When my younger brother was transferred to Guwahati, I was very upset as we had been living together in Delhi for 5 years. The parting was painful. Tears came out of my eyes and though Sachin tried to hold back his, I could see wetness in his eyes. Assam is far from Delhi and it was going to be a completely different milieu for him and hence, he was also skeptical. But as time passed, my little bro became so attached to the picturesque place that on his next transfer, he was not happy, though the place was near Delhi.

He had told me so much about the state that when it was time for our family trip, we chose to go to Assam and booked a homestay in Guwahati for the same. The day-long train journey was a little boring but as soon as we landed at the homestay, all monotony flew away. The loving hosts greeted us with a bright smile and served us excellent Assam Tea and within an hour we were ready for the sightseeing expedition.

Kamakhya Temple

A hallowed temple, it is devoted to Sati, wife of Lord Shiva. Tantric worshippers are known to frequent the Kamakhya Hill, from all over India and the place is said to possess healing powers. I too said prayers for the well-being of my dear ones.

Umananda Temple

Though not much into religion, my family was keen to visit this temple because it was in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra, on the Peacock Island. The boat ferry from the Kachari Ghat to the Shiv Mandir is a blissful experience, as you can behold the scenic beauty, at a leisurely pace. The destination also serves glorious monumental delights and you feel truly blessed within the precincts.

Kaziranga National Park

After the temple visit, we were back to homestay and the next day was reserved for the wildlife safari in the famed Kaziranga National Park. Bursting with greenery, it enthralls you within seconds. As you enter inside, you can feel your heart pounding with excitement and why not? We were going to take elephant rides that provided heavenly views of the rich flora and fauna. The chirping of parakeets, the jubilant jungle fowls, the famed one-horned rhino; every sight soothed and stirred the mind.

Agnigarh

The hillock, in Tezpur, houses sculptures depicting the mythological love story of Aniruddh, grandson of Krishna and Usha, daughter of demon Banasura. The entire tale of love and war is presented through statues and it is an amazing sight with such a fairytale ambience that you will not want to leave it, no matter how much time you have spent. The enchanting view of the Kalia- Bhumura Bridge and the Tezpur town heightens the charm further.

Assam served us substantial scenic beauty, lively adventure, rejuvenating walks in romantic tea gardens, mouth-watering cuisine of Fish Tenga & rice and most of all blessings of the almighty. On parting, I was wishing if I could somehow get a transfer here.

Try a homestay the next time you are visiting Assam. A suggestion for a homestay in Guwahati would be Prabhakar’s.