Guwahati the capital of Assam is "The Light of the East" and is the gateway to the state and to the entire North East region. Straddling the banks of Brahmaputra, this former capital of Kamrup kings is a crowded, busy river -town and a major commercial hub for the region. Surrounded by paddy fields and ancient rain -forests. Guwahati is home to many temples that date back to Vedic and puranic times.
The Kamakhya Temple dominates the life of Guwahati, as much as does the great Brahmaputra river. One of the most revered shrines of the Hindu faith, the temple is located on Neelachal hills. The temple offers grandstand views of the Brahmaputra and its surroundings. The reigning deity here is Goddess Parvati. A rush of devotees throngs the temple during the Ambubachi puja
Amongst some of the other holy places in Guwahati is the Bashishta Ashram dating back to the time when the great sage vashishta visited this spot on the confluence of the sandhya, Lalita and Kanta streams and set up his ashram here.
The Nabagraha temple on the Chitranchal Hill, is an important centre for the study of astronomy and astrology. Located in Jorpukhuri, the Ugratara temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The Dirgheshwari temple is dedicated to an avatar of Goddess Durga. The Ashvakianta temple offers superb views of the city against the Brahmaputra river.
A river cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra is a wonderful opportunity to get a feel of this legendary river. Catch the ferry travelling between sukheshwar ghat and North Guwahati or travel a little more stylishly in one of the state tourism - run vessels. Top it off with a trip to Sualkuchi an hour's drive away to explore the dazzling world of Assam silk.
I'd love that river cruise. When I lived in that region for a long period of 15 years, this cruise wasn't there.
ReplyDeleteIn your next trip , you can surely enjoy the river cruise.
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