Guwahati Tourism
Umananda temple is located on the Peacock Island, is one of the important temples of Guwahati.
Situated in the middle of River Brahmaputra, this temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. During the festival of Shivratri, every year, a large number of devotees visit this temple. On the instructions from King Gadadhar Singh of the Tai-Ahom dynasty, the temple was constructed in 1694 AD by Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique. There are plenty of engravings and sculptures that adorn the rock walls of this temple. These engravings and sculptures depict the craftsmanship of the local Assamese artisans. The engravings done on the walls include Hindu gods like Surya, Shiva, Ganesha and Devi. Apart from these, sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his ten incarnations can also be found in the vicinity of this temple.
The area where this temple has been raised is known as Bhasmachala. According to a legend, once Lord Shiva was meditating on this hillock, when he was interrupted by Kamadeva. As a result of this interruption, Kamadeva was burnt to ashes by the fire of his anger. According to the Kalika Purana, it was believed that Goddess Urvashi who brought nectar for the pleasure of Kamakhya, resided here. Therefore, the island on which this temple is constructed is also known as Urvashi Island. In 1897, a considerable portion of this temple was damaged owing to the effects of a devastating earthquake. However, the damaged portion was later reconstructed by a rich local merchant. On reconstruction, he also added Vaisnavite inscriptions to the interior part of this temple. According to a popular belief, it is said that worshipping here on an Amavasya day, especially falling on Monday, brings highest bliss to the worshipper. Apart from this, Shiva Chaturdashi is another important festival which is held here annually. The only way to reach this temple is to board ferries and motor launches available at the Umananda Ghat. This Ghat is located between the State Bank of India and the Ashoka Hotel.
Vashistha Ashram is located in the Sandhychal hills, is an important pilgrimage centre. Constructed in the second half of the 18th century, the temple was built by the Ahom king, Raja Rajeswar. This ashram is the last existing monument, which was constructed by the rulers of the Ahom dynasty. The ashram is the meeting point of three rivulets namely, Sandhya, Kanta and Lalita.
According to a popular belief, it is said that a dip in the water enhances a person’s life and also washes off the sins committed. In addition, there are several legends associated with sage Vashistha and this ashram. According to one of the popular legends, it was said that the hermit Vashistha used to perform his ‘sandhya’ in a stream near his ashram, which was also his home. The sage became agitated due to the ardent games played by Lord Indra with his queen Shachi and other heavenly women in the stream, as the water became impure.
As a result of this, the sage cursed Indra that he would have sexual contact with a Daitya woman. This curse transformed Indra into a normal person and the curse of Vashistha also came true. However, Lord Indra granted the Daitya woman with a blessing that her son would become a king. Her son later became the progenitor of the Ahom Kingdom and was the ruler of the entire region of Assam. According to another legend, it is believed that the sage gained spiritual success by dwelling into the secrets of Sakta practices.
Bhubaneswari temple, a white shrine, is perched atop a hill adjacent to the city. Dedicated to Goddess Bhubaneshwari, the temple is visited by large number of tourists from across the country every year. From the temple, views of sunset on the Brahamputra River are available. The temple is situated high upon a hill which takes a 20 minutes' walk from the bus stand.
Assam State Museum, which showcases the unique culture and tradition of the north-eastern state, is located on the southern end of Dighalipukhuri Tank. Constructed in 1940, the museum features several sections such as archaeology, iconography, epigraphy and also numismatics. Visitors to the museum can see the various aspects of Assamese history and culture.
There is a huge showcase of ancient Assamese coins, fabrics, tribal arts and sculptures. The museum also organises exhibitions of the tribal huts, which have been reconstructed. Exhibitions are also organised displaying the traditional weaving along with several other handicraft products, like locally made cane and bamboo items, toys and pottery. The archaeological and ethnographic displays of the museum include local costumes and terracotta. Apart from the sculptures of Surya, tourists can also see stone and copper plate inscriptions, which date back from the 5th century to the 12th century.
Dipor Bil, also spelt Deepor Beel, is located to the south-west of Guwahati city, in Kamrup district of Assam, India It is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River, to the south of the main river.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement, is a Gaudiya Vaishnava religious organization. This society has been founded in 1966 in New York City by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. This movement of mercy has spread to all continents of the world. Within 40 years it has established centers in most countries and important cities. The objective of this educational non-profit organisation is to make Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's sankirtan movement available to every town and village. The temple's main deity is Radha-Krishna. The main emphasis of this temple's preaching lies on the teachings of Krishna and Bhagavad Gita.
Accoland family fun kingdom is the north-east's only amusement park named after Acco, the mythological king of amusement. This park is at Patgaon.
River Cruise is one of the major attractions of Guwahati is the River Cruise on the Brahmaputra river. On board these luxurious cruise vessels tourists can relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the sunset.
Srimanta sciencradeva Kalakshetra - Shankardev Khalakshetra's name is synonymous with the Vaishnava saint and scholar of Assam Srimanta Shankardeva. It is a multipurpose cultural complex that has fulfilled its aim in protecting, promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the communities and tribes of Assam and the country.
Shilpagram - Adjacent to Srimanta Shankardev Kalakshetra, this is the only crafts village of the North East Zone Cultural Center (NEZCC). It had made landmark in the promotion of the varied arts and cultures of the local people. It holds regular cultural events throughout the year in its open air stage and auditorium.
Guwahati Planetarium is situated in Uzanbazar this planetarium is the only one of its kind in the North-Eastern region and a center of astronomical research. For visitors, the mysterious aspects of the universe are brought alive by sheer audio-video technique and explained in the dark domed structure inside the planetarium.
Nehru Park is at heart of the city at Panbazar by the side of Cotton College. The highlights of the park are the concrete statues of Bihu dance, Ojapali dance, Deodhani dance, Jhumur dance, Bhoor tal dance etc. There are altogether 45 concrete statues depicting these aspects of Assamese life and culture.
NEDFi Haat: NEDFi Haat is at a leased building of Industries & Commerce Department Govt. of Assam. In NEDFi Haat visitors can buy handicraft and handloom products. As well as they can buy varieties of traditional food items produced by the Self Help Groups of the State in the Bihu seasons.
Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden is the largest zoo of the North East situated at Hengerabari Reserved Forest in the city.
Navagraha temple or temple of nine planets is situated on Chitrachal Hill to the east. It was the ancient seat of study of astronomy and astrology. The nine planets are represented by the nine linga's inside the main temple. There is a stone imprint of solar system inside the temple. This temple is 3 km from the railway station is a center of Astrological and Astronomical research. It was for this temple Guwahati was named Pragjyotishpura.
Dighalipukhuri is situated at the heart of the city at Uzanbazar and surrounded by the High Court on the north and the State Museum and District Library on the south. This is a huge man-made tank. It was excavated by King Bhagadatta to celebrate the 'swayambar' of his daughter Bhanumati who was married to Kourava prince Druyadhana. There is a boating club on the Dighalipukhuri.
Ugro Tara Temple - At the heart of the city banks of Joarpukhuri (twin ponds). The Ugro Tara Temple is another shakti peeth temple where the eyes of sati were believed to have fallen.
Balaji Temple, Guwahati - This temple is a recent addition to the religious places of Guwahati. It is situated at Betkuchi area of the city. Balaji temple with striking South Indian architecture is unlike the other temples of this place. In the evening the temple is illuminated by electric lights.