhalukpong-Nameri National Park-Guwahati
4. Guwahati-Bomdila-Tawang(Arunachal Pradesh)-Tezpur-Guwahati
5. Guwahati-Sibsagar-Jorhat-Majuli-Guwahati
6. Guwahati-Hajo-Barpeta-Guwahati
7. Guwahati-Manas-Guwahati
8. Guwahati City Tour
9. River cruise on Brahmaputra
10. Brahmaputra by Steam- a steam locomotive driven nostalgia trip (operated by the North
East Frontier Railway).
11. Jatinga Steam Safari across the enchanting North Cachar Hills (operated by the North East
Frontier Railway).
B. TOURISM RESOURCE CATEGORISATION
NATURE BASED
Name
Kaziranga NP
Manas NP
Dibru-Saikhowa NP
Main attraction
Rhino, Tiger, Bears, Wild Buffalo,Swamp Deer, Gaur, Gibbon, Bengal
Florican, Dolphin, Otter
Tiger, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Dhole Pigmy hog, Hispid
hare, Golden langur, Bengal florican
Ferel horses, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, White winged wood duck and Salix
swamp
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Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
Tiger, 4 species of Hornbill, White Winged Wood duck, Golden Mahaseer
Rajiv Gandhi
Garampani
Laokhowa
Bornadi
Rhino, Tiger, Maljurias Bengal Florican
Elephant, Hot Water Springs
Elephant, Tiger, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, Bengal Florican
Hispid Hare, Pygmy Hog, Dhole, Elephants, Tiger, Great Pied Hornbill,
Peafowl
Chakrasila
Golden Langur, Gaur, Sambar, Barking deer
Burachapori
Elephants, Tiger, Wild buffalo, Aquatic Birds, Bengal Florican
Pani-Dihing
Stray Elephants; Birds Paradise
Hollongapar Gibbon 7 Primates (Hoolock Gibbon, Stump-tailed Macaque, Capped Langur, Pig –
tailed Macaque, Assamese Macaque, Slow Loris and Rhesus Macaque ),
Elephant, Leopard
Pobitora
Rhino, Leopards, Barking Deer, Migratory Birds
Sonai -Rupai
Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Dhole, Sambar, White Winged Wood duck
Bherjan, Borajan- Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Pig-tailed Macaque, Slow Loris and
Padumoni
Rhesus Macaque, Leopard
East Karbi Anglong
Gaur, Elephants, Tiger, Sambar, Barking Deer, Lesser Cats, Hoolock,
Gibbon, Capped Langur, Wreathed Hornbill,
Nambor
Gaur, Elephants, Tiger, Sambar, Barking Deer, Lesser Cats, Hoolock
Gibbon, Capped Langur, Wreathed Hornbill
Marat Longri
Tigers, Leopards, Gaur, Elephants, Hoolock Gibbon
Nambor- Doigurung Gaur, Elephants, Tiger, Sambar, Barking Deer, Lesser Cats, Hoolock
Gibbon, Capped Langur, Wreathed Hornbill
Amchang
Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Lesser Cats, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbon, Capped
Langur
Dehing Patkai
Elephants, Tiger, Hoolock Gibbon, White winged Wood Duck, Hornbills,
Rain forests
Borail
Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Hoolock Gibbon, Langur, Spectacled
Monkey
RELIGIOUS
Assam has been a centre for Shakti worship for centuries. The ancient name Pragjyotishapura
refers to the region as a center of astrology. The various temples and monuments, spread almost
all over Assam, bear silent witness to the glorious past of Assam. The religious sites are for all the
religion namely: Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christianity etc.
Places
1. Barpeta
2. Batadrawa
3. Hajo
4. Kamakhya
5. Madan Kamdev
Speciality
Famous for a Vaishnava monastery
Birth place of Shri Sankardeva, the Vaishnava reformer, saint and a
great literary figure
Sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists
An important religious place of the Hindus within the city of Guwahati,
on the top of Nilachal hill, attracts thousands of devotees and other
tourists every day by its natural grandeur
Vast archaeological ruins of fine erotic sculpture
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6. Majuli
7. Surya Pahar
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
The largest river island in the world, centre of Vaishnava culture, seat of
many satras which are known as the centres of Assamese art, dance,
drama, music, a safe heaven for various migratory birds
Situated on a hill surrounded by innumerable statues of Durga Devi,
Ganesha, Surya, Chandra, Buddha
HISTORICAL
Places
Specialty
1. Digboi
Famous for the first oil refinery in Asia, war cemetery of World War II
2. Sibsagar
Seat of the Ahom rule, famous for royal palaces, monuments, temples and
massive ponds
3. Tezpur
Ruins of an ancient capital of the Mahabharata time, famous for the love story
of Usha-Anirudha
CULTURAL
Places
Specialty
Sualkuch
A place close to Guwahati known for handloom silk production
Diphu
Cultural centre of Karbi tribe in Karbi Anglong
Hajo
Brass and Bell Metal
Batadrava area of fiber weaving
Nagaon
district,
Gauripur area of
Dhubri district
SATRAS
The Institution of Satra was a unique feature of Vaishnavism in Assam, founded by Sankardeva,
the father of Assamese culture. Satras were basically monasteries which propagate
neoVaishnavism. They also became centres for education and dissemination of the art of
harmoniums living. In 15th century the first Satra was founded in Majuli. Since then sixty five
Satras have come up for the propagation of ethics and socio-cultural ideals. However, at present
there are only twenty two Satras in Majuli. The others had to be shifted to safer places due to
the devastation of flood and erosion.
The main existing Satras are:
Dakhinpat Satra: Founded by Banamalidev, an exponent of Raasleela, is now observed as one of
the National Festivals of Assam. During Rasotsava several thousand devotees visit these holy
Satras every year.
Garamurh Satra: Founded by Lakshmikanta deva. During the end of autumn, traditional
Raasleela (co-acting) is shown with great enthusiasm. Some ancient weapons called "Bortop"
(canons) are preserved here.
Auniati Satra: Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, the Satra is famous for "Paalnaam" and Apsara
Dance and has collection of Assamese old utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.
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Kamalabari Satra: Founded by Bedulapadma, it is a centre of art, cultural, literature and classical
studies.
Bengenaati Satra: It is a storehouse of antiques of cultural importance and an advance centre of
performing art. Muraridev, the grand son of Sankardeva's step mother founded this Satra. The
royal robes belonging to the Ahom king Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha, made of gold and a golden
umbrella are preserved here.
Shamaguri Satra: The satra is home to famous Mask crafts.
Batadrawa Satra: It is the birthplace of the greatest Vaishnava Saint Srimanta Sankardev,a
Shrine and a centre of Vaishnava art and culture. It is about 140 kms from Guwahati and about
15 kms. from Nagaon town.
Barpeta Satra and Kirtanghar: This famous Shrine and Kirtanghara attracts Vaishanavas from all
over India. It was established by Madhadeva the greatest disciple of Shankardeva.
ADVENTURE
One of the world's largest rivers, the Brahmaputra and its tributaries offers a wide for various
water sports.
Angling: The River Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas are the best places for angling. The Jia Bhoroli
River is home to the fierce game fish, the Golden Mahseer, or tiger of the Himalayan Rivers. An
annual Angling competition is regularly held at Jia Bhoroli where a number of anglers both from
outside the state as well as abroad participate every year. Assam Bhoroli Anglers Association
organises this sport in the month of November every year in collaboration with the State Forest
Department. Eco Camp situated at the fringes of the Nameri National Park is an avid camper's
ideal getaway.
River Cruise: Cruise on Brahmaputra River takes place mainly from Ninging to Dhubri
Boat Racing: Boat racing is a very popular sport of the state. People very often organise boat
racing during festive occasions at places like Hajo, Saulkuchi, Barpeta, Guwahati etc
River Rafting: The mighty river Brahmaputra and its turbulent tributaries like Manas, Jia Bhoroli
and Kapili offer immense scope for River Rafting.
Mountaineering & Trekking: The topography of Assam makes it an ideal destination for
trekkers, mountaineers and rock climbers. The hills, in particular, the North Cachar Hills and
Karbi Hills are most favourable for trekking and mountaineering. There is a recognized trekking
route in both the districts. There is also a rock hill in Morigaon District known as "Elephant
Rocks" which offer ample scope for Rock Climbing. The Simhasana Hill of Karbi Anglong is also
famous for rock climbing. The main city of Assam, Guwahati, is surrounded on three sides with
beautiful hills.
Rock Climbing: There is also a rock hill in Morigaon District known as "Elephant Rocks" which
offer ample scope for Rock Climbing. The Simhasana Hill of Karbi Anglong is also famous for rock
climbing.
Para – Sailing: Para-sailing, has been introduced by Assam Tourist Development Corporation to
attract domestic and foreign tourists. The ideal place for Para-sailing near Guwahati is North
Guwahati
Hang Gilding: Hang Gliding also has potential here. The ideal places for Hang Gliding are
Kamakhya Hills and hills around Kaziranga.
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HILL STATIONS
Jatinga Hill Station: Jatinga is situated 9 kms from Haflong town, the District Head Quarter of
North Cachar Hills. Jatinga is famous for bird mystery. The migratory birds come during the
month of August to November and it becomes the ornithologist's attraction.
Diphu Hill Station: Diphu is the Head Quarter to Karbi Anglong District and 271 kms from
Guwahati by road. It is connected by N. F. Railway and State Transport Buses from Guwahati.
Nearest Airport is Dimapur 54 kms.
Umrangshu Hill Station: The distance from Guwahati to Umrangshu is 224 kms by road. The
biggest Hydel plant has come up under North East Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) with
dams in the Kopili River.
Maibong Hill Station: Located on the Bank of Mahur River and 47 kms from Haflong. Maibong
once flourished as the capital of Dimasa, Kachari Kingdom. Stone house and temple of Kachari
king can be seen at Maibong.
Haflong Hill Station: Up in the rugged terrains stands Assam's only hill station Haflong where
one can see the rainbow down below. It is the district Head Quarter of North Cachar hills
District. A beautiful big lake "Haflong Lake" is located in the heart of the Haflong town. Haflong is
345 kms by road from Guwahati and connected by N. F. Railway and State Transport Buses run
from Guwahati.
GOLF TOURISM
Most of the tea gardens of Assam have golf courses attached to them. All of them are 9 hole golf
courses except for Digboi which is an eighteen hole course.
Dhunseri Polo Club
Narengi Golf Club
Digboi Golf Club
Rowriah(Jorhat)/Behora T.E.
Borjhar(Guwahati)
Chabua (Dibrugarh)
Tingri Golf Club
Samdang Golf Club
Kanjikoah Golf Club
Dibrugarh & District Planters Club
Margherita Golf Club
Naharkatia Golf Club
Mohanbari (Dibrugarh)
Mohanbari (Dibrugarh)
Doomdoma/Panitola (Dibrugarh)
Mohanbari/Chabua (Dibrugarh)
Mohanbari (Dibrugarh)
Mohanbari(Dibrugarh)
Moran Golf Club
Zoloni Golf Club
Rowriah(Jorhat)/Moran
Mohanbari (Dibrugarh)
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Golf Course
Nearest airport / Air strip
Bishnauth Gymkhana Club
Borsola
East Boroi Club
Mangaldai Polo & Golf Club
Thakurbari Club
North Lakhimpur Planters Club
Misa Planters Club
Jorhat Gymkhana Club
Seleng District Club
Sonari Gymkhana Club
Salonibari(Tezpur)/Borjhar(Guwahati)
Salonibari(Tezpur)/Borjhar(Guwahati)
Salonibari(Tezpur)/Borjhar(Guwahati)
Salonibari(Tezpur)
Salonibari(Tezpur)
Lilabari(Lakhimpur)
Borjhar(Guwahati)
Rowriah(Jorhat)
Rowriah(Jorhat)
Rowriah(Jorhat)
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
The fairs and festivals in Assam are a fine reflection of the state's jest for life. Apart from
regional festivals, the people of Assam also celebrate all the national festivals of India. From the
lights of Diwali to the patriotic colors of the Independence Day, are celebrated here.
Ali Ai Ligang
A festival of the Mishing community of Assam. Dances
are performed and offerings are made to deities.
Celebrated on the
second Wednesday
of February every
year.
Ambubashi
The most important festival of Kamakhya Temple, Held
annually
Mela
Guwahati is ‘Tantric Rites’ are performed during this during mid-June.
period. The temple doors remain closed for three days
and are opened only after the goddess is bathed.
Bagurumba
It is a dance performed by the Bodo community of April
Assam.
Bihu
The main festival of the Assamese, Bihu is a dance Month of April and
performed by young boys and girls.
is celebrated for
the whole month.
Dehing Patkai Named after the Patkai range and the Dehing River, it is a Usually falls on the
festival
mixture of ethnic fare, golfing, heritage tea tours, sport, 16th-19th January
wildlife excursions and trips to important historical spots. and is held at
Lekhapani.
Majuli Festival Round the clock events are organized ranging from Celebrated
from
different cultural programmes by different cultural the 21st -24th
troupes of Assam to exhibiting of various Assamese November
items. A food festival is also organized during this period.
Rajini Gabra& The Dimasas of Assam celebrate this festival. It is an Month of April and
Harni Gabra
annual festival related to the cultivation and harvesting November.
of crops
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Rongali Utsav
Different communities, tribes and sub-tribes inhabiting
the Brahmaputra welcome the onset of the agricultural
season.The Rongali Utsav is a spring festival and is
celebrated annually at Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati
Ronker and The two most important festivals of the Karbis- are
Chomankan
Ronker, making it a spring festival. Chomankan is a
festival dedicated to the dead.
Tusa Puja
Jumur Nach, a tea tribe’s dance is performed by both
boys and girls or sometimes just the girls alone. Dance is
performed
Celebrated in April,
Celebrated
April
during
Spring festival in
April or the Tusa
Puja in October.
MAJOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL RUINS OF ASSAM
S.No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Name of the ruins
Da-parbatia ruins
Suryapahar ruins
Madan Kamdev ruins
Pandunath ruins
Cole park ruins
Bamuni Pahar ruins
Singari ruins
8. Na-Nath ruins
Sankha Devi ruins
Abhayapuri ruins
Borpukhuri ruins
Numaligarh ruins
District
Sonitpur
Goalpara
Kamrup
Kamrup
Sonitpur
Sonitpur
Sonitpur
Nagaon
Nagaon
Bongaigaon
Nagaon
Golaghat
Nearest town
Tezpur
Goalpara
Guwahati
Guwahati
Tezpur
Tezpur
Dhekiajuli
Hojai
Hojai
Abhayapuri
Hojai
Bokakhat
Period (AD)
5 th - 6 th
8 th- 9 th
11 th- 12 th
11 th- 12 th
7 th- 12 th
11 th- 12 th
10 th- 12 th
7 th- 8 th
10 th-11 th
11 th
10 th- 11 th
12 th
MAJOR HISTORICAL MONUMENTS OF ASSAM
Sl. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Name of monument
Raidongia Dol
Bezor Dol
Thaora Dol
Siva Dol
Rang Ghar
Jai-Dol
Kareng Ghar
Piyaliphukanar Dol
Rudrasagar Dol
Gaurisagar Dol
Negheriting Dol
Maghnowa Dol
Basudev Dol
District
Dibrugarh
Dibrugarh
Sibsagar
Sibsagar
Sibsagar
Sibsagar
Sibsagar
Sibsagar
Sibsagar
Golaghat
Golaghat
Lakhimpur
Sonitpur
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Nearest town
Dibrugarh
Dibrugarh
Sibsagar
Sibsagar
Sibsagar
Sibsagar
Nazira
Nazira
Sibsagar
Sibsagar
Dergaon
Narayanpur
Gohpur
Period (AD)
18th Century
18th Century
1663-1685
1734
18th Century
1698 Century
17th-18th Century
19th Century
1698
1724
18th Century
17th Century
18th Century
Draft Report
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Bar Dol
Kamakhya Mandir
Gupteswar Mandir
Kamakhya Mandir
Aswaklanta Mandir
Hayagriva Mandir
Billeswar Mandir
Vishnu math Mandir
Panbari Majid
Maibang Mandir
Khaspur
Sonai Mandir
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
Sonitpur
Nagaon
Sonitpur
Kamrup
Kamrup
Kamrup
Nalbari
Barpeta
Dhubri
N. C. Hills
Cachar
Cachar
Biswanath
Silghat
Dhekiajuli
Guwahati
Guwahati
Hajo
Nalbari
Barpeta
Gauripur
Maibang
Silchar
Silchar
1750 Century
1745-46
12 th Century
1565
1725
1583
1521
18th Century
18th-16th Century
1761
18th Century
1885 - 87 AD
IDENTIFIED MAIN TOURISM SITES
The Department of Tourism has identified 31 sites of tourist’s interest for development, as laid
in the Tourism Master Plan. The main sites are:
1. Guwahati and its surrounding, covering spots like Kamakhya temple, Umananda, Sukreswar
temples, Basisthashram, Nabagraha temple, State Zoo, State Museum, Gandhi Mandap,
planetarium, Gita mandir, Balaji temple and Sankar Dev Kalakhetra developed within the city
environment
2. Sualkuchi, the most important center of indigenous Assamese silk industry
3. Hajo, the unique meeting place of Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism and also known for its
historic monuments, bell metal and brass products prepared by local artisans
4. Chandubi, a nature spot and known for its lake (dubi) and an ideal picnic spot
5. Pabitara, a small wildlife sanctuary having more rhino density than that of kaziranga
6. Madan Kamdev, an important archaeological site
7. Manas, a world heritage site and only tiger reserve in Assam
8. Barpeta, known for its Vaishnav monastery and craft
9. Tezpur, one of the beautiful towns of the Brahmaputra valley, possesses a number of
archaeological sites, pilgrimage and scenic spots in an around it
10. Bhalukpung, a nature and adventure site and known for Nameri national park
11. Orang national park, having third highest population of Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros
12. Bardowa, the celebrated place of pilgrimage possesses some of the relics associated with the
life and works of the saint Sri Sankardeva
13. Kaziranga, well known for its national park and the important tourist destinations of central
Assam
14. Garampani, the promising tourist destination of the state having a few natural hot spring
and a wildlife sanctuary
15. Majuli, a river island and important centers of Vaishnava culture
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16. Sibsagar, the capital of Ahom kingdom having some of the important historical monument
sites of the state
17. Jaysagar, a historic site known for Jaysagar tank and temple
18. Gaurisagar, a historic site
19. Ajan Pir Dargah, known for the Dargah of Hajarat Ajan Pir, the Muslim saint famous for his
contribution to the Assamese devotional songs, called Jikir and Jari
20. Gargaon, the capital town of the Ahom kingdom, known for its seven-storied palace
21. Charaideo, the original capital of Ahoms, famous for Maidams or burial vaults of the Ahom
kings
22. Dibrugarh, an important city of upper Assam and a commercial, educational and
administrative focal point
23. Tinsukia, an important business center of eastern Assam and a transit point for visitors to
and having Dibru-Saikhowa national park in its close proximity
24. Digbai, known for its oil industry and a war cemetery of World War II
25. Haflong, the only hill station of Assam
26. Jatinga, a nature site and ideal for bird watching
27. Mahur, an ideal place for adventure activity and picnic
28. Maibong, an ideal nature site having archaeological remains of its Kachari king
29. Umrangso, another attractive site for nature lovers and picnickers
30. Diphu, the district headquarters of Karbi Anglong and potential site cultural and adventure
tourism
31. Silchar, an important center of economic, cultural and administrative importance in the
Barak plain having an archaeological site at Khaspur
32. Bhuban, a pilgrimage and nature site.
2.3 TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE ANALYSIS
A. ACCOMMODATION
The following table presents the accommodation facility available in the region according to the
data provided by Tourism Department, Assam.
Most destinations other than Kaziranga and cities of Guwahati and to an extent Dibrugarh, do
not have good quality accommodation facilities. ATDC operated properties need major
operational and facility upgradation.
B. RESTAURANTS
Restaurants are available in all cities. However in the other small towns and enroute, restaurants
serving standard quality Indian food are lacking. Hospitality and services in the existing
restaurants also call for major changes.
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C. TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
Assam tourism has 3 offices outside Assam state and 13 Tourist Information offices within the
state. The TIO outside the state are at Delhi, Kolkata, Siliguri. The TIOs inside the State are at
following locations: Guwahati airport, Prashanti Lodge near Guwahati railways station, Kaziranga
National Parka, Barpeta Road for Manas National Park, Tezpur, Diphu, Haflong, SIvsagar, Silchar,
Bhalukpong, Nagaon, Jorhat and Chandubi.
D. ENTRY PERMIT
There are no entry formalities like Inner Line permits (ILP) or Restricted Area Permits (RAP) for
domestic / foreign tourists to visit Assam.
E. ENROUTE AMENITIES
Assam has very good highway connectivity, which is the spine of the region. Except for the main
cities in between on the highway, way side amenities for visitors are lacking in stretches.
F. TOUR AND TRAVEL SERVICES
There are many travel agents and tour operators. The department of Tourism Govt of Assam has
a system of recognition of travel agencies and tour operators. Of these few are recognised by
Govt of India as well. Some big travel agents run luxury bus services to major cities of North East
Region. Some travel agencies have brochures and marketing of circuits etc. Considerable portion
of the tourism of the region is handled from Guwahati. There are in addition many car rental
agencies.
G. TOURIST GUIDES
There are very few guides in the region, except very few local people at Kaziranga. This is one
area where local youth can be involved more.
H. SHOPPING FACILITIES
There are shopping facilities in Guwahati, handlooms in Sualkuchi etc. There are also women cooperatives in limited way near Kaziranga, limited way in Majuli etc. One striking aspect all along
Assam is the women in households are all involved in handlooms, however this is not converted
to full shopping activities and this is an area of major intervention in terms of products being
made which can be easily consumed by tourists.
I.
BANKING AND MONEY EXCHANGE
Compared to most of North East Region, there are ATM facilities in major towns as well.
J. TOURIST SAFETY
Assam is perceived as an unsafe place elsewhere, except for the Guwahati- Kaziranga stretch.
The recent attacks on bus travellers have left more concerns among potential tourists.
Frequent bandhs and strikes in various parts of the State leave a not favourable picture with
tourists, as they get stranded at places and the entire tour schedule gets affected. Consultants
too were stranded for continuous three days during bandh in different districts while travelling.
These need to be tackled.
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K. TOURISM POLICE
There is no tourism police created in the State.
2.4 TOURISM TRENDS ANALYSIS
Tourism Trends Analysis is presented under Volume 1 – Chapter 4.
2.5 INSTITUTIONAL SET UP
Department of Tourism, Assam was set up in 1958 along with the Directorate of Truism as its
filed unit. The department is headed by the Minister for tourism and the Commissioner and
Secretary as chief executive. The Directorate of Tourism is headed by the Director and supported
by several officers. The Department looks at policy and regulation matters, interdepartmental
co-ordination etc. The Directorate activities include planning, prioritisation, preparation of plans,
co-ordination with private sector, marketing and promotion, TIOs management etc.
The Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ATDC) was incorporated in 1988 for growth
and development of tourism in Assam. ATDC handles implementation of the development
schemes under various plans, operation of tourist lodges, WSA, other facilities, including
privatisation of same.
CM’s Self Help Tourism Scheme, 2004 aimed at opening new self employment avenues by
setting up small and medium size tourism projects and the involvement of educated
unemployed youth in a systematic way, tourism skill and entrepreneurship development etc.
2.6 ONGOING TOURISM PROJECTS
Assam has got Tourism and Marketing Plan prepared for the state. The State Govt has also
endeavoured to intensify Private Sector Investment and Participation in management and
development of projects. There are many projects operated by ATDC with private participation.
During the 9th five year Plan, the total allocation for the State Tourism Plan was Rs.1991 lakhs
against and expenditure of 1648.57 lakhs. The 10th Plan allocation was 2250 lakhs. Many
centrally sponsored schemes including up gradation/ construction of lodges, development of
infrastructure, way side amenity centre, internal pathways, beautification etc were undertaken
during the 11th Plan as well.
2.7 TOURISM PRODUCT PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES
It is very important to get the Tourism roadmap right in Assam in order for some other circuits
along with other states to succeed. A careful analysis of tourism sites, geographical spread, part
of tourism circuit etc were analysed, and the major few projects identified from a Regional
Tourism Plan perspective*.
*At a State level, there are many other destinations which also need development; however the
scope of this Master Plan looks at circuits/destinations from a Regional perspective.
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Destination/ Product Development:
The following are the Level-1a priority developments to create the big success stories:

Guwahati and surroundings including Riverfront development, conference centre,
recreational park etc

Kaziranga – with more focus on management measures

Majuli as a sought after Eco tourism destination

Brahmaputra River Tourism Development

Handicrafts promotion and product development catering to tourists
Level 1b priorities (areas with high potential, with different level of disturbances) include the
following:

Manas National Park

Haflong Hill Station/ Jatinga
Level 2 priority developments would include:

Sibsagar

Sualkuchi

Nameri National Park/ Bhalukpong & others
Tourism Nodes/ Hubs:
It is very important that the tourism nodes and hubs are appropriately developed so that swift
transition of tourists within and between circuits and accommodation/facility hubs are
appropriately places. Thus the following are the priority development measures:

Guwahati (already covered above)

Silchar

Jorhat

Tezpur

Dibrugarh
The tourism product planning and development measures of above are presented below:
A. GUWAHATI & SURROUNDINGS
KAMAKHYA TEMPLE
Kamakhya Temple is oldest one amongst the holiest shrines throughout India. It is located on
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Nilanchal Hill in Kamrup district of Assam. The temple is Kamakhya is located at a distance of 8
kms from Guwahati. The temple commemorates Hindu Goddess Sati in her aspect of Kamakhya
Devi. Goddess Kamakhya is also known as Sodashi in the local region. Kamakhya Temple is
regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. As per the legends, during the time of self-sacrifice,
the genital organ (yoni) of Sati fell at this spot. It is also know as Yoni Peeth. In the shrine,
Kamakhya Devi, in the form of genital organ (yoni), presides as a big crevice in the bedrock. The
Goddess is covered naturally by a rivulet of water gushing upward from an underground spring.
The crevice is usually covered with sari, flowers and vermilion powder (Sindoor).
Kamakhya temple is an abode of different festivals. Following are the festivals of Kamakhya
Temple: Chaitra Sankranti & Bohag Bihu or Baisakhi, Gramya Debotar Puja, Satha Borot,
Ambubachi, Kali PujaManasha Puja, Krsihna Janmastami , Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kartik
Sankranti / Kaki Bihu, Shyama Puja & Deepanwita, Dhanyachedan and Navanna, Katyayini or
Sorei Brata, Puhan Biya, Magh Bihu / Makar Sankranti, Deol Utsav, Ratanti Kali Puja, Saraswati
Puja, Shivarati, Doul Jatra, Durga Doul, Basanti Puja, Madan Puja.
The temple is very close to attractions like Navagrah Temple, Science Museum, and other
prominent temples of Guwahati. Three kinds of entry charges are there: Rs. 500 for VIP, Rs. 100
for special and no charges for devotes willing to stand in general queue.
There is lack of ample space, the plan proposed has to take belief of the community into
account. The planning and implementation with be done by Kamakhya Debutter Society. The
building is very old. At some places in the premise new construction is taking place which is not
exactly in coherence with the old architectural style.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:
The pilgrims travelling on foot have to cover 4 kms from the Kamakhya bus stop. The route has
to be improved with the following facilities:
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PRODUCT PLANNING

Conservation of the temple complex

Small Multimedia interpretation centre near the parking, where exhibition and
interpretation
on
the
religious
significance, heritage, multimedia shows/
movies on all Shaktipeeths will run for
tourists.

Shops re-organisation: the shops need to
be re-organised, with uniform character,
removing the chaos, this would include
removal of encroachment by the shops on
the hills, removal of unauthorised shops
etc.
FACILITATION PLANNING

Few good restaurants which can seat around 25 -50 people at a time- this shall be developed
with private sector participation

Proposal to develop amenity clusters at regular intervals to facilitate tourists who are
proceeding towards the main temple complex. The cluster types will essentially be
providing the following mix of necessary amenities:





Snacks/ Fast food centre with a seating capacity of 25 people each
Souvenir Shop. This will also function as a tourist information desk.
First Aid Box to be kept at the Souvenir Shop
5 toilets & bathing facility each for men and women on ‘pay & use’ facility (4 m x 3 m).
Signages to be developed at different points, including visitor amenity kiosks for self help.
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING

Strengthening of the 4 kms road

The route path to be partially covered, interspersed with covered decks for seating with
drinking water provision

Large size waste collection bins at regular intervals
NAWAGRAHA TEMPLE
Navagraha Temple (or the temple of the nine
celestial bodies), is a worship place devoted to the
nine planets of the solar system, namely Surya (the
sun), Chandra (the moon), Buddha (mercury),
Mangala (mars), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus),
Shani (Saturn), Rahu (Dragon’s head) and Ketu
(Dragon’s tail). Each of these nine planets is
represented by a Shivalingam located within the
temple (which total to nine). The nine lingams are
covered by coloured clothes, each colour
representing a different celestial body. The temple is
located on Chitrasal Hill (or Navagraha Hill),
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Guwahati. Scholars and the historians have the opinion that the ancient name of the state i.e.
Pragjyotishapura originated from this temple only. The word Prag means eastern region, while
jyotisha means star astrology. Hence, the region is also called the ‘Eastern City of Astrology’.
According to the inscriptions and recordings found on the walls of Navagraha temple, its origin
dates back to the 18th century, to the reign of Ahom king Rajeswar Singha, son of Rudra Singha
or Sukhrungphaa. A great earthquake destroyed a considerable portion of the temple a few
centuries later, which was later rebuilt with ridged iron sheets. However, the Garbhagriha, built
of brick, exists till date. Along with the temple, a tank was also excavated at some distance, to
provide regular water for the devotees. This tank was known as Silpukhuri.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:

This is a very unique temple and needs promotion to tourists

Uniform character shops- 4 in no in front of temple

Visitor Amenity Centre in front with following facilities






Parking area in front
Covered Waiting area with seating for 10 persons
2 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins
Directional and informational signages enroute and at site
FULL FLEDGED SCIENCE CITY AT GUWAHATI
Assam govt. has already been planning a Science city.
It is also felt that a full fledged Science City be developed at Guwahati. This Science City shall
become a tourism destination in itself.
The objectives of the Assam Science City shall be:

To develop a scientific temper

Nurture and stimulate scientific faculties

Promote innovative & experimental activities

Showcase breakthroughs in Science & Technology

Establish a countrywide network
“It is science alone that can solve the problem of hunger and poverty, of insanitation,
illiteracy, of superstitions and deadening custom and tradition, of vast resources
running into waste, of a rich country inhabited by striving people.
The future belongs to science and to those who make friends with science.”
 Jawaharlal Nehru
The Science City shall aim to facilitate ‘edutainment’ and all of the programs are intended to
enliven the imagination, foster creativity and develop a spirit of inquiry, especially in young
minds where visitors can discover the wonders of science and technology and have access to the
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most exciting and contemporary form of entertainment regardless of the social stratum,
education or age group and creates a culture of learning.
It will showcase contemporary and imaginative exhibits, hands on & minds on experiences,
working models, virtual reality, activity corners, labs and live demonstrations to provide an
understanding of science and technology to the common man.
The Science City would be of international stature, benchmarked against the best Science
Centers worldwide with a vibrant and imaginative design. It shall go beyond creating a Museum
or a Theme park and will have the right blend of fun and education to ensure long and repeated
visits Unique Attractions of the Science City
The Science City shall be developed in a phased manner and conceptualized on pattern
developable that house various theme pavilions. Comprising of several phases, the first phase of
the Science City will consist of a 3D IMAX Theater, Space and Communication Pavilion, Energy
Park, Basic Science Gallery, Children Activity Center, Musical Fountain, Amphitheater, LED
Screen, Nature Park, Planetarium, Simulator, Earth Station, Auditorium and basic amenities like
parking and cafeteria amid the beautiful landscape of the campus.
The pavilions have indoor and outdoor exhibits and are linked through internal transportation
network. Easy accessibility of the pavilions has been considered as the most important criteria as
the site is large in size and the minimum walking distance criteria has to be given due weightage.
Followings are some brief description about individual pavilions.
3D IMAX THEATRE:
The IMAX 3D shall have a large format 3D film projection to provide a unique experience. The
IMAX screens will be around eight stories tall and the image is ten times larger than a
conventional 35 mm screen. The IMAX experience puts you in the centre of action in a way no
ordinary screen presentation can, draws you in with the images and sounds so intense that you
can and almost feel them. Cinema will never be the same after the IMAX experience.
Basic Sciences:
The basic sciences are the bedrock of the applied sciences. The pavilion would endeavour to
bring across to the visitor the principles governing the everyday phenomena. The experience will
be made as interactive as possible with the help of working models that demonstrates the laws
of physics, chemistry, biology, etc., in an interesting manner and also the achievements of India
in this field.
Space and Communication:
The ways of communication have undergone a sea of change from the early days of signalling
through flags. The pavilion will acquaint the visitors about the ways and the working models of
the new vistas opened by the satellite transponders. Visitors can explore how different types of
communication signals are emitted, transformed, encoded and decoded so that they would be
sent to a distance or stored. They will have a chance to experience how people communicated
with each other in the olden time and also compare it with the modern day communication
media.
Children Activity Gallery:
The basic purpose of Science City is to kindle the imagination in the minds of the younger
generation. To fulfil this aim, Science city wants to promote Science through “edutainment”education and entertainment. The Science City will conduct a series of educational programs to
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complement the school curriculum. The students will be given an opportunity to perform
interactive science practical and participate in exploratory activities.
Energy Park:
The Energy Park aims at highlighting the different forms of energy, transformation from one
form of energy to other, generation of power from renewable and non-renewable sources, the
need for conservation of energy, fuel saving in different systems, the achievements of India in
this field, and finally the energy scenario of Gujarat vis-à-vis India.
Life Science Park:
To show case the beauty and mysteries of nature to the public Science City proposes to set up
Life Science Park that includes eco-gardens and butterfly parks. The eco-garden will help in
discovering the beauty of nature through different gardens with a variety of shrubs, trees, herbs,
and other flowering plants. The butterfly park will help the visitor to see and interact with the
butterflies to understand their breeding environment, their life cycle and so on.
Planetarium:
The dome and inflatable planetarium promises to be one of the most exciting and educative
features at Science City. It consists of an inflatable dome, a projector, and projection cylinders on
various topics like Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences, Oceanography, etc. It promises
to facilitate an ideal environment for interactive, hands-on, minds-on activities.
Earth Station:
The Earth Station has been planned to house an International Internet Gateway, to meet the
ever-increasing demand for information technology. The pyramid structures will house
interactive exhibits on information technology, such as walk-throughs, virtual reality shows and
an "infotropolis," or information metropolis, among others. A 10 Mbps Satellite Earth Station will
give visitors an opportunity to look into the working of a real, life size, and Satellite Earth station.
Simulator:
Ride Simulations provides the experience of riding a roller coaster, flying in an aerobatic aircraft,
a journey into space and many more. Experiences more intense and exciting than the original
(and without risk). It all happens in a self-contained capsule that can be put almost anywhere.
Ride Films like “Star war”, “ A journey in to a Volcano” and ‘Time gate to Egypt” (a journey
through the pyramids of Egypt) gives education as well as entertainment to visitors.
Musical Fountain:
Asia’s largest musical fountain is coming up in the Science City. It would be a major crowd
catcher. This will give an experience of the magical world of Light, Sound and Water; where
technology fuses with fantasy and the elements come together to mesmerize the visitors. The
musical fountain, also known as a dancing musical fountain, provides the most beautiful night
time entertainment. The water effects move or dance with music and interpret each tune
whether fast or slow.
Large Screen LED Display:
Light Emitting Diode (LED) high resolution screen of 22 m x 18 m can display movies,
photographs; computer animation as well 3D shows. Due to its large size display and daytime
visibility, it can be used as an open-air auditorium for screening scientific film shows.
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Amphitheatre:
Beautiful science inspires artists, is a description by Ivan Noble. With this concept Science City
constructed a 1200 seat Amphitheatre for organizing programs like science drama, miracles and
magic shows and other entertainment programmes. With little imagination, students and
community members can create an environment where the facts and figures of science combine
with the excitement, emotion and energy of the theatre.
Recreational Places:
To make the Science City more public friendly and a convention centre different recreational
facilities are being set up. These include; auditorium, cafeteria, kund, video games, entrance cum
shopping plaza.
CONVENTION CENTRE AT GUWAHATI
This premier city of Guwahati offers scope for a modern Convention Centre with all facilities. It is
proposed to develop a convention centre on 1 ha land in a way as to address all the
conferencing / convention / exhibition needs of the business market. This will cater to the
potential target segment of business tourists. The prerequisites for achieving this are building a
regional level multi-conference centre and providing supplementary services like
accommodation, shopping haat, cuisine centre, etc.
This is proposed to be undertaken on a PPP model. It will be ideal if the location is on the banks
of River Brahmaputra.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
The conference centre will have the following facilities:
TOURISM PRODUCT PLANNING
Multi Conference Centre
A regional level multi-conference centre is proposed with the flexibility to cater to the needs of
various business segments and with state-of-the-art facilities. The characteristics of the multi
conference centre will be:

Conference area of capacity and facility to hold conventions for 500 delegates. 2
Conference Halls (each of 375 sq.m)

Retractable acoustic partitions, which would facilitate combining or partitioning the
halls, are recommended.

Small discussion rooms, 2 in nos., each of 50 delegates capacity.

Preview theatre of capacity for 50 persons at a time.

An open-air theatre with a capacity of accommodating 250 persons.

State-of-the-art facilities like video conferencing, Internet access, audio-visual
equipments, etc.
Exhibition facilities
In addition to the conferencing facilities, holding of exhibitions are envisaged with the following
developments:
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
Huge adaptable spaces will be developed for holding business and other exhibitions.
These spaces will have flexibility to adapt to requirements and will serve as lobby,
corridors, and decks in addition to exhibition venue.

Permanent exhibition pavilions of various sizes to facilitate continuous exhibitions of
various types, which can be conducted throughout the year, will be developed here. This
will form common part to the Haats proposed to be developed here
TOURISM FACILITATION PLAN
Accommodation Facilities
Accommodation facilities are proposed along with the conference centre for the business
tourists. The extent and type of accommodation proposed to be provided is as explained below:

The conference facilities suggested within the complex will have the capacity to
accommodate around 100 delegates and this is upgradable to 300 delegates in a phased
manner. Furnished Row Cottages: Twin bedded (30 Nos. @ 30 sqm each), 4 bedded (4
Nos. @ 50 sqm each), and 1 Dormitory of 16 beds (area = 100 sqm)
Restaurants
Multi-cuisine restaurants will be developed in the region taking into consideration the interests
of the varied business community.

1 Restaurant of 400 sq.m, 1 Fast Food/Coffee Bar of 100 sq.m
Event Management Services
Information and consultation expertise will be developed at the Convention Centre to take into
account the requirements of the different events that may be organised. It would offer event
management services as an in-house service or promote the concept as a local business
opportunity after proper training. Initial collaborations with professional event managers will
also be explored.
Other Facilities
In addition to the core conference facilities, the complex will provide adequate logistics facilities
like cargo handling area, material-handling facilities etc. it will also provide medical and banking
facilities and adequate parking.
The built-up spaces will be connected with visually pleasing outdoor permanent exhibits and
adequate landscaping.

Reception & Administrative office

2 Top Covered Sit Outs (each of 100 sq.m) and General/Handicrafts shop–cum-phone
booth (of 20 sq.m)

Children’s park/play area of 500 sq.m with some basic equipments

Landscaping/Floriculture in remaining area

Health Gym and Gym Equipments, Outdoor Games courts etc

500 sqm Pucca Parking Space

8 Staff Quarters
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INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Stone Retaining wall boundary, 4 feet high MS Grill Fencing over wall boundary, 3 feet
wide pucca internal pathways

Solar Water Heating System at Holiday Resort, Electrical Transformer unit/Sub-Station
area etc.
SPECIAL OFFERS
Corporate Packages
The convention centre management will develop different packages for conferences,
conventions and other meetings. Corporate packages will also bring in more people from
business community and organisations for corporate picnics. The pricing for these will depend
upon the size of group, length of stay, kind of facilities required, food and menu plan, etc.
STATE PAVILLIONS AND
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.
INTEGRATED
TRIBAL
CULTURE
RESEARCH/

State Pavilions are proposed which will present the states in good exhibition form, all
aspects of State, tourism etc

This centre will demonstrate the tribal culture and people of entire North Eastern states.
This centre will also carry out research activities related to culture, life, living etc.

This centre may be developed with PPP model, where Don Bosco Institute could develop
these on the lines of the Tribal Cultural centre they have developed at Shillong, within the
University or elsewhere. In addition to the type of exhibition there, this centre will also have
dialects and language centre, research support programmes and focussed studies.
OTHERS

Existing Science Museum (Regional Science Centre) at Assam:
Situated in the heart of the city, the Assam State Museum is a well laid out complex displaying
various aspects of Assam's culture, history and crafts. The various sections are epigraphy,
sculpture, natural history, crafts, arms, manuscript, village, ethnography and a miscellaneous
section. There are 11 galleries in 4 building blocks. The development proposals are:






Audio-Visual processor in each hall and at each floor for tourist who want to have quick
view of the museum
New technology for safety and security of the buildings and collection
Drinking water facility for the visitors
Toilets to be renovated with modern facilities
Canteen with sitting capacity of 10-20 people at a time
Recreational Park at Guwahati
In the outskirts of Guwahati City, there is scope for setting up a large Recreational Park with
different entertainment facilities like Children Train, Water rides, Water sports etc in the line of
a Theme Park.

Sports Event for North East India:
Yearly a sports festival / competition should be organized in Guwahati where all the states can
present their traditional sports. This event should be marketed not only in North east but also
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nationally and internationally. The winners of the event should be given chance to participate in
other games at the state and national level.
BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER FRONT DEVELOPMENT AT GUWAHATI
This is discussed under the subsequent section on Brahmaputra River Tourism Development.
Costs and Phasing
The costs for the proposed development for the developments in and around Guwahati and the
proposed phase of development are as follows:
Table No 2.3 Costs and Phasing: Guwahati and surroundings
Sr.
No.
Development
Total
Cost
(in
Rs.
Lakh)
Phase of
Dvpt.
Implementing
Agency
Archaeology/
KD Board
Tourism
Dept./
Kamakhya
Debutter
Board
Kamakhya Temple
1
Conservation of the temple complex
300
I
2
Multimedia interpretation centre
500
I
3
Shops reorganisation
300
I
4
Restaurants
100
I
5
Amenity clusters
150
I
6
Signages
10
I
7
Strengthening of approach road
80
I
8
Covering of the trek path partially
50
I
9
Waste collection bins
10
I
Nawagraha Temple
10
Uniform character shops
15
I
11
Visitor amenity centre
20
I
Tourism/
Archaeology
Tourism Dept.
12
Signages
3
I
Tourism Dept.
13
Science City at Guwahati
3D IMAX Theatre, Basic Sciences pavilion,
Achievements of India , Space and Communication
pavilion, Children Activity Gallery, Energy Park, Life
Science Park with eco-garden and butterfly park,
Planetarium, Earth Station, Other Pavilions,
Simulator, Musical Fountain, Large Screen LED
Display, Amphitheatre, Recreational Places etc
2000
II
Tourism/
Science &
Tech Dept./
Conference Centre at Guwahati- as in proposal
above
North East Exhibition Pavilion- State Pavilions
2500
I
PPP
3500
I
PPP
Integrated Tribal Cultural Research and
Demonstration Project
2000
I
Tourism
Dept./ PPP
14
15
16
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Science Museum
17
Drinking water facility for the visitors
15
II
18
Renovation of toilets with modern facilities
10
II
19
Canteen with sitting capacity of 10-20 people
20
II
20
Safety & security of the buildings and collection
30
II
21
Audio-Visual processor in each hall and at each floor.
100
II
22
Recreational Park at Guwahati
2000
I/II
Tourism Dept.
23
Sports event setting up for annual event
700
I
Tourism/
Sports Dept.
Total
Tourism Dept.
32413
B. KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River in the far North East of India, Assam,
Kaziranga National Park covers an area of approximately 430-sq-kms with its swamps and tall
thickets of elephant grass making it the ideal
habitat for the Indian One-Horned Rhino. Due to
limitless poaching of this prehistoric survivor, the
Kaziranga National Park was declared a wildlife
sanctuary in 1940. The National Highway 37
passes through the park area and tea estates,
hemmed by table-top tea bushes.
Beside the great one horned Indian Rhino, the other major wild attractions include a large
population of Indian Elephants, Indian Bison,
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Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog
Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor
Lizards, etc.
Kaziranga's visiting season is from mid-November to early April months. During the monsoons,
the Brahmaputra River bursts its banks, flooding the low-lying grasslands and causing animals to
migrate from one area to another within the Kaziranga National Park.
The park is divided into three ranges, the Central Range at Khora, the Eastern Range at Agoratoli
and the western Range at Baguri. In the neighbourhood of the park are the Karbi Anglong hill
ranges and the tea gardens.
THREATS TO KAZIRANGA
The threats to the National Park are:

Poaching of Wild Animals- recently also poaching of One horned Rhinoceros was caught

Annual floods- entire park is closed during this rainy/ flood season for 6 months. High
flooding also results in changing animal movement pattern from low lying to higher grounds
to Karbi Anglong hills/ higher forest grounds. However in these movements are also threats
of vehicle speeding over or poaching.

Heavy traffic on the National High way no. 37

Absence of a Buffer Zone for the National Park

Siltation and weeds, illegal fishing, Erosion leading to land changes, breach in embankments
on eastern boundary, livestock grazing etc
WILDLIFE CONFLICTS:
Conflicts while tourist visitation: Since tourists are limited mostly to grasslands or peripheral
areas, where the wildlife density is less, and tourists can travel only through demarcated paths,
the conflicts are reduced. However, the proposed compulsory 10 minute sensitization/
orientation film which tourists have to go through before entering any of the reserves is
expected to further minimize the conflicts.
Other Conflicts: There are a lot of conflicts with the local village people in cropping areas, local
community needs to be involved in joint patrolling and sensitization. They could also go for
fencing along the sensitive areas. There are also Conflicts while Patrolling, even a threat as
Patrolling on bicycles and feet were observed in cases. It is essential to have better patrolling
facilities in place, to have more efficient monitoring.
TOURISM CONCERNS:

There are concerns regarding the present form of tourism. Elephant safari is one of the main
attractions for which tourists come. Tourists are taken for safari to the grasslands where one
gets to see the one horned rhino. This activity should not be further too much promoted by
allowing more elephants. Retaining visitor experience further is a big challenge here.

Also, in most of the other reserves, tourists are taken for jeep safari to the grasslands and
not to thick jungles. This also retaining visitor experience will be difficult.

Some jeeps are seen in poor condition, with polluting in nature and with heavy sound, which
is not a welcome sign when animals are there. Strict monitoring is required here.
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
A major factor is the seasonality of the tourism here. Since Kaziranga is open only for 6
months, the seasonality cannot be completely changed, however need to be minimised with
options. Another aspect is lack of evening or other activities to engage tourists once they
finish the safaris.

Also, there are concerns on strong land deals here. There has to be a Kaziranga Management
Authority who should monitor all land developments.
DEVELOPMENT/ MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS:
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING:
Of the various threats, since the National Highway is a development issue, it is proposed to
address the same on a top priority. There have been several discussions on the road adjoining
the National Park. The road has a serious threat to the conservation of park as well as wildlife.
Since in the management proposals for park, a Buffer Zone is proposed and since the Highway is
so close to the National Park, it is proposed that the road be deviated at this region, and
alternate alignment worked at.
Central Parking area development near the entry point to the Park.
TOURISM & PARK MANAGEMENT:

It is proposed that urgently, the Forest Department needs to address creation of a Buffer
Zone. At present it is the core zone of the National Park and then the Highway/ Public space.

Sensitisation of Tourists & Environmental Awareness: A 5-minute awareness audio visual
training will be conducted compulsory to all the visitors to the various ranges of the
Kaziranga National Park at the entry point where tickets/ permissions are taken. The
objectives of this training will be two fold. One will be to create awareness about the
wildlife, biodiversity and the spatial spread of NP. The second objective is to make the
tourists aware of their responsibilities towards protection of the area and waste restrictions.

Sensitisation of Other Stakeholders: It is also important to sensitise Govt Stakeholders (like
Tourism, forest depts-by sending them abroad to African parks to see how they are
managed), other Stakeholders like Vehicle owners, Resort Owners every month during the
season through audio visual means.

Generate awareness among the local villagers: Highlight the ecological and economic
benefits of conservation of rare and endangered species and other ecologically and
economically important plant resources and animal population

Importance will also be given to create awareness among the local settlement, which falls in
the transition/buffer zone to reduce
conflict with animals especially in the
nights.

Patrolling Augmentation:
Better patrolling and communication
equipments – separate during normal
Park’ open times and specialised during
flooding.
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
Strict watch and ward involving local youths in the patrolling duties in non-core zones

The “Friends of Kaziranga NP” programme can keep a computerised database of all those
who visit Kaziranga NP after a compulsory Nature Interpretation Program. Later on a regular
basis it can update them on newer happenings in the NP newer species of flora and fauna if
sighted, favourable climate, pictures of beautiful landscape, conservation issues,
contributors to conservation, facts on monthly & total visitors, visitors who were recognised
as “eco-tourists” due to their contribution every year on web.

Self-Help Tourism Scheme can be initiated by the villagers and gram panchayat where in the
unemployed youths provide services such as guide sell handicraft and earn living. These
groups can be organized at the village level by the Panchayats and local NGO’s.

Nature awareness camps and programs for school children: Nature camps would be
organized for school children.

Research and Monitoring including ICT techniques, scientific studies, Baseline surveys,
resource inventory and modern census works, listing and mapping, Satellite based studies
etc

Based on monitoring, individuals who take initiatives on their own for environmental
protection and conservation in general as well as for saving threatened flora / fauna should
be recognised and rewarded through some special prize/incentives, etc. Also, those if found
flouting the eco-rules whether tourists or local individuals should be penalised by imposing a
fine for a tourist or revoking the registration license of the concerned local vehicle/
establishment/ individual.
PRODUCT PLANNING:

Promote regional cooperation and support sub regional initiatives in the tourism sector

Encourage enhanced collaboration between various agencies including government and non
government organization so that collective efforts can be organized. Web sites with links like
“Friends for Kaziranga, Development Issues” etc can be created so that people can be
associated.

Foster and support micro, small and medium-sized tourism-related enterprises

Encourage the use of local resources and services in tourism-related operations

Promote local arts and crafts as well as local entertainment to increase the income levels of
host communities and enhance the preservation of local culture

In order to attract private sector participation, Governments should address such issues as
creating a conducive business environment, liberalizing rules and regulations, providing
investment incentives, developing an adequate legislative framework and strengthening
government capacity to negotiate with the private sector.
FACILITATION PLANNING:

Tourist Reception Cluster at Kaziranga- which would house:

Tourist Information Counter with availability of brochures and pamphlets on NP and
nearby regions. There is a information cell, however this needs to be developed as a full
fledged Reception cell cum information centre, which would be functioning from early
morning till evening. At present many a tourists are left to the jeep operators and
hoteliers, however the tourism department in co-ordination with Forest department
should guide the tourists on the various entries- what to expect etc.
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






Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
Information on the biodiversity of the areas should be available at this people. There has
to be a compulsory 10 minute video presentation which all tourists have to go through,
so that they are sensitized of the importance of the National Park and cause minimum
impact to the ecology.
Souvenir shop: Nature & ethnicity based souvenir items. Souvenir items like local
handicraft items, postcards, T-Shirts, Caps etc would be available here.
Ethnic Restaurant which serves ethnic cuisines and local fish items.
Waiting area with seating for 10 persons
2 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins
Costs and Phasing
The costs for the proposed development for the Kaziranga National Park area development and
the proposed phase of development are as follows:
Table No 2.4 Costs and Phasing: Kaziranga National Park Area Development
Sr.
No.
Development
Total Cost
(in Lakh
Rs.)
Phase of
Development
Implementing
Agency
Kaziranga National Park
1
3000
I
PWD/ NHAI
2
Re alignment of NH 37 road between
Hatikhuli & ahead of Gorakati abetting
Kaziranga
Buffer zone creation
1000
I
3
Interpretation Centre
1000
I
4
Sensitisation of Stakeholders- tourism,
forest etc
200
I
Tourism/ Forest
Dept.
Tourism/ Forest
Dept.
Tourism/ Forest
Dept.
5
Sensitisation of tourists, materials for
same
100
I
Tourism/ Forest
Dept.
6
Awareness among local villagers
200
I/II
7
Patrolling augmentation, equipments
300
I/II
Tourism/ Forest
Dept.
Forest Dept.
8
Nature awareness camps
programs for school children
and
50
I
Forest Dept.
9
Research and Monitoring using diff ICT
techniques etc as above
450
I/II
Forest Dept.
10
Tourist Reception Cluster, with details
as above
100
I
Tourism Dept.
11
Establishment of educational Park for
children, students, researchers etc.
75
I/II
Tourism/ Forest
Dept.
13
Creation of Groups – Online
Total
I
Tourism/ Forest
25
6500
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C. MAJULI
Majuli an island of 800 sq km in area is located
in the Brahmaputra River. It is 12 km north of
Jorhat, Asom State (India). Jorhat is 310 km east
of Guwahati city. On the north bank, the River
Subansiri and on the south bank river
Brahmaputra has separated the island from the
main land. There are 243 villages in the island
and 22 satras.
The dwellers of Majuli are mostly tribal folk.
These tribal are the Mishing tribes from
Arunachal Pradesh and who immigrated here
centuries ago. The population of Majuli
comprises of Ahoms, Kacharis, Brahmins, Kalaitas, Koch-Rajbongshis, Bonias, Koibatras, Naths,
Mising, Deoris, Suts, Chutias, Sonowal, Kacharis, Nomosudras, Nepalis, Kumars, Bengalis. The
main languages of the island are: Assamese,
Mising, Deori.
Majuli has very high potential to become a key
tourism destination. However, development
of Majuli needs to be undertaken in a very
sustainable, environment friendly manner.
Majuli will be positioned as a eco tourism
destination. Satras and the Mishing tribes add
to the eco-cultural attractions.
In addition to the uniqueness of Majuli island
and the individual tourism potential, one
critical factor is its location, which could easily be part of the most identified tourist circuit and
proximity to Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary.
The main proposals for Majuli tourism destination development are as follows:
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL:
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING:

Road from Jorhat to Nimati Ghat needs improvement (12 kms)- new road 5.5 m wide for the
last 2.5 kms and improvements in the first 9.5 kms.
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
Development of jetty at Nimatighat. It will have berthing and landing facilities. Beside the
jetty, covered waiting area will be provided for seating around 20 persons at Nimatighat.

Parking area development near the
proposed jetty area development

Development of jetty at Majuli. This will
have berthing and landing facilities.
Beside the jetty, covered waiting area will
be provided for seating around 20
persons at Nimatighat and 10 persons at
Majuli.

Parking area development near the
proposed jetty area development at
Majuli disembarkment.

Road from landing at Majuli to bazaar
area (around 1 km) needs new road
construction.
PRODUCT PLANNING:

Purchase of aesthetically beautiful
covered boats- 4 in no regular and 4 in no
luxury houseboats. These houseboats
would commute visitors to and fro the island, and this itself would be a leisure tourism
activity. The houseboats will be equipped with snack counters, toilets etc. 4 Luxury
houseboats will have accommodation facilities and full fledged stay, anchored outside the
island or in the backwaters. Private sector would be encouraged to come with more stay
houseboats.

Development of interconnected Backwaters of Majuli island. The interconnected water
channel can be cleared of weeds and around couple of kms stretch developed for backwater
attraction.

Multi purpose cultural centre to be constructed, which
will show the history and development of Satras, tribal
culture etc.

Series of small boats will be purchased and given to the
local community to manage the same for tourists. Some
will be partly covered of medium size and few of the
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Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
smallest size, giving tourists the local feel.

4 Eco Resorts are proposed in Majuli- this
will be completely in local indigenous style
using
locally
available
materials,
completely merging with the background.
These will be high end in nature. The
purpose is not to overthrust the
infrastructure here.

Angling facilities for Eco-fishing experience
for tourists.

Ethnic eateries are proposed. Fishing
restaurant where tourists could select the
fish and see live preparation and have the same.

Fish Festival / Machli Mahotsav: Since Majuli has ample water and has wide variety of fish,
Fish Festival should be organized where in different varieties of fish can be displayed and
people who want to buy can also purchase.

Tree top machans in the natural environment for tourists to enjoy

Bird Watching points: Creation of water holes / food points for better sighting seeing of
birds or local animals. Artificial water holes would be constructed at strategic places for
better bird sighting. These activities will be carried out in cooperation with the local
residents of the area.

Medical garden based on Mishi Tradition: To enlighten tourist about the rich traditions of
the Mishi Tribe specially their Traditional Healthcare System based on wild plants

Handicrafts promotion: Various activities for Handicrafts integration into tourism would
include:

Training of local people in handicraft, Income generation activities like apiculture etc.
This will be done on based on the need and capacity of people and after assessing the
marketability of the products
FACILITATION PLANNING:

Creation of Rest Points / Sitting arrangement near satras: To create sitting arrangement with
sheds for and eating joints near satras. The joints should give information about satras, area,
tribe, culture etc.

Tourist Amenity Cluster at Nimatighat- which would house:





Waiting area with seating for 10 persons
2 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins
Tourist Reception Cluster at Majuli - which would house:

Reception cell cum information center to be created near the de-boarding fairy pints.
Reception cell cum information center would be created in such a way that it projects
the historical and ethnic diversity of the place along with information’s on weather,
natural calamity, bird, animal, stay, food, tribe etc. This facility should be managed by
the local residents of the area.
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



Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
Waiting area with seating for 10 persons
2 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins
Amenity Complex: An amenity centre be created in the centre of Majuli with Tourists
Shopping experience, toilet facilities, series of facilities which include:



Tourist Information Counter with availability of brochures and pamphets on Majuli and
nearby
Souvenier shop: Nature & ethnicity based souvenir items. Souvenir items like local
handicraft items, postcards, T-Shirts, Caps etc would be available here.
Ethnic Restaurant which serves ethnic cuisines and local fish items.
TOURISM MANAGEMENT:

Majuli Tourism Society be formed from the local villages and they will handle all the tourism
activities. Majuli tourism society shall run environment friendly mini coaches to take tourists
around. As an initial measure, from the project funds, 4 such buses be bought and given for
the society.

Generate awareness among the villagers: Highlight the ecological and economic benefits of
conservation of rare and endangered species and other ecologically and economically
important plant resources and animal population

Self-Help Tourism Scheme can be initiated by the villagers and gram pancgyat where in the
unemployed youths provide services such as guide sell handicraft and earn living. These
groups can be organized at the village level by the Panchayats and local NGO’s.

Nature awareness camps and programs for school children: Nature camps would be
organized for school children.
Costs and Phasing
The costs for the proposed development for the Majuli area development and the proposed
phase of development are as follows:
Table No 2.5 Costs and Phasing: Majuli Area Development
Sr.
No.
Development
Total Cost
Phase of
(in Lakh Development
Rs.)
Implementing
Agency
Majuli
1
Road from Jorhat to Nimati Ghat
240
I
PWD
2
Development of jetty at Nimatighat.
150
I
3
Parking area development near the
proposed jetty area development
10
I
Tourism Dept./
Inland Water
Transport (IWT)
Tourism Dept.
4
Development of floating jetty at
Majuli
Parking area near Jetty at Majuli,
waiting area etc
Road from landing at Majuli to bazaar
area
100
I
20
I
Tourism Dept./
IWT
Tourism Dept.
40
I
Tourism Dept.
5
6
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7
Purchase of houseboats
620
I/II
8
Development
of
interconnected
backwaters of Majuli island.
250
I
9
500
I
Tourism Dept./
Satras
125
I
25
I
12
Multi purpose cultural centre to show
the history and development of
Satras, tribal culture etc.
Small boats for manage tourists in the
backwaters
Angling facilities for Eco-fishing
experience
Ethnic eateries. Fishing restaurant.
50
I
13
Tree top machans
14
Bird Watching points: Creation of
water holes / food points.
100
I
Tourism Dept./
local community
Tourism Dept./
local community.
Tourism Dept./
local community
Tourism Dept./
local community
Tourism Dept.
15
50
I
Tourism Dept.
16
Medical garden based on Mishi
Tradition.
4 Eco Resorts at Majuli
I/II/III
PPP
17
Rest points/ sitting arrangements
50
I
Tourism Dept.
18
Tourist Amenity Cluster at Nimatighat
50
I
Tourism Dept.
19
Tourist Reception Cluster at Majuli
75
I
Tourism Dept.
20
An amenity centre in the centre of
Majuli with shopping, toilet facilities
etc.
Handicrafts
promotion:
Various
activities for Handicrafts integration
into tourism
Total
100
I
Tourism Dept.
100
I
Tourism Dept./
local community
10
11
21
I
2600
Tourism Dept./
IWT/ PPP
Tourism Dept.
5255
D. SIBSAGAR
Sibsagar is a medieval town that gets its name from a tank that
was excavated by the Ahom King Siva Singha in 1734 A.D. The
Ahom Monarchs undertook excavation of extensive tanks and
these became popularly known as Sagar or 'Sea;' the impact of
such a tank on the minds of the common people was so great
that the locality around the tanks became known by the name of
the tank itself. Three temples were built on its south bank, a
Shiva temple, a Devi Temple and a Vishnu temple. The Shiva
temple is the tallest monument of the Ahom period reaching a
height of 40 meters.
Ahom Kings changed their capitals from place to place either
due to military or political uncertainties or due to the havoc of
floods. King Rudra Singha founded Rangpur in the year 1698. This old capital of the Ahom
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Draft Report
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Kingdom, which possesses the largest secular buildings built by the Ahoms, lasted for 200 years.
It is now a part of Sibsagar town.
The Talatal Ghar, built by Rudra Singha, and
enlarged by Rajeswar Singha (1751-1769),
was not the residential building of the royalty
but a house for the functioning of the
government. It is here the king gave
judgment, received his vassals and other
dignitaries.
The two storied Rang-ghar at Rangpur was
built by King Pramatta Singha in 1746. It
constituted a royal pavilion used for
witnessing outdoor sports such as wrestling,
elephant fights, buffalo fights, falconry, etc.
The architecture was perhaps imitated from
the Namghars.
Other places of interest in Sibsagar include
the Garhgaon Kareng Ghar - the Ahom King
Suuklengmung built the palace when he
shifted the capital from Cheregaon (north of
Sibsagar town on the banks of the Dikhow
River) in 1539.
The palace was built in 1540, but was
destroyed and at the very site on which the
old palace existed, a new palace was built by
King Rajeswar Sinha I 1762 AD. The structure was built in bricks and is almost square in plan and
consists of four stories.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:
PRODUCT PLANNING

Conservation of the temple complex

Lakefront development of Sibsagar lake including walkways, relaxation spots, seating decks,
lighting etc.

Lakefront development of Joysagar lake including landscaping, seating decks, lighting etc.

Local tourism trips to be organised, which will help tourists to see all tourist sites

Spot over’s for sight seeing and enjoying the natural greenery. These spots can be developed
with eatery joint, information centre, souvenir shops.
FACILITATION PLANNING

Tourist Arrival-cum-Reception Centre at Shiva Temple

Wayside Amenity Centre at the temple such as restaurants and Water recreation activity
near all the “sagar” created. The water body has to be cleaned.

Signages – informative, instructive
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
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
Amenity centre near Sibsagar lake including:






Reception cell cum information centre.
Waiting area with seating for 10 persons
4 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins
Amenity centre outside the Ranghar





Reception cell cum information center .
2 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins
Amenity centre before the entrance gate at Taltala Ghar




Reception cell cum information center .
2 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins

Restaurants at various places near the tourism sites- to be developed with private sector
participation

Standard quality Hotel to be developed with private sector participation
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING

Strengthening of road from highway to Sibsagar (8kms)

Maintenance of roads inside Sibsagar town
Costs and Phasing
The costs for the proposed development for the Sibsagar area development and the proposed
phase of development are as follows:
Table No 2.6 Costs and Phasing: Sibsagar Area Development
Sr.
No.
Development
Total Cost
Phase of
(in Lakh Development
Rs.)
Implementing
Agency
Sibsagar
1
Conservation of Temple Complex
500
I/II
Archaeology
2
Lakefront development of Lakes
250
I
Tourism Dept.
3
Local tourism trips- basic works
150
I/II
Tourism Dept.
4
100
I
Tourism Dept.
50
I
Tourism Dept.
6
Stop spots with eateries, souvenier
shops etc
Tourist Arrival/Reception Centre at
Shiva Temple
Amenity Centre at Sibsagar lake
40
I
Tourism Dept.
7
Amenity centre outside Ranghar
30
I
Tourism Dept.
8
Amenity centre outside Taltala Ghar
30
I
Tourism Dept.
5
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Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
9
Restaurants
100
I/II
PPP
10
Standard quality hotels
700
II
PPP
11
Signages – informative, instructive
3
I
Tourism Dept.
12
Strengthening of road from highway
to Sibsagar
Roads upgrading in stretches inside
town
Total
160
I
PWD
150
II
PWD
13
2263
E. BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Brahmaputra river prima face offers lot of scope for tourism development. However, due to the
vibrant nature of the river and the floods, it was felt necessary to examine in detail the
characteristics of the river before making any proposals. The summary of the technical review is
presented here.
THE ORIGIN OF THE BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER
The Brahmaputra is a major international river covering a drainage area of 580,000 sq. km. 50.5
% of which lie in China, 33.6 % in India, 8.1 % in Bangladesh and 7.8 % in Bhutan. Its basin in
India is shared by Arunachal Pradesh 41.88%, Assam 36.33%, Nagaland 5.57%, Meghalaya 6.10%,
Sikkim 3.75% and West Bengal 6.47%. Two rivers, the Dibang (also known as Siang) and the
Lohit, join the upper course of Brahmaputra. While flowing 2,880 kilometres through China,
Tibet, India and Bangladesh, the river is joined by nearly 22 major tributaries in Tibet, 33 in India
and 3 in Bangladesh. Brahmputra is a major river of Central and South Asia. For most of its
length, the river serves as an important inland waterway; it is not, however, navigable between
the mountains of Tibet and the plains of India.
Based on the lithology and climate, the Brahmaputra basin is divided into five sub-basins: (i)
Tibet, (ii) Eastern Syntaxis, (iii) Eastern drainage/Mishmi Hills, (iv) Himalaya and (v) Southern
drainage
In India, it covers a region of 109.84 million hectares or one third of the size of the country.
The Brahmaputra originates from the Kailash Mountain in the northern slopes of the Himalaya
and flows east of the Mansarovar Lake. In Tibet, it drains ~ 1300 km along the Indus–Tsangpo
Suture and is known as the Tsangpo. After Pai, it enters the Eastern Syntaxis which houses the
deepest (~ 5000 m) gorge of the world and takes a U-turn. Near Singing, it turns south to enter
Arunachal Pradesh (India), where it is known as Siang or Dihang. The Siang enters the Assam
plain at Pasighat, downstream of which it meets with two eastern tributaries, the Dibang and the
Lohit, before taking a turn in the WSW direction. At the Indo- Bangladesh border, it turns south
where it is known as the Jamuna.
RIVER CHARACTERISTICS
Table No 2.7 Characteristics of River Brahmaputra
Total Water resources potential
30 % of the country’s total
Per capita & per hectare water availability
Highest in the country
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Hydropower potential
About 41 % of the country’s total
Potential developed so far
Only about 3 %
Irrigation potential
4.26 million hectare
Present coverage of irrigation
0.85 Million hectare (20 %of existing potential
against the national average of 56.4%)
Ground water potential
Very high in valley areas (at shallow depth)
Potential developed so far
4.3% (against the national average of 32%)
Source: Flood Control Department, Assam
i.
ii.
The hydrological characteristics of the Brahmaputra valley is dominated by
intense powerful monsoon rainfall region of the eastern Himalayas, the freeze–
thaw cycle of Himalayan snow, and the immensely dynamic fluvial processes of
the river and its tributaries.
is among the largest, most flood prone and most unstable rivers in the world
Sediments: the river is estimated to bring in nearly 800 million tons of sediments every year.
The slope becomes flatter below Dibrugarh, the tendency is for the deposition of silt in the
river bed. In between the hills, the river develops high velocity due to construction and
sediment picked up in the construction. The river reaches immediately downstream of
Guwahati and Jogighopa and can be cited as example in the formation of the local delta
typifying the braided nature of the river.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Barak basin has its drainage area in India (Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Tripura and Assam), Myanmar & Banagladesh. The drainage area of
the basin in India is 26,123sq. km and forms part of main Brahmaputra basin.
The Brahmaputra is the 4th largest river in terms of average discharge at the
mouth, with a flow of 19,839 m3 s–1, and second in terms of sediment transport
per unit drainage area in the world. It is only after Amazon, Congo, and Yangtze.
Dibang and Lohit in Arunachal Pradesh is thegeographical region where the
Brahmaputra develops 400 million tons of silt & are deposited and transported
every year.
Mid march and Mid April are a comparatively dry period when the level of the
river is at its lowest and an extended river bank facilities safe bathing
The Characteristics of the North Bank Rivers:
 Most of the rivers coming down from the Himalayas and joining the Brahmaputra have
vast catchment areas
 The rivers are characterized by very steep gradients in the mountains and flow rapidly
carrying heavy load of silt; while descending on the plains they flatten with sharp sagging
of gradients, resulting in heavy siltation of river beds in the aftermath of the floods.
 The Brahmaputra River has a mean gradient of only about 1.5m per km over a distance
of around 650km between Kobo where the confluence is, and Dhubri where it leaves
Assam and enters Bangladesh. The gradients are:
o
o
o
o
Between Kobo and Dibrugarh- the bed slopes 0.62m/km
Between Dibrugarh and Neamati the bed slopes 0.17m/km
Between Neamati and Guwahati the bed slopes 0.13m/km
Between Guwahati and Dhubri the bed slopes 094m/km
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
Bring flash floods because of short distance between their source in the hills and the
confluence
 rivers characterized by very steep slope and shallow braided channels
 have coarse sandy beds and carry heavy silt
vii.
The South Bank tributaries originate in hills of Nagaland, North Cachar, Karbi Anglong
and Meghalaya and flow from south to north and coverage into the Brahmputra. The
river has flatter slope, deep meandering channels almost from the foothills, beds and
banks of fine alluvial soil and a comparatively low silt charge. The banks and beds of all
southern rivers are composed of clay of various colors with a small quantity of coarse
sands. These are also rainfed.
viii.
57 tributaries on its north bank and 33 on its south feed the Brahmaputra on its course
through the valley.
ix.
There are Natural Constrictions at Various Locations along the Brahmaputra. The
Constrictions are at:
 Murkonselek - 4.8 km
 Disangmukh - 5.1 km
 Dhanshirimukh - 4.4 km
 Tezpur - 3.6 km
 Pandu - 1.2 km
 Soalkuchi - 2.4 km
 Pancharatna - 2.4 km
ASSAM BRAHMAPUTRA
The Brahmaputra River and the 33 major tributaries joining it in Assam, including the main transHimalayan tributaries of Subansiri, Jia Bharali, and Manas, carry about 30% of the country’s total
surface water. Surface water bodies covering about 8,251 square kilometers (km2) account for
10.5% of the geographical area of the state. Of these, the river systems, including waterlogged
areas, occupy 6,503 km2. The annual surface water availability is more than 53 million hectaremeters. Brahmaputra valley in Assam has 3,513 wetlands, covering 1,012.3 km2. Groundwater is
also plentiful at shallow depth in the valley; utilizable groundwater is estimated to exceed 2
million hectare-meters.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Two geological factors are dominant in determining the morphological character
of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. First, the Himalayan ranges to the north,
from which the right bank tributaries emerge, are uplifting at a rate in the order
of 1 meter per century. Secondly, the whole region is subject to frequent seismic
movements and periodic major earthquakes. The Assam earthquakes of 1897 and
1950, both of magnitude 8.7 on the Richter scale, were among the largest within
historical experience anywhere in the world.
The Brahmaputra River, flowing through Assam from east to west over a length of
approximately 650 kilometers.
The characteristics of the river itself are very similar in Assam and Bangladesh. In
Assam, however, the river lies in a well-defined alluvial valley ranging from 40 to 100
kilometers in width and bounded by mountains and hills, whereas in Bangladesh the
environment is more deltaic in nature.
Brahmaputra River in Assam is almost 700 k.m. long with more than 100 tributaries.
Brahmaputra, the major natural feature in Guwahati, has total length of 28.67 km in
Guwahati and total area 49 sq.km. The Assam basin has a length of about 1540km in
EW direction and maximum width of 682 km in NS direction. The State of Assam lies in
the middle reach of the river Brahmaputra and Barak.
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The drainage areas of the river at the east and west ends of Assam are roughly 290,000
and 530,000 square kilometers. In its course through Assam, the long-term mean
discharge rises from about 8,500 to 17,000 cubic meters per second as flows are
augmented by 28 major tributaries on the north or right bank and 16 on the south or left
bank. The northern tributaries drain the southern slopes of the Himalaya and together
contribute much more water and sediment to the river than the southern tributaries.
The entire length of the river through Assam has a multichannel character. Under lowflow conditions most reaches show three to six channels separated by islands and bars, a
type of planform generally known as braided
Through more than 90 percent of the length through Assam, the land adjacent to the
river consists of low-level floodplain deposits of fine sand and silt, with very little
resistance to erosion.
Sediments in the valley through Assam are predominantly either floodplain deposits
created by the Brahmaputra itself, or alluvial fan deposits created by tributaries
emerging from the mountains and hills onto the floodplain. The material of the riverbed
consists mainly of fine and medium sand, and the floodplain deposits of silt and fine
sand.
Because sediment tends to accumulate in and adjacent to the river channel system, the
center of the valley is apparently higher than the outer margins of the floodplain – that
is, the river is somewhat perched. Such a feature tends to encourage extensive lateral
shifting of the channel system in major flood or earthquake events. In the 18th century,
major shifts of the Brahmaputra occurred in both Assam and Bangladesh. The present
Jamuna River in Bangladesh, which is the downstream extension of the Brahmaputra in
Assam, has small distributaries known as the Old Brahmaputra, which represents a
former course of the main river that is now largely filled with sediment.
Along its course through Assam, the gradient of the Brahmaputra reduces from roughly
0.2 to 0.1 meters per kilometer. Such a low gradient is characteristic of large alluvial
rivers with sandy beds. Overall flattening of gradient in a downstream direction is typical
of rivers in more or less uniform environments.
According to a longitudinal profile supplied by the Assam Water Resources Department,
flood heights above tops of banks vary greatly from reach to reach. At some locations
the 100-year flood level is shown as slightly below the north bank, whereas at other
places it is 10 meters or more above it. At least on the north side, locations most
susceptible to deep flooding appear to be mainly in the upstream two-thirds of the
length, east of
Pandu
and
Guwahati.
The
long-term
average discharge
of
the
Brahmaputra
increases through
Assam from about
8,500 to 17,000
cubic meters per
second.
The
largest
average
monthly
discharges
at
Pandu, about twothirds of the river
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distance through Assam, are around 36,000 cubic meters per second for the months of
June and July
v.
vi.
The Brahmaputra valley in Assam represents a tectonose dimentary province 720
km long and 80 to 90 km wide, with elevation ranging from 120 m at Kobo in the
extreme east through 50.5 m at Guwahati to 28.45 m at Dhubri in the extreme
west1. The channel of the river itself occupies about one-tenth of the valley, with
over 40% of its area under cultivation. The Brahmaputra valley in Assam is the
home of more than 15 million people. In Assam, the river flows in a highly
braided channel characterized by numerous mid-channel bars and islands.
Dibru ghat is near Dibrugarh town and 500 km upstream of Guwahati. Until 1967,
the ghat was connected by rail to the town. Until this time, a company named
River Steam Navigation Company operated steamer services from Kolkata to
Dibrugarh. The shipping company also shut down its operations, saying that its
vessels could not traverse the channels because of heavy silting. The rail line was
abandoned and there are local ferry services which ply from one side of the river
to the other (Sonari ghat). In addition, there is a long distance ferry (IWT of
Assam) that takes passengers and goods between Dibrugarh and Oriamghat,
near Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, a 130-kilometre-journey which takes nine
hours to travel upstream.
Majuli: An area around Salmora in Majuli Island and in some localities in Kaziranga
National Park, the bank is composed of cohesive materials. In such areas banks with a
slope approaching 90° and more with over-hangs are observed. This type of oversteepening always enhances the failure of the bank. Majuli the largest River Island of the
world is seriously affected by erosion of the Bramaputra and the Subansiri rivers. The
Sumoi Mari channel cuts across the island which is gradually widening rapidly; for that
matter, a mere 10 meters wide channel has become almost 50 m now.
vii.
In the vicinity of Majuli Island, about 25 percent of the total river length from the
upper end, the Brahmaputra has migrated southward by at least 25 kilometers
since about 250 years ago. This location is believed to be a special case, and the
actual period over which the shift took place is not stated.
RIVER
TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT CONCERNS:
Tourism development of
Brahmaputra
River
is
possible if the following
conditions are taken into
account:
i.
Erosion:

The
activity
of
erosion is much more
pronounced
near
Jorhat–Majuli areas,
and continues for 50
km up to Kumargaon.
The area around
Kaziranga National
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


ii.




iii.



iv.


Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
Park also witnessed major erosion activity near Sohola Bil up to Dipholumukh. In this
area, a total of 83.23 km2 was eroded away from the main mass till 1975
The banks on both sides of the Brahmaputra from Orang Reserve Forest to Haloukonda
Bil are subjected to significant erosion.
The erosion was much more pronounced on the northern bank of the river than the
southern bank for the period 1914–75.
On the southern bank, the river exhibited a depositional phase around Neemati–Jorhat
and around Kaziranga National Park areas.
Safety
The Brahmaputra due to the presence of strong under currents is not a safe river for
bathing in the way other rivers are, particularly during the rains when it swells up into
terrifying size
The Brahmaputra flows through a seismically active region, which has the effect of
causing it to carry one of the highest sediment loads in the world.
The Brahmaputra valley is considered a tectono-sedimentary basin, 720 km long and 80–
90 km wide, underlain by recent alluvium about 200–300 m thick consisting of clay, sand,
and pebble. Because the basin is underlain mostly by very young and unweathered
sedimentary formations, the river carries mainly fine sand and silt with very little clay.
Due to their strategic location close to the border of the colliding Eurasia (Chinese),
Indian, and Burmese tectonic plate boundaries, the Brahmaputra valley and its adjoining
hill ranges are seismically very unstable, falling in zone V (very severe seismic intensity
zone) under seismic zoning. Active seismicity of the North Eastern region has caused
extensive landslides and rock falls on the hill slopes, subsidence and fissuring of ground in
the valley, and changes in the course and configuration of several tributary rivers as well
as the Brahmaputra mainstream.
Records show that catastrophic floods occurred in 1954, 1962, 1966, 1972, 1973, 1977,
1978, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1998
Rainfall
The precipitation here is mainly due to Southwest monsoon, heavy rainfall occurs from
June to September. Average annual rainfall in this valley ranges from 1750mm in Kamrup
District to about 6400 mm in the North-east Hilly region.
The average rainfall is 274 cm with minimum of 175cm and maximum 640 cm. the
drainage system of the river differs from that of other rivers of the world. It is the only
example in the world where the drainage system runs in a diametrically opposite
direction. The distinct advantage of these rivers is that the water does not freeze into ice
in the winter, which is one of the most difficult problems of the river of some western
countries. The total drainage area of Brahmaputra is about 93800 sq.kms.
The climate of the Brahmaputra basin is highly variable. The Tibet drainage is cold and dry
and has the lowest run-off among the various basins, ~ 0.3 m yr–1; the Eastern Syntaxis
region has the highest run-off, ~ 5 m yr–1. Run off for the other basins falls between
these two extremes, the eastern and southern basins have ~ 3–4 m yr–1, whereas for the
Himalayan basin, it is 1–2 m yr–1. Sediment contributions from the southern tributaries
are insignificant16 and hence this sub-basin is not considered for erosion rate calculations
Drainage
Gradient: The gradient of the Brahmaputra River is as steep as 4.3 - 16.8 m. /km. in the
gorge section upward of Pasighat, but near Guwahati it is as flat as 0.1 m. / km
Discharge: The River carries 82 per cent of its annual flow during the rainy season (May
through October). The maximum discharge of the river at Pandu (in Guwahati) on 23-08-
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Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
62 was 72794 m3s-1 and the minimum discharge at the same point on 20-02-68 was 1757
m3s-1.
The Brahmaputra basin erodes more rapidly compared to its western counterpart, the
Ganga drainage, possibly because of higher run-off in the Eastern Himalaya
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:
HOTSPOTS:
The hotspots along Brahmaputra for tourism development are:
Pancharatna/ Jogighopa
Sildubhi Island
Manas
Bohori
Barpret
Sualkuchi
Hajo
Guwahati
Chandrapur
Kharupatia
Singri
Potasali
Tezpur
Silghat
Located 160 km west of Guwahati and face each other on north
and south bank.
Contain several cubicles of hewn in precipitous rocks. These
caves are small and just have ample sitting place.
They are of archaeological importance
Sal forest, caves, archaeological site
Famous for wild animals and snakes
Natural beauty and greenery
Famous world heritage
Wild life sanctuary, heritage site, rare wealth of wild life
Established by Madhadev, the greatest disciple of Sree
Sankardev
Famous with a congregational prayer hall draws vaishnavas from
all over India
The famous silk town has golden monga silk, unique of its kind in
India
Pilgrimage place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists
The Kolong river confluence’s with Brahmaputra near
Chandrapur ar a place called Kajalimukh. The seat of mystery of
Assam’s so called magic of “Mayang” is situated here
Orang national park, covering an area of 78.81 sq.kms is a
miniature of Kaziranga and it is situated on the north bank of
river Brahmaputra about 150kms from Guwahati. 60% of the
sanctuary is grassland
Good site for fishing all round the year
But not navigable in monsoons
Camping facility existing near Jai-Bhoroli River at Potasali
Adventure sports and angling
Was known as “Sonitpur” (the city of blood) in ancient times,
situated on northern bank of river Brahmaputra about 181 km
northeast of Guwahati
It is vital and picturesque river port lying on the south bank of
the river about 48 ksm by road from Nagaon.
Pre-communication links of Central Assam across the
Brahmaputra are maintained through this town
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Biswanath ghat
Kaziranga
Dhansirimukh
Majuli
Oldest national park
Dipar Bil is an important water body in Guwahati. It is fresh water lake in a former
channel of the Brahmaputra River. It has been declared as one of the Ramsar Site and is
recognized as wetland of national importance and has been proposed as a Bird
Sanctuary in the Master Plan for Guwahati – 2001. The bil is the natural habitat of many
species of birds, various aquatic life and vegetation. It is proposed to develop the
adjoining area connecting the National Highway as Capital Complex and the Bil area to
form a nature reserve as extension of the Capital Complex.
RIVER FRONT
GUWAHATI
DEVELOPMENT
AT
As a major centre of tourist attraction and to
promote river tourism, there is ample scope
to
introduce
Riverfront
development
including special attractions like "Floating
Hotel & Restaurant / Marriage Hall etc on
River Brahmaputra". Such a large project with
all modern facilities and amenities has
tremendous scope.
Promenades/ Walking Arcades
A promenade of the character of a walking
arcade is proposed to be developed along the
banks of the proposed Rai Lake. The outline of
the development is:




Tourist reception centre including an
arrival plaza giving the feeling of
entry to the destination, information
and booking centre.
Promenade for a stretch of 1 km
around the lake with stone paving of
2 m width interspersed with grass in
between the rubble.
Landscaping: The entire stretch of the
promenade is proposed to be
landscaped with bush height shrubs
mixed with flowering trees.
Covered relaxation decks: The walking
arcade will be interspersed with
projected decks towards the lakeside.
The decks will be primarily for
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Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
relaxation, viewing and small picnics. The decks will be covered with sloping roofs and
have seating and drinking water facilities.
Lighting: The promenade will be well lit with lampposts of pedestrian scale and not
more than 3.6 m in height.
Haats
Exhibition-cum-market places, haats are proposed to be developed on the landward side of the
promenade. The characteristics of the haats are:

The design will be flexible in nature to accommodate various types of uses. The haats
are covered, but open in nature.
 Activities: Weekends will house full-scale haat activities with tourist specific sales.
Essential facilities market would be in the form of a village market. There will be
shopping facilities, handicrafts stalls, local food stalls etc. However, on normal days and
non-tourist seasons, the haats will be functional by housing local weekly markets. There
will shops, which sell the traditional metal jewellery etc. Women will run the stall.
 Special tourist interest centre: On special tourist seasons, the haats will house an artists
work centre along with the handicrafts centre where tourists will get the feel of how
local handicrafts and local style paintings are made and the stall will be an economic
activity for the local craftsmen. The materials required for painting will be given free of
cost to the artists and the revenue from the same will go to the artists.
The haats would house:








12 numbers of huts
2 Small Restaurants, 1 Big Restaurant, 2 Snack Bars with Soft Drink/Ice cream counters, 1
Administration Office, 1 Entrance Space
2 Toilet Complexes on either side (each having 4 toilets each for Men and Women)
Ticket Counter & Guard Hut
Parking Space in front of the Restaurant/Entrance block
5 feet wide Pathways along
8 Tented Kiosks
Landscaping/floriculture at the side
RIVER CRUISES

Luxury Cruise Vessel can also be linked up for cruising between Guwahati and Dibrugarh on
the Brahmaputra, which is a National Waterway, with navigation channel for at least 330
days a year to be maintained by Inland Waterways Authority of India. Such a tour to be
promoted for the high-end customers in domestic and overseas market.

Development of full fledged jetties with berthing, landing facilities, (floating jetties
wherever high river receding problem there) and ancilliary facilities at Dhubri, Goalpara,
Tarabari Ghat, Sualkuchi, Guwahati, Steemer ghat- Tezpur, Silghat for Kaziranga, Majuli &
Jorhat- Nimatighat (both already under Majuli proposals) and Dibsrugarh-Dikhou Mukh.
Small floating jetties- 10 nos at Singri Hill side, Ganesh pahar village and enroute few
villages, for tourists to visit.

Tourist Cruise Vessel for short distance from Guwahati- this will be a day activity and can be
moderately priced so that a lot of tourists can enjoy the Cruise.
Vol II: C.2-47
Draft Report
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
Costs and Phasing
The costs for the proposed development for the Brahmaputra River Tourism development and
the proposed phase of development are as follows:
Table No 2.8 Costs and Phasing: Brahmaputra River Tourism Development
Sr.
No.
Development
Total
Phase of
Cost Development
(in
Lakh
Rs.)
Implementing
Agency
River front Development at Guwahati
including Promenades, landscaping, tourist
recetion centre, landscaping, decks, Haats
etc
Floating Hotel & Restaurant / Marriage Hall
etc on River Brahmaputra
1000
I/II
Tourism Dept.
500
I/II
Tourism Dept.
3
Luxury Cruise Vessel to be used for cruising
between Guwahati and Dibrugarh on the
Brahmaputra
7000
I
PPP
4
Development of full fledged jetties with
berthing, landing facilities, (floating jetties
wherever high river receding problem there)
and ancilliary facilities at Dhubri, Goalpara,
Tarabari Ghat, Sualkuchi, Guwahati,
Steemer ghat- Tezpur, Silghat for Kaziranga,
Majuli & Jorhat- Nimatighat (both under
Majuli) and Dibsrugarh-Dikhou Mukh:,
along with ancilliary tourist amenity centres
Beautification works nearby entry/exit points
1190
I
Inland Water
transport/
Tourism Dept.
300
I
Tourism Dept.
Small floating jetties- 10 nos at Singri Hill
side, Ganesh pahar village and enroute few
villages, for tourists to visit, along with toilet
facilities nearby
Tourist Cruise Vessel for short distance from
Guwahati- this will be a day activity and can
be moderately priced so that a lot of tourists
can enjoy the Cruise
200
I/II
Inland Water
transport/
Tourism Dept.
I
PPP
Brahmaputra River Tourism Development
1
2
5
6
7
Total
10190
F. HAFLONG
Haflong is Assam's only hill station. It is the district Headquarters of North Cachar Hills. Haflong
has very high scenic beauty, with clouds descending below one’s feet level and beautiful
rainbow formations. A beautiful lake 'Haflong Lake' is located in the heart of the town.
Vol II: C.2-48
Draft Report
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
Jatinga is 9 kms. from Haflong, is famous for the unexplained phenomenon of migratory birds
'committing mass suicide'. The migratory birds come during the month of August to November
and it becomes the Ornithologists attraction. From the elevated watch tower one can see them
yielding to their death wish and their little plumage dropping down.
The safety and security situation has concerns at present, hence the development is proposed in
the second phase and most of the accommodation/ hub facilities are proposed at Silchar.
* The team may visit Haflong, and the proposals may be revised.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:
The development proposals at Haflong include:
PRODUCT PLANNING

Eco-Resorts 2 in no in Phase II to cater to good quality tourists- as security situation there is
fully stable- these to be developed with private sector participation

Development of view points, relaxation spots, beautification of Haflong

Organised conducted tours to Jatinga, Maibong and Samkhor and to Silchar for tourists who
wish to stay there.

Renovation of existing Tourist Lodge
FACILITATION PLANNING

Wayside Amenity Centre between Lumding and Haflong, preferably at Maibong

Directional Signages on roads from Diphu, Lanka, Lumding and Maibong
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING

Strengthening of initial 30 kms of road from Lumding to Haflong

Conversion of railway line to broad gauge (already pending)
Costs and Phasing
The costs for the proposed development for the Haflong Tourism development and the
proposed phase of development are as follows:
Table No 2.9 Costs and Phasing: Haflong Tourism Development
Sr.
No.
Development
Total Cost
Phase of
(in Lakh Development
Rs.)
Implementing
Agency
HAFLONG
1
Eco Resorts in good quality
1100
Vol II: C.2-49
I/II
Tourism Dept.
Draft Report
2
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
3
Development of view points,
relaxation spots, beautification of
Haflong
Conducted tours’ infrastructure
4
Renovation of existing tourist lodge
40
I
Tourism Dept.
5
Visitor centre at Haflong
50
I
Tourism Dept.
6
Wayside Amenity Centre at Maibong
40
I
Tourism Dept.
7
Directional signages
5
I
Tourism Dept.
8
Strengthening of road from Lumding
to Haflong
Conversion of railway line to broad
guage
TOTAL
600
I
Tourism Dept.
I
Tourism Dept.
9
400
I/II
Tourism Dept.
40
II
Tourism Dept.
2275
G. MANAS NATIONAL PARK
Manas National Park is a World Heritage Site. Manas National Park is situated on the foothills of
the Himalayas and a part of it extends to Bhutan. It was declared a sanctuary in 1928 and was
designated a World Heritage site in 1985. The park lies in the districts of Barpeta and Kokrajhar,
41km north of Barpeta Road township. The sanctuary is home to a great variety of wildlife,
including tiger, Golden Langur, Wild Buffalo, Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog, Capped Langur, Indian onehorned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Hog Deer, etc.
Manas known for its Project Tigers, Rhinos & Elephants, and is Assam's one of the two Tiger
projects. The scenic beauty and rare wealth of wild life combine with this unique world heritage
site to offer has one of the most enthralling experiences. The reserves are categorized to
Biosphere Reserve, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve.
Due to the heavy rains and flooding, Manas NP is also closed for 6 months like Kaziranga.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:
* The team would visit Manas NP in February, and the proposals may be revised.
PRODUCT PLANNING

Picnic spot at Bispani
Vol II: C.2-50
Draft Report
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
To maintain the sanctity of Mathanguri, picnic spot may be readied at Bispani. Only day visitors
will be allowed to Bispani. This measure is suggested to lower any future rise in pressure caused
by tourists to Mathanguri. A circutory path to be completed, with Bispani as the halting site for
the visitors to have a feel of the jungle. Toilets and other visitor amenities are proposed along
with this.

Interpretation center at Bansbari
The interpretation center at Bansbari should be develop so as to give a meaningful exposure to
the tourists regarding the importance of Manas and its richness of flora and fauna. Specialised
exhibits, models, dioramas etc are required. The centre would address themes including:













The energy cycle
The food chain
Biodiversity -- its significance and need for conservation
The Bhabar and Terai tracts
Project Tiger & Tiger Reserves
Plant world with special reference to the plants of the Park
Significance of Snags etc.
The role of bacteria, fungi and other organisms in natural cycle.
The cultural history of the Region
The Bodos.
Sounds of the forest and their interpretation.
The man – animal interface.
Display of contributions from visitors / children.

Purchase of battery operated mini coaches for wildlife viewing- 4 in Phase I, 6 in Phase II

6 more inflated rubber boats with safety gear

Renovation and upgradation of Bungalow at Mathanguri:
Situated at the scenic Indo-Bhutan border along side river Manas, Mathanguri is the most
scenic spot. There is an upper Bungalow and a lower Bungalow with cottages and a
dormitory for the use of tourists. There a 6 suites in the upper bungalow for tourists.
Renovation of Bungalows, cottages with addition of 6 more cottages. This may be operated
similar to the Jungle Lodges concept of Karnataka

Additional tourism activities in the fringe areas, subject to safety and security.

Trekking, eco activities- gear and equipments, including binoculars for bird watching,
trekking gear, angling gear etc- these can be handled by local community and given on hire

Theatre Tribal Handicraft Centre
TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Sensitisation of Tourists & Environmental Awareness: A 5-minute awareness audio visual
training will be conducted compulsory to all the visitors to the various ranges of the
Kaziranga National Park at the entry point where tickets/ permissions are taken. The
objectives of this training will be two fold. One will be to create awareness about the
wildlife, biodiversity and the spatial spread of NP. The second objective is to make the
tourists aware of their responsibilities towards protection of the area and waste restrictions.
Vol II: C.2-51
Draft Report
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region

Sensitisation of Other Stakeholders: It is also important to sensitise other Stakeholders like
Vehicle owners, Resort Owners every month during the season through audio visual means.

Generate awareness among the local villagers: Highlight the ecological and economic
benefits of conservation of rare and endangered species and other ecologically and
economically important plant resources and animal population. There are lot of local
conflicts and security perception issues- local villagers should be made aware of benefits and
invited to be part of development process.

Awareness to local villages of potential of Tourism to the local economy and need to have
safe environment to facilitate the same.

Patrolling Augmentation:

Better patrolling and communication equipments – separate during normal Park’ open
times and specialised during flooding.

Strict watch and ward involving local youths in the patrolling duties in non-core zones

The “Friends of Manas NP” programme can keep a computerised database of all those who
visit Manas NP after a compulsory Nature Interpretation Program. Later on a regular basis it
can update them on newer happenings in the NP, newer species of flora and fauna if
sighted, favourable climate, pictures of beautiful landscape, conservation issues,
contributors to conservation, facts on monthly & total visitors, visitors who were recognised
as “eco-tourists” due to their contribution every year on web.

Self-Help Tourism Scheme can be initiated by the villagers and gram panchayat where in the
unemployed youths provide services such as guide sell handicraft and earn living. These
groups can be organized at the village level by the Panchayats and local NGO’s.

Nature awareness camps and programs for school children: Nature camps would be
organized for school children.

Research and Monitoring including ICT techniques, scientific studies, Baseline surveys,
resource inventory and modern census works, listing and mapping, Satellite based studies
etc
FACILITATION PLANNING

Availability of publicity materials- including self explanatory map and details of the NP.
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING

Strengthening of access road to Park: Barpeta Raod- Bansbari road.

Improvement of Sorbhog airport
Costs and Phasing
The costs for the proposed development for the Manas National Park area development and the
proposed phase of development are as follows:
Table No 2.10
Sr.
No.
Costs and Phasing: Manas National Park Area Development
Development
Total Cost
Phase of
(in Lakh Development
Rs.)
Implementing
Agency
MANAS
1
Picnic spot at Bispani
200
Vol II: C.2-52
I
Tourism Dept.
Draft Report
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
2
Interpretation centre at Bansbari
200
I
Tourism Dept.
3
Battery operated mini coaches for
wildlife viewing
5000
I
Tourism Dept.
4
Inflated rubber boats with safety gear
100
I
Tourism Dept.
5
Renovation and upgradation of
Bungalow at Mathanguri
75
I/II
Tourism Dept.
6
Additional tourism activities in fringe
areas
200
I/II
Tourism Dept.
7
Eco activities gear & equipments
75
I/II
Tourism Dept.
8
Theatre Tribal Handicraft centre
75
II
Tourism Dept.
9
Sensitisation of Tourists & envt.
Awareness
200
I/II
10
11
12
Sensitisation of other Stakeholders
Awareness among local villagers
Patrolling augmentation &
equipments
100
200
300
I/II
I
I/II
13
Nature awareness camps and
programs for
school children
(depending on safety)
Research and Monitoring using diff ICT
techniques etc as above
50
II
450
I
Forest Dept.
Tourism Dept.
14
15
Tourist Reception Cluster, with details
as above
100
I
16
Establishment of educational Park for
children, students, researchers etc.
75
II
17
18
19
Creation of Groups – Online
Self explanatory maps of Manas
Strengthening of access road to Park:
Barpeta- Bansbari road
25
50
600
I
I
I
20
Improvement of Sorbhog air strip
75
II
Total
Forest/ Tourism
Dept.
Forest/ Tourism
Dept.
PWD
Airports Authority
8150
H. HANDLOOMS
In sericulture, ancient Kamarupa covering the present North Eastern States including parts of
present Bangladesh and West Bengal occupied a prominent place as the centre of the four
varieties of slik: viz, Paat, Muga, Eri and Tasar. No other state in India other than Assam nor even
any country in the world produces all the varietsies of silk; Assam is the original home of Eri silk
while in Muga silk productions she holds monopoly in the world.
(Refer to proposals under Sualkuchi below)
Vol II: C.2-53
Draft Report
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
SUALKUCHI
Sualkuchi is a medieval town and was perhaps the first urban settlement in Assam. Sualu is the
tree from which the leaves are fed to the Muga Silkworm Antherea assama; and Kuchi means
cluster. Sualkuchi is the silk textile capital of Assam and in a sense of North East India. Sulakuchi
is on the north bank of Brahmaputra 32 km west of Guwahati. People across the locality to the
extend of 75% and from outside are involved in the silk Industry here. The dependency is from
loom owners to wage weavers, helpers, yarn winders etc.
Sualkuchi was originally a ‘Crafts Village’
having several cottage industries till the
forties of the last century. In addition to
handlooms, several crafts work used to take
place. Presently, however most of the artisans
and local people across backgrounds have
taken up silk weaving as a profession.
The looms are engaged in weaving traditional
fabrics used mainly by women viz. Mekhela
and Chadar, though now they find products in
sarees- particularly Muga sarees, Dhara and
Jainsem dress materials etc. The artisans of
Sualkuchi weave mostly Paat and Muga fabrics, although now a days Tasar is also woven. Muga
silk is the speciality of Assam ad Muga cocoons come frm Upper Assam, Bako and Garo hills area.
Sualkuchi still relies on traditional techniques and is yet to make use of the modern technologies
available in weaving. The handloom industry here ahs created several employment and income
avenues.
Every household in Sualkuchi is involved in the silk trade. There were basically four types of silk:
pat, muga, mezankari and eri. While the other varieties (barring mezankari) are found
elsewhere, Muga Antherea assama (till very recently) was grown in Assam only. In medieval
times the best quality Muga came from the Kamrup district (where Guwahati and Sualkuchi is
presently situated). It was the great center for export of raw Muga silk. This silk was used for
ornamentation of cotton fabrics by the artisans in Dacca for export to Persia.
Sualkuchi is still special place to visit as even today every household in this town has a loom
working. Extraction of the silk yarn from Muga cocoons using traditional methods can be seen in
Sualkuchi. The cocoons are brought from Upper Assam and the Garo hills.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:
PRODUCT PLANNING
Diversifying the Muga weaving industry & products specific to tourists:

Most of the products here are meant mainly for Assamese customers as more are in
Mekhela Chadar etc. However, there is big scope for Domestic customers from elsewhere in
India and even International Customers if modified to a form used by them.

More products in terms of Sarees may be produced, coupled with a marketing platform or a
channel. Even highlighting the fact that 3 plies are used in a thread against 2 plies used in
Benares or Kanchipuram can be become an attractin to buy.

Product diversification to bed covers, sofa covers, door/ window screens- high end.

Designs including one horn rhino of Assam- sold near Kaziranga or so.
Vol II: C.2-54
Draft Report
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region

Scarfs, mug etc with local designs

Design institute to be engaged to design products, prototypes, designs and give trainings to
larger community

Silk fabrics made out of Muga, Tasar, Mulberry etc can be sued to stitch into variety of
garments like shirts, dresses etc. Tailor shop attached which can give in say 6 hrs for dresses.
Shirts can be ready mades.

The products need to be more innovative.

Financial institutions should come forward to support. Particularly to create and retain for
seasons in offseason period.

Cotton fabrics- cotton looms- traditional Gamcha of different sizes and designs, cheaper
variety of Mekhela and Chadar. Even for dresses.

Housewives sit on the looms during the off time after doing the domestic world and while
chatting with neighbours. Setting up common workshops (eg Kaziranga model) of women
co-operatives with say 10 women together will improve the situation.

Scarfs with dyed yarn of different colours with good designs have seasonal demandparticularly in the Eri looms. Eri clusters like Rampur can be taught the dyeing techniques.

Marketing:




Marketing products: tie ups with private stores, Ecommerce portal, Sale centres of few
co-operative societies together (will add competition, better quality and better designs).
To establish links with research and reputed international designs institution based in
New York, London and Paris.
The institute established at Ladoigarh, Jorhat (Assam) deals with Muga and Ericulture
has to be linked with international universities and premier institutes like nift, nid etc.
Industry needs:









Rearing sheds for Eri or Mulberry indoor rearing
Financial assistance & Training for Vermi-compost to silk farmers
Scientific rearing equipment/ kit for maximising productivity
Plantation infrastructure facility at a nominal fee
Insurance cover for muga commercial farmers
Training & support in latest rearing technology
Assistance for augmenting silk plantations.
Need for bank credit
Muga fabrics for export purpose

Few co-operatives/ handloom centres can volunteer to be part of tourist itenary to show
and explain the entire process from cocoon rearing to finished product and different types
of Assamese silk- a charge could be taken

Empanelment of co-operatives and shops from where tourist can shop at assured quality
and reasonable price- as at present there is high price tourists have to pay- this information
is known to tourist

Promotion of annual silks mela

Landscaping of town with avenue plantations
Vol II: C.2-55
Draft Report
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
FACILITATION PLANNING

Full fledged Tourist Information / Visitor Amenity Centre including:









Tourist Information counter
Provision of Guides from counter here
Promotional Material made available here
Travel rentals counter
Waiting area with seating for 10 persons
4 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins
Directional and informational signages
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING

Widening of 15kms road from NH52

Improvement of Sualkuchi- Hajo road (10 kms)
Costs and Phasing
The costs for the proposed development for Handlooms and Sualkuchi related development and
the proposed phase of development are as follows:
Table No 2.11
Sr.
No.
Costs and Phasing: Handlooms and Sualkuchi related Development
Development
Total Cost
Phase of
(in Lakh Development
Rs.)
Implementing
Agency
Sualkuchi
1
2
3
4
Diversification of products- product
development, capacity development
and training by reputed design
institute; training to local artisansdetails as above
Product prototype development and
training in non handloom tourist
products
Setting up of common wokshops as
co-operatives of women, NGO taken
for same
Product marketing support
5
Industry needs assistance (not
covered in cost under tourism project)
6
Demonstration units (which are live)
for tourists- basic tourist management
facilities and support
Landscaping of town with avenue
plantations
Tourist Information/ Amenity centre
7
8
Vol II: C.2-56
600
I/II
Tourism Dept/
Handicrafts
300
I/II
Tourism Dept/
Handicrafts
150
I/II
Tourism Dept/
Handicrafts
75
II
Handicrafts
75
I
Tourism Dept/
Handicrafts
75
I
Tourism Dept
50
I
Tourism Dept
Draft Report
9
Signages
10
11
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
10
I
Tourism Dept/
Handicrafts
Widening of 15 kms road from NH 52
450
I
PWD
Improvement of Sualkuchi- Hajo road
200
I
PWD
Total
I.
1985
OTHERS
MADAN KAMDEV:
Madan Kamadeva is a temple complex of 24 temples, and is popularly known as "Khajuraho of
Kamrup". It is set on a hillock full of Sal and Teak forest. The temple complex was built during the
period of 10th-12th century in Pal dynasty. Nagara architecture had been used in the wellsculptured temple having images carved out of monolithic rock. Erotic images had been
sculptured in the ornamentation. The deity is worshipped at the Madan-Rati temple till today. It
is belived that Kama or Madan, the God of Love was reborn in this place after being turn into
ashes by angry Lord Shiva. The temple is in ruined form and it is now under ASI.
Road: From Guwahati, 34-km along NH-51 on Rangia-Tezpur route one will reach Baihata
Chariali or Chaurasta. On the right of it from 1½-km Southeast gateway further 3½-km is situated
Madan Kamadeva. Frequent bus services are there from Guwahati, to Baihata Chariali. Mini bus
is also available over here. Buses from Rangia and Tezpur also run on this route via Baihata
Chariali.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:

Drinking water facility for the visitors

Toilets to be renovated with modern facilities

Canteen with sitting capacity of 10-20 people at a time

A ‘mini tourist parking nodes’ (stoppage point) will have parking space for cycles, two
wheelers, battery operated riksha’s and heritage tonga’s on either side of the road and with
toilet, drinking water and eating facilities would be built there.
PAO MECCA
Poa Macca a unique place in Assam is considered sacred not only by Muslims but also by Hindus,
Buddhists, Christians and is located at Hajo, a small town near Guwahati. It is the tomb of seer
Giasuddin Auliya. It is believed that by offering prayers here the faithfuls gain one fourth of the
spiritual enlightenment of what could be gained at Mecca. Hence the name - "poa" meaning
one-fourth. The Pao Mecca mosque and the dargah are located on750 ft. high Gaurachol hills. It
is believed that the foundation of the mosque was laid upon a handful of earth brought from
Mecca. The dargah is known for its miraculous healing powers. So people of all religions make
offerings at the tomb and tie a thread to a neighbouring tree or post in order to obtain the
fulfillment of their prayers. The dargah has, therefore, over the century become a symbol of
faith and communal harmony.
Vol II: C.2-57
Draft Report
Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:

Drinking water facility for the visitors

Toilets to be renovated with modern facilities

Canteen with sitting capacity of 10-20 people at a time
Costs and Phasing
The costs for the proposed development for the Madan Kamdev and Pao Mecca development
and the proposed phase of development are as follows:
Table No 2.12
Costs and Phasing: Madan Kamdev and Pao Mecca Tourism Development
Sr.
No.
Development
Total Cost
(in Lakh
Rs.)
Phase of
Development
Implementing
Agency
Conservation of area, with
interpretation signages to excavated
artefacts
Amenity centre
Canteen with sitting capacity of 10-20
people
500
II
Archaeology
25
30
I
II
Tourism Dept.
Tourism Dept.
4
Mini parking nodes as above
Pao Mecca
40
II
Tourism Dept.
5
Amenity centre
45
I
Tourism Dept.
6
Beautification of area
25
I
Tourism Dept.
Total
640
Others
Madan Kamdev
1
2
3
J. DEVELOPMENT OF NODES/ HUBS
GUWAHATI
The development proposals are already discussed under A. subsection within this section.
TEZPUR
Tezpur is at 181 kms from Guwahati. There is an airport here, which has flights on few days only.
Tezpur is also a tourist destination with Archaeological and historical sites like Da-Parbatia,
Agnigarh, Bamuni Hills, Mahabhairab Temple etc. River Brahmaputra also passes through the
town.
Tezpur is an important node for tourists travelling to Kaziranga and to Bombilla/ Tawang or to
Bhalukpong. Accessibility including National Highway through Tezpur, which is in very good
condition and basic facilities are good.
The following are proposed here:

Riverfront development near Ganesh Ghat, which shall include the following:
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Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
Walkways, arcades, lighting at height of 3.6 m
Ghats development & Jetty beautification
Seating area with covered decks
New floating restaurant or upgraded one- with private sector participation
Visitor Amenity Centre including:




Waiting area with seating for 10 persons
4 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins

River cruise base with berthing facility for river cruises passing through Tezpur

Series of eateries near the base

Water sports centre using river Brahmaputra with the following delveopments:

Water sports like boats- motor and regular, houseboats, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing
etc
JORHAT
Jorhat is an important node for Majuli, Sibsagar and Kaziranga side. There also other attractions
nearby like tea gardens. The heritage properties at Thengal (The Manor) and Sansua have been
converted into resort hotels. There is also a tea processing demonstration centre at the Toklai
Tea Research Centre, this should be made an important travel itenary item. Also Gibbon Wildlife
sanctuary is located at a distance of 18kms, which is the only wildlife sanctualry named after a
non human primate.
The National Highway passing through Jorhat is in very good condition. Very basic facilities are
available. Jorhat is also proposed to be a good hub in view of the people who may stay here and
easily move to Majuli, instead of putting full accommodation and other infrastructure at Majuli,
which needs sensitive treatment.

Full fledged Tourist Information / Visitor Amenity Centre including:








Tourist Information counter
Provision of Guides from counter here
Promotional Material made available here
Travel rentals counter
Waiting area with seating for 10 persons
4 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins

More tea estate owners may be encouraged under special scheme to develop their Tea
Estate bungalows to heritage properties or Tourist Bungalows- under PPP mode. Capital
subsidy may be provided for conversion, development. Some tea estate owners have
expressed interest too.

Improvement of Golf club in Jorhat club.
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Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region

Beat the seasonality of tourism in this side, by offseason special promotion and packages for
budget and other tourists to tea gardens and other areas in the tea plucking season of April
to September.

2 three star hotels and 1 four star hotel each proposed in Phase II and Phase III - with PPP

Annual Tea Tourism festival in February be promoted as a niche sector.

Directional signages to the different sides
DIBRUGARH
Dibrugarh is proposed to be a very important entry point and node for many circuits: LikhabaliAlong- Mechuka or Pasighat side or Namdapha/ Parasuramkund etc. There also other attractions
nearby like tea gardens. The National Highway passing through Dibrugarh is in very good
condition and has rail connectivity. Dibrugarh has standard facilities as well. The following are
proposed here:

Full fledged Tourist Information / Visitor Amenity Centre including:








North East Tourist Information counter- details of all circuits in North East, particularly
the Eastern side
Provision of Guides from counter here
Promotional Material made available here
Travel rentals counter
Waiting area with seating for 10 persons
4 toilets each for men and women.
Purified Drinking water Provision
Waste Bins

Tea estate owners may be encouraged under special scheme to develop their Tea Estate
bungalows to heritage properties or Tourist Bungalows- under PPP mode. Capital subsidy
may be provided for conversion, development. Some tea estate owners have expressed
interest too.

A full fledged Tribal Heritage and Cultural Centre like the Don Bosco centre at Shillong

Beat the seasonality of tourism in this side, by offseason special promotion and packages for
budget and other tourists to tea gardens and other areas in the tea plucking season of April
to September.

2 three star hotels proposed in Phase II- with PPP

Directional signages to the different sides
SILCHAR
Silchar is a very important node, a potential entry point and hub as well from a Regional Tourism
Circuit perspective.
Silchar has an airport with connections to different cities. Additional land has been allotted for
expansion so that bigger aircrafts can land. Rail connection between Lumding and Silchar (meter
gauge at present) is being converted into broad gauge.
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There is good connection from Silchar to all around- Assam side, to Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura
and Manipur. There are regular road transport services to these States. Thus is the most key
node from where tourists can easily especially to the less tourism wise developed States.
The present tourism accommodation is limited to tourist lodge and few budget/economy hotels.
There is also a TIO and WSA here.
The following are proposed here:

River front development and activities at Silchar (Barak river) which shall include the
following:






Walkways, arcades, lighting at height of 3.6 m
Ghats development & Jetty beautification
Seating area with covered decks
Floating restaurant - with private sector participation
Boating and water sports activities in the river
Exclusive houseboats for top end tourism

Organised conducted tours to the various tourism sites/ circuits nearby

Two three star hotels with 25 rooms each in Phase II and few in Phase III- with private sector
participation

Exclusive Eco Resort with 15 rooms- with private sector participation

Way side amenity centres near the various border areas with Manipur (Jirighat) and
Mizoram (Lailapur)

Directional signages to all directions
Costs and Phasing
The costs for the proposed developments for other Nodes and Hubs along with the proposed
phase of development are as below:
Table No 2.13
Sr.
No.
Costs and Phasing: Nodes & Hubs
Development
Total Cost
(in Lakh
Rs.)
Phase of
Development
Implementing
Agency
300
I
Tourism Dept.
75
I
Tourism Dept.
3 River cruise base
50
I/II
Tourism Dept.
4 Eateries
75
I
Tourism Dept.
300
II
PPP
75
I
Tourism Dept.
500
I/II
PPP
NODES/ HUBS
Tezpur
1 Riverfront development near Ganesh
Ghat
2 Visitor Amenity centre
5 Water sports centre
Jorhat
6 Visitor Centre
7 Tea Garden Bungalows to be
converted to Heritage Bungalows
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8 Improvement of Golf in Jorhat club
50
II
Tourism Dept.
100
I
Tourism Dept.
900
I/II
Tourism Dept.
10
I
Tourism Dept.
75
I
Tourism Dept.
13 Tribal Heritage and Culture Centre
300
I
Tourism Dept/
PPP
14 Tea Garden Bungalows to be
converted to Heritage Bungalows
500
I/II
PPP
50
II
PPP
100
I/II
Tourism Dept.
800
I/II
PPP
12
I
Tourism Dept.
19 Riverfront development and river
based activities at Barak river as above
400
I/II
Tourism Dept.
20 Houseboats for high quality tourism
180
II
Tourism Dept.
50
II
Tourism Dept.
22 Exclusive eco resort
600
II
Tourism Dept.
23 Three star hotels
900
I/II
Tourism Dept.
24 Way side amenity centres near Jirighat
and Lailapur
60
I
Tourism Dept.
25 Signages
12
I
Tourism Dept.
9 Off season tea tourism activities
development
10 Heritage/other hotels- two 3 star
hotels
11 Signages
Dibrugarh
12 Visitor Information/ reception centre
15 Improvement of Golf in centres
16 Off season tea tourism activities
development
17 Heritage/other hotels- two 3 star
hotels, one 4 star hotel
18 Signages
Silchar
21 Organised tour set up
Total
6474
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1
2
ASSAM
1
2.1
Regional Analysis
1
A.
Geographical setting
1
B.
Administrative Structure
2
C.
Demographic Structure
2
D.
Infrastructure- Connectivity
3
By Air
3
By Rail
4
By Road
4
Inland Waterways
4
2.2
Tourism in Assam- Situational Analysis
4
A.
Travel Circuits – Intra and Inter State Circuits
5
CIRCUITS IDENTIFIED BY DEPT OF TOURISM
5
EXISTING TRAVEL CIRCUITS
5
B.
6
Tourism Resource Categorisation
Nature Based
6
Religious
7
Historical
8
Cultural
8
SatraS
8
Adventure
9
Hill Stations
10
Golf Tourism
10
Fairs & Festivals
11
Major archaeological ruins of Assam
12
Major historical monuments of Assam
12
Identified Main Tourism Sites
13
2.3
Tourism Infrastructure Analysis
14
A.
Accommodation
14
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B.
Restaurants
14
C.
Tourist Information Offices
15
D.
Entry Permit
15
E.
Enroute Amenities
15
F.
Tour and Travel services
15
G.
Tourist guides
15
H.
Shopping Facilities
15
I.
Banking and money exchange
15
J.
Tourist Safety
15
K.
Tourism Police
16
2.4
Tourism Trends Analysis
16
2.5
Institutional Set Up
16
2.6
Ongoing Tourism Projects
16
2.7
Tourism Product Planning & Development Proposals
16
DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES
16
A.
17
Guwahati & Surroundings
Kamakhya Temple
17
Nawagraha Temple
19
full fledged Science City at Guwahati
20
Convention Centre at Guwahati
23
state pavillions and Integrated Tribal Culture Research/ Demonstration Project.
25
OTHERS
25
Brahmaputra river front development at Guwahati
26
B.
Kaziranga National Park
27
C.
Majuli
32
D.
Sibsagar
36
E.
Brahmaputra River Tourism Development
39
RIVER FRONT DEVELOPMENT AT GUWAHATI
46
River cruises
47
F.
Haflong
48
G.
Manas National Park
50
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Tourism Master Plan for North Eastern Region
Handlooms
53
Sualkuchi
54
I.
57
OTHERS
Madan Kamdev:
57
Pao Mecca
57
J.
58
DEVELOPMENT OF NODES/ Hubs
GUWAHATI
58
TEZPUR
58
JORHAT
59
DIBRUGARH
60
SILCHAR
60
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