Backpacking Northern India 16/45: Journey to Tinsukia, India Tinsukia Assam India

Backpacking Northern India 16/45: Journey to Tinsukia, India Tinsukia Assam India

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia back again with another travel story. This time, I take you to Northern India in episode 16 of my 45-episode series, to the city of Tinsukia in Assam state, located in Northeast India. This place is a new destination for adventurous travelers like me because Tinsukia is not listed among India's popular tourist cities like Bengaluru or Mumbai. Instead, it is full of interesting local culture, a peaceful lifestyle, and pristine nature.

I started my journey from the familiar big city of Bengaluru, which if you followBackpacking Bengaluruyou would know is the technology and progress hub of India. But for this trip, I had to change the atmosphere to the northeastern or northern part of India, which is completely different. I used a plane as the main transport to save time because roads and railways in this region are not as convenient as in big cities.

Upon arriving at Tinsukia airport, the atmosphere reminded me of the simplicity of rural India I had experienced inNamchior small lands full of peace and Buddhist temples in the style of Sikkimese and Assamese people. This place is unlike big cities full of chaos. Tinsukia is imbued with simplicity and naturalness that remains intact, including forests, rivers, and villagers' way of life.

Traveling in Tinsukia is quite convenient for backpackers, but you must be prepared for weather that can be cold or humid depending on the season. Being a small town, I chose to walk and hire a three-wheeled auto-rickshaw called “auto” to explore the local market and surrounding communities. The market here is lively like those in big cities but focuses on selling local products such as fresh vegetables, exotic fruits, spices, and local foods with enticing aromas.

One of the things I was very impressed with was the local food here. Assam is a state with cultural diversity, so the food is a blend of Northern Indian flavors and those of Northeast India. I tried Assam-style biryani, which is different from the biryani I had in Bengaluru before. The taste was rich but not overly spiced, served with pickled vegetables and soup scented with local herbs. It was a meal that truly made me feel the warmth of the local people.

Besides food, the markets in Tinsukia are full of cute souvenirs like handwoven fabrics and local jewelry that reflect Assamese lifestyles. I spent time chatting with vendors and locals, hearing stories about daily life and long-standing traditions. This is what I love most when traveling in small towns because it’s not just tourism but a real learning of life.

For traveling to various attractions around the city, Tinsukia has a convenient travel hub with both three-wheeled autos and small taxis. I visited the Brahmaputra River, the main river of the north flowing through Assam. This river is the lifeblood of the area and an important source of natural and cultural richness. I experienced fishermen still using traditional fishing methods and saw the beautiful riverside scenery filled with forests and diverse wildlife.

When talking about traveling in Northern India, many might think of popular cities like Darjeeling or famous tourist spots. But for me, visiting Tinsukia completes the true travel experience in India. It’s not just grandeur but also simplicity blended harmoniously with nature and local culture, as I once wrote inJourney to Darjeelingwhich is another northern city with its own unique charm.

If anyone is interested in stepping off India’s main tourist routes, try walking around Tinsukia. You might discover new perspectives of this country not seen in big cities. I, mr.hotsia, recommend giving it a try, and you will realize that backpacking in Northern India is not only about famous cities but also many destinations waiting for us to explore and experience firsthand.

For this travel vlog of mine, you can watch more atBackpacking Northern India 16/45: Journey to Tinsukia, India Tinsukia Assam IndiaI guarantee the fun and true essence of India will be fully conveyed through my footage and stories.