Guwahati

Famous for:
The birthplace of Kamdeva, the God of Love


Video: Guwahati street

Background:
Situated at a height of 55 meters, on the banks of Brahmaputra, it was formerly known as Pragjyotishpur (the city of Eastern Light).
Its name is derived from two Assamese words; 'Guwa' meaning areca nut and 'Haat' meaning market.
Dispur, the Capital of Assam is situated just 7 km from here. Guwahati is a important tourist link point to the seven other northeastern states. It is believed that the Demon king Narkasura has built the city. It is also known as the birth place of Kamdeva, the God of Love.


Video: Brahmaputra River from North Guwahati Side

What to see:
Kamakhya temple
Location: On nilachal hill, 8 km from the railway station
Built in the 10th century by the Koch king, Naranarayan, it the most sacred among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the World. Even today animal sacrifices are made to calm down the Goddess.
The temple was rebuilt in 1665, after the Muslim invaders destroyed it. Giant turtles can be found here in the nearby ponds.
Pilgrims from all over the world visit the temple, especially during the Ambuchi festival.

Shiva temple
Location: on the Peacock island, in the middle of Bramhaputra
Situated on Peacock Island, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It can be reached via public ferries and motor boats from the Umananda ghat. Ferries usually leave the ghat from 7 am to 5 pm.

Navagraha temple
Location: on Citracala hill, in the east of Guwahati town
Being an ancient seat of astronomy and astrology, it is also referred to as the 'Temple of Nine Planets'. Housed in a red beehive-shaped dome, it consists of nine linga, representing the nine planets. It contains nine phallic emblems of Shiva covered with cloths of different colors sacred to the nine planetary gods, namely, Surya (Sun), Candra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu.

Vashistha Ashram
Location: 12 km from the railway station, on Sandhyachal Hill
An abode of sage Vashistha, it charm is bestowed by three rivulets namely Lalita, Kanta and Sandhya.

Guwahati Zoo
Location: 5 km east of railway station, in Japarigog area
Spread over an area of 4 sq km, it is the largest natural zoo of the country. It is well managed with a variety of rare species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, African Lions, Rhino, Zebra, cheetas and a number of snake species. The major attraction is the African two-horned Rhinos and the Assam's famous ones.
Timing: Opening hours: 07:00 hrs. - 17:00 hrs. in Summer and 08:00 hrs. - 16:30 hrs. in Winter (Friday closed)

State Museum
Location: 10 minutes walk from Railway station
The museum has a large collection of archeological artifacts made of stone, wood, metal and terracotta dating back to the 7th century. The museum also houses a library and holds lectures and film shows on occasions. The library has important historical documents relating to Ahom dynasty which ruled Assam for almost six hundred years
Timings: 1000 to 1630 hrs (Tue to Sat), 0800 to 1200 hrs (Sun)

Places Nearby:
Manas wildlife sanctuary
Location: 176 km from Guwahati
Situated on the banks of river Manas, and 176 km from Guwahati, this sanctuary is the only one from 'tiger project' in Assam. It 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.

Pabitora
Location: 60 km from Guwahati
It is a small wildlife sanctuary, famous for the inhabitation of Rhinos and various rare species of deer.

Hajo
Location: 25 km from Guwahati
It is a sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. The main spots in the town are the Pua-Mecca mosque and the Hayagriba Madhava temple. An Iraqi prince-turned preacher, spreading the teachings of the Prophet established the Pua-Mecca mosque while travelling Assam in the 12th century.
Also there exists the Hayagriba Madhava Temple, which is accessible through a long stone stairway. One of the oldest resident, a giant turtle, lives in a pond at the foot of the stairway. Hajo is also renowned for its bell metal work

Chandubi
Location: 64 km from Guwahati
It is a perfect fishing spot. Being a natural lagoon, it has abundance of fishes and one can even enjoy rowing in its waters.

Madan Kamdev
Location: 35 km from Guwahati
Madan Kamdev is famous for archeological ruins that can be found here. Another attraction here is the Durga temple, whose history and making dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

Sualkuchi
Location: 32 km from Guwahati
Famous for the golden silk thread of Assam, this town has almost all the inhabitants in the occupation of silk weaving. The complete procedure of making the traditional Mekhala Chador (the two piece saris) from the cocoon can be seen here.

Tezpur
Location: 181 km east of Guwahati
Tezpur, lying on the north bank of Brahmaputra River, is a town of both historic importance and adventure sports. It is the centre of the Indian tea industry. The ruins of the stone temple, Da Parbatia, lie at a distance of 5 km from Tezpur.
Other architectural remains include that of Agnigarh, Bamuni Hills, Bhairavi and Mahabhairab temples and the twin tanks of Bar Pukhuri and Padum Pukhuri.


Video: Kamakhya Temple

Reaching there:
Air: Indian Airlines as well as private airlines connect Guwahati with regular flights to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, and Agartala.

Rail: Guwahati is the headquarter of North-East Frontier Railway and is well connected with other states and parts of Assam. Many trains originate or pass through Guwahati. The important trains connecting the city are Assam Avadh Express, Guwahati Trivandrum Express, etc

Road: NH 31 (Junction with NH 2 Near Barhi - Bhaktiarpur - Mokameh - Purnea - -Dalkola - Silliguri-Sivok-Cooch-Behar- North Salmara - Nalbari-Charali-AminGaon Junction with NH-37), NH 37 (Junction with NH 31B Near Goalpara - Guwahati - Jorabat - Kamargaon - Makum - Saikhoaghat), NH 40 (Jorbat - Shillong - Indo Bangladesh Border Near Dawki - Jowai) are the National Highways passing through Guwahati.

There are bus-services operated to almost all-important centers in and outside the state. Guwahati is connected by regular bus services with Shillong, Silchar, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur, Siliguri, Sibsagar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizawal, Itanagar, Barpetta Road and Cooch Bihar.

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