Kamakhya Temple

Assam is the gateway to the North-East located between 90-96 East Longitude and 24-38 North Altitude, Assam is dominated by the mighty Brahamputra river that has its origins in Tibet. Indeed a large part of state is located in narrow valley that the river has created over the ages. The state’s population includes a startling mix of Dravidians and Aryans and Tibeto-Burmans.

Tourist Places to Visit in Guwahati, Assam

Straddling either banks of the Brahamputra,Guwahati–said to be the legendary Pragjyotishpur or City of Eastern Light-is a bustling, busy and crowded city. Guwahati is actually two words: Guwa means areca nut and Hat meaning market or market of areca nuts. Although Guwahati is the most important commercial hub of the region, this capital of Assam is located at the adjoining township of Dispur.
Guwahati has several places of historical interest. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the Kamakhya Temple atop Nilacjal Hill, where the goddess Kamakhya is worshipped and which commands a majestic view of the city and the river. The ponds here are home of giant turtles which are quiet used to being fed by visitors. Kamakhya Temple is in the top list of places to visit in Guwahati, Assam for Hindu pilgrimage.

Another temple which draws people is the Shiva temple on the island of Umananda. This site is specially busy during the Shiva Ratri festival when the god is worshipped and boats packed with pilgrims, ply to the island. There are other centres of religious and archeological interest such as such as the temples of Nabagraha and Basista as well as of Janardhana.
Those who are interested in cruises can take one, either on the ferries that travel regularly between Sulkheshwar Ghat and North Guwahati or travel in style in the vessels of the state government’s Tourism Department. The state museum is a must for visitors, with exhibit which date to the 7th century AD, stone sculptures and bronze.

DAY TRIPS
Sualkuchi is an hour’s drive from Guwahati and produces the golden silken thread for which Assam is famous. One can see the silk begin its journey from the cocoon stage, to its unraveling and then to the loom and finally as a aree or the traditional Mekhala Chador,the two piece saree, which women wear on festive occasions.

HAJO
Hajo,25 km west of Guwahati ,is the site of the Pua-Mecca mosque, set up by an Iraqi prince who turned preacher and travelled all the way to Assam in the 12th century you spread the prophet’s teachings. Hajo is revered by Muslims and Hindus, for in the town is the Hayagriba Madhava Temple, reached by way of a long stone stairway. At the base of the stairway is a large pond where resides one of Hajo’s most famous residents; a giant turtle. The town is also well known for its bell metal work, of plates and serving bowls.

Madan Kamdev Madan Kamdev, about 35 km away, is an archeological site where erotic sculptures and other stone carving abound.