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Beguiling Tales of Umananda Island in Guwahati

By Akshatha Vinayak

Did you know that world's smallest river island and world's largest river island are in the same state?! Yes, Umananda Island in Guwahati and Majuli Island near Jorhat are the islands located in Assam.

Umananda Island is the smallest inhabited river island in the world. Like Majuli, Umananda is situated in the middle of Brahmaputra river.

Ahom King, Gadadhar Singha ordered to construct a shiva temple in the island. Today, Umananda Temple is one of the main pilgrimage sites in the city.

The British called it as Peacock Island because the shape of the island looks like a peacock feather. It is not just this, the mythological stories related to this charming place are interesting as well! Umananda Island is one of the unique places to visit in Guwahati.

Read on to know more about this enchanting place!

Mythology of Umananda

Mythology of Umananda

Umananda Island is also called as 'Bhasmachal' because it is believed that Lord Shiva burnt Kamdev: The God of Love in this same place. 'Bhasma' means ashes and 'Chal' means place.

Another story says, Umananda was Lord Shiva's favourite place and he often spent time here with his wife Parvati (Uma). So, the name Umananda.

Photo Courtesy: Aniruddha Buragohain

The Land of Golden Langur

The Land of Golden Langur

Umananda Island in Assam and Black Mountains of Bhutan are the only places where Golden Langurs are found in India.

The Golden Langurs are one the most endangered monkey species in India. They're one of the prime attractions of this island.

Photo Courtesy: Doniv79

Umananda Temple

Umananda Temple

Umananda Temple is situated on a hill called Bhasmacala in Umananda Island.

It was built by Ahom King, Gadadhar Singha who was big devotee of Lord Shiva. The temple was destroyed by an earthquake in 1897. It was renovated by a local merchant and now it is one of the prime locations in Guwahati City.

Umananda Temple also has sculptures of Ganesha, Vishnu, Surya and Parvati. One has to climb some steps to reach this temple.

Photo Courtesy: Rajuonline

How To Reach Umananda Island

How To Reach Umananda Island

The Peacock Island is situated in the middle of Brahmaputra river, exactly between North and South Guwahati.

A 10 minute boat ride from the banks of the river takes you to the island.

Motor Boat services start from 7am and ends at 5pm.

Photo Courtesy: Vikramjit Kakati

Majuli: The Biggest River Island in the World

Majuli: The Biggest River Island in the World

Majuli or Majoli is the largest river island, located in the Brahmaputra river in Assam.

It is one of the lesser known places in Assam. Majuli is a biodiversity hot-spot which promotes eco-tourism.

Isn't it surprising that both smallest river island (Umananda) and largest river island (Majuli) in the world are located in the same Indian state?!

Photo Courtesy: Suraj Kumar Das

The City of Guwahati

The City of Guwahati

Guwahati is one of the major cities in Assam. It is situated between the Brahmaputra river and shillong plateau.

An ancient capital, Guwahati has many temples. Hence, it is also called as the 'City of Temples'.

Umananda Island is around 8km from the city. It is one of the main tourist places in the city.

Photo Courtesy: Mozzworld

Read more about: unexplored place guwahati assam
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