Guwahati — The City of Eastern Light

Guwahati (/ɡʊwɑːˈhɑːti/, Assamese: [ˈɡʊwaɦati]; some time ago known as Gauhati) is the biggest city in the Indian province of Assam and furthermore the biggest city in northeastern India. A significant riverine port city alongside slopes, and one of the quickest developing urban areas in India, Guwahati is arranged on the south bank of the Brahmaputra. It is known as the ‘Doorway to North-East India”. The old urban communities of Pragjyotishpura and Durjaya (North Guwahati) were the capitals of the old province of Kamarupa. Numerous old Hindu sanctuaries like the Kamakhya Temple, Ugratara Temple, Basistha Temple, Doulgovinda, and the Umananda Temple are arranged in the city, giving it the title of “The City of Temples”. Dispur, the capital of Assam, is in the circuit city locale situated inside Guwahati and is the seat of the Government of Assam. Guwahati lies between the banks of the Brahmaputra River and the lower regions of the Shillong level, with LGB International Airport toward the west and the town of Narengi toward the east. The North Guwahati territory, toward the northern bank of the Brahmaputra, is in effect bit by bit joined into as far as possible. The prominent Madan Kamdev is arranged 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Guwahati. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), the city’s nearby government, oversees a zone of 216 square kilometers (83 sq mi), while the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is the arranging and advancement collection of Greater Guwahati Metropolitan Area. Guwahati is the biggest city in Northeast India.

Coastal Life: Enjoy the scenic beauty

1. Sagardwip: Located 614 kms from Guwahati. Best Time: December-February.Sagar Island or more popularly known as Gangasagar, is a small island on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal. It lies 100 kilometres south of the city of Kolkata, on the Ganges delta. A very important place of Hindu pilgrimage, Sagardwip witnesses thousands of pilgrims every year on January 14 celebrating Makar Sankranti or Maghi, a festival on the Hindu calendar dedicated to deity Surya i.e. Sun.

2. Bakkhali: Located 620 kms from Guwahati. Best Time: October-March.Enclosed by the bustle of West Bengal but then a world in itself, Bakkhali is a little shoreline town situated on the West Bengal coast. Bakkhali is located on one of the many deltaic islands spread across the southern part of Bengal. A large portion of the islands is a part of the Sundarbans, excepting a couple at the edges. A portion of these is combined with extensions over thin rivulets.

3. Shankarpur: Located 655 kms from Guwahati. Best Time: October-April.Placed in the East Medinipur District of West Bengal, India, Shankarpur is a window to the olden times being totally secluded from the city life. It is a beach village located 14 kilometres east of the popular beach town Digha and 185 kilometres from the city of Kolkata, along the Digha-Contai Road. The fact that Shankarpur is visited by a very few numbers of people, makes it the perfect place for all those who want to escape the rush of city life.

4. Digha: Located 661 kms from Guwahati. Best Time: July to March. Digha, one of the best coastal towns along the Bay of Bengal is famous for its beachside resorts, exquisite seafood cuisine and numerous beaches that are either calm and quiet or busy and bustling. The palm-lined sandy beaches here are vast with shallow waters, allowing visitors to enjoy swimming or other marine adventures. The street food, local handicrafts, and kiosks are all set for attracting tourists to the beaches here.

5. Chandipur: Located 710 kms from Guwahati. Best Time: December-February. Chandipur is a confined oceanside town of Baleshwar region put away securely on the coastline of Orissa. Chandipur is likewise privately known as Chandipur-on-ocean. In the event that nature’s miracle entrances you, Chandipur Beach is a stunning spot to be. The exceptional strength of this shoreline is the ebb tides that subside around 1 to 4 km during low tides and they will, in general, vanish musically.

Weekend getaways: Quick refreshment

1. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya: Popular as the wettest place in India (Recently, the second wettest place after Mawsynram), Cherrapunjee is a great weekend getaway from Guwahati. Situated 150kms from Guwahati, Cherrapunjee is a scenic land with waterfalls, living Root Bridge, rolling mountains and verdant greenery. Although famed as the wettest place in the country, very few people know that it is also dubbed as the Land of Oranges. Since, it is situated at a short distance from Guwahati; it is seen swarmed with tourists especially over the weekend. Tourists can enjoy trekking, river canyoning from Nongthymmai to Mynteng steel rope bridge, rock climbing and camping.Attractions:Seven Sisters Falls, Living Root Bridge, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsynram.

2. Tezpur, Assam: Distance from Guwahati: 177kms.

After spending a hectic week amidst the bustling city, one must retire to a peaceful place that is nestled in the lap of the nature AND Tezpur is just that! Being close to the nature and to the history of Assam, Tezpur is probably one of ideal places to explore over a weekend. This fifth largest city of the state is also the oldest inhabited place with historical evidence dating back to 4th century. Over a quiet weekend in Tezpur, one can visit the lush tea estates, majestic Hindu temples and suburb-located wildlife reserves.Attractions:Agnigarh, Bamuni Hills, Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, ChitralekhaUdyan, Da-Parbatia, District Museum, Ouguri Hill, PadumPukhuri.

3. East Garo Hills, Meghalaya: Distance from Guwahati: 195kms.

There are several places in Garo Hills that have incredible tourism potential and amongst one of them is the East Garo Hills. There are several places in the East Garo that have immense historical importance, rich cultural and traditions and scenic locales. Since, the area is still untouched, it is able to retain original flora and fauna. The unexploited nature is what awaits here and that is why it is a great idea to spend weekend holiday exploring this mini paradise on earth.Attractions:Ta’sek Lake, Rong’bang Falls, Domre Falls, Mokma Dare, Naphak or Napak.

4. Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya: Distance from Guwahati: 177kms.

Located in the neighbouring state Meghalaya, Jaintia Hills is like a slice of heaven on earth with its breathtaking sceneries and tranquil spots. Spread in an area of 3819 sq. Km, Jaintia Hills offers several attractions to its visitors that have picturesque views and innate serene beauty. The tourists can flock in here to enjoy and absorb the beauty of some of its scenic attractions.Attractions:Jowai, Nartiang, Nartiang Monoliths, Durga Temple at Nartiang, Khim Moo Sniang, Thadlaskein Lake, Umhang Lake, Kiang Nongbah Monument, SyntuKsiar.

5. West Garo Hills, Meghalaya: Distance from Guwahati: 210kms.

West Garo Hills is one of the largest districts of Meghalaya and comprises of a popular destination called Shillong. A tribal cultural can be seen in the areas as Bodo family of the Tibeto-Burman race tribes, Hajongs, Rabhas, Koches, Rajbansis, Meches, Kacharis and Dalus can be seen peacefully cohabitating this beautiful place. The Tura Range of hills adds to the beauty of West Garo where Nokrek National Park can also be found. A naturally rich destination West Garo Hills is ideal for weekend holiday especially with kids, it is great place to teach them the importance of nature and its multiple aspects.Attractions:Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Tura Peak, Pelga Falls, Wadagokgre, Kata Beel, Darga of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba, Mir Jumla’s Tomb.

Museums: Experience a touch of history and culture

1. Guwahati Planetarium — Children’s Delight: Location: MG Road, Latasil, Uzan Bazar, Guwahati, Assam 781001. Entry timing: 12 pm to 4 pm. Entry fee: INR 30 per person (INR 15 per person for students).

2. Assam state museum: Location: Assam State Museum, Gopinath Bordoloi Road, Near Dighalipukhuri Park, Ambari, Guwahati. Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed on Mondays, 2nd, and 4th Saturday. Entry Fee/charges: INR 5.

3. Regional Science Centre — Time To Learn: Location: Beltola Jayanagar Rd, Resham Nagar, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam 781022. Timings: 10:00 AM — 5:30 PM. Entry fee: INR 25.

Theme Parks: Thrills that give you Chills

1. DHRUBA’S DREAMLAND AMUSEMENT PARK: Location: Koinadhora, Khanapara, Guwahati, AS781022. Speciality: Food Vendors, A Snow Park and Go-Karts, Snow House, Doll’s Museum, Water Park, 7D Theatre, Water Tube Slides, Swimming Pools, Kids Ride, Disco Coaster, Archery, London Bus, Octopus Ride, Bunjee Jumping, Water Bucket Splash, Water Kids Rides & Family Rides. Timings: Mon — Sun 10:00 am — 5:30 pm. Water Park. Mon — Sun 10:00 am — 5:00 pm.

2. ACCOLAND:Loation: Rani Road, Near BSF Headquarters, Patgaon, Kamrup, Guwahati, AS 781018. Speciality: Aqua Thrills, RockinRola, The Vortex Maze, Pirates of Accoland, Log Flume, The Dancing Fairy, The Pirate Ship, Baby Train, African Pythons, Boomerang, Jelly Fish, Queen’s Bay, Tornado, Carousel, Multi-Lane Ranger, Music Bob, Caterpillar, Columbia, Sky Train, Crazy Flying Cars, Cine Magix, Space Flight, Electrosphere, Crazy Swing & Bumper Car. Timings: Mon — Sat 10:00 am — 6:30 pm. Sun 9:00 am — 6:15 pm. Price: Weekday. Entry Ticket:Children — ₹390, Adult — ₹490.

National parks: Wild Splendour

1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam: located in Assam is UNESCO declared World Heritage and popular across the globe for one-horned Rhinoceros. It lies in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of the Assam. The park hosts two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinos. As per the census conducted in March 2018 which was jointly held by the Forest Department of Assam and some noted wildlife NGOs; which reveals the rhino population in Kaziranga National Park is 2,413. Kaziranga is one of the popular wildlife tourism spot in north India. It was declared as national park in the year of 2006 as it has the highest density of tigers living in protected area in the world.

2. Manas National Park, Assam: also called as Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular national park, World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger Reserve, Protected area for Elephants and most importantly a biosphere reserve, located in Indian state of Assam. Engulfed in the Himalayan foothills, it is in proximity of the Manas National Park in Bhutan. Manas is only tiger reserve in Assam known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife species such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog. Manas is also famous for its sound population of the wild water buffalo.

3. DibruSaikhowa National Park, Assam: DibruSaikhowa National Park is particularly the wetlands in the district of Tinsukia, Assam. It is sprawl over an area of about 340 square kilometers; this national park is an abode to some of rare species. It is only because of the patches of the wetlands that are bestowed all over the park and it sees over 500 species of birds including migratory and local. Some of the creatures such as White-winged Duck, Marsh Babbler, White ramped vulture that is near to extinction seek refuge in this park. Animals such as Hoolock Gibbon, Wild Water Buffalo, Tiger and Elephants are also easy to catch here Common Sightings of the Gangetic River Dolphins while enjoying boat safari is the major attraction of the park.

4. Nameri National Park, Assam: Built up on an area of approximately 200 square kilometers, Nameri National Park is situated on the boundary of the Arunachal Pradesh and therefore merges with the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the Eastern Himalayan Foothills, Nameri is a heaven for birdwatchers. It is also popular elephant reserve, and abode to animals such as Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar and Indian giant Squirrel are its common inhabitants. Bird watchers could see some of the great birds like Ibis Bill, Wreathed Horn Bill, Black Stork and Rufous necked Hornbil.

5. Orang National Park, Assam: After Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park has a strong hold of one-horned rhinos. It is located along the northern shores of Brahmaputra River. Being comparatively small in other national parks of Assam; it is sprawl over an area of about 78 square kilometers. The specialty of the park lies in the fact that it shelters more than 50 species of fishes and is also rich in fauna. Animals like Hog Deer, Otters, Indian Civet, Rhesus, Bengal Porcupine, Indian Pangolian and Indian Fox seek refuge here.

Sanctuaries: Get into the wilderness

1. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: Chakrashila Hill, Assam 783325. This is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries well located in the Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts of Assam. It is certainly a great place to visit with friends and family and this wildlife den is well stretched over an area of 45,668 km2 over the Chakrashila Hills. Though the said sanctuary was declared as a reserve forest back in 1966 however it was only around 1994 when it was able to earn the recognition by the state government and became a wildlife sanctuary thereafter. Besides having the Beel and DiplaiBeel lakes in its vicinity, the said sanctuary is also well-known home to Golden Langur, Indian Flying Fox, Indian Pipistrelle, Chinese Pangolin, Rhesus Macaque, Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Hornbills and several others.

2. Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: №4 Barangajuli, Assam 784527. Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary is said to be home to the very rare and highly endangered species of wildlife and to add few names, we can start with Pygmy Hog, Clouded Leopard and Golden Langur. Visitors will be amazed and happy to see several wildlife species in Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary’s vicinity such as Hoolock Gibbon, White Winged Wood duck, Hispid Hare, Swamp Deer and several others. Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary is truly blessed to be so well situated on such a perfect location and the views and scenes witnessed between the majestic Himalayas on one side and the very beautiful country Bhutan on the other is truly beyond words to express.

3. Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: Sonitpur, Assam 784102. Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the heart of Assam and it is a decently vast wildlife sanctuary covering a moderate expanse of about 44.06 sq. km approx. It lies on the northern bank of the turbulent Brahmaputra River along the very beautifulSonitpur District. Visitors can watch and witness a wide variety of wildlife species from decency close if fortunate and the Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is well crowded most of the time of the year however it is a very beloved sanctuary to locals as well as tourists.

4. Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary: Location: Mariani, Jorhat, Assam 785635. Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is very beautiful yet it is an isolated region well situated in Assam and is said to be constituted in 1997. Amidst the mesmerising tea gardens and certainly the long stretches of grasslands, Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is standing tall since ages to offer the best wildlife experience to visitors coming from different parts of the country who are in pursuit of watching the several amazing wildlife species in their natural habitat. It is known to be home to the very rare and only gibbons in India which are the hoolock gibbons and you can see India’s only nocturnal monkey let alone the very beautiful Bengal Slow Loris right at the Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary. It is well recommended for family with children to visit here and make the most of what this amazing wildlife sanctuary has to offer.

5. DeeporBeel Bird Sanctuary: Location: Guwahati, Kamrup district, Assam. DeeporBeel Bird Sanctuary is a very beautiful sanctuary located in Assam and is said to be very well surrounded in lush greenery sprinkled with sparkling water bodies. DeeporBeel Bird Sanctuary is recognised as one of the finest sanctuaries in the region and it is home to over 120 species of birds. Locals, as well as tourists who had visited here, has nothing but words of praises for the so-called beautiful DeeporBeel Bird Sanctuary. Some of the bird species such as kingfishers, fishing eagles, adjutant stork and a plethora of ducks can very well be spotted here. It is quite crowded throughout the year and you are more than welcome to visit the beautiful DeeporBeel Bird Sanctuary with your near and dear ones and witness an experience to watch the various species of birds from real close in their natural habitat.

Waterfalls: Flow of Nature

1. Akashiganga Waterfalls:How to Reach:Nagaon — Trek, Bus and Cab. Visit Duration: 2 hours. Distance from Airport: Guwahati International Airport, Tezpur airport. Distance from Railway Station: Chapamukh 28km. Distance from BusStation: Chapamukh 28km. Other Attractions:Kaziranga National Park, BordowaSatra, Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary.

2. Sivakunda Waterfalls:How to Reach: National Highway 37 — Cab, Bus. Visit Duration: 2 hours. Distance from Airport: Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport 90km. Distance from Railway Station: Guwahati 85km. Distance from Bus Station: Guwahati 85km. Other Attractions: Kholkakat Reserve Forest, Pobitora Sanctuary.

3. Kakochang Waterfalls: How to Reach: Jorhat — Bus, Cab or Trek. Visit Duration: 2 hours. Distance from Airport: Rowriah Airport. Distance from Railway Station: Jorhat Town. Distance from Bus station: Jorhat. Other Attractions: Kaziranga National Park, HoollongaparGibbon Sanctuary.

4. ChampawatiKunda Waterfalls: How to Reach: Kaliabor — Bus, Cab. Visit Duration: 3 hours. Distance from Airport: Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. Distance from Railway Station: Chaparmukh 28kms. Distance from Bus station: Nagaon 25kms. Other Attractions: Kaliabor, Agnigarh Temple, Da-Parbatia.

5. Chandubi Waterfalls:How to Reach: Guwahati — Bus, Cab. Visit Duration: 2 hours. Distance from Airport:Lokapriya Gopinath BordoloiInternational Airport 39kms. Distance from Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station 64kms. Distance from Bus station: Guwahati bus terminal 64kms. Other Attractions: Chandubi Lake, Umsru village.

Honeymoon places: World of love and care

1. Gangtok — The Capital Attraction: Attractions in Gangtok for honeymooners:TashiView Point — For scenic views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Colorful monasteries like Rumtek Monasteries. Lake Tsomgo — the turquoise glacial lake. Gondola Rides — For a bird’s-eye view of the town. Romantic places to stay in Gangtok:Mid-budget options: Central Hill Resort and Hotel New Castle. Luxury accommodations: Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino and The Royal Plaza.

2. Yuksom — The Best Of Heritage And Nature: Attractions in Yuksom for honeymooners:Kathok Monastery and Tashiding Monastery. Khangchendzonga National Park, where you can expect to spot snowleopard, Himalayan Tahr, and clouded leopard. Romantic places to stay in Yuksom:Mid-budget options: Hotel Red Palace. Luxury accommodations: Yuksomdoesn’t have any luxury properties for now.

3. Lachung — Enveloped In Orchards And Pine Forests: Attractions in Lachung for honeymooners:Gurudongmar Lake, the second-highest lake in the world. A day trip to Lachen, where Seven Sisters Waterfall and Naga Waterfall awaits you. Romantic places to stay in Lachung:Mid-budget options: Hotel Lachung Continental. Luxury accommodations: Himalayan Residency and Yarlam Resort.

4. Pelling — Alluring With Waterfalls And Lakes: Attractions in Pelling for honeymooners:Khecheopalri Lake. Changey Waterfall — the glistening and roaring cascade. Rabdentse Ruins — For their rugged beauty. Sangachoeling Monastery — The 17th century monastery, which is amongthe top places to visit in Pelling. Romantic places to stay in Pelling:Mid-budget options: Pachhu Village Resort and Himalayan Retreat Resort are some of the best Pelling resorts.Luxury accommodations: Pelling does not have any luxury propertiesas yet. Mid-budget hotels however are quite comfy.

5. Darjeeling — The Tea-Garden Paradise: Attractions in Darjeeling for honeymooners:Verdant tea gardens like Happy Valley Tea Estates, and Glenburn Tea Estate. Early morning trek to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise. This also is among the top places to visit in Darjeeling.Batasia Loop — the spiral railway track with manicured garden. A romantic toy train ride. Romantic places to stay in Darjeeling:Mid-budget options: Central Heritage Resort & Spa and The Elgin. Luxury accommodations: The Elgin and Viceroy Hotel.

Religious places: Experience subtlety

1. Asvakranta Temple: Located in the North of Guwahati in Assam, Asvakranta Temple is rich with its history and culture. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu from Hindu mythology, this temple is most definitely one of the greatest Vishnu shrines in Assam.GETTING THERE: You can reach Guwahati by flights or train and then travel by road via the Saraighat Bridge or by ferry which is operated by Water Transport Regular Ferry services from Suklesvar Ghat in Guwahati.BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit the Asvakranta Temple is during the months of November to May, as because the climate cools down to a comfortable temperature and lets everyone enjoy the additional beauty of the blooming orchids.

2. Da-Parbatia Temple: Located in the village of Dah Parbatia which is few kilometres west of the city of Tezpur in Assam, Da-Parbatia Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Assam. The door’s framework with the stunning carvings and imprints, which are believed to be the part of the architecture patterns famous during the early Gupta School of sculpture. GETTING THERE: You can reach Da-Parbatia Temple from the city of Tezpur which is well-connected by roads, rails and airways.BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit Da-Parbatia Temple is during the months of November to May, as because the climate cools down to a comfortable temperature and lets everyone enjoy the additional beauty of the blooming orchids.

3. The Hermitage of Vasistha: The Hermitage of Vasistha was built around and amidst nature. Around 16 kilometres away from the commercial city of Assam, Guwahati, the Hermitage of Vasistha is a popular tourist attraction for spending vacation in Assam. With several hundreds of visitors visiting Hermitage of Vasistha every year, the place has gained popularity for a long time now. GETTING THERE: You can reach Hermitage of Vasistha from the city of Guwahati which is well-connected by roads, rails and airways.BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit the Hermitage of Vasistha is during the months of November to May, as the climate cools down to a comfortable temperature and lets everyone enjoy the additional beauty of the blooming orchids.

4. Kamakhya Temple: One of the most popular temples of India is Kamakhya Temple. Lakhs of devotees visit the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, every year to pay their respect and offer their devotion to the Goddess Kamakhya. It is one of the oldest temples and is the main one in the complex of 10 temples that are adjoining.GETTING THERE: You can reach Kamakhya Temple from the city of Guwahati which is well-connected by roads, rails and airways.BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit the Kamakhya Temple is during the months of November to May, as the climate cools down and lets everyone enjoy the additional beauty of the blooming orchids.

5. Navagraha Temple: The Navagraha Temple, or the temple of the nine celestial bodies, is situated on a hill named Chitrachal in the south eastern part of the city of Guwahati. It is also known as the abode of one of the most important celestial bodies, the sun. In the temple there are 9 phallic emblems of Lord Shiva, each clad in a different coloured cloth representing Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu.GETTING THERE: It is quite easy to get to the Navagraha Temple, as it is quite close to the city of Guwahati, and there are regular services of bus and taxi.BEST TIME TO VISIT: The place, situated in the sub tropical area, can be unbearably hot during the high summer months. Also, during the rainy seasons, incessant rains can ruin the chances of visiting this place of interest. Therefore, the best time to visit the place is late autumn to spring, especially in the months of November, December, February and March.

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