Monsoon tourism

 Good to learn, Assam Tourism has started promoting the state as a monsoon destination too. True that one cannot get inside Kaziranga National Park, or for that matter into the various National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries during this season. But then, though Kaziranga remains one of the biggest tourist attractions in Assam, rains should not be considered an impediment to attracting tourists to the state during the rainy season. It is significant that the tourism authorities have begun considering marketing various destinations in Assam during the monsoon season, emphasizing that it is during these three months that its greenery explodes. This message has been already made clear in the official website of the state tourism department, which has announced that it is a delight to visit Assam in the hot, rainy season that typically lasts from May to October. The ideal monsoon locations identified for the visitors include Assam’s tranquil tea gardens, with accommodation in the British-era bungalows having all modern amenities and top-of-the-line services standing out as a unique experience. It has been stated that the colonial décor of the tea garden bungalows, which are set amidst tranquil and lush green tea plantations, will provide the perfect getaway. Tourists can spend their days appreciating the greenery all around, watching the rain, while sipping on the world famous Assam tea. For those looking for a more activity filled holiday, there are lots of things to keep you busy such as tea tastings and visits to tea factories, tea auction center, tea research centre, local markets and villages. While Assam Tourism has already made this formal announcement of projecting tea gardens as a new experience, the state’s tourism industry must recall with deep gratitude the pioneering efforts of the late Hemendra Prasad Barooah in identifying tea tourism as a new prospective economic activity for Assam at least two decades ago. It was he who had made the first move to convert his several tea garden bungalows to part-time tourist lodges, and training his officers to double as tourist guides for the visitors. With Assam Tea – and for that matter Indian Tea – celebrating the 200th year of its “discovery”, this is the right time to market Assam’s tea estates alongside the monsoon.