Places to visit in Guwahati

Kamrup

The geographical topography of Kamrup district consists of wide plains through which the mighty Brahmaputra flows from east to west. The demographic pattern of Kamrup District is a heterogenous one. However, there exist a perceptible degree of mutual love, respect and tolerance amongst them.

Places of interest Madan Kamdev Temple: About 40 km off Guwahati and 3 km from Baihata Chariali on National Highway 52, the Madan Kamdev temple is a combination of mystery and marvel. It is an outstanding example of the architectural skills of ancient Kamrup. Although the 10th to 12th century idols ofthe god and goddesses and the sculptures of

men, women and animals in erotic postures are all in ruins now, it is worth a visit. Barring Khajuraho and Konark, Kamrup is the only place in India, where most forms of human expressions and weaknesses have been so expressively created.

Memorial Park: Situated on the northern bank of Brahmaputra River, the Park was constructed to commemorate the Battle of Saraighat which took place in 1671 AD between the Ahoms and Mughals under the command of the great Ahom ‘Senapati’ Lachit Barphukan.

Aswaklanta: Built by King Siva Singha in 1720 AD, this famous Hindu temple is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra. Inside this temple, there are two images, one of Janardhana and the other of Anantasai Vishnu. It can be reached by ferry services or through road across the Saraighat Bridge. Chandubi: This natural lagoon is a must visit picnic spot, 64 km off Guwahati. The lake and its scenic surroundings with added attractions like resort, fishing and boating facilities, makes it an ideal destination. The place is easily accessible by bus from the central bus stand at Adabari, Guwahati. Sualkuchi: This is the largest and most urbanised village in northeast India and it is famous for Assam’s ‘Muga Silk.’ Situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra, about 35 km from Guwahati, this silk village is aptly known as the Manchester ofthe East.

Sonitpur

Sonitpur is an important administrative district of Assam, spread on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, with its headquarters in Tezpur town. Both the names – Sonitpur and Tezpur mean the ‘City of Blood.’ Legend has it that there was a war between Lord Krishna and Shiva at this place, and as a result, the whole area was drenched with blood, and hence the name Tezpur. In terms of area, Sonitpur is the second largest district of Assam after Karbi Anglong district.

Places of interest in Tezpur
Da Parbatia Temple: This temple built
between the 5th and 6th centuries AD, is
almost in ruins now, and is located 5 km west
of Tezpur. All that is left of the temple are
some sculptures and an exquisitely carved
door frame, with images of Goddess Ganga
and Yamuna.

Cole Park: Adjacent to the tourist’s lodge,
Cole Park is the most beautiful site in Tezpur.
There are many 9th and 10th century
sculptures in this park. An appealing 19th
century colonial church stands behind the
Tourist Lodge.

Orang Wildlife Sanctuary: 65 km northwest
of Tezpur, this WLS has a landscape of
marshes, streams and grasslands, similar to
Kaziranga, and is aptly described as mini
Kaziranga. This popular sanctuary is home to
the rare one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic wild
buffaloes and various bird species. Prior
permission from the Divisional Forest Officer,
Mangaldoi is required to visit this sanctuary.

Best time to visit: October to April.

Bhalukpong: About 58 km northwest of Tezpur town Bhalukpong is surrounded by mystic blue hills and evergreen forests. It also marks the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The river Kameng flows past it. Angling and rafting facilities are provided by the forest department.

Nameri National Park: An ideal place for those who seek pleasure in long strolls in sylvan settings. Here, the tourist attractions are limited to bird-watching strolls. The park can be reached from Potasali, 2 km off the Tezpur-Bhalukpong Road. You can contact the Eco-Camp which organises trips in and around Nameri, including two-hour