guwahati

 

India is a land of many cultures and many festivals. And some OF the country’s biggest festivals  commence this month.

 

GUWAHATI

The charming city of Guwahati  may popularly be known as the ‘Gateway to the Northeast’, but the de facto capital of Assam is a destination worth  exploring in its own rights. picturesquely sprawled along the mighty Brahamapura River, Guwahati  is a city shaped by fascinating history of over  1,500 years. The exact date of its beginning is unknown; however its earlier mention is as pragjyotishpura (light of east’)  whose existence dates back before the beginning of recorded history, According to the puranas.  it served  as the seat of the kamarupa kingdom and later the kachari rulers. The Koch dynasty of Bengal ruled here for while and is accredited with building the revered kamakhya Temple. It became the capital of the Ahom  dynasty in 1786, and after a decade long occupation by the Burmese in the 1800s, it was made by the British capital of assam in 1826. Today Guwahati  is a major river port, with oil and tea as important industries. peppered with ancient temples. lined by beautiful  riverfront promenades, and with world famous wildlife national parks, hill stations, and more in its vicinity, Guwahati  serves as the window to the beauty of the northeast.

Local buzz

Whether you’re an ardent heritage, culture, or nature lover, Guwahati will keep you busy with its myriad offerings.

Divine Temple One of the oldest of the 51 shakti peethas and an important entre of Tantrism

Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple is located at the top of Nilachal Hill. According to Kalika purana, the temple marks the spot where sati’s genitals and womb fell after Shiva danced with her corpse, the annual

Ambubachi Mela here draws  thousands of devotees, the unique

 NAVAGRAHA TEMPLE, dedicated to the nine celestial bodies of Hindu astronomy features nine shivlingams;

 the Basistha temple set by a stream on the outskirts  of the Garbhanga reserve forest, is known for its  elephant and butterflies.

River stories: One of the largest rivers in the world, the majestic Bramaputrais a sight to behold- and the best way to do so is by cruise, Daily ferries take you across to various riverine island such as

Umananda and its revered shiva temple, sunset sail slike the alfresco grandcruise offer food and beveragepackagesalongwihthstunningvistas,the guwahati ropeway, reportedly india’s longest river ropeway, afford drone use views ofthe riveras it transportyou to opposite  bank. Driving across the

Saraighat bridge a two-tie rrail-cum- road is another way to enjoy the vastness of the river, the Brahamaputra beach festivals ,held yearly on the riverine beaches that appear in winter  as the   water recedes , in an open air carnival celebrating  Assam’s  river and culture.

Cultural snippets: Name after the Respected Assamese  medieval poet playwright reformer,

Srimata shankardev  kalakshetra is a cultural institution that promotes Assams culture tradition and art. The vast complex hosts a museum liabrary,heritage park artist village open-air theatres,places and  worship emporiums and eateries, set nearGuwahatis pristine Dighalipukhuri lake in Assam  state  museum displays local natural history  folk art and crafts sitting atopthe sarina hills Gandhi mandap  is aunipue museum dedicated  to the father of the nationit sports the tallest national flag in India currently.

Wine and Dine

Guwahati comes alive with regional delicacies, world cusine, quaint cafe,and trendy pubs

Local taste

A good initation to the cuisines of the northeast is through  an Assamese thali with rice and dalkhar(alkaline burnt banana peel) vegetable aloo pitika(mash) and masor tenga (fish curry) or chicken curry paradise iw know for its traditional thalis

Day Trips

Guwahati  is conveniently located  near many wounderful  destination  that make for freat day trips the beautiful  hill station  of shilong in meghalya is just three hours  away by road along the way  one may stop by the magnificent UMIAM Lake for photo-ops and tea, before continuing to shilong, where tumbling  waterfalls, glistening lakes  lively market and delicious food await just about an hour  away form Guwahati on the bank  of the Brahmaputra is the town of Sualkuchi famous for  producing the exquisite cruelty  free assam silk spend the day visiting th household  involved in  this cottage industry  learn how Ahimsa silk is produced without killing the silkworm watch the skilful weavers at work on handlooms and shop for elegant assam silk saries and other garments.

A day trip here can be clubbed with a visit to

HAJO  An ancient piligrimage site for Hindus,Muslims and Buddhist  site is dotted  with temples  of which the hayagriva  madhava mandir is the most famous the powa makkah  khanqah( sufi centre) is pious  for muslim as it contain a lump  of earth Mecca.

 

Bramaputra river