The gateway to Northeast India, Guwahati has the Shillong Plateau on one side and the Brahmaputra River on the other. Assam is a fascinating city, rich in historical significance and proudly boasting many temples, religious shrines, stone carvings, traditional festivals, caves and much more.
The beautiful temples attract numerous visitors from all over the world who are either spiritually inclined or looking for a peaceful environment to relax.
Here are 10 unique temples of Assam that every traveler must visit once in a lifetime.
1. Kamakhya Temple
Kamakhya Temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya is situated on top of Nilanchal Hill. It is the oldest among the 51 Shaktipeeths. The main entrance of the temple is made with spectacular carvings and has a huge dome with three pavilions.
Inside the temple there are 4 sanctum sanctorums and 3 pavilions and the walls are decorated with many sculptures.
Ambubachi Mela is the most important festival of the temple which lasts for 4 days every year. The temple looks very beautiful during the evening aarti.
October to February is the best time to visit Kamakhya Temple. Clicking pictures inside the temple is not allowed. Read more:
Location: Guwahati, Assam
Timings : 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 02:30 PM to 05:30 PM
entrance fees:
- Common People – Free
- For Defense, Police and Paramilitary Forces – INR 10
- Special Entry – Rs.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 suggests, the inner sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the 9 lingas of Lord Shiva representing the various planets – Surya, Chandra, Mars, Buddha, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu.
The present temple was built in 1752 by the Ahom king Rajeshwar Singh, it is one of the most visited religious places in Guwahati. The best time to visit Navagraha temple is from October to February.
Location: Chitrachal Hill, Guwahati
Timings : 4.00 am to 9.00 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee
3. Umanand Temple
The enchanting Umanand Temple is located on an island called Mayur Bet or Umanand Bet in the middle of the Brahmaputra River.
It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in 1694 by the Ahom king Gadadhar Singh.
Shivaratri is the major festival here and this beautiful temple attracts a large number of visitors and devotees to enjoy its beautiful surroundings. The religious and archeological significance (rock sculptures), natural beauty and sightseeing of the island will surely enchant you.
October to February is the best time to visit in winter.
Location: In the middle of Brahmaputra river
Timings : 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
4. Daul Govinda Temple
Daula Govinda Temple is located at the base of Chandrabati hill in North Guwahati. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Apart from Janmashtami, another major festival is celebrated here. During Holi, the temple is crowded with maximum number of people. The festival of colors is celebrated here for five days.
This temple is located near the banks of the river Brahmaputra. The river bank is also an ideal picnic spot. Also read:
October to February is the best time to visit in winter.
Location: At the foothills of Chandrabati Hills, North Guwahati
Timings : 7.00 am and 8.00 pm.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
5. East Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple
Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the most magnificent temples in Guwahati and is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The temple has a South Indian architectural style and is similar to the original Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tamil Nadu.
The architectural design of the temple is very attractive. It was built in the year 1998. When you visit the Balaji temple, you want to visit the Ganesha temple at the entrance. Also Read: Top Places To Visit In North East India In June.
The best time to visit is between October to February.
Place: Guwahati
Timings: 8.30 am to 11.30 am and 4.00 pm to 6.30 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee
6. Aswakalanta Temple
Aswaklanta Temple is one of the ancient temples in Assam, popular as a Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Lord Anantasai Vishnu and Lord Janardhana are the two main deities of the temple.
The temple is famous for its scenic beauty, and the walls are intricately detailed. It is a common belief among the people that by visiting the temple, sinners get salvation.
The temple was damaged in the Great Earthquake of 1897, but was repaired in 1901 under the patronage of the then Viceroy of Assam, Lord Curzon.
The festivals of Janmashtami and Ashokashtami are celebrated here. The best time to visit the temple is between October to February.
Location: Amingaon, Doul Govinda Road, North Guwahati
Time: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Direct Entry: Rs 501
7. Ugratara Temple
Built in 1725, Guwahati’s Ugratara Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiva. This temple was built by the Ahom king Shiva Singh. It is located in Uzhan Bazaar, east of Guwahati.
It is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Guwahati that every traveler must visit as there is no idol of Ugratara Devi like Kamakhya Devi.
This temple is famous Jor Pukhuri. This area enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. Animal sacrifice is still practiced during Durga Puja and Kali Puja.
The best time to visit the temple is during Durga Puja and Kali Puja.
Venue: Uzhan Bazar, Guwahati
Timings : 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
8. Basistha Temple
When you plan to visit Guwahati, never forget to include Basishtha Temple in your itinerary. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is located inside the Vedic era Basishtha Ashram.
This temple was built in 1764 by the Ahom King Rajeshwar Singh. It is named after a sage who used to live and meditate in a cave here. This temple is located in the south east corner of Guwahati city
Visitors are greeted by mesmerizing mountain streams originating from the hills of Meghalaya.
The best time to visit is between October and February.
Place: Guwahati
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
9. Lankeshwar Temple
Lankeshwar Temple is located on top of a hill near Guwahati University. The temple is well connected by various means of transport and attracts a large number of devotees during Mahashivratri.
The surrounding area is nice as the place is peaceful and surrounded by natural beauty.
The best time to visit the temple is between October and February.
Location: On a hilltop near Guwahati University
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
10. Sukareshwar Temple
The Sukareshwar Temple is located on the Sukareshwar Hill settlement on the south side of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built in the 18th century by the Ahom King Pramatt Singh.
The temple of the famous sage, Sukra, is said to be his ashram. Traces of the Sukareshwar Linga have also been found.
Location: MG Road, Paan Bazar, Guwahati
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m
Entry Fee: No entry fee