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| Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati |
Partha Pratim Majumder
Out
of the seven beautiful sisters of “North East”
of India, Assam stands aloft with the another state having “A” as the
first alphabet of the name (like Arunachal Pradesh). Assam , and Guwahati in particular, has been a
celebrity ever since for becoming the “Gateway” to an exotic and least explored
region …..
Situated
on the southern bank of an expansive river Brahmaputra, Guwahati, being capital
of Assam is one of India’s fastest growing metropolises based on the localized
market-city to Northeast India’s trade
hub, inhabited by over 12 lakh people.
One
point of wonder is that despite of its being a commercial hub, it still now
maintains a laid back character and charm , that is its very own.
Nature in Abundance :
Guwahati
does not possess “Kamrup Kamakhya” only, the pilgrims’ preferred destination but certainly more. The chaotic
concrete growth, however, can not take away the fact that it has one of India’s
best urban settings.
There
is the massive and turbulent Brahmaputra
flowing by ; the concrete jungle is pockmarked with at least 5 hill ranges, the Deepor Beel , large wetland , being
prime habitat for migratory birds and 13 reserve forests (including
Kaziranga) that sustain 200 mammals including
leopard and elephant. In some localities, you may see a big cat staring at you
, when you open the window.
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| One horn Rhino @ Kaziranga |
Culture Route & amp;
Rhythm :
Amongst
so many festivals and ceremonies in Assam, Bihu Utsav with folk dance
renditions is a special feast and attraction for eyes and minds of the millions
of tourists. The sky, river and fields with endless richness mix up with the folk
tune of the people, which any tourist can hardly afford to miss.
Sightseeing :
B A S I C S
(i)
Kamakhya Temple :
one of the Indian subcontinent’s 51
Shakti centers, this temple atop Nilachal Hills is an ancient seat of tantric
and Shakto cults of Hinduism. It is also a converging point for ascetics
claiming yogic powers and offers a great panoramic view of the city.
(ii)
Umananda Temple :
A Shiva temple on an island off the
Kachari ghat in the heart of the city.
(iii)
Assam State Museum :
All about Assam – in a well laid out
complex displaying Assam’s culture, history and crafts. Under one roof, you can
know and learn about Assam and its culture.
(iv)
Guwahati Planetarium :
The only one of its kind in Northeast
India, it provides a serious glimpse into the mysterious aspects of the
universe. It is open on all days from 11 am- 8pm , except the first of every
month.
SPL.
OUTINGS
- Assam State Zoo : Friday closed. Open from
7am—4.30pm
- Deepor Beel : A large natural wetland – Assam’s
first bird sanctuary attracting 1200 species of local & migratory
birds. Watch tower for enthusiasts. For details, call NGO Aranyak at 2266087
- Regional Science
Centre : 10 km
from the city. It houses many exhibits & models of tech. advancement.
A great learning place for both students and professionals alike. Closed
on Sundays & public holidays.
- Accoland : It is the answer to the likes , “Esselworld”
in Mumbai, Apu Ghar in Delhi & Nicco Park in Kolkata. A complete fun
package.
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| Bihu Dance |
GETAWAYS FROM THE
CITY
- HALFLONG : Assam’s only
hill station. Having a spectacular achievement in the form of “Steam
Locomotive Safari” covering 37 tunnels and 586 bridges. There is a Tourist
Lodge (03671-272694) at Halflong.
- JATINGA : Ten km. from
Halflong, a place famous for a spooky phenomenon “Birds suicide” between
September –November. Though unexplained, scientists and researchers from
all over the world folk around to witness such event. No accommodation
here.
- TEZPUR : A
strategic stopover for trips to Nameri National Park , Orang Wildlife
Sanctuary ( home to rhinos, elephants, deer & waterbirds or to scintillating Bomdila , Dirang
Valley or Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
- MANAS NATIONAL
PARK : 360 Sq. km wildlife preserve is
India’s only park with 5 different conservation status including Project
Tiger and World Heritage Site. With spectacular sights and wild life going
hand in hand , it is a “must see” spot. Best season – November to April.
- KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK : 430
Sq. km / century old World Heritage Site famous for one horned rhinos
apart from Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants, water buffalos and deer.
How
to reach ?
·
From
Guwahati or Jorhat, which is well connected by air and train.
·
All
buses to eastern Assam pass through Kaziranga. Tour Operators arrange organized
tours to Kaziranga.
Where to stay ?
·
Bonani
Lodge (govt. run – 0376-2662423)
·
Kunjabala
Lodge
·
Bonoshree
Lodge
·
Aranya
Lodge
·
Wild
Grass Resort (0361-2546827 email : mwan_barua@satyam.net.in)
·
The
Park at Kohora
Don Bosco Institute : Missionary Zeal
in Education : (0361-2631-668)
After the end
of your journey and tryst with nature, animals and human culture, you are back
to Guwahati for getting ready for airport or railway station with 1 day under
disposal.
A stopover at
DBI at Joypur, Kharguli, Guwahati- 781004
is solicited. Set on the misty green hills that overlook the majestic Brahmaputra
, the institute creates the right ambience for adventure of learning, for quiet relaxation and creative self-discovery.
The complex
is a citadel of learning including an exemplary private initiative like ITI in
skill vertical, which is quite successful.
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