The gateway to north-eastern India, Guwahati has the Shillong Plateau on one side and the Brahmaputra River on the other. Assam is a quaint city, rich in historical significance, and proudly boasts of many temples, religious shrines, stone carvings, traditional festivals, caves, and much more.
The beautiful temples draw numerous visitors across the world who are either spiritually inclined or are just looking for a peaceful setting to unwind.
Here are 10 such unique temples of Assam that every traveler must visit once in their lifetime:
1. Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya Temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya is situated on the hilltop of Nilanchal Hill. It is among the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas. The main entrance of the temple is spectacularly designed with carvings and it has a huge dome with three mandapas.
There are 4 Garbhagrihas and 3 mandapas inside the temple and the walls are adorned with many sculptures.
Ambubachi Mela is the most important festival of the temple which happens for 4 days every year. The temple looks very beautiful during the evening Aarti.
The best time to visit Kamakhya Temple is during the months of October to February. The clicking of pictures inside the temple is not allowed. Read More: Unknown Interesting facts about Kamakhya Temple..
Location: Guwahati, Assam
Timings: 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 02:30 PM to 05:30 PM
Entry Fees:
- General public – Free
- For Defence, police, and paramilitary forces – INR 10
- Special Entry – INR 101
- Direct Entry – INR 501
2. Navagraha Temple
Situated on a hill in the south-eastern part of Guwahati, the Navagraha Temple is said to be more than 1000 years old. As the name indicates, the inner sanctum of the temple has 9 lingams of Lord Shiva representing the different planets – Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukara, Shani, Rahu, and Ketu.
The present-day temple was built by the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha in 1752 A.D. This is one of the most visited religious sites in Guwahati. The best time to visit the Navagraha temple is between the months of October and February.
Location: Chitrachal Hill, Guwahati
Timings: 4.00 AM to 9.00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
3. Umananda Temple
The spellbound Umananda Temple is situated in the middle of the Brahmaputra River on an island called the Peacock Island or the Umananda Island.
It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha in 1694.
Shivaratri is the major festival here and the beautiful temple attracts a large number of visitors and devotees to revel in its beautiful surroundings. The religious and archaeological significance (the rock sculptures), the natural beauty, and the sights on the island will definitely mesmerize you.
The best time to visit is during the winter months of October to February.
Location: Middle of the Brahmaputra River
Timings: 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
The ferry ride to the temple: INR 10
4. Doul Govinda Temple
The Doul Govinda Temple is located on the foothills of the Chandrabati Hills in Northern Guwahati. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Apart from Janmasthmi, another major festival is celebrated here. The temple witnesses maximum footfalls during Holi. The festival of colors is celebrated here for a period of five days.
The temple is near the shores of the Brahmaputra River. The banks of the river are an ideal picnic spot too. Read Also: 10 Best Places To Visit In North East India
The best time to visit is between the winter months of October and February.
Location: Foothills of the Chandrabati Hills, Northern Guwahati
Timings: 7.00 AM and 8.00 PM.
Entry Fees: No entry fee
5. Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple
The Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the most glorious temples of Guwahati and is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. This temple has a South Indian style of architecture and has a similar resemblance to the original Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tamil Nadu.
The architectural design of the temple is very appealing. It was built in the year 1998. When you are visiting the Balaji Temple, you need to visit the Ganesha temple at the entrance. Read Also: Top Places To Visit In North East India in June.
The best time to visit is between October and February.
Location: Guwahati
Timings: 8.30 AM to 11.30 AM & 4.00 PM to 6.30 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
6. Aswaklanta Temple
Aswaklanta Temple is one of the ancient temples in Assam, popular as a Hindu pilgrimage center, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Lord Anantasai Vishnu and Lord Janardana are the two main deities of the temple.
The temple is renowned for its scenic beauty, and the walls are detailed with thrilling cravings. There is a common belief among the people that those who commit sins can attain salvation if they visit the temple.
The temple was damaged in the Great Earthquake of 1897, but it was repaired in 1901 under the patronage of Lord Curzon, the then viceroy of Assam.
Janmashtami and Ashokasthami are popular festivals that are celebrated here. The best time to visit the temple is between October and February.
Location: Amingaon, Doul Govinda Road, North Guwahati
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
Direct Entry:Â Rs 501
7. Ugratara Temple
Constructed in the year 1725, the Ugratara Temple of Guwahati is dedicated to Goddess Sati, the first partner of Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the Ahom king Siva Singha. It is located in the Uzan Bazaar in the eastern part of Guwahati.
It is one of the most fascinating tourist places in Guwahati that every traveler must visit because just like the Goddess Kamakhya, there is no idol of the Goddess Ugratara.
This temple is the famous Jor Pukhuri. This region enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. Animal sacrifice is still in practice are sacrificed during the Durga Puja and Kali Puja.
The best time to visit the temple is during the Durga Puja and Kali Puja.
Location: Uzan Bazaar, Guwahati
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fees
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8. Basistha Temple
Never forget to include the Basistha Temple in your itinerary when you are planning for Guwahati. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is located inside Basistha Ashram which belongs to the Vedic age.
It was constructed by the Ahom king Rajeshwar Singha in the temple in the year 1764. The name is derived after a sage who used to live and meditate here in a cave. The temple is located in the south-east corner of Guwahati city
Visitors are greeted with the spell-bounding mountain streams originating from the hills of Meghalaya.
The best time to visit is between the months of October and February.
Location: Guwahati
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fees
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9. Lankeshwar Temple
The Lankeshwar Temple is situated near Guwahati University, on the top of a hill. The temple is well connected by different modes of transportation and attracts devotees in large numbers during Maha Shivratri.
The surrounding place is awesome with the place being calm and amidst scenic beauty.
The best time to visit the temple is between the months of October and February.
Location: On a hilltop near Guwahati University
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fees
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10. Sukreswar Temple
The Sukreswar Temple is located on the hamlet of Sukreswar hill on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is said to be built by Ahom King Pramatta Singha in the 18th century.
The renowned sage, Sukra, is said to have his ashrama where the temple is located. Even the traces of Sukresvara Linga have been found.
Location: MG Road, Pan Bazaar, Guwahati
Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
Assam is one of the most amazing locations with lots of temples and should be experienced with your partner and loved ones. The temples in Guwahati cast a magical charm on the travelers, thrilling the environment with their aura, and offer just the perfect setup to begin their globetrotting experience in North East India.
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