To spend a wonderful vacation in the wilderness, hearing the chirping of birds, listening to the whispers of wind, excited by the sound of gushing river and set the clock back to let your mind race to the past, you need to be at Guwahati, Assam. Situated on Brahmaputra River banks, Guwahati is a paradise for nature lovers. The majestic Himalayan ranges and the famous Brahmaputra River provide a stunning landscape and the rich cultural background of the place combine to provide you with unique experience, which will remain in your memories forever. You will not be short of tourist attractions in the land; neither will you find the place to be short of entertainment. Guwahati offers the best and it is indeed a tough task to decide on what to see and what to miss, if your vacation is short. Here are the top 9 places to visit in Guwahati, which you would not want to miss on your next tour to the place.
1. Kaziranga National Park
Declared as National Park in 1974, the 430 sq. kms Kaziranga National Park houses various wild species including tigers, elephants, leopards and panthers. It is home to one horned rhinoceros. The park could be called as haven for bird watchers, as birds in thousands are seen here. It is also declared as world heritage site. As elephant safaris are available, it would be a great experience for you if you opt to settle down on elephant’s back to tour the park. If you want to visit Kaziranga National Park, you need to plan your tour between November and April, as these are the months, the park is open for tourists.
2. Manas National Park
Manas National Park spreads across 391 sq. km area on Himalayan foothills. This park too has the honor of being declared a World Heritage Site and it received this status in the year 1985. Famously referred to as the only Tiger Reserve in Assam, the park is home to various species including elephants, bison, langur, sambar, chital, rhinos and buffalos. The park houses endangered species as well. Some of the birds spotted here include bulbuls, falcons, serpent eagles, hornbills and magpie robins. The right time to visit this park would be between October and April.
3. Umananda Temple
One of the most important temples of Guwahati, Umananda Temple is situated on Peacock Island in the middle of Brahmaputra River. The temple belongs to the 17th century and it was constructed by Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique. Since the temple is at the center of River Brahmaputra, it can be accessed only on ferries or motor launches. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the sculptures and engravings depict other gods namely Surya, Ganesha and Devi. The walls of the temple are wonderfully engraved and sculpted, which stand proof of the artisanship of the people of the past.
4. Kamakhya Temple
Kamakhya Temple is situated 7 km away from Guwahati on Nilachal Hills. The temple was reconstructed in the year 1565 after it was destructed by Kala Pahar. The temple has several myths associated with it. Kamakhya Temple complex houses five temples inside it. The temple gains more importance, as in this place of worship, Aryans and non-Aryans follow common practices and hold common beliefs.
5. Assam Rajyik State Museum
Assam Rajyik State Museum offers an insight into the rich culture and heritage of the place. The museum is awe-inspiring with stunning range of collections. The massive collection in the library includes over thousands of scripts belonging to ancient period. Apart from scripts, the museum houses prehistoric sculptures and ivory paintings. Costumes belonging to ancient people are on display as well.
6. Guwahati Planetarium
Guwahati Planetarium is located on MG road. It is one of the popular tourist destinations in Guwahati. The planetarium conducts sky watching sessions regularly. Viewers are delighted by special shows projected here.
7. Navagraha Temple
Navagraha Temple belongs to the 18th century. It is located on top of Navagraha Hill, which was initially known as Chitrasal Hill. The temple derives its name from Navagraha or the nine planets of the solar system and it is dedicated to these nine planets.
8. Nehru Park
Nehru Park is an ideal location if you are here with your family. The serene atmosphere spell bounds you. You could grasp the essence of the life and culture of the people of Assam. The concrete statues depict various dances namely Bihu, Deodhani, Bor Taal and Ojapali. The park has excellent facilities to entertain children. There are various rides to keep the children amused. You will love the rock garden here. Yet another specialty of the park is the open-air theatre.
9. Brahmaputra River Cruise
The real thrill and fun in touring Guwahati lie in cruising Brahmaputra. The majestic river flows through Guwahati dividing the same into halves. Spectacular views while on cruise will leave you mesmerized. You could opt for longer cruise or short cruise. The cruises are well planned and conducted that you are not short of anything while on board. Both your taste buds and your vision are left to feast upon at will.
Guwahati offers you a perfect getaway from your hectic lifestyle. The best forms of nature present in stunning style and richness, tourist places in Guwahati are indeed the best places to be on your holiday.
Some Other Places To Visit In Assam:
who said kaziranga national park is in guwahati? did u even research before blogging about guwahati?