Lying on the southern fringes of the mighty Brahmaputra river, Guwahati, the largest city of Assam, holds spirituality and adventure at its heart. Home to the much revered Kamakhya Temple, dedicated to mother goddess Kamakhya, an incarnation of Goddess Sati, the 8th-century temple attracts devotees throughout the year.Apart from temples, river cruising in the feisty Brahmaputra is a magical experience, with rock climbing at the Elephant Rocks in Morigaon, about 78 km away, coming a close second. With a number of trekking trails and breathtakingly-beautiful camping sites to its credit, Guwahati offers travellers a plethora of thrilling opportunities. Crisscrossed by waterways that pass through wildlife sanctuaries strewn around Guwahati, the city enjoys a rich bounty of flora and fauna. Driving through the jungle for safaris can be a stimulating experience. Feel your heart leap with excitement as you spot a flying fox jump across the forest, or the Indian cobra slither sinfully by. Watch out for the elusive dolphins that call the waters of the Brahmaputra their home, along with beautiful endemic and migratory birds that take shelter nearby. While its wild side languishes in serenity, the city's cosmopolitan centre bustles with the vibrancy of festivals, fairs, music, dance and arts and crafts. From the renowned Bihu dance and folk music to the energetic bhortal nritya, the city holds its culture close to its heart and displays it in an array of colours and merriment that leave tourists in awe. To sample the local flavours of the city, head to the old quarters by the river. Dotted with palms, ponds, quaint temples and imperial mansions, the area speaks of the glorious history of the region when it was ruled by the Ahom kingdom and the Koch Hajo. The city was once known as Pragjyotishpura or the Light of the East and is said to have been a powerful kingdom during the days of Mahabharata. Guwahati is also known for the resplendent silk saree and its yardages, known as Assam silk or Muga silk. Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary Located around 15 km from Guwahati, Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 78.64 sq km and has a wide variety of birds and mammals. Some of the popular wildlife you can find includes flying fox, slow loris, leopard, rhesus macaque, capped langur, jungle cat, greater adjutant, wild pig, sambar, barking deer, gaur, porcupine, slender-billed vulture, python, lesser-pied hornbill, monitor lizard and Indian cobra. The wildlife sanctuary is also a haven for adventure lovers and trekkers who come to indulge in activities like trekking, rock climbing, zip lining and mountain rappelling. A visit to Amchang will leave you thrilled and awed by nature and its unparalleled beauty. Amchang was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on June 19, 2004, by the government of Assam. Assam State Museum For a deeper insight into the history and culture of the state, Assam State Museum, located at the heart of the city, is a great stopover. The collections include royal garments, weapons, paintings, sculptures, stone and copper inscriptions, woodwork and more. Some memorabilia from World War II is also on display. Established in 1940, it is among the bigger multipurpose museums in the country. It is divided into various sections like sculptures, natural history, folk art, crafts and epigraphy. Some interesting exhibits in these include bamboo items, coins, musical instruments, ivory paintings etc. A library inside the museum is particularly amazing, as it houses a rich collection of journals, periodicals and books relating to mythology, biography, art and culture, and other subjects. Asvankranta, Manikarneswar, Dirgheswari, Rudreswar And Doul Govinda Temples One of the greatest shrines of Lord Vishnu in Assam, the Asvankranta Temple is built on the rocky river bank of Brahmaputra. It houses the Lord's footprints in his tortoise avatar. Legend has it that once Lord Krishna and his army camped here before killing the demon Narkasura. The temple is also linked with Lord Krishna and his wife, Rukmini, wherein it is believed that it was constructed at the same spot where Lord Krishna’s horse was once surrounded by a number of enemies. On the northern bank of River Brahmaputra stands the rare star-shaped Manikarneswar Temple, perched on a hill. It is said to be one of the oldest shrines constructed in the 10-11th century AD by the Pal dynasty. Temporary tin sheets act as the roof of this temple as the original was apparently destroyed in an earthquake. The Dirgheswari Temple is another attraction that was built by Ahom king Swargadeo Siva Singha between 1714 and 1744 CE. It is said to be a shaktipeetha (devotional shrines where severed body parts of Goddess Sati fell). Though the presiding deity is Goddess Durga, there are a number of images of other gods and goddesses engraved in the rocks of the hill. Locals consider it to be the next holiest place after the Kamakhya Temple. Tourists can also pay respects at the Rudreswar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and located in Rudreswar village on the northern bank of River Brahmaputra. It was built by Ahom king Pramatta Singha (1744-1751) in memory of his father in 1749 CE. Located at the foothills of Chandrabharati Hill, the Doul Govinda Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Though the original temple was built about 150 years ago, the structure was renovated around 1966. Basistha Ashram At the meeting point of Kanta, Sandhya and Lalita rivers stands the pilgrimage site of Basistha Ashram. Within the premises, lies the Basistha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The ashram also hosts the site where the body of sage Basistha is said to have been buried. The temple and the ashram are adorned with many sculptures made of stones and terracotta. In close proximity to the ashram, lies the cave where the sage used to meditate. A serene waterfall flowing nearby adds to the melody of the surrounding beauty. Legend has it that the three rivers got their names from the three wives of Sage Basistha. The ashram is located on the outskirts of the city atop Sandhyachal Hill in Beltola. Tourists can also head to the Garbhanga Reserve Forest, where sightings of elephants and butterflies are common. Bihu Dance One cannot describe Assam without talking about the world famous Bihu dance, which has become the identity of the northeastern state. Performed mostly during the annual Bihu festival celebrated around April, it is Assam's most popular folk dance. Performed by both men and women, this cheerful dance sees participants clad in traditional attires. The dancers sway their bodies gracefully to the rhythm of folk music, which leaves the audiences entertained and enchanted. Bihu dance has been an integral part of the culture of various ethnic groups in Assam like the Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis, Moran, Borahis and others. Out of the three Bihu festivals in the state namely Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu and Bhogal Bihu, the dance is performed by young men and women during Rongali Bihu to express their joy on the arrival of the spring. According to Assamese history, the first ever Bihu dance performance was done in 1694 when the Ahom king Rudra Singha (1696-1714) invited Bihu dancers on the special occasion of Rongali Bihu. The dancers adorn the traditional mekhela chador during their performance. While mekhela is a cylindrically shaped outfit worn on the lower half of the body, the chador is draped like a shawl to cover the upper half. The attires are usually made from Muga silk, which is exclusively produced in Assam. Women dancers also wear ethnic heavy jewellery and beautify their braids with colourful flowers. The dance form has gained immense popularity not only in India but also in different parts of the world. It was a proud moment for the state when professional Bihu dancers performed at the London Olympics in 2012. Bihu Folk Music Bihu songs are the most famous among music lovers in Assam and are based on themes like Assamese new year, farmers' daily life, love and more. Bihu music is played with instruments like dhol, mohor singor pepe, cymbal, a bamboo instrument called gogona and a clapper made from bamboo known as toka. Bihu music is reflective of the Oriental influence on Assam's folk music. It is an absolute delight to sit and listen to heart-touching Bihu songs during the Bihu festival when the entire state is in a celebratory mood. The talented musicians of the state have been following this traditional form of music since generations and listening to them sing in joy is an unmatched experience for every tourist. Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Located around 10 km from Guwahati, Deepor Beel is one of the most important riverine wetlands in the Brahmaputra Valley. Shortlisted as an Important Bird Area site by Birdlife International, Deepor Beel is the natural habitat of about 219 varieties of birds and 70 species of migratory birds. Some of the threatened birds one can spot here include Pallas’ sea eagle, spot-billed pelican, lesser adjutant stork, greater adjutant stork and Baer’s Pochard. Tourists can also spot fauna like Asian elephants, leopards, sambar, barking deer and Chinese porcupine. Moreover, the park is home to about 20 species of amphibians, 12 kinds of lizards, 18 varieties of snakes and tortoise and turtles, along with 50 kinds of fishes. The best time to visit is from October to March. Dibru Saikhowa National Park Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts can head to the Dibru Saikhowa National Park, which is one of the world's 19 biodiversity hotspots. Started with an aim to preserve the rare white-winged wood duck, the park is also famous as the habitat of some rare creatures like capped langurs and water buffaloes. Dispur About 10 km away from Guwahati, lies the capital city of Assam, Dispur. The Sualkuchi weavers' village is the main attraction, which invites visitors for its beautiful and intricately woven mekhela chadors. This rustic village is a birdwatcher's paradise as it is visited by many migratory birds during winters. Prominent landmarks in Dispur include the Assam Assembly House and the Assam Secretariat, which are stately buildings. The pilgrimage point of Bashistha Ashram, which lies on the confluence of Kanta, Sandhya and Lalita rivers, is also a must-visit. The tea auction markets of Dispur are renowned all over the Northeast. Travellers should try and time their visit to attend the festivities of Bihu, which sees a grand celebration. The Kamakhya Temple and the Navagraha Temple are nearby attractions. Hajo Lying on the outskirts of the city, Hajo is among the few places in the country where ancient ritualistic practices are still followed. Once a centre of Buddhism, Hajo is known as the place where the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava, breathed his last. It is home to a number of temples and sacred places, including the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir. Situated on Monikut Hill, the temple is one of the most visited points in Hajo and was built by King Raghudeva Narayan of the Koch dynasty in 1583. Tourists can also visit the Lord Ganesha temple built during the rule of Ahom king Pramatta Singha in 1744 AD. Visiting Hajo gives tourists a chance to know about the history and rich heritage of Assam. Japi One of the most famous mementos of Assam that tourists like to take back with them is the Japi hat or headgear, which makes for a great wall decoration item as well. The conical Japi hat holds immense importance in the Assamese culture and is presented to all dignitaries and eminent personalities visiting the state. This colourful large-sized hat was once used by farmers and cowherds to protect them from the scorching sun and rain. Japis are of two types: while the bigger Haaluwa Japi is usually worn by farmers, the Gorokhiya Japi is smaller in size and is worn by cowherds. The headgear is also worn by the Bihu dancers of Assam apart from being used in religious activities. Colourful pieces of fabrics are stitched together to decorate the Japi hats, which are a must-buy item during a trip to Assam. Kamakhya Temple Sitting atop the Nilachal Hill, by the banks of the Brahmaputra river, the majestic Kamakhya Temple is an iconic landmark in Guwahati. One of the oldest temples in the city, it is said to be dating back to the 8th century. Dedicated to mother goddess Kamakhya, the temple has four chambers: a garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), which is a cave under the ground level that houses a rock fissure instead of an idol, and three mandapas (outdoor halls) known as calanta, pancharatna and natamandira. The current temple structure has been built by the Ahom kings. One of the classic features is the shikhara (spire) that looks like a beehive of sculpted panels and images of Hindu gods and goddesses. Counted among the most sacred shaktipeethas (devotional shrines where the severed body parts of Goddess Sati fell), the temple is believed to be the place where the womb of the goddess fell. Thus, it is also synonymous with supreme female power and fertility. Thousands of devotees visit the temple every year, especially during the Ambubachi Mela in June. Legend has it that Goddess Sati immolated herself when her husband, Lord Shiva, was disrespected in her paternal home. Grief-stricken Lord Shiva traversed the universe with her body on His shoulders, wrecking havoc. To calm the enraged God, Lord Vishnu cut Sati’s body with his divine weapon, the Sudarshana chakra, and pieces of the body fell across India, leading to the creation of shaktipeethas. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, which give way to tropical forests and alluvial grasslands, the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is teeming with diverse fauna. These include endangered species like Indian rhinoceros, Indian elephant, tiger and pygmy hog. Some of the other animals you can spot include golden langurs, bison, deer, red panda etc. The sanctuary offers amazing opportunities for birdwatching as well. You can spot avifauna like Bengal florican, great pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill, greater adjutant, and many more. Since the park is watered by the Manas river, aquatic life flourishes richly in it. Masks Popularly known as mukhas in the local language, masks are an integral part of Assam's culture and tradition. They are mostly used during folk theatre performances based on tribal folktales. Generally made from terracotta, metal, bamboo, pith and wood, the beautifully designed masks usually depict local deities and characters from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The masks are divided into three categories on the basis of their size. These are Cho mask, Lotokoi mask and Mukh mask. For the rural population of the state, mask-making serves as a means of livelihood and the craft is followed by craftsmen from all communities. Making a mask takes around 10 to 15 days during which the craftsmen make a frame using bamboo strips and then paste layers of clay-soaked clothes before leaving them to dry under the sun. Once dry, the masks are painted in bright colours. Nalbari Lying at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Nalbari is famous for its age-old temples and scenic beauty. One of the most famous temples is the 500-year-old Billeshwar Mandir, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built in the 18th century, the Basudev Devalaya is another popular temple in Nalbari. Tourists can also pay obeisance at the Hari Mandir, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Located about 70 km from the city of Guwahati, Nalbari is home to the Shripur Devalaya, which is said to have been built by Ahom king Sib Singha (1714-1744), and is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The town is surrounded by the Indo-Bhutan border towards its north and the Brahmaputra river to its south, and is one of the most visited spots in Guwahati. Orange National Park Skirted by the mighty Brahmaputra river, this national park is home to faunae such as the great Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, porcupines, civets, water buffaloes, leopards, etc. Besides, you can spot a variety of avifauna such as kingfishers, woodpeckers, white pelicans, etc. Regional Science Centre The Regional Science Centre is one of the most interesting spots in the city. From enjoying fascinating 3D science movies and shows to admiring colourful butterflies at the Butterfly corner and watching beautiful fishes in the aquarium, there's a lot you can do at the science centre. There is a special corner for children where they can develop a fondness for science through fun games. A visit to the science centre is a great learning experience for the young ones and an exciting one for adults. The centre also hosts multiple galleries that have participatory exhibits based on science. The centre organises various educational activities and programmes at regular intervals. Situated at Jawaharnagar, Khanapara, the Regional Science Centre was inaugurated on March 15, 1994, and aims to popularise science among the masses. River Cruise Cruising along the waters of the gushing Brahmaputra river is one of the best experiences tourists can have during their Guwahati visit. Sail into the heart of the river and see various birds taking shelter in its lush surroundings. While it is a delight for birdwatchers, nature lovers can also have a memorable time. Watch the burning orb of the sun sink into the river, painting the sky in myriad hues, as you cruise slowly by. Sample authentic delicacies on your trip and interact with locals to get a glimpse of their lifestyle. The quaint and rustic hamlets scattered by the bank also invite tourists to soak in the local culture and traditions. Live musical performances are also organised at the cruise that add to the charm of the overall experience. Sualkuchi Situated on the northern bank of River Brahmaputra, around 30 km away from Guwahati, the weavers' village of Sualkuchi is popularly called the centre of Assam's textiles. Pat silk and Muga silk are two popular kinds of silks used. Since it has been declared as a Handloom Heritage Village, it is a great tourist stopover. It is known for its handwoven fabrics created following techniques that are centuries old. The mekhela chadors woven here are very popular and most of them sport the popular kinkhaap design, which comprises two front-facing lions. It is said this design has been in use since the times of the Ahom kings. The chadors are also decorated with patterns of flowers, creepers etc. Lined with bamboo houses, the rustic village is a birdwatcher's paradise as well.
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