The top 24 important places to visit in Guwahati. Ultimate Free Guide to visist Guwahati (2019).

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GUWAHATI

City of Eastern Lights

The ‘Gateway to the North East’ is the main industrial, commercial and communication centre of the region.There are many places to visit in Guwahati. Guwahati. It is surrounded by hills and dominated by the Brahmaputra River, which is so wide at some literally made up of two Ahomiya words-Guwa or arecanut and Haat or market place, this tracing its origins to a time when it was a trading post on the Brahmaputra. It was spelt as Gauhati during the British Raj, which was changed in the late 1980’s, according to the local pronunciation. The early history of the town is shrouded in myths and legends. According to mythological legends, the city was built by the demon King Narkasur, who was later killed by Lord Krishna. It is also said to be the legendary ‘Kamrup’, the birthplace of Kamdeva, the ‘God of Love’. Excavations at Ambari have revealed artefacts dating back to 6th century A.D. The town was an important religious and political centre of ancient Assam and capital of the Varman and Pala dynasties of the Kamarups kingdom. It was earlier known by the names of ‘Pragjyotishpura’ or the ‘City of Eastern Lights’ and Durjoya. Hiuen Tsang, the famus Chinese scholar, traveler and pilgrim visited the region in about 743 A.D., on the invitation of Kumar Bjaskars Varman, the greatest Varman King Kamrupa is mentioned as Kamolupa in his travelogues, which indicates a strong naval force of the kingdom with knowledge of the sea route to China. The glory of the town declined between 12th-15th centuries, with the downfall of the Kamata kingdom. The city became a seat of Borphukan, the Viceroy for Western part of the Ahom kingdom. Assam was attacked by the Mughals a number of times and Guwahati was seized on numerous occasions. The battle fought in 1672 A.D., between Mughals and Lachit Borphukan at Saraighat, near Guwahaati is noted for the bravery of the Assamese forces, which defeated the Mughals. The Ahoms undertook various building activities in the town and most of the ponds in Guwahati were excavated by them. The British gained complete control of the region by 1938, with decline of Ahom power.

Guwahati remained the most important commercial centre of the North-East after India attained independence. The State of Meghalaya was carved out Assam in 1972 and Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati became the administrative capital of Assam. Today, this bustling business and commercial city is associated with various products like tea, oil, forest produc and handlooms etc. It has been listed among the 100 fastest growing cities of the world by a UK media outlet and is also considered to be the fifth fastest growing Indian city. Guwahati is also an important educational and cultural centre as well as a major hub for transportation in North-East India.

SHAKTIPEETHS OF GUWAHATI

Guwahati and its environs are sanctified by the presence of four Shaktipeeths, marking the most important places of Shakti cult.

• Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill where the yoni of Sati fell.
• Bhubaneshwari Temple, where the head of the Mother Goddess fell.
• Dirgheswari Temple inNorth Guwahati where Sati’s thigh fell.
• Ugratara Temple, where Sati’s navel fell.

Places of Interest

KAMAKHYA TEMPLE

The sacred shrine of Goddess Kali as Kamamkhya, perched on the Nilachal or Kamagiri hill is the most important temple of Assam and the main attraction of Guwahati. Goddess Kamakhya  is described as yielder of all desires and the giver of salvation in the sacred scriptures of ‘Kalika Purana’. The sncient shrine is regarded as one of the three most important Tantric Temples in India and one of the 51 Shakti Peethams. Assam traditionally has been known as the Kamarupa Desa and has been associated with Tentric practices and Shakti worship.

According to mythological legends, King Daksha, the father of Sate, performed a great yagna and invited all deities except Lord Shiva and Sati, Sati felt humiliated, as Shiva, her consort well disgraced and immolated herself in the fire of the yagna. Lord Shiva became furious and created Vibhadra and Bjadrakali, who wreaked havoc at the site of the yagna and Daksha was killed. An enraged Shiva performed tandav with the corpse of Sati on his houlder. All the deities approached Lord Vishnu for help, who obliged by using his sudarshan chakra to dismember Sati’s lifeless body and bring back Lord Shiva to sanity. The body of Sati was cut into 51 pieces, which landed at different places and are now worshipped as Shakti Peethams. The ‘yoni’ (female genitalia) of Sati (Shakti), fell over here and the sacred site is also worshipped as ‘Yoni Peeth’. The Temple has an underground natural cave, which enshrines the “matra yoni”, front where a natural spring flows. The water from the spring turns reddish during the month of Asadha (June-July), scholars attribute this phenomenon to the presence of hematite, an oxide of iron in the rock, but the devotees believe it to be the menstrual blood of the Mother Goddess. The present structure with bee-hive shaped “Shikaras” was built in 1565 A.D., byKing Nara Narayana of Koch Bihar, after it was destroyed by Muslim invaders. The Temple complex is a fine example of Assamese architecture and surrounded by shrines dedicated to various aspects of Mother Goddess as the Dasa Mahavidya, including Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta, Tripura Sundari and Tara. A large number of devotees visit the shrine especially during the unique Ambubashi Mela (fair) (mid June) and Durga Puja celebrations (Sep-Oct).

BHUBANESHWARI TEMPLE

A road from Kamakhya leads up to Bhuaneshwari temple nestled stop the hill. It was built during late Ahom period and is also considered to be a Shaktipeeth, where Sati’s head felt. Devotees visiting Kamakhya Temple also prey at this Shrine. It affords a bird’s eye vies of the city, sprawling along the banks of River Brahmaputra.

UGRATARA TEMPLE

The small Temple of Goddess Tara at Uzan Bazar was built in 1725, by Swargadeo Siva Singha, an Ahom King and is yet another Shaktipeeth of Guwahati. Sati’s navel is said to have fallen here. A small pit filled with water in the main sanctum represents the presiding deity.

Swargadeo Siva Singha also excavated Jor Pukhuri tank about three years the construction of the shrine. It was named jor, meaning pair, as the lake was divided into two by a road. The large water tank was also linked with river Brahmaputra like, Dighali Pukhuri and was the naval and ship building base of the Ahom Kings.

DIGHALI PUKHURI

The large rectangular water tank in the heart of the town at Uzan Bazar is said to have been built by a legendary King named Bhagadatta, who hosted a swayambar of his daughter Bhanumati and married her with Jaurav price Duryodhan of Mahabharat epic. It was connected to the Brahmaputra River by a cannal and was used as a shelter harbor by the Ahoms. The tank is flanked by the High Court on the North and Assam State Museum and District Library on the South bank. There is also a Boat Club over here.

Guwahati Railway Station, Curzon Hall, Earle Law College, Handique Girl’s College, Kamarupa Anusandhan Samin, Cotton College, Assam Sahitya Sabha, Assam Lawn Tennis Association are some other landmarks around Digholi Pukhuri.

ASSAM STATE MUSEUM

The well laid out museum complex located near Dighali Pukhuri, just East of Railway Station was established in 1940. It has a rich and rare collection of archaeological and ethnographic artefacts like stone sculptures and branzes etc, dating back to 7th century. It also exhibits rare specimens and valuable articles from the Ahom dynasty, reflecting the glorious past of Assam. Many antiques, statues, manuscripts written on Shashi-paat and other valuable articles are preserved and displayed here. Local crafts and a reconstructed tribal village are some other attractions of the museum.

GUWAHATI PLANETARIUM

The planetarium located at Uzan Bazar is the only one of its kind in North Eastern region. Night sky vie is recreated here on the dark domed ceiling and various interesting aspects of the Universe are explained using modern audio video techniques. It is also a centre for astronomical research.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

It is located behind Nehru Park and is one of the oldest Churches built in the North-East. The original structure was destroyed during an earthquake in 1856 and was rebuilt in 1897 and was finally rebuilt in 1901.

NEHRU PARK

The beautiful park at Panbazar in the heart of the city is located to the West of Dighali Pukhuri, facing the main entrance to Cotton College. It has a number of rare plants and is also concrete statues, depicting folk dances of Assam like Bihu, Ojapali, Deodhani, Jhumur and Bhoor Tal etc. The sculptures also exhibit other facets of the States rich culture.

NABAGRAHA TEMPLE

The temple with red beehive-shaped dome is perched atop Chitranchal Hill and is dedicated to Nabagraha or ‘Nine Planets’. This ancient seat of astrology and astronomy is believed to be existing since Puranic times, but the present structure is said to have been built by Rajeshwar Singha, an Ahom King. The lingam within the sanctum is surrounded by nine representations of the planets (graham) – Sun (Surya, Ravi), Moon (Chandra, Soma), Mercury (Buddh), Venus (Sukra), Mars (Mangal), Jupiter (Brhaspati) and Saturn (Sani). Two more graham were added namely, Rahu and Ketu, the gragon’s head and the dragon’s tail, or the ascending and descending nodes of the moon. There is also an imprint of the solar system inside the Temple. Guwahati was known as Pragjyotishpura in ancient times due to the presence of this Shrine.

ISKCON TEMPLE

The beautiful Temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna was built by international Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna Movement, a Gaudiya Vaishnava religious organization founded by Abhay Charanarvinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The Temple is a worth visiting site, especially during the evening, when medodious bhajans are recited. It is located at Kasturba Nagar, Sarania Hills. A spectular Jagannath Rath Yatra as well as Janmastami Festival is organized by ISKCON every year.

SUKRESHWAR TEMPLE

The ancient Shiva Temple nestles on the Dakini Jonini Hill along te River Brahamaputra, a little ahead of Uzan Bazar and can be reached long flight of steps. It is believed to have been built in 1744 A.D. by an Ahom King named, Swargadeo Pramatta Singha. The main Temple guarded by two beautifully sculpted Nandis, enshrines a huge Shivlinga, which is believed to be one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva by locals.

The popular Janardan Devalaya of Lord Vishnu, within the Temple complex is considered to be older than the main shrine and is equally venerated by the devotees.The Temple was completely renovated in dthe 17th century and is a fine blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles.

A small pathway behind the Temple complex lead down to Sukreshwar Ghat, from where the popular Brahmaputra River Cruise is organized by the Assam Tourism. Over 600 years old splendidly carved sculptures depicting Lord Brahma and other deities are located on the way and are noted for their remarkable state of preservation.

BALAJI TEMPLE

The newly built shrine is located at Betkuchi area to the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre and is noted for its South Indian architecture. The Temple is beautifully illuminated in the evening.

VICTORY PILLAR & THE GATEWAY OF GUWAHATI

The Coctory Pillar carved out of stone marks the triumph of Ahoms over the Mughals at the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 A.D. The pillar bears an inscription in Sanskrit praising Lachit Barphukan, who ably led the Ahoms in the battle using the tarrain to his advantage, exploiting the Mughal’s weakness of its navy as well as engaging the opponents in clever diplomatic negotiations.

The Gateway of Guwahati commemorating the visit of Thomas Baring, the Earl of Northbrook, while he served as Viceroy of India (1872-76) is located nearby.

SRIMANTA SANKARDEVA KALASHETRA

The multipurpose art and cultural complex located 10 kms from the heart of the city is named after the great Vaishnava Saga and scholar of Assam, who united the people of Assam and preached the philosophy of ‘Unity in Diversity’. It was established in 1998 with an aim of preserving the cultural identity of various communities and tribes of Assam by promoting dance, drama, music and art. The complex has a Central Museum and Art Gallary exhibiting various artifacts made by the different ethnic groups of Assam.

Folk festivals, traditional dances and theatre are held at the open-air theatre here, which resembles the Rang Ghat in Sibsagar. Other attractions include, the Sahitya Bhavan, a treasure trove of rare books and manuscripts of the refion and Lalit Kala Bhavan, a treasure trove of rare books and manuscripts of the region and Lalit Kala Bhavan, where exhibitions and workshops on art and culture are organized. There is also a Heritage Park and a traditional Vaishnavite Temple in the complex.

SHILPAGRAM

The ‘crafts village’ adjacent to Srimanta Shankardev Kalashetra was established by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) to preserve and promote the rich artr and culture of the region. A section of the village portravs rural life in Assam through life-like statues and model thatched huts. Cultural events are organized throughout the year at the open air stage and auditorium.

UMANANDA TEMPLE

The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is set stop the Bhasmachala Hill or the ‘Hill of Ashes’ at the Peacock Island, situated in the middle of River Brahmaputra, which is perhaps the world’s smallest human inhabited river island. According to mythological legends and enraged Lord Shiva reduced Kamdev, the ‘God of Love’ to ashes over here, which formed the present hill. The temple was originally built in 1694 A.D, by General Garhganya Handique, under the orders of Gadadhar Singh (1681-1696), one of the most powerful rulers of the Ahom dynasty. The temple was destroyed during the earthquake of 1897 and was later reconstructed by a local merchant. It is also home to the rare and endangered golden langurs, (Trachypithecus geei), which were perhaps brought here from Nepal. Shivratri festival is celebrated at the temple with traditional pomp and gaiety. The Temple can be reached by feeries and motor launches from Kachari Ghat, near the Gateway of Guwahati. The island affords spectacular sun-set views over the waters of River Brahmaputra.

ASSAM STATE ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN

The lush, well-maintained zoo, and botanical garden is located at Zoo Road and is the largest zoo of the North East. The topography provides almost natural like habitat to over 98 pecies of animals and birds inhabiting the zoo. The main attraction of the zoo is the majestic one horned rhino. The botanical garden has a rich and varied collection of indigenous and other floral species.

NEDFi HAAT

The centre located at G.N.B.Road, Ambari near the State Museum and Guwahati Railway Station was established to promote and support the artisans and craftsmen of the region. Exhibitions are regularly organized here and it is a good place to buy handicraft and handloom products of the region. One can also get traditional food items produced by Self Help Groups of the State during the Bihu and other festival seasons.

DEEPOR BEEL

A large fresh water lake near the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport attracts a large number of migratory birds and is a Ramsay Site.

SARAIGHAT BRIDGE

The bridge was built in 1962, across the River Brahmaputra and is regarded as the first road cum rail bridge of India. It was named after the Battle of Saraighat.

DOUL GOVINDA MANDIR

The huge Temple on the northern banks of River Brahmaputra enshrines idols of Lord Shyamaray and Lord Govinda. It attracts thousands of devotees especially on the occasion of Dol and Holi festivals.

ACCOLAND

The fine amusement park at Patgaon near Borjhar Airport is named after Acco, the mythological King of amusement.

Other attractions – Kharguli Beach, Sarania Pahar, Urvashi Island, Chandubi Eco Camp, Narengi Golf Club, Pandu, Lonkeswar Temple, Nepali Mandir, Digeswari Temple, Rudreshwar Temple, Deepor Beel Vird Sanctuary etc.

RIVER CRUISE

Exploring the waters of the mighty Brahmaputra River through cruise  vessels is one of the major attractions of Guwahati. Some of the important cruise vessels include, ‘MV Mahabahu’, Jolporee’, ‘Charaideo’, ‘MV Chandardinga’, ‘Alfresco’ and the scenic beauty, especially during the evenings. The sun-set view from the cruise vessels is spectacular and some offer joy rides as well as dining facilities.

AROUND GUWAHATI

BASISTHA (11 kms)

The beautiful picnic and pilgrim site on Sandhyachal Hill Is believed to be associated with legendary Sage Basistha. It is said that the saint built his ashram or hermitage here near the confluence of three mountain tributaries – Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta. Basistha passed away here and his grave can be seen at the ashram. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was built by an Ahom King, Rafeswar Singha. Devotees believe that a dip in the holy waters of the confluence ensures longevity.

Garbhanga Reserve Forest, nearby has a large number of elephants. A Butterfly Reserve is also proposed here.

DISPUR (8 kms.)

The charming capital of Assam is a main suburb of Guwahati, on the Guwahati, on the Guwahati-Shillong Road. The capital was shlfted from Shillong to Dispur, when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam in 1972. The area has grown rapidly and runs parallel to G.S.Road and is endowed with natural beauty. It is also an entertainment hub and is dotted with Shopping Malls.

The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC)

The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) located at G.S.Road near Dispur Capital Complex was inaugurated on 25th Sept, 1970 and is one of the busiest tea trading centres in the world.

JATIA

Jatia, an ancient capital of Assam, also known as Pragjyotishpur is located next to Dispur and is near te Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio.

HAJO (32 kms)

The pilgrim centre across the River Brahmaputra is equally holy for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists and is popularly referred as the ‘cultural melting plt’ of the State. It was an important centre of Assamese culture and learning. The antire area is dotted with a number of ancient Temples, but the most significant is the stone temple of Hayagriba Madhab set on the Monikut Hill. It is important for Hindus and Buddhists and the present structure was built in 1583, by King Raghudeva Narayan. Some historians believe that the Temple was built in sixth century by King of Pala dynasty. The Hindus worship the presiding deity as the Narsingha (man-lion) incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to mythological legends the Pandava Princes of Mahabharata stayed here during their exile (agyatwas). A large stone bowl said to be used by Bhima can be seen here. The temple can be reached by a long flight of steps. At the foot of the stairway is a big pond inhabited by fish and turtles. Buddhists of the region believe that Lord Buddha attained nirvana at the temple site.

The Pao Mecca Mosque located nearby was built in the 12th century by Pir Ghiasuddin Aulia, an Iraqi prince who became a preacher and is credited to be a pioneer in propagating Islam in the region. It is believed that the earth from Mecca was used while laying the foundation of the mosque and a quarter or Pao of the spiritual benefit of visiting Mecca can be attained by praying at this Mosque. The tomb of Pir Ghiasuddin Aulia is located in front of the Mosque

Other important ancient Temple of Hajo are – Kedar Temple, Ganesh Temple and Kamashwar Temple, which are being conserved by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and have been declared as monuments of national importance. Hajo is also famous for bell-metal work, exquisitely done by the local craftsmen.

SUALKUCHI (34 kms)

The “crafts village” on the banks of Brahmaputra produces some of the best silk in the State. Almost every house has an State. Almost every house has an sdjacent shed (karkhana) that houses the traditional bamboo looms, the gentle click-clacking of which can be hard from the streets and one can watch master craftsmen weaving intricate patterns on the golden Muga silk. There are about 17000 silk looms in the small village, where silk is woven into mekhela-chadar and gamosas. The weavers have also started producing saris, shawls and dress material.

MADAN KAMDEV (40 kms)

The magnificent ruins of Madan Kamdev temple scattered on the Dewangiri Hill, amidst scenic surroundings lie 3 kms from Baihata Chariali on National Highway 52. The Temple complex sedicated to Madan Kamdev, the God of Love is said to be built between 10th and 12th centuries, during the reign of Pala dynasty and is also called as the ‘Khajuraho of Kamrup”. According to mythological legends, when enraged Shiva reduced Kamdev to ashes by opening of his third eye, he was reborn here and united with his consort Rati. The remains of exquisite sculptures showcase the love of Kamdev and Rati. A museum preserves the archaeological finds of the region.

POBITORA WILFLIFE SANCTUARY (35 kms)

The Sanctuary sprawling over an area of 38.81 sq. kms comprises of alluvial grassland and hilly forests and has the world’s highest density of One Horned Rhinoceros. Other animals sighted here are Leopard, Fishing Cat, Pangolin etc. It is also a fine site for bird watching and for those unable to visit Kaziranga, they can see the famed One Horned Rhino here itself.

How to Reach By Air Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi, the International Airport of Guwahati is linked with regular flights with Kolkata, Delhi and other Metros. Other flight connections are with various towns of North-East India as well as international flights to Paro and Bangkok. By Rail Guwahati is the headquarters of the North-East Frontier Railway and is well connected by rail with major towns of the country. There are also regional trains from Guwahati to Dimapur, Tinukia, Dibrugarh, Silchar and Naharlagun (Itanagar). By Road Guwahati is the nodal point for road transport in the region. It is connected by NH-31, 37,40 & 52. Buses are available from here for the towns within and outside the State and other parts of the North East “Sumo” services and Tourist Taxis.

Disclaimer While full care has been taken in compiling the information, the same is subject to change without notice. The Publishers/Distributors and Retailers are not liable for any consequential damages based on the information contained in this publication. We value any suggestions/corrections from the readers.

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