Travel (Commonwealth Union) _ When travelling to Assam, naturally, the ideal place to head to is Guwahati. The largest city of the Northeastern state, its relaxed vibe pairs excellently with its cultural atmosphere to make way for holidays that are both soothing and exciting. Here are 9 things to do in Guwahati when you travel to Assam.
- Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra
Considered the most ambitious state-supported institution in Assam, the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra dedicates itself to preserving its artistic heritage and keeping it alive. The complex holds various spaces, including a museum, the Lalit Kala art gallery, and a library. It also holds a study centre for literature, music, painting, theatre, and philosophy, making it an alluring spot for scholars and art lovers.
- Kamakhya Temple
For those who love appreciating architecture, visiting this famous Shakti Shrine will make your day, or perhaps even your week. With striking architectural pieces and traditional rituals, the temple is a celebration of feminine divinity, fertility, and renewal.
- Dipor Bil
This ecologically significant freshwater lake is known to be one of the most abundant bird habitats in the state of Assam. The Dipor Bil Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds it, offering safari jeeps for exploration. Boat rides on the lake, allowing you to possibly spot Gangetic River Dolphins, are the definite highlight. Dipor Bil is also the perfect spot to enjoy quiet early morning visits.
- Assamese Silk and Handicraft Shops
In a place as culturally rich as Assam, the sheer amount of merchandise is no surprise at all. With a vast array of items available, including textiles, jewellery, handlooms, canework, and traditional home decor, you can expect to have a grand time wading through the vibrant boutiques holding irresistible souvenirs.
- Peacock Island
Peacock Island is no more than a tiny slip of land off Guwahati’s riverfront; it is known to be the smallest inhabited riverine island in the world. Holding a Umananda Temple from the 17th century, the island attracts many pilgrims throughout the year. There are several boat rides and ferries to the island, where its small perimeter makes up for an excellent place for a minor detour or walk.
- Explore Assamese Restaurants
Like most locations in India, Assam is also a wonderful place for food lovers. The region is renowned for its variety of thaali, a meal that includes several side dishes that vary according to the type. There are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, so it’s a wonderful opportunity to try out new cuisine regardless of your food preferences.
- Assam State Museum
One of the oldest museums of Northeast India, it is located in central Guwahati. Holding a vast collection of archaeology, ethnography, and epigraphy, the museum also contains contemporary art pieces and charts the state’s history. Its galleries also hold ancient stone sculptures and tribal artefacts, making it a definite spot on your travel itinerary. Intriguing, no?
- Amchong Tea Estate
Spread across 1,782 acres, the estate has also diversified by cultivating rubber, teak and black pepper in addition to its famous strong aromatic tea. Those who visit are able to enjoy the experience of plucking tea leaves and watching their preparation process in true tea estate fashion, as well as observe rubber tapping and treks, as well as wander through the pepper farms – something that must be enjoyed when visiting India.
- Manas International Park
Assam, like many regions in India, is also rich in wildlife. Manas is located along the Bhutan border and contains various landscape forms, from grasslands to savannas. It holds various endangered species, such as the Assam roofed turtle and the golden langur, while also holding a large population of birds. With active conservation efforts underway, this national park is a lovely place to visit.
