INTERESTED PLACES OF ASSAM

Guwahati   Situated on the banks of the mighty river Brahmaputra, Guwahati is Assam's sleepy capital. It was once known as "Pragiyotishpura" or Light of the East. The name Guwahati is a combination of two words: Guwa meaning areca nut and Hat meaning market. Guwahati or Gurahati is the gateway to one of the most exotic and fascinating regions of India - the north east. Today, Guwahati is the business hub of the region and also Assam's largest city. It is the service centre for the oil industry and tea plantations; the world's largest tea auctions are held here. There are many ancient Hindu temples in and around Guwahati. Notable among them is the Umananda temple on Peacock Island dedicated to Lord Shiva. Local Festivals

March

Sivaratri is celebrated on Peacock Island at the Umananda Temple with all night vigil and hymns and prayers

September

Manasa Festival at the Kamakshya Temple in honour of the Snake goddess.


November-April

The Assam Tea Festival is celebrated with events in various parts of the state.

January

Magh Bihu and Bohag Bihu and Rongali Bihu in Mid April, the week-long New Year festivities are celebrated with singing and dancing.

Umananda Temple

The Shiva temple stands on Peacock island in the midst of river Brahmaputra. The temple built by an Ahom king in 1594, can be reached by crossing the river via country boats plying from Kachari Ghat in Guwahati. Ferries make regular crossings from 7am to 5pm. The site is especially busy during the annual Shivaratri festival, when devotees from all over the state come to worship the god.Janardhan Temple 

The temple is situated on the hillock Suklesvar in the heart of the city. The temple consecrated in the 10th century was rebuilt in the 17th century. Located near Suklesvar Ghat of the Brahmaputra river, the temple has an image of the Lord Buddha, which is a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism.Basista Ashram 

Situated in the southern-most rim of Guwahati city on the Sandhyachal hill is a well known holy cum picnic spot, called Basisthashram, after the great vedic Sage Bashistha, who is said to have lived here. Three rivulets named Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta meet here and flow perenially adding scenic grandeur to the place. It is 12 Kms. from the Guwahati Railway Station. City buses ply regularly to the Ashram.

Madan Kamdev 

Barely 40 Kms. away from the sprawling metropolis Guwahati, on N.H. 52 Madan Kamdev

is an enigma, a mystery, a marvel and in the words of Omar Khayam, "a veil past which I could not see". Very little is known about the origin of these magnificent archaeological ruins. Written history is almost silent on it, leaving wide room for conjectures and hypothesis. Very little is known about this archaeological ruin, making it a mystery. Kamrupa - the ancient name of Assam, is believed to have derived its name from the legend that love God Kama or Madan, after being turned into ashes by an angry Shiva, was reborn here. One school believes that Madan was reborn and united to Rati on this tiny hillock. The season to visit is from October to May. 

Museums
Assam State Museum  

The Assam State Museum has collections of archaeology, sculpture, paintings, metal, ivory    and woodwork, costumes and ethnology. There are exhibits of reconstructed huts of Assamese tribes. You can walk right through these village huts. There are also displays of weaving and musical instruments. It is open from 1000 to 1630 from Tuesday to Saturday and 0800 -1200 on Sundays. 



Assam Forest Museum   

This museum is situated at South Kamrup Division, Guwahati. It has collections of timber, cane and ivory work, tusks and horns and models of buildings and bridges. Visit: 10am - 4pm weekdays. Saturdays 10am -1.30pm Commercial Museum 

Guwahati University has a commercial Museum with a collection of art and crafts, commercial products, minerals and rocks, coins etc. The museum is open daily, from 12.30am to 6.30pm. Closed on Sundays and University holidays.Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra

The Srimanta Sankardeva kalakshetra has been set up as a grand exposition of the life and culture of the people of Assam. Named after the greatest Vaishnava saint and the greatest integrator of the Assamese society Srimanta Sankardeva, the Kalakshetra is a multi-Arts complex. It houses a Central Museum where cultural objects and day-to-day articles used by different ethnic groups will be preserved and exhibited, an Open Air Theatre with 2000 capacity to hold folk festivals and to present traditional dance and drama of the State, an Artists' Village which offers the visitors and the residents an atmosphere of the village of Assam, the Sahitya Bhavan which is a library of rare books and manuscripts, the Lalit-Kala Bhavan which has sufficient space for exhibition, art and sculpture workshops, and a Heritage Park. The Kalakshetra has been chosen as the venue for many cultural activities.

The other Museums are Assam Government Cottage Industries Museum, Open 10am to 4.00pm on weekdays, 10am to 1.00pm on Saturdays. Veterinary College Museum, Open 10am to 4pm.

Assam State Zoo and Botanical Gardens 

   The Zoo and the landscaped Botanical gardens are located about 5km east of the railway station. The zoo mostly has open enclosures with swamp tapirs, tigers, leopards, Assam's famous one horned rhinos and a rich bird life among other species. Open daily except Fridays. Dighalipukhuri, a water body in the heart of the city with boating facilities, cruises on the river Brahmaputra in the 'Jolporee', the famous Balaji Temple of Tirupati,Planetarium, the Saraighat Bridge over the Brahmaputra, the Guwahati Oil Refinery, Lachit Barphukan Park and the Guwahati University are places worth visiting.
Other religious places in Assam

Viswanath Temple in the district (Darrang), called second Kasi (Benares) or Gupta-Kasi (hidden Kasi). This temple is also said to have been installed by King Bana.

The Siva temple at Sibsagar by the side of a splendid tank is about half a mile in length and a quarter of a mile in breadth . The temple stands between two smaller temples, Devi-doul and Vishnu-doul (doul-temple).

Neghriting Devalaya is also a Siva temple. In architectural beauty it surpasses all the temples in Assam. It is situated at a distance of 17 and 14 miles respectively from the towns of Jorhat and Golaghat. There are four smaller temples in the four corners of the base of the main temple.

Parasuram Kunda is a shrine of all-India importance and now falls within N.E.F.A. Thousands of pilgrims, visit the place in winter every year, when a great fair used to be held to which wild cows, rare fur-rugs and other curios were brought down by the mountaineers. Besides the temple

The Surya Pahar Temple, situated in Goalpara in Assam. It is an ancient center of sun worship and there are numerous insufficiently explored archaeological remains around it.

Other Places of Interest in Assam
Chandubi Lake

A natural lagoon and fine picnic spot which is 64 Kms. from Guwahati. The lake and its surroundings is an ideal holiday resort with the added attraction of fishing and rowing. 

The place is easily accessible by bus from Guwahati. The best season to visit is from November to April.

Sualkuchi

Assam produces three unique varieties of silks, the Golden Muga, the White Pat and the warm Eri. Silks grown all over the state find their way to Sualkuchi, 32 Kms from Guwahati. Sualkuchi is one of the world's largest weaving villages often called the Manchester of the East. The entire population here is engaged in weaving exquisite silf fabrics. A renowned centre of silk production, particularly known for Muga - the golden silk of Assam which is not produced anywhere else in the world.Hajo

this place located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, 28km from Guwahati. Hajo is a sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. Hajo is also renowned for its bell metal work. Places of Interest in Hajo

Powa - Mecca 
Hayagriba Madhava Temple
Mahabhairab Temple

Powa - Mecca

Side by side with the Madhav temple there is a celebrated Muslim shrine at Hajo, called Powa- Mecca i.e. 1/4th Mecca. According to the inscription on the wall of the mosque situated there, it was built by Mir Lutufullah-i- Shiraji, in 1657 during the reign of the Mugal emperor Shajahan. In front of the mosque lies the tomb of Gyasuddin Aulia who made the first attempts to propagate Islam in this part of the world. It is said that the foundation of the mosque partly consists of some earth brought from Mecca.

Hayagriba Madhava Temple

The Hayagriba Madhava Temple at Hajo is an important place of pilgrimage both for Hindus and the Buddhists. The image of Vishnu installed at the shrine resembles that of Jagannath at Puri in Orissa. A curious feature of this temple is that it is regarded as a Buddhist shrine by Buddhist Lamas and Butiyas, who profess Buddhism. They believe that the Buddha attained Nirvana at this place. This temple had been destroyed by Kalapahar and was rebuilt in 1543 by the Koch king Raghudev. A smaller temple nearby was built by Ahom king Pramatta Singh where 'Doul' is celebrated on a grand scale every year. There is a large pond here inhabited by a giant turtle.

Mahabhairab Temple

An ancient temple where King Bana worshipped Mahabhairab, another incarnation of Lord Shiva. A place of pilgrimage. This Shiva temple is regarded as the oldest Shiva shrine where thousands converge on "Shiv Ratri".

Sibsagar

Sibsagar is 369 Kms. towards the east of Guwahati and is the headquarters of a district of the same name. It is also a leading tea and oil producing district. The Eastern Regional Headquarter of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission is located at Nazira, 18 Kms. from Sibsagar. Modern Sibsagar is a fast developing town. The highest Shiva temple in India, situated in the heart of Sibsagar, which was the capital of the Ahom dynasty. Sibsagar was the capital of the Ahoms who ruled Assam at a stretch for 600 years before the advent of the British. It is a beautiful town located around the huge Sibsagar tank, an artificial lake constructed by Queen Madambika in 1734 A.D. The Shiva idol or Shiva Temple on the bank of this tank is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India. Haflong

Up in the rugged terrains stands Assam's only hill station, Haflong, where one can see the rainbow down below. It is the district Headquarters of North Cachar Hills.

Hilly Assam is a land of sensuousness. A heaven to the senses where one touches the sweetest dream with one's fingers. The mountains float in the distant sky. The clouds descend and snugly lie below one's feet. A beautiful lake 'Haflong Lake' is located in the heart of the town. Jatinga 9 Kms. from Haflong, is famous for the unexplained phenomenon of migratory birds 'committing mass suicide'. The migratory birds come during the month of August to November and it becomes the Ornithologists attraction. From the elevated watch tower one can see them yielding to their death wish and their little plumage dropping down. Season to visit is from August to April. Other attractions include exciting trekking in Borail Hills, watching the traditional dances of the Tribals and a visit to the Orchid Garden. Digboi

Surrounded by numerous Tea Gardens and mystic blue hills, Digboi is a major oil town. A hundred year old Refinery and it's hundred and twelve year old oil field still exist here. The Digboi Refinery came into being in 1901 as the first refinery of Asia and as the second one in the world. Today, the oil field and refinery are the oldest continuing oil field and refinery in the world. There is also a War Cemetery and Golf Course in Digboi.
Tezpur

  Tezpur, known as Sonitpur (city of blood) of Puranic fame, is associated with the legend of princess Usha, the daughter of King Bana and prince Anirudha, the grandson of Lord Krishna for their eternal love and romance. The great mythological war believed to have been fought between Hari(Lord Krishna) and Hara (Lord Shiva) and as a result the whole city was said to have been drenched in blood, hence the name. Situated on the north bank of the majestic river Brahmaputra, Tezpur town is of magnificent scenic beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins. It is the headquarters of Sonitpur district and is considered as one of the most beautiful towns of the state. Undulated green valley’s surrounded by the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, with snow capped peaks of the Himalayas as the northern backdrop, lush green tea gardens and magnificent archaeological ruins have all contributed to make Tezpur a tourist's delight. Her contribution to art, culture, literature particularly her contribution to the freedom struggle have earned for Tezpur a unique niche in the history of Assam. In 1942, for the first time in entire British India, the tricolor (Indian flag) was hoisted in the police station at Gahpur, a quiet mofussil town under Sonitpur district. Fourteen year old Kanaklata braved British bullets and died holding the national flag aloft.

Places of Interest around Tezpur

Cole Park
The Hazara Pukhuri  
Bamuni Hills
BhalukpungBamuni Hills  

The ruins of Bamuni hill is famous for its artistic beauty. The sculpture remains which dates back to the 9th and 10th century A.D. now lie in the Cole park and Missionary compound. The Hazara Pukhuri  

The large tank preserves the name Harzara Varman in Tezpur. It was excavated in the early part of the 19th century. This is the third largest tank covering an area of 70 acres. 
Cole Park

   It is one of the most beautiful places in the town. The park which was first established by a British Deputy Commissioner, Mr Cole, is the place for peace loving people. Here one can see the two massive ornamental stone pillars and the sculptural remains of the famous Bamuni Hills. Bhalukpung

Surrounded by mystic blue hills and evergreen forests, Bhalukpung is situated on the bank of the river Jia Bharali. It is only 64 Kms. from Tezpur and is on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It is famous for its unique natural beauty, angling and rafting. Far from the madding crowd Bhalukpung is a place of peace and tranquility. It is only 56 Kms from Tezpur town.

Other attractions of Bhalukpung are a hot spring and an Eco-Camp at Potasil.Diphu

This hilly town is the headquarters of the Karbi-Anglong district. Diphu is the centre of Karbi art and culture. The indigenous tribe of Karbi Anglong, the Karbis, are well known for their hospitality and colorful culture.Bhomoraguri

A mammoth stone inscription made by the Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Phukan, who planned to construct a bridge over Brahmaputra, is seen here. Almost two centuries later, a bridge over Brahmaputra at the same place has now been completed. The 3.05 km. bridge named after the great Ahom general, connecting Nagaon district with Tezpur was opened for vehicular traffic by the then Prime Minister of India Late Rajiv Gandhi on April 3, 1987.Majuli

Assam is famous for Majuli, the world's largest river island. Majuli situated in the midst of river Brahmaputra, is the centre of Vishnava culture. The total area of Majuli has been steadily decreasing due to strong erosion of the river Brahmaputra. The area of the island has reduced from 2,82,165 acres in 1853 to less than 886 sq. Kms today. There are over fifteen Vaishnava monasteries or satras on Majuli. Auniati is famous for its considerable collection of Assamese old utensils, jewellery and handicrafts. Upper Majuli is inhabited by tribes like the Mising and the Deoris and is the centre of a living heritage of colorful costumes and festivals. Plenty of migratory birds of great varieties are also seen here.Satra

The Institution of Satra is a unique feature of Vaishnavism in Assam, founded by Sankardeva, the father of Assamese culture. Satras are basically monasteries which propagate neoVaishnavism. They also became centers for education and dissemination of the art of harmonious living. In 15th century the first Satra was founded in Majuli. Since then sixty five Satras have come up for the propagation of ethics and socio-cultural ideals. However, at present there are only twenty two Satras in Majuli. The others had to be shifted to safer places due to the devastation of flood and erosion.

The main existing Satras are: Dakhinpat Satra

Founded by Banamalidev, an exponent of Raasleela, which is now observed as one of the National Festivals of Assam. During Rasotsava several thousand devotees visit these holy Satras every year.Garamurh Satra

Founded by Lakshmikantadeva. During the end of autumn, traditional Raasleela (co-acting) is shown with great enthusiasm. Some ancient weapons called "Bortop" (canons) are preserved here.Auniati Satra

Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, the Satra is famous for "Paalnaam" and Apsara Dance and also its considerable collection of Assamese old utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.Kamalabari Satra

Founded by Bedulapadma, it is a centre of art, cultural, literature and classical studies. It's branch, Uttar Kamalabari Satra, has showcased the Satria Art in several states of India and abroad.Bengenaati Satra

It is a storehouse of antiques of cultural importance and an advance centre of performing art. Muraridev, the grandson of Sankardeva's step mother founded this Satra. The royal robes belonging to the Ahom king Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha, made of gold and an golden umbrella are preserved here.Shamaguri Satra

The satra is home to famous Mask crafts.Batadrawa Satra

It is the birthplace of the greatest Vaishnava Saint Srimanta Sankardeva Shrine and a centre of Vaishnava art and culture. It is about 140 Kms. from Guwahati and about 15 Kms. from Nagaon town.Barpeta Satra and Kirtanghar

In addition to the Satras, the most striking monument to the genius of Sankardeva and his chief disciple Madhav Deva is the Kirtanghar at Barpeta in Kamrup district which was the centre of their activity for many years. This famous Shrine and Kirtanghara attracts Vaishanavas from all over India. It was established by Madhadeva, the greatest disciple of Sankardeva.

Besides these Aswaklanta on the north bank of the Brahmaputra where the third Pandava, Arjuna, is believed to have watered his horse while covering the length and breadth of Bharat for the performance of the Aswamedha Yajnya, Sukreswar and Ugratra are also important religious places to be visited. 

Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill, eight km west of the city is believed to be an ancient 'Khasi' sacrificial site. It has been a part and parcel of Assamese life and culture from ancient times. The temple dedicated to the Goddess Kamakshya is one of the oldest and most sacred centre for Shakti worship and Tantric Hinduism. The original 10th century temple was destroyed by Muslim converts but was rebuilt in 1665 by King Naranarayana of Koch Bihar. The sikhara or spire is in the shape of a beehive and it has the nymph motifs and the long turtle back hall. The stone images and other relics found around the temple have been dated by archaeologists to the eighth century onwards. It attracts pilgrims from all over India, especially during the Ambubachi Festival which usually falls around July. The ponds here are home to some giant turtles. There is a majestic view of the city and the Brahmaputra river from the hill top. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the sanctum. 
Navagraha Temple

Navagraha temple or temple of nine planets is situated on Chitrachal Hill to the east of the town. It was the ancient seat of study of astronomy and astrology. The nine planets are represented by the nine linga's inside the main temple. This temple just 3 km from the railway station is still a center of Astrological and Astronomical research. It was for this temple Guwahati was named Pragjyotishpur ( the city of Astrology). 

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
Pobha Or Milroy Sanctuary
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Gorampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Golaghat
Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary
East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
Panidihing Bird Sanctuary, Sibsagar 
Deeporbeel Bird Sanctuary, Guwahati(Proposed)
Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary, Lakhimpur,
Dhemaji(Proposed)

Hand loom weaving  Handloom weaving is a way of life in Assam. The number of looms in the State stands at around eight lakhs which works out to around 16 per cent of the looms in the entire Country. More than thirty thousand looms operate exclusively in silk. Cotton, Muga, paat (mulberry silk) and endi are the basic raw materials for hand-woven fabrics in Assam. Saulkuchi is the biggest   centre of silk production and weaving in the State. There are more than 3,000 weavers in and around the township. Saulkuchi is known as the Manchester of Assam. Muga silk has a natural golden colour and rare sheen that becomes more lustrous with every wash. Eri is a warm silk suitable for the winter. The designs used in Assam are mostly stylised symbols of animals, human figures, creepers, flowers, birds, channels, cross borders and the galaxy. Each ethnic group of the State has its own distinctive design and style. Assamese weavers produce beautiful designs on the borders of traditional garments such as the mekhela-chaddar and riha and on the gamosa (towel) .The Laichangphi, produced traditionally by the weavers of Cachar district, is a popular quilt sought after because of its warmth and softness. The tribals make beautiful shawls. Jewellery  Jewellery has been a tradition in Assam. Gold was available in many of the rivers flowing down from the Himalayas. In fact, a particular tribe of people, the Sonowal Kacharis, were engaged only in gold washing in these rivers. The Assamese jeweller (Sonari) make exquisite lockets (doog-doogi, bana, jon-biri, dhol-biri) earrings (thuriya, loka-paro, keru), bracelets (gaam-kharu), necklaces (gal-pata), etc.  Cane and Bamboo

Cane and Bamboo being quite common all over, are used to make a variety of products. Cane furniture of Assam is much sought after both in the national and international markets. Bamboo is used mostly to make domestic products such as chalani (sieve), kula (winnowing pan), khorahi (small basket), etc. The fancy bamboo japi (hat) with its colorful design and motif is worn by the Assamese peasant while working in the field.

Painting                                                                                                   

The tradition of painting in Assam can be traced back to several centuries in the past. The gifts presented to Huien Tsang and Harshavardhana by Kumar Bhaskara, the king of Kamrupa, included a number of paintings and painted objects, some done on exclusive Assam silk. Assamese literature of the medieval period abound in references to chitrakars and patuas who were expert painters . Locally available material such as hebgool and haital were used for painting. Ahom palaces and sattras and naamghars are replete with brightly coloured paintings depicting various stories and events from history and mythology.

Mat making 

Sitalpati or mats made from the patidai or mohtra reed is a traditional craft of Cachar.Brass and Bell Metal 

Brass and Bell Metal products of Assam are also famous for their beauty and strength of form and utility. Brass is an important cottage industry with highest concentration in Hajo of Kamrup district. The Sarthebari area of the same district is well known for its bell metal craft. The principal items of brass are the kalah (water pot), sarai (a platter or tray mounted on a base), kahi (dish), bati (bowl), lota (water pot with a long neck) and tal (cymbals). Gold, silver and copper too have formed part of traditional metal craft in Assam, and the State Museum in Guwahati has a rich collection of items made of these metals. Gold however is now used only for ornaments.

Ivory products such as combs, bangles, walking sticks and smoking pipes were made in the district of Barpeta. Their production has however been stopped since a ban was imposed on making and selling of ivory products as a conservation measure. A comb made of the horn of oxes is also a specialty. 
Pottery 

Pottery is practiced by two communities of artisans in Assam --- the Hira and the Kumar. The Hiras make household articles using the compression method. The Kumars use their potter's wheel to make images for worship and clay dolls and toys. West Assam has long been proficient in the craft of terracotta. Asharkandi, a village in Goalpara district is famous for its graceful clay dolls.Woodwork 

                  
Woodwork is an ancient Assamese craft. Exquisite wood carvings are seen mostly on doors, walls, beams, ceilings and the splendid carved sinhasans used in prayer houses. Decorative panels in the royal Ahom palaces of the past and the 600-year old sattras or Vaisnavite monasteries are intricately carved in wood. A special class of people who excelled in wood carving came to be known as Khanikar. The painted woodwork of Golaghat is a folk art. Modern-day khanikars have taken to producing articles of commercial value, including figure of one-horned rhino and replicas of the world-famous Kamakhya temple --- two items heading the list of demands from visitors. 

Fiber weaving 
Kuhila Koth or fiber weaving is a famed handicraft of the Batadrava area of Nagaon district. Kuhila is woven on a simple loom-like gadget made of wood and bamboo poles to produce seats, mats and cushions. Kuhila craft is also an important cottage industry in the Gauripur area of Dhubri district in Lower Assam. Pith or Indian cork has also been used for toy-making since centuries in Assam. Such toys are chieflymade in the Goalpara region and they include figures of gods, animals and birds.