Asia’s oldest refinery is located in a small town in Assam called Digboi, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Legend has it that the Britishers would tell the laborers “Dig, boy, dig!” as they dug land for crude oil, hence the name ‘Digboi’ came about. Digboi, which got its first refinery in the year 1901, came to be known as the Oil City of Assam.

This place is sure to mesmerize you with its well-developed infrastructure and cleanliness. While you are here, you must photograph the unique bungalows which were built before independence for British professionals who would visit to supervise work in the refinery. A walk amidst the greenery, oil plants, bungalows and the golf course at Digboi is a must.

How to reach: Located approximately 14 hours from Guwahati, it can be reached by road or rail.

Main Attractions: Assam Oil Corporation Limited, the bungalows, and Digboi Museum

Majuli, located in Assam is the Asia’s Largest River Island.

The river island of Majuli is located in the upper reaches of the river Brahmaputra. This spectacular place is sure to make you feel as if you are on a different world altogether.

Apart from this, Majuli is also regarded as the centre for Assamese culture. The Satras here were formed by the followers of Sankaradeva, where Assamese music, dance, and dance drama are being performed since ages. Bhaona and Borgeet are a few of these forms, which are being performed in these Satras with dedication, with the help of Gurus. The traditional masks and attire used in these plays is one of the main highlights

How to reach: Located 200 km from Guwahati, you can take a ferry ride to Majuli from Jorhat. You could even hire a private motorized boat.

Main Attractions: The scenic views as well as the place’s cultural heritage

Not many know of this little village called Mayong in Assam has been the land of witchcraft and black magic since centuries. Mayong, the Hogwart’s of Assam, has been practising magic since long before Ms. Rowling conceived of the idea of Harry Potter.

In fact, the name ‘Mayong’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘maya’, which means ‘illusion’. There are many scary tales associated with Mayong – of people vanishing into thin air or beasts magically being tamed – which will surely give you goosebumps. Here, you can still find people practicing magic which have been passed down from generation to generation.

How to reach: Mayong, located about 40 km away from Guwahati, is very close to the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. It can be easily reached from Morigaon.

Important attractions: Mayong Central Museum and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which has a high number of one-honed rhinos.

Assam is the land where birds commit suicide!

You are sure to come across the name of this Assamese village called Jatinga every now and then, for the very bizzarre phenomenon that happens here – that of birds committing suicide. The small village of Jatinga that rests quietly in the Borail hills of Assam, has been witnessing this event of mass suicide by birds every winter for about 100 years. Hundreds of migratory birds fly at high speed towards trees and buildings, succumbing to death eventually. Why do they do this? That mystery still remains unsolved.

How to reach: Jatinga is located in the district of Dima Hason, approximately 330 km from Guwahati. It can be accessed by road from Guwahati.

Main attractions: The lush green scenery here is sure to leave you spell-bound, apart from the mystery of the bird mass suicide.

This is one of the most unique festivals of Assam, where the barter system comes alive. The three-day-long Jonbeel Mela, held in the month of Magh (January or February) at Dayang Belguri in Morigaon district, celebrates the phenomenon where goods are exchanged for goods as per one’s needs. The fair was started by the Ahom kings in the 15th century, and continues till date.

How to reach: Dayang Belguri is located around 5 km from Jagiroad in Morigaon district and 32 km from Guwahati. It is easily accessible by road.

Main Attractions: Traditional dances and cock fights are the major attractions, apart from the barter fair.