The Northeast of India is called ‘The land of seven sisters’ comprising of the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. It’s a region which has the prettiest hilly destinations to explore and a vast range of culture and traditions to experience as a tourist in India. And the capital of Assam, Guwahati – The Gateway to magical Northeast India.
The charming city
With River Brahmaputra it’s pride
My love affair with the city started exactly twenty four years back when I landed up here the first time. But the start wasn’t too good. The train had reached more than six hours late dashing all hopes of my quick tour of the neighborhood after checking in to the hotel. By the time I reached Hotel Raj Mahal, which was just a two minutes walk from Guwahati railway station, it was already getting dark.
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The city in those days was going through a turmoil, shops used to down their shutters by 6 PM and the roads were soon deserted. After freshening up and after a coffee later I decided to order my dinner. Kept turning the pages of the room menu, but there was no non-veg in sight. It was a strictly vegetarian hotel.
Having missed my lunch, I felt absolutely pissed as the thoughts of a good mutton dish for dinner vanished in thin air just like half a day had vanished earlier. Resigned to fate and ordered a Veg Navratan Korma & tandoori rotis. Wow the food was so delicious. Must confess that’s the best of that dish that I have ever had anywhere till now. Vegetarian food isn’t too bad for a change, I had told myself after finishing my dinner. How memories stick on, as life moves on.
This first trip of mine to Guwahati was to recruit a Branch Manager for our organization. The next day completely got devoted for that purpose and as I departed for Kolkata the day after that, all I had seen of this new city was my hotel and the railway station.
The innumerable journeys that followed thereafter..
Many more employee interviews
The team meetings
Distributor events and recognitions
And celebrating success with the most passionate team I have ever had in Northeast
Fun learning sessions with kids in recent years
And with the not so young, but who still love to say ‘Yes’ to learning
The opportunity to travel on work was a God gift for the traveler in me and I have relished every moment all through my professional days. And my hobby has been to try our different hotels almost every time. Having stayed in the best accommodations over a period of time, this was one that I love to go back to. Nothing fancy nor a great complimentary breakfast but it had something else that caught my imagination. A view from the hotel.
Hotel Landmark
A centrally located clean hotel with an efficient reception
Spacious rooms with a window to check out the outside world
And this view of Nehru Stadium as you open your door early morning with a cup of tea in hand
With a restaurant nearby serving this delicious Assamese cuisine, I was sold on Landmark
Guwahati has an interesting history. The ancient cities of Pragjyotishpura and Dutjaya (North Guwahati) were the capitals of the ancient state of Kamarupa. Many ancient Hindu temples like the Kamakhya temple, Navagraha temple, Ugratara temple, Basistha temple, Doul Govinda temple, Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji temple, Aswaklanta temple, Lankeshwar Temple and the Umananda Temple are situated in the city, giving it the title of “The City of Temples”.
Let’s visit two of these temples today which you must visit even if you are on a very short holiday. And if you have the time, you could spend a day or two visiting all the others.
Kamakhya Temple
Kamakhya Temple also known as Kamrup-Kamakhya temple, is a Sakta temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. It is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas. Situated on the Nilachal Hill it is the main temple in a complex of individual temples dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas of Saktism: Kali, Tara, Sodashi, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi and Kamalatmika. It is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Let’s go around.
The Main Entrance
Bells inside the temple complex
The Saubhagya Kund
Sacrifice Altar
The Nilachal Hills Exit
The next destination you must head to is the spellbinding Umananda Temple which is in the middle of the Brahmaputra River on an island known as the Umananda Island or Peacock Island. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the presiding deity here is Lord Umananda who is another avatar of Lord Shiva. Ferries run every twenty minutes from Paltan Bazar and it takes just ten minutes to reach there.
Umananda Temple
An activity which you must not miss out on
Head back to the Brahmaputra Ferry Ghat for a Dinner Cruise
We were glad to avail the Two hour Dinner Cruise aboard the Alfresco Grand and what a wonderful experience it was. It certainly is the perfect way to take in Guwahati’s beautiful sunset over the majestic Brahmaputra River while enjoying a delicious meal, soaking up the city atmosphere, gliding past the city as it lights up, watching live folk dance and music and taking away a lasting memory of a romantic night at Brahmaputra. Till you are there yourself with your family and friends, just have a glimpse.
Assam & it’s Culture
Assamese are proud of their culture and Bihu is certainly the time to experience a bit of it. Bihu is a set of three important Assamese festivals —Rongali or Bohag Bihu observed in April celebrating spring, Bhogali or Magh Bihu observed in January is a harvest festival with community feasts and Kongali or Kati Bihu observed in October is the somber, thrifty one reflecting a season of short supplies and is an animistic festival. The Rongali Bihu is the most important of the three. Come let’s enjoy the colors of happiness.
The children are already celebrating
While the elderly get into action
Bihu is about happiness and togetherness
The other day I was planning my next trip to Northeast and stumbled upon this Brahmaputra 10 day cruise preview from Assam Bengal Navigation. And I made up my mind to be there enjoying this journey soon, experiencing the best of Assamese culture and nature. You too could. Have a look.
The creations from Assam
Sarees and Mekhela Chadors
Gamosas
Handicrafts
Guwahati. Every time I visit the city, I miss my old passionate teammates. But discover something new. You too could a lot when here. Check out Assam Tourism to plan your visit.
Northeast. It’s about rich culture, great music, awesome food and the simplicity of wonderful people.
Wow! There is so much culture there. You were SO fortunate to get to experience all of this because of a work trip. Such an excellent opportunity in a beautiful place!
I planned a trip earlier to NE India and somehow the plan fell apart. I need to plan an extensive trip to the North Eastern states. They all are so gorgeous. Its awesome when work takes you to exotic locations. Nice to know that yours does. Two Hour dinner cruise sounds magical. I wouldn’t miss it. The Assamese thali looks so delicious. Bihu dance is definitely a must-experience thing.
I have been able to experience the whole of Northeast due to my work travel and also for pleasure. You must visit this unique part of our country for the beauty and vibrant culture.
How great that you got to travel there for work – and were also able to see so many of the sights. It definitely looks like a place to enjoy. Maybe one day I’ll be able to visit, as well – but I’ve never been to India yet.
Come over to India sometime Kathrin. It’s a travelers delight with unlimited options to explore.
Magical indeed! Everything looks so welcoming and it’s perfectly Indian in my eyes. wanna visit!
You are welcome Lyosha.
Guwahati looks like the place I would definitely visit in India. I want to visit during a festival to really immerse myself in the culture and experience. That is one of my favorite things you bring to your blog through your travels. The rich heritage and culture that is India. I have to ask, as I love reading about Indian food. You mentioned the hotel only serving vegetarian food. Are most Indians typically vegetarian? Is that a personal or religious choice? I am very curious about that aspect of Indian culture.
Thanks Erica. Here in India it’s actually a mix between people who are vegetarian by choice while others who love non-veg food. Religion is really not the deciding factor except the sect Jainism, where followers are strictly vegetarian.
This looks nice, we are based over here in the UK so sadly will not be doing international travel for quite some years
It looks like there was a lot to enjoy from your time in Guwahati! Thanks for sharing. I’m sure the memories of your trip will keep you on a high for a while.
Yes Nkem certainly will.
I’ve always wanted to go to India because of its rich culture and scenic views! the dinner cruise you took sounds like a perfect way to cap off a long day of touring. ahhh this really makes me want to travel again.
India is beautiful Jasmine. Do come over sometime and you’ll fall in love. There is so much of variety to choose from.