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Assam, a picturesque state in northeastern India, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and biodiversity. With its lush green landscapes, mighty rivers, and diverse wildlife, Assam offers a unique and unforgettable experience for international tourists, especially those from Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world. In this guide, we will explore the top national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Assam, providing essential information and tips to help you plan your perfect adventure.   Kaziranga National Park: The Home of the One-Horned Rhino   Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. This park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here’s what you need to know: Location: Central Assam, along the Brahmaputra River Best Time to Visit: November to April Key Attractions: One-horned rhinoceros sightings Elephant safaris and jeep safaris Rich birdlife, including migratory species Majestic views of the Brahmaputra River Travel Tip: Book your safari in advance and opt for the early morning slots for the best chances of spotting wildlife.   Manas National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site   Manas National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located at the foothills of the Himalayas and offers a diverse range of flora and fauna. It’s an ideal destination for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Location: Western Assam, bordering Bhutan Best Time to Visit: October to April Key Attractions: Bengal tigers and Indian elephants River rafting on the Manas River Bird watching with over 450 species recorded Scenic landscapes and rich biodiversity Travel Tip: Combine your visit to Manas with a trip to Bhutan for a cross-border adventure.     Dibru-Saikhowa National Park: The Bird Watcher’s Paradise   Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is a paradise for bird watchers and nature photographers. This park is known for its vibrant avian population and unique wetland ecosystem. Location: Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts, near the Brahmaputra River Best Time to Visit: November to April Key Attractions: Rare and endangered bird species Boat rides in the Brahmaputra and Dibru rivers The unique semi-evergreen forest and grassland habitat Sightings of feral horses and other wildlife Travel Tip: Bring a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens to capture the stunning birdlife.   Nameri National Park: An Adventurer’s Delight   Nameri National Park, located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, offers a mix of adventure and wildlife experiences. It’s perfect for those who love trekking, bird watching, and river rafting. Location: Sonitpur district, northern Assam Best Time to Visit: November to April Key Attractions: White-winged wood ducks and other rare birds River rafting on the Jia Bhoroli River Trekking and camping in the dense forest Wildlife sightings including elephants and leopards Travel Tip: Hire a local guide for trekking to enhance your experience and safety.   Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: The Rhino’s Abode   Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, although smaller in size, boasts a high density of one-horned rhinoceros and is an excellent option for a day trip from Guwahati, Assam’s largest city. Location: Morigaon district, near Guwahati Best Time to Visit: November to February Key Attractions: One-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife Bird watching opportunities with over 200 species Elephant rides and jeep safaris Proximity to Guwahati makes it easily accessible Travel Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby village of Mayong, known for its traditional magic and folklore.   Conclusion Assam’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries offer a unique blend of adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty that appeals to tourists from Canada, the United States, and beyond. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a bird watcher, or an adventure seeker, Assam has something to offer. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the natural wonders of this enchanting state.

Indian Cuisine   A Food Lover’s Guide to Indian Cuisine Indian cuisine may be said to be an art, an array of colored pots filled with mouthwatering dishes that could each retell a history of India. The food ranges from the exotic mountain fare of the himalayas to the exotic sea food of the coconuts of kerala and thus having an array of taste buds that savor the tongue and mind. In this all-India guide, we will go on the regional trip and discover the main dishes and the component that make Indian cuisine exceptional. Introduction: The Essence of Indian Cuisine The Indian food is well known for its spicy and aromatic qualities as Indian spices form the major part of food preparation. One thing that is unique to Indian cuisine is the use of spice like cumin, corriander, turmeric and garam masala to offer a fragrance and flavor to the food. Apart from the spices, Indian cuisine is also defined by the manner of preparing foods through methods such as roasting, grilling, sautéing, and steaming. Coupled with assorted climate and geographical conditions, these techniques have produced a wide spread of regional specialties that are distinguished by their individuality. Suggested Tour: Culinary Tour North Indian Cuisine: Rich and Robust 1. Punjab: The Land of Butter and Spice The province of Punjab is known as ‘The Land of Five Rivers’ and its food is rich, dense, and heavy on spices. Here, I have noted that most of the food is spicy, liberally supplemented with ghee and cream in some meals making the food delicious and creamy. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani): This delicious chicken contains chicken pieces prepared in a tomato-based gravy that is further thickened with butter and cream. Sarson ka Saag and Makki di Roti: A traditional Punjabi winter special preparation of mustard greens (sarson) and typically eaten with cornmeal flatbreads cooked on griddle known as makki di roti. Amritsari Kulcha: A stuffed flour based bread rolled and cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) can have a stuffing of spiced mashed potatoes, or paneer. 2. Rajasthan: The Royal Feast The food of Rajasthan is spicy, dry and has been greatly influenced by the royal rule of the state. It lacks fresh vegetables, fruits and fancy items as most of the foods that are prepared are spicy and are prepared with food items that do not perish easily like lentils, beans and millets. Dal Baati Churma: It is a conventional food preparation that consists of cooked lentils with spices (dal), baked round wheat cakes (baati), and a coarse sweet bread (churma). Laal Maas: A spicy meat curry dish prepared with red chilies and yogurt usually the goat or lamb meat is used for this dish. Gatte ki Sabzi: This is a preparation made from chickpea flour and shaped into dumplings which is then cooked in a gravy, prepared from yogurt. South Indian Cuisine: Spicy and Flavorful 3. Tamil Nadu: The Land of Temples and Idlis Tamil Nadu has a tradition for vegetarian food and it is also the dominant staple food in the state – rice and lentils. This restaurant’s food is usually spicy, and you’ll notice that tamarind and coconut are used quite frequently. Idli and Dosa: Rice soaked in water for several hours then fermented and ground into a paste and steamed into soft round cakes (idli) and the same material spread out and cooked on a griddle to form thin, crisp pancakes (dosa). Chettinad Chicken: A curry type chicken dish from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu and it is very hot because it uses a lot of spices. Sambar and Rasam: Koras, a type of lentil based soup that has tamarind as a primary ingredient and a host of spices used to enhance the flavor and is usually taken with rice or dosa. 4. Kerala: The Spice Garden of India In terms of food, like all other aspects of life in the state, Kerala is unique in that the people consume a significant amount of fish and coconut due to the land’s geographical location. The food is tasteful, and I noticed that the spices are combined well and do not overpower the other ingredients. Fish Molee: An aroma of fish curry immediately prepared in coconut milk and garnished with curry leaves and green chilly. Appam and Stew: Fermented rice pancakes (appam) topped with a delightful aromatic vegetable or meat curry. Puttu and Kadala Curry: Steamed rice flour cakes with beef, chicken or mutton curry Kadala (Black chickpea curry). East Indian Cuisine: Unique and Diverse 5. West Bengal: The Sweet Tooth The state of West Bengal is well-known for its range of sweets and desert items, but it’s equally rich in a variety of non-vegetarian items to relish. The cooking involves the use of mustard oil and panch phoron popularly used in Bangladeshi recipes. Fish Curry (Machher Jhol): A very light fish preparation, which is cooked with a dash of mustard oil, turmeric and green chili. Rasgulla and Sandesh: Cheeseballs made of soft spongy material and cooked in syrup (rasgulla) and a delicate milk sweet (sandesh). Shorshe Ilish: Hilsa fish which is cooked in mustard sauce is something that people in Bengal reverence. 6. Odisha: Simple yet Flavorful Odisha is rich in flavors and spices with an emphasis on fresh produce which could be sourced locally. Thus, the food is less spicy compared to other parts of the state, yet it is equally flavorful. Dalma: A comforting dish made from lentils and vegetables spiced with Whole spice mix (panch phoron) Pakhala Bhata: Steamed rice soaked with water then fermented together with yogurt to come up with a food that can be best eaten during summer. Chhena Poda: A cooked dessert made from fresh cottage cheese, sugar, and cardamom. West Indian Cuisine: Spicy and Savory 7. Maharashtra: The Diverse Palette Even within the state, there are differences in the type of food that is consumed, especially when comparing the coastal areas to the interior parts of Maharashtra. The