Places to see in Guwahati
Located on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is the capital city and a major riverine port of the state of Assam. It is also the largest city in the entire northeast part of the country. The origins of the city have been traced back to the 1st century based on the remains found in excavations. Over the 2000-year timeline, many dynasties have ruled the region, with the Guwahati area being the seat of power. Let us have a glimpse at some of the places to visit while in Guwahati.
Kamakhya Temple: This 16th-century temple is located on an elevated place known as Nilachal Hills. Dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, it is the most revered temple in the entire northeast part of the country. The temple is known for its unique architecture and offers a beautiful view of the city.
Assam State Museum: Established in the year 1940 by the Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti, the museum located in the heart of the city was earlier known as the Assam Provincial Museum. For history and culture lovers, this museum is a great place to visit with its vast collection of artefacts that showcase the history and culture of the region. The library in the museum has some rare books and manuscripts.
Basistha Ashram: Located on the outskirts of the city, Basistha Ashram is a peaceful location for a quiet getaway. Dedicated to sage Basistha (Vasistha), the ashram is located in great surroundings with a stream and forest around it. For meditation and spiritual needs, the place is popular, as it also has an ancient temple of Basistha. The origin of the place dates as far back as the Vedic ages.
Umananda Temple: This temple dedicated to Bhagawan Shiva is located on a small island in the Brahmaputra River off the coast of the city. The temple was built in 1694. A 10-minute boat ride takes the visitors to the island known as Peacock Island, which also has the tag of being the smallest inhabited riverine island in the world.
Guwahati Zoo: Spread across over 430 acres, the zoo is officially known as the Assam State Zoo. Established in 1957, the zoo is home to nearly 900 animals, reptiles, and birds of over 110 species.
Sukreswar Temple: Located on the Itakhuli hill, also known as Sukreswar hill, on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River, the temple is an important place of Bhagawna Shiva’s worship with a large Shivaling. A long flight of steps from the temple leads to the riverbank.
Srimanta Sanakaradev Kalakshetra: It is a cultural institution named after the mediaeval poet and reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva. The purpose of establishing this Kalakshetra was to preserve the rich culture, history, and heritage of Assam. Established in the 1990s, the centre has a library, a children’s area, and facilities to preserve and showcase heritage and history.
Navagraha Temple: Located on the southern tip of the city on a hill known as Chitranchal Hill, this prominent temple was built in the year 1752 by the rulers of the Ahom dynasty. The nine Shivalings in the temple represent the nine heavenly bodies influencing human life.
Guwahati Planetarium: Constructed in 1994, it is the only planetarium in the entire northeast part of the country. It is popular with science enthusiasts in the region, who flock to the planetarium to know and understand the planet system and the science behind it. The dome-shaped screen is the main attraction of the planetarium.
