Silk villages, pilgrim hills and an earthquake lake
The rural district around Guwahati is full of easy day trips — a hill town sacred to three faiths, a weaving town famous for silk, ancient temple ruins and a lake born in an earthquake.
6 sights and experiences.
A stone temple on Manikut hill at Hajo, about 30 km west of Guwahati. Hajo is a rare meeting point of Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim pilgrimage.
A hilltop dargah on Garurachal hill. By tradition a visit here earns a quarter (“poa”) of the blessing of a pilgrimage to Mecca.
A riverside weaving town about 35 km from Guwahati where looms clatter in almost every home. Watch muga and pat silk mekhela-chadors being woven and buy from the makers.
Scattered ruins of 9th–10th century temples with richly carved gods, dancers and couples, near Baihata Chariali — often called the “Khajuraho of Assam”.
A lake formed by the great earthquake of 1897, at the foot of the Garo hills about 64 km from Guwahati. Boating, birds and a lively winter festival.
A Krishna temple at Rajaduar, North Guwahati, at the foot of Chandra Bharati hill. Its Holi (Doul) celebrations are famous.
October to March is best for day trips; Chandubi is at its prettiest in winter.
By airLGBI Airport, Guwahati — most sights are 25–65 km away.
By trainGuwahati / Kamakhya for most trips; Rangiya Junction for the northern part of the district.
By roadAmingaon is about 12 km from Guwahati across the Saraighat bridge. Hajo ≈ 32 km, Sualkuchi ≈ 35 km, Madan Kamdev ≈ 40 km (off NH 27), Chandubi ≈ 64 km (towards Goalpara on NH 17).
