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Tourism in Indian States
> Assam
> Guwahati | | |
| Guwahati |
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Situated on the bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra, Guwahati - said to
be the legendary Pragjyotishpur or City of Eastern Light - is the gateway to north
eastern India. The name is a combination of two words: Guwa meaning areca nut
and Hat meaning market. Guwahati is the commercial nerve centre of the North-East.
The places to shop for handicrafts and handloom items include the State Government's
department store, Pragjyotika at Ambari as well as several private shops in Pan
Bazar and Fancy Bazar, two of the main commercial markets. |
| What
To See | Kamakhya
Temple
The greatest attraction of Guwahati
by far, is the Kamakhya Temple perched on the Nilachal hill, where Goddess Kamakhya
is worshipped, and which commands a fabulous view of the city and the mighty Brahmaputra.
The ponds here are the abode of some giant turtles.
Baisisthashram
Hermitage of sage Basistha, and also, an ideal picnic
spot. It is just 12 km from the railway station.
Nabagraha
Temple
A temple of nine planets, believed to
be the ancient seat of the study of astronomy. It is just 3 km from the railway
station.
Pabitora
A
small wildlife sanctuary, 60 km from Guwahati. Rhino and various species of deer
abound here.
Umananda Temple
A
temple of Lord Shiva in the midst of river Brahmaputra, on the island of Umananda.
The temple can be reached by crossing the river, via country boats plying from
Kachari Ghat. The place resembles a beehive during Shiva Ratri, when pilgrims
from all over flock to the island, packed in boats.
The State Museum
is another attraction of the city with exhibits dating back to the 7th century
AD, ranging from stone sculptures to bronzes.
Hajo
This place, 25 km west of Guwahati, is the site of
the Pua-Mecca mosque, established by an Iraqi prince-turned-preacher, who travelled
all the way to Assam in the 12th century to spread the Prophet's teachings. Hajo
is a sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. The town also boasts the
Hayagriba Madhava Temple, accessible via a long stone stairway. At the foot of
the stairway is a large pond inhabited by one of Hajo's eminent residents: a giant
turtle. Hajo is also renowned for its bell metal work.
Chandubi
A natural lagoon and a fine picnic spot, 64 km from
Guwahati. The lake is a perfect holiday resort, with ample fishing and rowing
opportunities.
Madan Kamdev
About
35 km from Guwahati, this place is famous for its impressive archaeological ruins.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated
on the banks of river Manas, and 176 km from Guwahati, this sanctuary is the only
'tiger project' of its kind in Assam. Manas has its own peculiar species of fauna,
the rarest of which are the hispid hare and the pigmy hog. Commonly seen animals
are the rhino, elephant, water buffalo and the swamp deer. Hundreds of birds migrate
to Manas during winter. | |
How to get there
| | Guwahati
is well connected by air and rail with New Delhi and Calcutta. |
| |
Winter: October to March.