Trekking In Guwahati

On the far eastern side of India, in the tea state of Assam, lies this fascinating land of natural and cultural wealth – the land we call Guwahati. 
Guwahati is a place of many charms. From the lush green hills and tea plantations to the winding Brahmaputra River, from the glorious sacred temples to the bustling markets.

Guwahati’s beauty and culture are both alluring.

If you are in North East and you don’t climb a hill, your stay is incomplete so this is one thing I headed for when I landed in this city. The entire city is surrounded by hills and the best parts to go trekking are Nilachal hill and the hills of Nizorapaar. For easy accessibility and identification of Nilachal hill, I just asked my cabbie to go to Kamakhya Temple as told by my friends. I was dropped at the entry gate of the temple which is adjacent to the main road. From there, I started my hike amid rich flora and fauna and even if you don’t intend to visit the temple, be assured that your trekking experience will be one to cherish. As the air gets cooler, the sights get more spectacular. The pleasant meandering uphill ascend to the temple has viewpoints on the way that afford breathtaking panoramic sights of the river Brahmaputra and the city. I sat there on a rock for almost two hours, just enjoying the sight and believe me it was worth it.

The next hiking destination I hitted was the hills of Nizorapaar. Located in the famous Chanmari area of Guwahati, this hill is somewhat more populated than Nilachal but scores in terms of scenic beauty and mind blowing views. The roads are serpentine and some parts offer steep climb that you normally don’t expect in an inhabited hilly region. You may come across the some vehicles which may offer you a lift but as you go up, the number will come down drastically. I couldn't click pictures because my phone's battery was dead but that view is still in front of my eyes. 

Then I visited Kalakshetra which was awesome with large water pools, lot of trees, a hill, beautiful trails, an open air theater and some museums. In the campus of Kalakshetra, there is  a museum to preserve and showcase the various objects associated with the life of the legend Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

Guwahati is a perfect mix of cultural heritage, nature trails, food hubs, shopping districts and a buzzing night life and I left the place with a heavy heart but I was also grateful for the whole hoard of memories I was taking with me.