Residing in the centre-left of the state; Guwahati is the heart of the most populous and one of the most developed states in Northeast India both in terms of its location and its importance. Though it’s not a very popular attraction to tourists for sightseeing, it definitely is one of the most beautiful cities in India in terms of its natural beauty. As we all know the historical Kamakhya Temple; the smallest riverine island Umananda and the largest cultural institution in northeast the Kalakshetra are amongst the famous tourist attractions in the city; but apart from those there are many other lesser known places too gifted with breathtaking magnificence and which are left unexplored by most of the visitors. So these are the 10 places of scenic beauty in Guwahati you can visit the next time you happen to drop by.

10. The TV Tower 

       Marked by the sky kissing tall television tower at the top of the Narkasur hills near the GMCH, the whole place is nicknamed as TV tower. As you drive pass the Guwahati medical college and hospital and towards the hill top, you’ll be greeted by the spiral road covered with dry leaves and the fresh breeze which becomes cooler as you climb higher. There are a few natural viewpoints on the way which will give you a wonderful glimpse of half of the Guwahati city from the top. It’s a common place for photographers, students of the GMC and of course lovers. The view becomes more beautiful in the evenings after the sunset. You can see the flickers of the city lights that slowly lights up the whole city. Ironically you are not allowed to climb up the TV tower for a view unless you have permission, but the whole area surrounding it has a beauty of its own.                                                                             

9. The Kharghuli hills

         In the banks of the river Brahmaputra, these are a group of hills well known for its scenic beauty. You can reach there easily through silpukhuri. One of the key attractions in the hill top among the local youths is the house of Zubeen Garg, one of the most successful and well known Assamese singer known to be the heart-throb of the young generation. The view from the top is very wide and picturesque. It is said that you can see almost each and every corner of the city if you carry a binocular. On the other side of the hill it’ll snatch your breath by the view of the magnificent Brahmaputra River. There are even places on the roadside near the foots of the hills where you can slide down towards the sandy coast of the river and feel the fresh breeze, click some wonderful pics or just sit there and enjoy the sunset. The hills are popular for hangouts, in case you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

8. Sukreshwar Ghat

       The Sukreshwar temple is located on the Sukreshwar hill or Itakhuli hill in Guwahati. It’s one of the famous Shiva temples in the city on the southern banks of the Brahmaputra River. The ghat is located in the temple premises towards the back and facing the Brahmaputra. Sitting on the stairs you can spend hours after hours watching the mighty river, the boats moving across and the distant Guwahati hills. The place is very peaceful and magical. The quiet wind striking your face is divine and truly is a mood changer. My personal favorite thing to do is sitting at the lowest stair with shoes opened and dipping my feet in the cold river water. Truly it’s a very amazing feeling. I get lost in my thoughts each time I happen to sit by there. The best time I’ll suggest to visit is in evenings. The sunset view is very elegant and one of the best in the town.

7. Navagraha

         The name of the place is derived from the famous Navagraha Temple on the top of chitrasal hill (or Navagraha hill). It’s located in the southeastern part of Guwahati. The crest of the hill is one of the highest points in the city and has a stunning view. There is also a viewpoint built in the temple premise which gives a wonderful picture of the Brahmaputra River. On the way to the top you’ll find many places of viewing spectacular landscapes of the city. It is easy to reach there and the roads and the surroundings of the temple premises are well maintained too. Just beware of the monkeys!

6. Aswaklanta Temple

          Though this temple is situated about 24 kms away from the main town of Guwahati across the Brahmaputra River, it’s still one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Assam and among the best places to visit in the city. The temple is well connected to the city both by water and road transport. There are many ferry services from various ferry ghats in the town to take you across the river to North Guwahati. Moreover you can reach there by the roadway too by crossing the Saraighat Bridge. It’s situated right in the banks of the Brahmaputra and the scenic beauty of the place is mesmerizing. A number of people visit here to capture the divine sunset scenario on the majestic river. So if you have some time in your hand or have the will to go on a long-drive to cherish some wonderful sights, it could be the best option.

5. Deeporbeel Bird sanctuary  

            ‘Beel’ is the Assamese word for lake. Deeporbeel is a permanent fresh water lake on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River. Though this place is better known for the presence of hundreds of bird species due to which it was declared as bird sanctuary by the Assam Government in 1989; it also has a panoramic beauty of its own. It is located towards the southwest of Guwahati nearly 15 kms away. On reaching the beel you can feel the sudden change in the air as it becomes more pleasant. At once you are greeted with huge stretches of water lilies and water hyacinth plants floating above the giant water body making the lake look like being covered with a blanket of colors. Moreover the roadside trees throwing shades over the road as you move on makes the environment more alluring. There’s a watchtower inside the park from the top of which you can see the entire lake. You can also go for bird watching if you have a pair of binoculars. So if you love birds, if you love cool and airy places this destination is a must visit place for you. And I’ll suggest don’t come without having a plate of ‘paratha’ at the stall near the park; it’s worth it.

4. The Nilachal Hills

          Though the main intention of visiting this place is pilgrimage rather than sightseeing for most of the tourists as the historical Kamakhya temple recites right at the top of the hill and it’s still the prime attraction to this place; but what captures your mind even before reaching to the temple is the beautiful road to the top and the mind-blowing scenery from a number of viewpoints on the way. The hill is also popular for hiking and even if you don’t intent to visit the temple, be assured that your trekking experience will be one to cherish. It is very easy to access as any cab driver in the city would know the way to Kamakhya Temple. You would be dropped at the main gate and after that you can reach to the top both on foot as well as on public and private transports like buses or vans. If you have no trouble in walking I would suggest go on foot. It’ll be a bit exhausting but you’ll enjoy your time amidst the dense flora and fauna, stop by the viewpoints, feel the divinity in the air and bring back buckets of memories with you.

3. Gandhi Mandap

           Ever heard of a natural elevator? Well, it’s here in Guwahati! You probably might have heard about one of the tallest Indian flag in the country being unfurled in Guwahati and have even seen it from a distance (yes it’s visible from almost every corner of the city!) but an even more interesting feature about the hill is that the road is a spiral way around the hill to the top. Thus it gives a 360 degree view of the whole city. As you climb higher the view gets better and better. Hence, it’s like an elevator but natural. This place is a favorite for bike riders and photographers as the road is awesome and the view is stunning. A number of viewpoints and watch towers are built on the roadside. There’s a wonderful mixture of patriotism and natural beauty in the air which creates an uncommon atmosphere of realization that how beautiful our country is.

2. Belle view

            Though the name is often confused with the Assamese term ‘Beli’ which means the sun; and it’s often spelled as ‘Beli view’ and sometimes even ‘Valley view’, but the original name is derived from a lately closed down restaurant named ‘bellevue’. Located on the hill right beside the Brahmaputra, Belle view is an ideal place to get away from the usual stress from everyday life. It gives one of the best views of the Brahmaputra River from a distance. People near the area also go for jogging and walks. The sunrise view is truly amazing and is worth watching. It’s also a common place for model photo-shoots as the view serves great as a background. So if you want a cool environment and a good scenery; if you want a break from the busy city life or if you just want to chill out with your friends, this place is not to be left out.

1.     Chandubi

        The place is about 50kms away from the main town, but still it’s of prime attraction to the city dwellers, because of its beauty. It consists of a natural lake called the Chandubi Lake which is reached through a dense forest. The whole area is very calm and peaceful, surrounded by forest, tea estates and quaint villages. You can spend a whole day there between the dense vegetations and enjoy your time away from the modern life. You can go fishing and rowing in the lake. After monsoon, from October to March would be the ideal season to visit this place. It is natural sightseeing and one of the best picnic spots in the state. Chandubi is relatively cleaner and less polluted than the other places as it out of reach of so called modern civilization.

                      By Mandeep Bordoloi

                      Cotton University

                       Department of Mass communication, Journalism and Media studies