“Gateway to North-East India”.
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Where is Guwahati?
The city of Guwahati is in the State of Assam, northeastern India. A major river port city situated on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River. Bordered on the south by the foothills of the Shillong plateau and to the east by the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary. The Bharalu river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows right through the heart of the city.
Getting there
Our journey from Darjeeling to Guwahati was on the train and in a shared taxi.
Our accommodation
During our time in Guwahati, we chose to stay at the Debadaru Guest House. Booked through Booking.com. The guest house provides spacious, clean modern accommodation in the heart of the city.
Our room had a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and hot water shower. The WiFi in the room was of good quality.
Continental and vegetarian breakfast options were available daily.
Places of interest
Kamakhya Temple
Guwahati is particularly famous for the Kamakhya Temple. Situated on top of Nilachal Hill, it is reported to be the most sacred of the Tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the world.
We took a tuk tuk up there and got an Uber back down.
A beautiful looking building although as with many temples the correct attire must be worn. Unfortunately, Guy couldn’t visit as he was wearing shorts.
Colourful lined shops to the approach of the temple.
This isn’t a temple animal lover’s or the faint hearted should visit. As you may bear witness to goats, ducks, doves, or fish being sacrificed.
Please be aware photo below may be upsetting for some.
Umananda Temple
Standing on Peacock Island, in the river is Umananda Temple. Dedicated to Shiva and covered with engravings. Known as the smallest inhabited river island in the world. The temple has been built on a mound which is known as Bhasmacala. Only accessible by boat, which leaves from Uzanbazar Ferry Ghat.
Statue of Lachit Borphukan
Located in the river is a 35 feet high statue of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan and his army. Best known for his leadership in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat that thwarted an attempt by Mughal forces to take over Ahom kingdom
River Cruise
There are companies offering river cruises, something we didn’t do as it was a misty day with poor visibility.
Dighalipukhuri War Memorial
Dighalipukhuri is a rectangular man-made pond in the city. About half a mile long it has a War Memorial built on its north bank. It is a mark of respect for the heroes who sacrificed their lives for India. Aiming to spread the feeling of patriotism among the younger generation and for the acknowledgment of gallant sacrifices by the countries fearless soldiers.
Guwahati Planetarium
The Guwahati Planetarium provides daily shows projected on a dome-shaped overhead screen. Available in the Assamese and in English, the latter being at 1200 and 1600 hrs. Tickets go on sale 15 minutes prior to the show. The price for general admission is 30 Rupees per person.