Top Tourist Places and Pilgrimage sites to visit in India

Tag: Mahamaya Dham

  • Tourist Attractions and Pilgrimage Places in Assam state of India

    Assam located in the valley of the mighty Brahmaputra River is a beautiful and culturally rich states of North-East India. The capital city of Assam is Dispur, situated within Guwahati metropolitan. Assam is known worldwide for Assam Tea, one-horned rhinoceros of Kaziranga National Park, silk products and Vaishnavite culture started by Srimanta Sankardev. The holy Kamakhya Temple, one of Shakti Peethas, in Guwahati attracts devotees from all over India.

    District-wise Tourist Attractions and Religious Places in Assam

    Kamrup Metropolitan district’s Attractions:

    This district is an urban area of Guwahati city in Brahmaputra valley, which is also capital of Assam state. Top attractions are:

    • Kamakhya Temple: One of most powerful Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya (a form of Goddess Durga) on the Nilachal Hills. Ambubachi Mela, an annual four-day religious festival, is held here to celebrate the annual menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya.  
    • Umananda Temple: A Shiva temple located on Peacock Island in Brahmaputra River.
    • Assam State Museum: Displays Assamese history and culture. Cultural showcases
    • Basistha Ashram: Ancient pilgrimage and meditation site linked to sage Vashistha.  
    • Navagraha Temple: Nine planets temple with astronomical history.  
    • Deepor Beel: A famous wetland and wildlife sanctuary known for birdwatching.
    • Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra:
    • Assam state Zoo cum Botanical Garden:

    Kamrup (Rural) district’s Attractions:

    Kamrup district surrounds the Guwahati city and is known for ancient temples and river tourism. Its headquarter is Amingaon. Key attractions in Kamrup (Rural) district are:

    • Hajo: A sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists at the banks of Brahmputra River known for Hayagriva Madhava temple and Poa Mecca mosque.
    • Madan Kamdev: An archaeological site of ancient temples and statues ruins dedicated to Lord Shiva known as Khajuraho of Assam.
    • Chandubi Lake: Beautiful natural lake, perfect for boating, birdwatching and picnic.
    • Other Attractions: Sualkuchi town (famous for handloom), Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Saraighat War Memorial.

    Baksa district’s Attractions:

    Baksa district located in the foothills of Bhutan and part of Bodoland Territorial Region is rich in hills, forests, rivers and tribal culture. Mushalpur town is its Headquarter and Key attractions in Baksa district are:

    • Manas National Park: An UNESCO World Heritage site famous for wildlife & natural beauty. Known for rhinos, tigers, elephants, safaris and biodiversity, also spread in Barpeta district.
    • Bogamati: Famous scenic picnic and eco-tourism destination near Bhutan hills offering motorbiking, zip-linking, rafting and trekking.
    • Kakoijana Reserve Forest: Famous for golden langur.
    • Other Attractions: Tribal villages, local markets showcasing Bodo heritage.

    Chirang district’s Attractions:

    Chirang district, part of Bodoland Territorial Region, is rich in hills, forests, rivers and tribal culture. Kajalgaon town is its Headquarter and Key attractions in Chirang district are:

    • Manas National Park: This wildlife is an UNESCO World Heritage site having its main part in Baksa district.
    • Other Attractions: Eco-Tourism Villages, Bhumeshwar Hill, Kalamati (Eco tourisim site), Aie River, Ripu & Chirang Reserve Forests Bijni Town (Historical area with royal heritage).

    Tamulpur district’s Attractions:

    Tamulpur district located in Bodoland region is an emerging tourist attraction.Tamulpur town is its headquarter, key attractions are:

    • Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary:  Known for rare species like Pygmy Hog   and Hispid Hare.
    • Rangapani: A scenic riverbank destinations and village belt to experience calm rural Assamese life.
    • Kumarikata: A vibrant area to experience natural beauty and rural market.

    Udalguri district’s Attractions:

    Udalguri having its headquarter in Udalguri town itself is a Bodoland district and known for hills, forests and tribal culture.  Key attractions in Udalguri district are:

    • Bhairabhunda: This location at 22 Kms from Udalguri is a popular picnic spot and pilgrimage site having Lord Shiva Temple.
    • Other Attractions: Bornadi Wildlife sanctuary, Bogamati, Atrimuni Ashram, Sri Sri Basudev Mandir, Bathou Temple, tribal heritage.

    Kokrajhar district’s Attractions:

    Kokrajhar district is the part of Bodoland Territorial Region with its headquarter in Kokrajhar city. Key Attractions in Kokrajhar district are:

    • Mahamaya Temple:  This temple located in Bogribari and dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya is a prominent Shakti Peeth and it is sacred as second to Kamakhya Temple.
    • Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous for golden langur and offering trekking and birdwatching opportunities.
    • Other Attractions: Raimona National Park, Saralpara Picnic Spot, District Museum.

    Charaideo district’s Attractions:

    Charaideo is a historic district being the first capital of Ahom kingdom, Sonari town is its headquarter. Key attractions in Charaideo district are:

    • Charaideo Maidams: Known as “Pyramids of Assam” are ancient burial mounds of Ahom kings and royals. This site is an UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Other Attractions: Dilighat (picnic spot on Dili River), Borpara Pukhri, Borhat Bazar, Tea Gardens, Sri Sri Hridev Bornamghar.

    Sivasagar district’s Attractions:

    Sivasagar city, headquarter of this district, was the capital of Ahom kingdom and is rich in historical monuments.Key attractions in Sivasagar are:

    • Rang Ghar: Ancient amphitheatre/pavilion of Ahom kings. 
    • Talatal Ghar: Multi-storeyed historic royal palace with tunnels of Ahom kingdom.
    • Siva Dol Temple:  Famous tallest Shiva temple near Sivasagar tank.
    • Other Attractions: Joysagar Tank, Charaideo Maidams, Pani Dihing wildlife Sanctuary, Namdang Stone Bridge.

    Cachar district’s Attractions:

    Cachar district located in the Barak Valley and known for Bengali Assamese cultural heritage is having its headquarter in Silchar. Key attractions in Cachar district are:

    • Khaspur Ruins: Historical ruined fort of Dimasa Kachari kingdom, its attractions are Singhs Dawara (Loin Gate), Surya Dawara (Sun Gate) and King’s temple.  
    • Bhubaneswar Temple: Ancient Shiva temple on Bhuban Hill.
    • Silchar Town: Commercial and cultural centre of Barak Valley.
    • Other Attractions: Kancha Kanti Kali Mandir, Maniharan Tunnel, Badarpur Fort, Barail Wildlife Sanctury.

    Dhemaji district’s Attractions:

    Dhemaji district, flood-prone riverine area, located near Arunachal Pradesh is famous for rivers and natural beauty. Dhemaji district having its headquarter in Dhemaji town has following attractions:

    • Gerukamukh: A scenic famous picnic spot on riverbank.
    • Malini Than: An ancient archaeological and religious site near Likabali.
    • Ghuguha Dol: An ancient temple of Ahom kingdom period.
    • Other Attractions: Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Sanctury, Proba Reserve Forest, Maa Manipuri Than.

    Dima Hasao district’s Attractions:

    Dima Hasao, having its headquarter at Haflong city, is a hilly district famous for landscapes, waterfalls and tribal culture. Key attractions in Dima Hasao district are:  

    • Haflong: This city known as ‘Switzerland of East’ is only hill station of Assam. Scenic Borail hill range, Haflong Lakr, Fiangpui Church and valley view are main attractions.
    • Jatinga: A calm village famous for mysterious ‘bird suicide’ phenomenon.
    • Panimur Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall formed by Kopili River known as “Niagara of Northeast”.   
    • Maibang: An ancient single stone rock-cut temple dedicated to Goddess Ranachandi.
    • Umrangso: This town is known for its natural golf course, hydroelectric project and annual Falcon festival celebrating the migrated Amur Falcon birds.

    Bongaigaon district’s Attractions:

    Bongaigaon is an industrial and cultural district of western Assam with its headquarters in Bongaigaon town. Key attractions in Bongaigaon district are:

    • Bagheswari Temple: A famous and ancient Hindu pilgrimage site.
    • Jogighopa: Ancient Rock-Cut-Caves located here are glimpse of Salasthamba period which are now protected by ASI.
    • Lalmati-Duramari Ganesh Temple: An archaeological site of ancient stone carving and beautiful architecture.
    • Other Attractions: Nakkati Hills, Koya-Kujia Beel, Tamranga Beel, Kachugaon, Kakoijana Wildlife Sanctury.

    Bajali district’s Attractions:

    Bajali district is known for agriculture, culture and peaceful rural surroundings. Pathsala town, an educational and industrial hub is its headquarter. Key attractions in Bajali district are:

    • Pahumara Chapori: A scenic riverine picnic spot on Pathumara River, an ideal destination for nature lovers.
    • Jalikhata: A famous temple dedicated to lord Shiva of regional faith.
    • Sri Sri Hari Mandir: A prominent religious site of Assamese Vaishnative tradition.
    • Parihareswar Devalaya: An ancient temple of cultural significance.
    • Historical Satras: Bamakhata satra, Gopal Ata Than, Akaya Satra.

    Barpeta district’s Attractions:

    Barpeta town is headquarter of this religious district associated with Vaishnavite culture and Srimanta Sankardev. Key Attractions in Barpeta district are:

    • Barpeta Satra: Famous Vaishnavite monastery and pilgrimage centre founded by Sankardev’s disciple; center for Assamese culture and arts
    • Manas National Park:  A wildlife reserve, UNESCO World Heritage site, having main part in Baksa district.
    • Ganakkuchi: A traditional cultural village near Barpeta town famous for major spiritual center, Ganakkuchi Satra.  

    Dhubri district’s Attractions:

    Dhubri district located Bangladesh border is known for multi-religious harmony, the ancient town Dhubri is its headquarter. Key attractions in Dhubri district are:

    • Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib: Historic Sikh pilgrimage site on the bank of Brahmaputra River, associated with visit of first Shikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev ji, here in 1505.
    • Panchpir Dargah: An important Muslim religious site.
    • Matiabagh Hawa Mahal: A historic palace on the bank of Gadadhar River.
    • Mahamaya Dham: An ancient Hindu pilgrimage site near Bogribari.
    • Other Attractions: Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctury, Asharikandi Terracotta Village, Rangamati Mosque, Brahmaputra Riverfront (Scenic picnic spot).

    Golaghat district’s Attractions:

    Golaghat district, having its headquarter in Golaghat city, is famous for wildlife, tea gardens and Assamese culture. Ket attractions in Golaghat are:

    • Kaziranga National Park: This world-famous wildlife sanctuary of one-horned rhinoceros is an UNESCO world heritage site offering jeep/elephant safaris.
    • Kakochang Waterfall: Scenic waterfall and popular trekking destination for nature lovers.
    • Negheriting Shiva Doul: An ancient Shiva temple complex on hill in Dergaon.
    • Other Attractions: Garampani wildlife Sanctuary, Deopahar (an archaeological site).

    Hojai district’s Attractions:

    Hojai district having its headquarter in Sankardev Nagar is known for Agar perfume industry. Key attractions in Hojai district are:

    • Rajbari: An archaeological site, a complex of Shiva temples.
    • Akashiganga: A picnic spot having beautiful waterfall and lake with nearby archaeological ruins.
    • Amtola and Na-Nath: An archaeological site of ancient Davaka Kingdom.
    • Hojai Lake: a scenic picnic spot.
    • Kerelajan City Center: A popular recreational and tourist spot.

    Biswanath district’s Attractions:

    Biswanath town is the headquarter of this district known for temples and natural beauty.

    • Biswanath Temple:  Ancient Shiva temple known as “Gupta Kashi”.
    • Nameri National Park:  Famous wildlife for bird watching, rafting and eco-tourism.
    • Burigang River Area: Scenic River tourism destination and tea gardens.

    Darrang district’s Attractions:

    Darrang district is an agricultural district having its headquarter in Mangaldai town. Key attractions in Darrang district are:

    • Patharughat Swaheed Minar: Historical memorial built to honour the martyrs of the 1894 peasant uprising.
    • Khatara Satra: A 500 years old Vaishnative Monastery.
    • Other Attractions: Local Shiva Temples, Orang National Park, Batha Beel, Gandhi Smriti Park.

     Majuli district’s Attractions:

    Majuli is the world’s largest inhabited river island district of Assam and spiritual centre (HQ: Garamur). Majuli district has following key attractions:

    • Vaishnavite Satras: These ancient monasteries are the cultural heart of this district, some prominent are:
    • Auniati Satra: Famous Vaishnavite monastery.
    • Kamalabari Satra: Important centre of art and culture.
    • Dakhinpat Satra:
    • Garamur Satra:
    • Samaguri satra:
    • Mishing Villages: Experience tribal life, farming and handloom weaving.
    • Salmora Pottery Village: Famous for local artisans’ craft beautiful pottery.
    • Molai Forest:
    • Wetlands & Bird Watching:

    Dibrugarh district’s Attractions:

    Dibrugarh city, headquarter of this district, is known as the ‘Tea City’ of India and is an important commercial centre. Key attractions in Dibrugarh:

    • Tea Gardens:  These estates spread across the district offers scenic walks and experience of plucking and tea production process.
    • Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary: This dense rainforest known as ‘Amazon of the Earth’ is a popular trekking and birdwatching spot.  
    • Jokai Botanical Garden: Perfect place for nature lovers at 12 Kms from Dibrugarh showing rare flora and medicinal plants.   
    • Dibru-Saikhowa National Park: Biodiversity hotspot near Dibrugarh.  
    • Namphake Village: This village offers Buddhist culture, traditional houses and scenic monastery.

    Goalpara district’s Attractions:

    Goalpara district, located along the Brahmaputra River, is famous for its rich archaeological history and religious importance.This district having its headquarter in Goalpara city has following attractions:

    • Surya Pahar: An archaeological site featuring rock-cut sculptures, stupas and Shivalingas making it rare confluence of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions.  
    • Dadan Hill:  A scenic hill with an ancient Shiva temple.
    • Joybhum Kamakhya Temple: A sacred ancient regional pilgrimage site.
    • Other Attractions: Tukreswari Hill, Pir Majhar, Moijonga, Hulukanda and Simlitola Tea Gardens.

    Jorhat district’s Attractions:

    Jorhat district is famous for tea and Vaishnavite culture, Jorhat city is its headquarter. Key attractions in Jorhat district are:

    • Majuli Island: Largest river island in the world, known for Vaishnative culture and multiple spirituals satras.
    • Tocklai Tea Research Institute: an important and old tea research centre.
    • Other Attractions: Hoollongapar gibbon Sanctuary, Jorhat Gymkhana Club, Dhekiakhowa Bor Namghar, Sukapha Samannary Kshetra, Tea gardens and Ahom monuments.

    Lakhimpur district’s Attractions:

    Lakhimpur located in upper Assam is known for rivers and spiritual places. (HQ: North Lakhimpur). Key Attractions in Lakhimpur district are:

    • Maghnowa Doul: Ancient temple of Ahom kingdom era in Maghnova village.
    • Shiri Shri Basudev Than: ancient sacred place in Dhakuakhana.
    • Pabha Wildlife sanctuary:
    • Other Attractions: Letekupukhuri (birthplace of saint Mahapurush Madhabdev), Subansiri Riverbank, Ghunasuti Satra (Vaishnavite religious institution).

    Morigaon district’s Attractions:

    Morigaon district is known for wetlands, wildlife and mythology. (HQ: Morigaon). Key attractions are:

    • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous for high density of one-horned rhinos with elephant and jeep safaris.
    • Mayong Village:  Known as the land of black magic and famous for ancient occult practices, folklore and religious sites like Kechaikhaiti Shrine.
    • Other Attractions: Sivakunda Waterfall, Sitajakhala (archaeological site), Kachasila Hill, Brahmaputra Wetlands.

    Nagaon district’s Attractions:

    Nagaon is central district of Assam, having its headquarter in Nagaon city and has religious, historical and natural attractions:

    • Maha Mrityunjay Temple: Shiva temple having largest Shivalangs (126 feet) in Nagaon town.
    • Kaziranga National Park: A major part of this UNESCO world heritage site, famous for one horned rhinoceros, falls under Nagaon district.
    • Bordowa Than:  Birthplace of Saint Srimanta Sankardev.
    • Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary: Natural habitat for birds and animals.
    • Champawati Kunda: A beautiful waterfall and picnic spot.
    • Pokhi Tirtha: A wetland and bird sanctuary.

    Nalbari district’s Attractions:

    Nalbari district is known for temples, Assamese traditions and peaceful countryside.Nalbari town, famed as center of Sanskrit studies, is its headquarter. Key attractions in Nalbari district are:

    • Hari Mandir:  Famous religious and cultural centre.
    • Billeswar Temple:  Ancient Shiva temple.
    • Basudev Devalaya: Ancient temple in balikaria.
    • Ganga Pukhuri: Ancient sacred pond in Barkuriha attracting crowed on Ashok Astami festival. 
    • Traditional Villages: Known for Assamese culture.

    Sonitpur district’s Attractions:

    Sonitpur district has its headquarters in Tezpur city known as cultural capital of Assam. Key attractions in Sonitpur district are:

    • Agnigarh Hill: A scenic hillock and mythological site with Brahmaputra views linked to Usha and Aniruddha.
    • Mahabhairab Temple: An ancient Shiva temple.
    • Bamuni Hills: An ancient archaeological site.
    • Da-Parbatia:  An ancient archaeological site.
    • Kalia Bhhomora Setu: A massive bridge on Brahmputra River connecting Tezpur to Nagaon.

    Tinsukia district’s Attractions:

    Tinsukia district having its headquarter in Tinsukia city itself is known for tea gardens and rich biodiversity. Key attractions in Tinsukia district are:

    • Dibru-Saikhowa National Park: This wildlife sanctuary is famous for river safari, feral horses and birdwatching.
    • Dehing Patkai National Park: Famous rainforest known for diverse flora and fauna.
    • Tilinga Mandir: Famous Shiva temple in Bordubi also known as Bell temple as bells are tied on a wish is fulfilled.
    • Digboi Centenary Museum and Dighoi War Cemetery.

    West Karbi Anglong district’s Attractions:

    This district having its headquarter in Hamren town is famous for Hills, peaks and culture. Key Attractions are:

    • Khanduli & Umwang Grasslands.
    • Amreng (Koka/Panimur): A beautiful river cape featuring blue hills, evergreen forests and beautiful waterfalls.
    • Kathilangso waterfall:
    • Umswal valley:
    • Singhasan Peak:
    • Tumjang Peak:  

    Karimganj district’s Attractions:

    Karimganj district (HQ: Karimganj located near Bangladesh in Barak Valley is known for wetlands and historical sites. Key attractions in Karimganj district are: 

    • Son Beel:  One of the largest wetlands.
    • Badarpur Fort (Badarpurghat):  Historical significance.
    • Other Attractions: Eolabari Tea Estate, Pathini Tea Estate, Chhatachura & Adamail Ranges.

    South Salmara-Mankachar district’s Attractions:

    This district having its headquarter in Hatsingimari city is known for river landscapes. This district is not important in view of tourism; however key attractions are scenic Brahmaputra Riverbanks.

    Karbi Anglong district’s Attractions:

    Karbi Anglong district is scenic hilly region with its headquarter in Diphu town. Key attractions in this district are Dikrutpi waterfall, Koka Waterfall, kakochang Waterfalls, Singhasan Peak, Heritage Museum, Grasslands and deopani Durga Mandir.

    Hailakandi district’s Attractions:

    Hailakandi located in Barak Valley is known for green scenic landscapes and having its headquarter in Hailakandi. Scenic spots on rivers, Tea estates, local temples and moaques are ttractions in Hailakandi.

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