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The city that is a perfect confluence of modern comforts and old world charm, Guwahati in Assam is a key travel destination in India. The modern city was once the capital city to ancient Kingdoms of Kamarupa and Pala. It has many old temples in the region, earning it the nickname of the 'Temple City'. Today, Guwahati is on the fast lane of development and is an important centre for commercial and educational activity. It is also considered a cultural hub in India with many events taking place here, showcasing the art and traditions of the region.
Guwahati is located picturesquely with the waters of river Brahmaputra and the scenic hills of the Shillong Plateau surrounding the city. It has much to offer the curious traveller, from temple ruins to exciting wildlife sanctuaries. Take a look at some of the places to visit in and around the beautiful city of Guwahati.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
A popular place to visit in Guwahati is the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary located at a distance of 50 km from the city. The drive to the sanctuary is scenic as you will cross lush green vegetation and the waters of river Brahmaputra on the nearly one hour journey. The sanctuary's key attraction is the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros. Interestingly the number of Rhinos living here has exceeded the park's capacity. The sanctuary is also a key place to visit and observe avian life as over 2000 varieties of birds and reptiles are also found here.
Photo Courtesy: rajkumar1220
Temples of Hajo
At a short distance of 34 km from Guwahati is another place to visit, the Temples of Hajo. Situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra, the area is a haven for lovers of history and ancient temple architecture. Popular attractions here include the Hayagriva Mahadev Temple, Kedareswara Temple and Mandan Kamadev Temple. Interestingly the region also has the famous Hajo Powa Mecca, which was constructed with soil brought from the holy land of Mecca itself and is considered equally holy for worship.
Photo Courtesy: Arup Malakar
Kamakhya Temple
Another interesting place to visit in Guwahati is the famous Kamakya Temple. It is one of the oldest 'Shakti Peeths' and is dedicated to the worship of the 'Yoni' the female representation of fertility, birth and power. The temple celebrates the famous Ambubachi Mela, at the onset of monsoons as a worship of the earth as the mother of all living beings. The main sanctum of the temple has a rock crevice shaped like the vulva that has a perennial stream flowing through it and is worshipped as the goddess herself.
Photo Courtesy: Warlock D
Assam State Zoo
The largest zoo in the North East, the Assam State Zoo or Guwahati Zoo is one of its kind. Spanning an area of over 432 acres, the zoo itself is located inside the Hengrabari Reserved Forest. The zoo had its inception in the year 1957 and opened with just 42 animals and 236 birds, today, the zoo has grown to accommodate over 895 animals and birds.
Photo Courtesy: Mandeep Singh
Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra
An important place to visit in Guwahati is the centre for all cultural activities and events, the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra. Named after the popular poet and reformist Srimanta Sankardev, the place consists of a cultural museum, library, temples and performing spaces. Make sure you get a taste of the cultural performances that take place here as well as a tour through the 'Artists' Village' that showcase local traditions and way of life. The surrounding views are also stunning to observe.
Photo Courtesy: rajkumar1220
Assam State Museum
Among the things to do in Guwahati is a trip to the Assam State Museum, which is among the largest in India. The museum has dedicated sections for various activities and displays including; sculptures, epigraphy, folk art, anthropology, etc. The vast library here is also worth exploring. The museum is open between 10:00 am to 4:30 pm on all days of the week except Mondays.
Photo Courtesy: Koshy Koshy
Dipor Beel
A sightseeing trip across Guwahati is incomplete without exploring one of the biggest lakes of the Brahmaputra valley, the Dipor Beel or Deepor Bil. It is a freshwater lake and wetland that is under conservation as a biological hotspot. The lake is popular for the fishing activities that take place here and the lush vegetation surrounding the place. Naturally the lake also attracts a variety of birdlife and is the ideal place for bird watchers.
Photo Courtesy: P.K.Niyogi
Umananda Temple
One of the tourist spots to visit in Guwahati is the small riverine island called the Peacock Island on the river Brahmaputra. The Umananda Temple located on the island is an ancient temple originally built by the Ahom dynasty, however after the 1897 earthquake the original structure was ruined and had to be re-built. You can take ferries from Sukleshwar Ghat to the island and admire the beautiful temple on a day visit.
Photo Courtesy: Kinshuk Kashyap
Food and Stay
A variety of restaurants are available in Guwahati catering to various cuisines, however you can try the local Assamese cooking at various places including their interesting preparations of fish, meat and rice. Interesting vegetarian dishes such as Khar must be tried.
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Photo Courtesy: Soyuz Sharma
How to Reach Guwahati
By Road: Guwahati is a key centre for road transport in the North East of India and is well-connected by major highways to all destinations in the North East. Highways such as NH-31 connect Guwahati to other major cities in the country.
By Rail: The Guwahati Railway Junction is connected by frequent train service from various regions of North East. Trains connect major cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Trivandrum, etc. to the city as well.
By Air: The Borjhar Airport located at a distance of 25 km from Guwahati city has frequent flights to Delhi, Kolkatta, Agartala, Dimapur, Imphal, etc.
Photo Courtesy: Kinshuk Kashyap
