Discover the Hidden Treasures of Guwahati: Your Ultimate Guide to Tourist Places

Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, is like a vibrant tapestry woven with rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes. If you're planning a trip to this bustling city, you’re in for a treat! Let’s explore some must-visit places that will make your visit unforgettable.

Majestic Kamakhya Temple: A Spiritual Oasis

One of the most famous sites in Guwahati is the Kamakhya Temple. Perched atop Nilachal Hill, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya. The temple’s architecture is breathtaking and filled with intricate carvings that tell tales of ancient legends. Many believe this place to be a center for power and healing. Picture standing in a serene environment, breathing in the air filled with incense and flowers. Doesn’t that sound peaceful?

Explore the Rhinos at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Just a short drive from Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the one-horned rhinoceros. This sanctuary offers a unique chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Imagine riding through the tall grass on a jeep safari, spotting wild elephants, and hearing the distant calls of exotic birds. Nature here is alive! It’s an adventure that makes you feel like a kid again, full of wonder and excitement.

Discover the Serenity of Umananda Island

Have you ever wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Umananda Island is your perfect getaway. Located on the Brahmaputra River, this small island holds the Umananda Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The boat ride to the island is a treat in itself, with the mighty river gently cradling your vessel. Once on the island, the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings make you forget all about your daily worries. It’s like stepping into a peaceful painting!

Visit the Historic Assam State Museum

If you’re curious about Assam’s rich history and culture, the Assam State Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts. From ancient sculptures to traditional textiles, this museum tells the story of Assam’s past. Walking through its galleries, you can almost hear the whispers of history echoing off the walls. Each exhibit invites you to understand the vibrant culture that shapes this region. Why not take a moment to ponder how traditions evolve over time?

Relax at the Splendid Nehru Park

Need a break from sightseeing? Nehru Park is the perfect place to unwind. This lush green park in the heart of the city offers a peaceful escape where you can relax and breathe in the fresh air. With beautiful sculptures, tranquil ponds, and walking paths, it’s ideal for a leisurely stroll. Imagine sitting on a bench, sipping a cool drink, and people-watching under the shade of a tree. It’s moments like these that make travel so fulfilling.

Assam’s Tea Gardens: Sip and Savor

A trip to Guwahati wouldn’t be complete without indulging in Assam’s world-famous tea. Take a short trip to the nearby tea gardens, where you can see the tea leaves being picked and even participate in a tasting session. The aroma of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture yourself sipping that rich, flavorful tea while surrounded by endless green hills. Can you taste the adventure in every sip?

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits

Guwahati offers a rich blend of culture, nature, and history that captivates every traveler. From the spiritual heights of Kamakhya Temple to the wild wonders of Pobitora, each destination is a piece of a larger puzzle that showcases the beauty of Northeast India. So pack your bags, lace up your shoes, and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget! The hidden treasures of Guwahati are waiting just for you.

Guwahati is a major city in eastern India, often considered as the gateway to the North-East Region of India, and is the largest city within the region.  Dispur, the capital of Assam is situated within the city.  Guwahati is one of the most rapidly growing cities in India. It is a major commercial and educational centre of eastern India, and is a home to world class institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.  The city is also a major centre for cultural activities and sports in the Northeastern Region and for the administrative and political activities in Assam.

Guwahati City

Guwahati city is between the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and the foothills of the Shillong plateau.  It is surrounded by hills, except where the Bharalu discharges into the Brahmaputra.  To its west the Nilachal hill, and is said to be the home of the Goddess Kamakhya.  To the north, on top of Chitrachal Hill, is the Navagraha (nine planets) temple, a unique astrological temple.  To the south of the city lie the Naraksur hills, named after a legendary king of ancient Assam.  It lies between 26°N Latitude and 91°E Longitude.

Guwahati Climate

The climate of Guwahati City is sub-tropical and gets very humid.  Rainfall is very heavy and the temperature remains quite pleasant throughout the year. The average highest temperature during the months of summer is around 30°C and in winters, the temperature drops to about 10°C.  The best time to visit Guwahati is during the months of November to April.

Guwahati History

The city was identified as 'Pagjyotispura' meaning the 'Light of the East'.  The present name, Guwahati is apparently derived from two Assamese words: Guwa (betel nut) and hat (market place).  The history of Guwahati dates back to the epic times.  The city is mentioned in the epic 'Mahabharata' as the capital of the demon king Narakasura of 'Pragijotispura'.  It is also the ancient land of Kamarupa, the land where the Hindu God of beauty, fertility and source of life was reborn.  It was situated midway between two powerful kingdoms: the Ahom and the Koch kingdoms.  Later, when the Koch regions were overrun by the Mughals, Guwahati became the seat of a forward Mughal commander.  Neither the Mughals nor the Koch could maintain power at Gowahati.  However, it became better known as the seat of the Borphukan, the civil and military authority of the region appointed by the Ahom king.

Places to Visit in Guwahati

Basistha (11km)

The beautiful picnic site has water fall and two red domed temples of sage Vashistha.

Hajo

The pilgrim centre on the north bank of the Brahmaputra is holy for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists.  It was also an important centre of Assamese culture and learning.  The temple of Hayagriba Madhab is said to enshrine a relic of Lord Buddha.  The famous Pao Mecca mosque located nearby was built by Pir Giasuddin Aulia. Hajo is about 32km from Guwahati City.

Sualkuchi

Sualkuchi is about 32km from Guwahati City. It is located near Hajo and is known for the production of famous Muga, the golden silk of Assam.  Sualkuchi is perhaps one of the largest weaving villages in the world.

Madan Kamdev

Madan Kamdev is about 34km from Guwahati City. The relics of tantric temple of Goddess Shakti, built during 11th and 12th centuries are also called as the ‘Khajuraho of Kamrup”.

Manas National Park

Manas National park is about 176km From Guahati City. The scenic park on the banks of Manas River, teems with a rich variety of wildlife and is theonly project Tiger Reserve in Assam. It also features on the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.  Key fauna – tiger, one-horned rhino, hispid hare, gaurs, pygmy hogs and rare golden langurs.  A large number of migratory birds flock to Manas during the winters.  Best Season  (November to April).

Assam Tea

The tea plant was discovered in the wild in 1821, by Robert Bruce and the first tea plantation was set up in 1834, near Dibrugarh.  Today, Assam is world renowned for tea and has over 850 tea estates, which produce around 55% of India’s tea and 12% of the world’s tea.

Guwahati, the ‘Tea City’ is famous for the world’s largest CTC Tea Auction Centre.  A visit to the State is rendered incomplete without a visit to the tea gardens and enjoying the celebration of Assam/s Tea Festival, from 26th to 28thDecember.

Bihu

Bihu, the harvest festival is the most important event of Assam.  Three Bihu festival mark different agricultural seasons.  The Tangoli Bihu (mid April) or the Bohag is the most important Bihu, which is a farewell to the old year and welcomes the New Year.  The Magh Bihu (January), celebrates the new rice harvest.  The Kaati Bihu is observed to mark the cutting and binding of grains.  The Bihu is also the most popular folk dance form of Assam.  The Bihu songs eulogise the beauty and love for the Mother Nature.

Guwahati Temples

Kamakhya temple

The greatest attraction of Guwahati is the Kamakhya Temple, on the Nilachal Hill, where Goddess Kamakhya is worshipped.  The temple commands a fabulous view of the city and the mighty Bramaputra.  The ponds here are the home of some giant turtles.

Umananda Temple

It is a temple of Lord Shiva, in the midst of river Brahmaputra, on the island of Umananda.  It can be reached by crossing the river via boats plying from Kachari Ghat.  The place resembles a beehive during Shivaratri when pilgrims from all over flock to the island packed in boats.

Janardhan Temple

The temple is situated on the hillock Suklesva in the heart of the city.  The temple consecrated in the 10th century was rebuilt in the 17th century.  Located near Suklesvar Ghat of the Brahmaputra River, the temple has an image of the Lord Buddha, which is a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Nabagraha Temple

Nambagraha means nine planets.  It is thus a temple of nine planets, and is believed to be the ancient seat of the study of astronomy.  It is one of the most important temples of Guwahati.

Assam Forest Museum

This museum is situated at South Kamrup Division, Gowahati.  It has collections of timber, cane and ivory work, tusks and horns and models of buildings and bridges.

Festivals

Bohag Bihu or Rangali Bihu

The most important and colorful festival of Guwahati is he Spring festival or Bohag Bihu or Rangali Bihu celebrated in the middle or April.  This also initiates the agricultural season.  The merriments include dances accompanied on the beats of Dhol and Pepa.  Songs sung in this Bihu are woven around themes of love.  People adorn traditional attires.  Bihu dances performed by young boys and girls characterized by brisk stepping, flinging and flipping of hands represent youthful passion, and 'Joie-de-vivre'.