6 monuments found
Sanctifying Nilachal Hills, Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, who is known for her divine powers. Famous as the granter of wishes, according to ancient Indian scriptures Kamakhya Devi was an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Worshipped as one of the Shakti Peeths, the temple complex has several other temples dedicated to other goddesses like Kali Devi, Tara Devi, Chinnamasta, Bhairavi, Dhumavati and Bagala etc. The oldest centre of Shakti worship, it is an important pilgrimage spot for general Hindu, especially Tantric worshippers. The temple attracts tourists through Ambubachi and Manasha Puja. Millions of devotees from around the world come to revere Goddess Kamakhya during this time. Ambubachi festival means the festival of fertility. It is believed that on the seventh day of Ashaad, the small pool inside the temple complex turns red for three days. This symbolizes that the Goddess undergoes her menstrual cycle for three days. The temple is closed during these days, and reopened on the fourth day with a grand celebration.
Located at the edge of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, Kaziranga National Park has the distinction of being a World Heritage Site as well. The flagship specie of the park is great one-horned rhinoceros, a majestic wild creature saved from extinction at this world-famous wildlife destination. In addition to the world’s two-third of one-horned rhinoceros, the park is also renowned for housing the highest density of royal Bengal tigers in the world. Other popular species at the park include wild Asiatic water buffalo, swamp deer, elephant, gaur, leopard, sambar, golden jackal, jungle cat, Chinese pangolin, civets, hog badger and many more. Many species of primates, including Indian gibbon and Assamese macaque, also find home at the park. Kaziranga has numerous rivers (including the mighty Brahmaputra) and other water bodies across its lengths and breadths. Ganges dolphins spotted in the park’s rivers are other delightful attractions. The park is a heaven for birdwatchers, as it boasts of numerous types of herons, pelicans, eagles, terns, babblers, hornbills, warblers and so on. The biodiversity wealth of the park is further extended by many types of vegetations, including tall grasses, woodlands, thick evergreen forests and many more. Different safari zones include Central, Western, Eastern and Kalapahar Ranges. Jeep safari (two shifts, 07:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 02:00 p.m.-04:30 p.m.) charges for these zones vary from INR 1,100 to 2,000. Elephant safari (two shifts, 06:30 a.m.-07:30 a.m. and 03:00 p.m.-04:00 p.m.) charges are INR 280 for Indians and INR 750 for foreigners. The park is closed from mid-April to mid-October.
Deepor Beel (or Dipor Bil), the pristine beel (lake) near the city of Guwahati is no less than a heaven for birdwatchers. Flanked by steep highlands and enjoying the pictorial backdrops of Garbhanga and Rani Hills, the bird sanctuary occupies about 4.1 sq. km. of the total 4,014 sq. km. of the wetland area. Designated as a Ramsar Site, the sanctuary is a home to many native and migratory bird species which add magnificent beauty to the place. Nearly 220 species of avifauna thronging the wetland include the likes of spot billed pelican, Pallas sea eagle, Siberian crane, Baer’s pochard, open bill stork, lesser adjutant stork, Eurasian marsh harrier, cotton teal, little cormorant and green sand piper among many others. Snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards and a variety of amphibians can also be explored at Deepor Beel. Tourists get lucky when herds of elephants visit the lake area from the nearby forests reserves of Rani and Garbhanga. Water hyacinths, lilies, aquatic grasses and many other varieties of vegetations add to the splendour. Don’t miss the opportunity of a boat cruise on the lake (cost may vary from INR 100-INR 250).
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO natural world heritage site that is tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is especially well known for its rare and endangered wildlife like Water Buffalo, Indian Rhinoceros, Assam Roofed Turtle, Capped Langur, Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur and The Hispid Hare. Project Tiger Reserve boasts of many activities like safaris, elephant rides and bird watching along the Manas River which passes through the heart of the sanctuary. The national park is named after Manas River. Wealth of rare species combined with scenic beauty offer enthralling and vivid experience of visiting this park. This is a perfect place for a weekend holiday as it takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city life and gives you a chance to enjoy nature at its best. There are a couple of forest lodges in the sanctuary that are approved by the government which guarantee an amazing stay at an affordable rate. Manas will be a good choice for nature lovers and adventure and wild life enthusiasts alike. Though there are no Forest Department safaris, many private resorts offer safaris, which is a delightful option to explore the sanctuary. Other attractions include elephant rides, walks, tea plantation and village visits in the vicinity.
One of the topmost biodiversity hotspots in the whole world, Dibru Saikhowa National Park is among Assam’s major tourist draws. River Brahmaputra and River Lohit flank the park on the north, while on the south it is bounded by River Dibru. Located in the flood plains formed by these rivers, the park is home to endangered and rare wild species like royal Bengal tiger, leopard (and cloud leopard), Malayan giant squirrel, sloth bear, dhole Asian elephant, hillock gibbon, feral horse, water buffalo, snow loris, Assamese macaque and Gangetic dolphins. The park is also home to many beautiful birds like lesser adjutant stork, griffon vulture, greylag groose, purple heron, crested serpent eagle, great grebe, black breasted parrotbill and many more. As far as the park’s flora is concerned, one can explore semi-evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests, canebrakes, grasslands, littoral forests and orchid vegetations. Such wealth of biodiversity helps the park to welcome huge flocks of tourists. It is a great experience to explore different sections of the park in the country boats. Walking is allowed in some sections. Special permit (at least 1 month in advance) is required to enter the park from two entrance points, Guijan Ghat and Saikhowa Ghat. Camping is strictly prohibited.
Resembling the World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park in terms of topography and biodiversity, Orang National Park near Tezpur in Assam is rightly tagged as mini Kaziranga. Rich in a variety of vegetations like Eastern Himalayan moist deciduous forests, swamp forests, a variety of grasslands and many species of aquatic plants, the park sits on the northern bank of River Brahmaputra. The highlights of the park include the endangered great Indian one-horned rhinoceros and many other majestic species like Bengal tigers, elephants, pygmy hog, wild boar, hog deer, rhesus macaque, Gangetic dolphins and more. The park is also home to numerous species of birds like pelicans, storks, pintails, hornbills, woodpeckers, kingfishers, ruddy shelduck, Bengal florican and many more. American white pelicans and many other migratory birds too visit the park. Many species of turtles, tortoises, fishes and snakes can also be discovered. Safari inside the park is possible on elephant’s back and is scheduled twice - early morning and after noon. Additional cost must be paid to enjoy elephant safari.
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