GUWAHATI
The ancient Pragjyotishpura
- “the light of the east”, is
situated on the banks of the mighty river Bhramhaputra surrounded
by a ring of rolling hills. It is the premier city of North
East India and gateway to this region. Guwahati is not only
an important business and commercial centre, but also the
cultural hub and educational nerve centre of North Eastern
India, besides being a place of pilgrimage. Guwahati has a
unique magical charm. Perhaps, the magic of the demon king
Narakasura, who built the ancient city, still rings the air.
Or may be, it imanates from the Nabagraha Temple (temple of
nine planets), the seat of astronomers who perform their miracle
even today. One can even discover the magical charm in the
sunset viewed from the Bhubaneswari hill, as you look down
upon the crimson ripples of the Bhramhaputra, caressing the
pink city. For those who are religious minded, Guwahati can
give them the spiritual touch. Kamakhya situated
on the top of the Nilachal Hills is the famous seat of Tantric
form of Hinduism.
Around
Guwahati
Saulkuchi
, situated at a distance of 32kms, from Guwahati on the North
bank of Bhramhaputra is famous for the Assam's MUGA &
PAT silk.
Hajo famous
for being the seat of three important religions of India,
Hinduism, Islam & Buddhism, is situated 32km from Guwahati.
Umanada
the great Shiva temple situated on the peacock island in the
middle of Bhramhaputra in the Guwahati attracts devotees from
all over the country during Shiva ratri.
TEZPUR
Legendary erstwhile kingdom of Sonitpur (Sonit-blood &
Pur-land), Tezpur presents a brutal history of fierce battle
and romance. The ruins and remains of Agnigarh depict the
blossom of immortal love between Usha and Anirudha.
Unique location and picturesque
setting on the north bank of the majestic river Bhramhaputra,
Tezpur is considered as one of the most beautiful towns of
Assam. It is the land of exquisite archaeological ruins. The
undiluted green valleys of Tezpur is completely surrounded
by the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, with snow capped peaks
of Himalaya as the northern backdrop, lush green tea gardens
and several archeological ruins, of which Do Parbatia, 9th
century ruins of Bamuni Hills, Bhomoraguri- a mammoth stone
inscription made by Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Phukan and
Cole Park at the centre of the town makes the place tourists
delight.
DIBRUGARH
Dibrugarh, district headquarters of Lakhimpur
is surrounded by tea gardens, greenery and inhabited mostly
by Bengalis. It is reputed as a commercial town. Located along
the river Brahmaputra, Dibrugarh is sometimes referred to
as the gateway to East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
It is the largest tea-exporting town in India. In Dibrugarh
one can go around the tea gardens, which are located in, and
around the town. A large number of tea estates are located
along National Highway-37 covering large area of Dibrugarh
district.
Around Dibrugarh
Digboi, Digboi has the
oldest operating and second oldest oil field in the world.
Digboi Refinery became a centenarian in 2001. Oil was struck
in Digboi, long before it was found in Middle East. Along
with the coal mines and tea estates, it makes this region
the richest in entire North-Eastern region. The famous “Ledo
Road” presently known as Stillwell Road that joins Ledo
(India) with Kunming Province of China, can be approached
from Digboi.
Margherita,
a small town famous for tea gardens, North Eastern Head Quarter
of Coal India Ltd and the 18 hole Golf Course. The town is
situated in the bank of river Tirap on the foothills of Patkoi
range. The name Margherita was given by an Italian Railway
Engineer, in the 19 th Century after the then Queen of Italy.
JORHAT
Stretching northeast from Guwahati along
the valley, Assam penetrates the complex Brahmaputra watersheds
at the eastern extremity of the Himalayas, in the area known
as Upper Assam. Jorhat makes a good base for exploring the
unique Vaishnavite culture of Majuli, the largest riverine
island in the world. North of Jorhat lies Sibsagar, former
capital of the Ahoms and home to numerous tombs, temples and
palaces. This place is an important seat of Assam Tea . A
tea research centre is established at Chinnamara, 5-km away
from Jorhat. Annual tea festival in Jorhat is another attraction,
along with temple of Buri Gohani, British imperial mementos,
the hanging platform to hang Freedom Fighters in front of
the jail and many others.
Around Jorhat
Majuli,
perhaps the largest riverine island of the world, nestles
in the lap of the mighty Bhramhaputra. According to the local
belief, the island was created by God himself. The island
covers an area of 886sq.kms.and the birthplace of Vaishnava
Satras (Holy Shrine). Majuli is famous for its 22 Satras.
The Satras were setup by the famous leader of the sect, Sankerdeva.
Majuli is the home of migratory avifauna. The island has recently
been notified as 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO for its unique
preservation of Vaishnavite Culture.
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