Assam......the
rich, green land of rolling plains and dense forests is the
gateway to the north eastern part of India. The mighty Brahmaputra
River that has its origins in Tibet charts its majestic course
through this state. This mystic land of eternal blue hills
and beautiful rivers is renowned for its tea, rich flora and
fauna, the world famous one horned rhinoceros and other rare
species of wildlife on the verge of extinction. Barring Africa,
there is perhaps no part of the world where such a variety
of wildlife exists.
Situated between 90-96 degree East Longitute and 24-28
degree North Latitude, Assam is bordered in the North and
East by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Along
the south lie Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Meghalaya lies
to her South-West, Bengal and Bangladesh to her West.
Located just below the eastern Himalayan foothills, it is
surrounded by the other northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh,
Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya. Assam
and its commercial capital Guwahati form the gateway to
the northeastern states, together called the seven sisters.
These states are connected to the rest of India via Assam's
border with West Bengal and a narrow strip called the "Chicken's
Neck." Assam shares international borders with Bhutan
and Bangladesh.
Pleasant sub-alpine climate prevails in the hilly region
of Assam. The plains however experience tropical climate
making them uncomfortably humid especially during the rainy
seasons.
Winter sets in from around the end of the month of October
and lasts till the end of February. The temperature drops
to a minimum of 6 to 8 o Celcius, the nights and early mornings
are foggy, and rain is scanty.
Summer arrives in the middle of May accompanied by high
humidity and rainfall. The temperature reaches a maximum
of 35 to 38 o Celcius. The frequent rains however serve
to push the mercury down.
The Moonsoons blow full blast during the month of June.
Thunderstorms known as "Bordoichilla" are a frequent
occurrence during the afternoons. Spring and Autumn with
moderate temperatures and modest rainfall are the best seasons.
Assam falls in a zone prone to earthquakes. Though mild
tremors are familiar to the region, high-intensity earthquakes
are rather infrequent.
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