MileHacker Logo
Resources & References

Resources & References

Northeast States, India

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps:

    Navigation, points of interest, and offline maps.

  • Google Translate:

    Language assistance. Download offline Assamese and Hindi packs.

  • Uber / Ola:

    Ride-hailing services in major cities like Guwahati.

  • WhatsApp:

    Main communication app for guides, hotels, and locals.

  • Booking.com / Agoda / MakeMyTrip:

    Accommodation bookings. MakeMyTrip is a popular Indian platform.

Online Platforms

  • IRCTC Rail Connect:

    Official app for Indian Railways train ticket booking. Often requires an Indian phone number.

  • Incredible India:

    Visit incredibleindia.org for general information on travel to India.

  • Assam Tourism Official:

    Visit tourism.assam.gov.in for state-specific information and local events.

  • E-Visa India Application:

    Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in for e-Visa applications.

  • Social Media:

    Search for official Assam Tourism accounts on Instagram and Facebook for inspiration.

Print Resources

Guidebooks

Seek a comprehensive India guidebook that includes a dedicated section on Northeast India. Choose a recently updated edition for accuracy.

National Geographic Adventure Map: India North & Nepal

Local Authors

Explore fiction by Assamese authors like Indira Goswami (Mamoni Raisom Goswami), a Jnanpith Award winner, for literary insights into local life.

A History of Assam

Local Publications

Local English newspapers like The Assam Tribune or The Telegraph (Northeast edition) offer current events and regional insights.

The Brahmaputra: The Story of a River By Arupjyoti Saikia

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • All Emergencies (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 112 (National Emergency Number).
  • Police: 100.
  • Ambulance: 102.
  • Fire: 101.

Additional Support

  • National Tourist Helpline: 1800-11-1363 (toll-free from India) or 1363.
  • Guwahati: Apollo Hospitals, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital.
  • Dibrugarh: Assam Medical College & Hospital.
  • Jorhat: Jorhat Medical College & Hospital.

Lost Documents & Natural Disasters

Lost Documents

  • Report loss or theft of documents to the nearest police station immediately.
  • Obtain a FIR (First Information Report).
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance with replacement documents.
  • Keep emergency contact numbers handy.

Embassy Information

  • Locate your country's embassy in New Delhi.
  • Some countries might have honorary consulates in Northeast India.
  • Keep their contact details, including phone numbers and email addresses.
  • Consular services are mainly from the main embassy.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • In case of a natural disaster, follow local authority instructions.
  • Seek higher ground if advised during floods.
  • Stay updated through local news and official advisories.
  • Your embassy can also provide guidance.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

Wildlife Focus

  • Search for documentaries on Assam's wildlife.
  • Focus on rhinos and elephants.
  • Discover films depicting the region's unique landscapes.
  • Visual guides from other travelers offer insights.

Cultural Depictions

  • Look for documentaries on Assam's tea industry.
  • Explore films on the rich cultural heritage of Northeast Indian states.
  • These films offer pre-trip context.
  • Understand the peoples and unique aspects.

Traveler Insights

  • YouTube channels focusing on travel in Assam.
  • Practical advice from other travelers.
  • Personal experiences and tips are often shared.
  • These resources enhance trip preparation.

Music & Art

Traditional Music

  • Listen to traditional Assamese folk music.
  • Examples Bihu geet (songs related to Bihu festivals).
  • Goalparia folk songs showcase regional diversity.

Performing Arts

  • Look for classical Sattriya dance performances.
  • Explore contemporary Assamese music for modern cultural expressions.
  • Visual art from the region offers unique perspectives.

Online Communities

Travel Forums

  • Join travel forums like specific subreddits on Reddit.
  • Or sections of large online communities focused on Northeast India.
  • Valuable for asking questions and getting recent advice.

Language Learning

  • Basic Assamese learning apps or online tutorials.
  • Pick up conversational phrases.
  • This effort locals often appreciate.

Skill Enhancement

Photography Skills

  1. Consider online courses to enhance travel photography.
  2. Skillshare has various photography courses.
  3. Capture the landscapes and culture more beautifully.
  4. Better photographs create lasting memories.
  5. Share your journey visually.

Travel Planning Courses

  1. Improve itinerary planning skills.
  2. Learn about budgeting for different destinations.
  3. Understand cultural distinctions before travel.
  4. Master logistics for smooth journeys.
  5. Courses found on online learning platforms.

Travel Partners

Travel Insurance

For comprehensive travel insurance, consider World Nomads.

Packing Organizers

For effective packing solutions, explore Eagle Creek products.

Language Learning

To learn basic phrases for your journey, try Babbel.

Security Notice

Keep your travel insurance emergency contact number handy. They assist with locating medical facilities and coordinating care.

Digital Resources Continued

Specialized Apps

Language & Navigation

  • Babbel:

    Language learning for basic communication. Learn more at Babbel.com

  • Offline Maps:

    Download areas of Assam on Google Maps for navigation without internet.

  • VPN Services:

    Use a VPN like NordVPN for secure browsing while traveling.

Travel Management

  • Budgeting Apps:

    Track expenses to stay within your travel budget in Assam.

  • Itinerary Organizers:

    Keep all bookings and plans in one accessible place.

  • Packing Checklists:

    Ensure you bring all essentials for diverse activities.

Community Insights

Travel Blogs

Find reputable travel bloggers or content creators focusing on Northeast India. They often share personal experiences and practical advice.

Podcasts

Search for podcasts on Indian travel or specific Northeast India topics. Learn about the region's culture, history, and unique stories.

Video Content

YouTube channels focusing on travel in Assam offer visual guides and practical advice from other travelers. Gain visual insights before your journey.

Connectivity & Communication

Staying Connected

  • Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival.
  • Look for accommodations with reliable Wi-Fi.
  • Utilize WhatsApp for seamless communication with contacts.
  • Consider an eSIM for international roaming.

Language Resources

  • Carry a small phrasebook with common Assamese words.
  • Use translation apps with voice input.
  • Simple gestures often aid communication.
  • Locals generally appreciate attempts at their language.

Local Information Sources

Official Websites

  • Ministry of Tourism, Government of India: incredibleindia.org for general information.
  • Assam Tourism Official Website: tourism.assam.gov.in for state-specific information.
  • Discover attractions and local events on the official tourism site.
  • E-Visa India Application: indianvisaonline.gov.in for visa applications.

Transport & Accommodation

  • Indian Railways (IRCTC): irctc.co.in for booking train tickets.
  • Booking.com / Agoda / MakeMyTrip for accommodation reservations.
  • Uber / Ola apps for ride-hailing services in major cities.
  • Look for local public transport schedules online.

Resource Tip

A detailed physical map of Assam or Northeast India helps, especially for rural areas where digital maps might be less reliable or cell signal is weak.

← Previous
Practical Tips & Hacks
← Back to Assam
Next →
Pre-Trip Checklist

Next Up: Pre-Trip Checklist

Continue to Pre-Trip Checklist