Srivatsa A TO Z INDIA ● MARCH 2022 ● PAGE 5 What is Assam about... A wesome Assam : Assam is the central state in the North-East Region of India and serves as the gateway to the rest of the Seven Sister States. It is known to visitors for its World Heritage Site - Kaziranga and Manas National park, home to the one horned Rhinoceros. Assam boasts of possessing a host of endangered and rare species like the pigmy hog, hispid hare, white winged wood duck, and great Indian hornbill among many others. Jokai Botanical Garden in Dibrugarh is a storehouse of valuable and endangered species of flora of this region and promises a retreat to the scenic beauty of Era-suti along the northern boundary of Jokai Reserve Forest, famous for its migratory birds. Apart from wildlife reserves there are many historical places in the state. Like Rang Ghar which once served as the royal sports - pavilion for the Ahom nobles or Talatal Ghar and Kareng Ghar, the grandest examples of Ahom architecture. Also noteworthy is the fortress of Agnigarh in Tezpur. Legend has it that the fortress was surrounded by fire at all times and was built by Banasura to confine his daughter Usha, and isolate her from her true love - Anirudddha who was Krishna’s Grandson. Madan Kamdev archaeological site of Kamrup, dates ba ck to the 9th and 10th century AD. Excavation and ruins here show the prosperity and might of the dynasty of Kamarupa. While visiting Madan Kamdev one can also visit the famous ancient temple Gopeswar Mandir situated in village Deuduar. Cultural places include the great temple of Kamakhya, a Hindu temple dedicated to mother goddess Kamakhya.