Guwahati is the kind of place that has its own flavor that never fails to charm the tourists. Situated between the banks of the Brahmaputra River and the Shillong Plateau, it is one of the major cities of Assam. From the Shunga-Kushana period to the Mughal era, different rulers were the reason for the establishment of this diverse city of Assam. It is a place where different cultures breathe and live together and this in itself becomes more of a reason to visit this city.
Earlier, Guwahati was known as the Hindu kingdom of Kamarupa's capital and went by the name, Pragjyotisa. If you want to know the city spiritually, then some of the places which you must visit are Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple, Navagrah Temple, Moriaatti Jumma Masjid, and Rajdhani Maszid. For nature lovers, the popular Kaziranga National Park and Nehru Park are some of the most amazing options to explore.
Best Time to Visit Guwahati
During the summer, it will be difficult to face the temperature as it is somewhere around 33 degrees. In that case, the monsoon season is the best for you as it makes the city even more beautiful and greener for you. Also, the early days of winter are also a good time to explore Guwahati. So, if you are planning a trip to someplace amazing then it is highly recommended for you to plan your trip to Guwahati during the months of July to September or October to December.
History of Guwahati
The myths and legends of Guwahati date back thousands of years. You would be surprised to know but there are some references that directly relate to epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. Thus, it can be said that it is one of the most ancient cities of India. Not just that, if we go by Mahabharata, then there was also a time when Guwahati was the capital of Narakasura and Bhagadatta. Within Guwahati, there is an ancient Shakti temple of Goddess Kamakhya in Nilachal hill.
The Medival History
Appointed by the Ahom Kings, this city was the seat of Borphukan which was the civil-military authority of the Assam region. It is interesting to know that Borphukan's residence was in the present Fancy Bazar area. It even had a council hall which was built in approximately 300 yards.
Modern History
It is a known fact that the Mughals invaded Assam approximately 17 times. However, not a single time was they able to succeed. What's more intriguing is the fact that they were defeated by a considerably less Assamese army in the battle of Itakhuli and the battle of Saraighat. This gives us proof of the battle-readiness of the Ahoms. Furthermore, this city was even under Burmese rule from 1817 to 1826. And after the first Anglo-Burmese War, the city came under the British Empire.
Major Attractions in and Around Guwahati
1. Umananda Temple
Positioned in the Peacock Island and dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a tranquil spot to worship and align your spiritual energies. The surroundings of this temple are very peaceful as it is located at the top of the hill. Undoubtedly, it comes across as a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the scenic views of nature. Apart from Lord Shiva, there are 10 other Hindu God’s idols placed here.
2. Assam State Museum
Also known as Assam Rajyik State Museum, built amid the colonization of Britishers in India in 1940, this is a place that you would love to visit if you consider yourself a history buff. Once you visit this museum, you will realize how wonderful is the collection of artifacts, and old sculptures placed here dates back to the 5th-12th century.
3. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
This incredible hub of nature covers an area of 38 sq. km. and has gained a huge amount of fame due to its nearness to Guwahati. The lush green vegetation and the glimpse of the endangered species like the one-horned Rhino will simply leave you mesmerized. One can also see the endangered Rhinos during an elephant or Jeep Safaris.
4. Guwahati Zoo
Falling in the list of one of the most captivating zoos of the nation, and situated in the dense green forests of Hengrabari, this place also goes by the name Green Lung Of The City Of Guwahati.
5. Kaziranga National Park
Here you would get to see one-horned Rhinoceros. Also, Kaziranga National Park was declared the Tiger Reserve in 2006. Apparently, this place is home to a large breeding ground of elephants and wild water buffalos, swamp deer, etc. Furthermore, this place also has achieved great success in terms of wildlife conservation. Located on the edge of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity, this is a must-visit place for its natural beauty.
6. Umananda Island
A beautiful and serene island, this is the perfect getaway from chaos for a while. Situated in the middle of the Brahmaputra, you can enjoy sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, and so many other activities. It was named Peacock Island by the Britishers due to its shape.
7. Kamakhya Hills
Kamakhya Hills aka Nilachal Hills is a place with spellbinding views of nature's beautiful and breath-taking spectacles. It is an ideal place for a group of friends and couples, as you would get to enjoy the serene environment while trekking towards Kamakhya Temple.
8. Dighali Pukhuri
This is a manmade lake surrounded by a soothing ambiance to keep you calm yet curious. Those decorated gardens around the lake will definitely be a soul-rejuvenating spectacle for you.
How to Reach Guwahati
Being the largest city of Assam, Guwahati has come a long way as an urban travel getaway. If you want to have a taste of true North-Eastern culture, then a visit to Guwahati can be an eye-opener for you. It is located at an approximate distance of 1,907, 2,753, 1,008, 2,952 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Follow the given below information to reach here.
By Air
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport aka Guwahati Airport is just 25 kilometers away from the main city. It is a well-established airport with regular flight services. It is well-connected to India’s major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Apart from these metropolitan cities, the airport has good connectivity with neighboring cities like Imphal, Bagdogra, Itanagar, etc. as well.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Guwahati
By Rail
One of the primary rail lines of Assam is the Guwahati Railway Station that is 5 kilometers away from the main city center. The railway line is well-connected to other major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
By Road
The city of Guwahati can be reached via the neighboring regions of the state of Assam as well as other major metropolitan cities of India. There are private and government buses that run frequently and if you are looking forward to traveling via your own vehicle then you would need to take NH 44, 16, or 27 depending upon your location.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guwahati
Q. What are the top tourist attractions in Guwahati?
A. The top tourist attractions in Guwahati include the Kamakhya Temple, Assam State Museum, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Umananda Temple, and Sualkuchi Village.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
