CHASING THE SHRINKING URBAN RESERVE FOREST OF HENGRABARI, GUWAHATI

Photo Travelogue :


The city of Guwahati in Assam is surrounded by green hills on all the sides, except north, where the river Brahmaputra flows. For a nature lover, these hills having the reserve ( urban ) forests are quite an attraction, as they are close by and accessible whenever one wishes to enjoy nature. However, with population explosion and encroachments, these hills are rapidly losing its beauty and the green cover. I decided to visit what was left of it...before everything vanished altogether.




glimpses of green hills surrounding guwahati city...




peaking over rooftops...


you just can't miss these looming heights...the birubari hills...


the ramchai-chitrasal-kharguli stretch...


the bonda tower and amchang reserve not faraway...


the sarania hills and gandhi mandap...

more of these beauties...








with so many beautiful hills and forests to chase, tempted I was...and I chose to ¬ chase!!

so, today, hengrabari reserve forest was it, will I make it?






hills being mutilated for encroachment...sad situation...




whats left of it, looks at you...still welcoming... but, how to reach...every road that goes to it is densely populated...aaarrrgh..!






seriously, I wanted to demolish all these structures...hope, nature reclaim them some day...






shrinking...shrinking...the greens are shrinking...


with great difficulty, finally, met some of these without the annoying concrete blocking my path...


hope they don't vanish too...

Its sad to see the forests getting destroyed to make way for human settlements disturbing nature and ecology of the place, not to mention, the stunning beauty. Hope the situation reverses and fast.

A few decades ago the areas around Hengrabari were covered with dense forest, tall trees and wild bushes. There are several Reserved Forests in and around Guwahati. The reserved forests within the limits of Guwahati Municipal Corporation, are Hengrabari, Phatasil, Jalukbari and Khanapara. These forests are under the administrative control of the Divisional Forest Officer, Kamrup (East) Forest Division. The other reserved forests around Guwahati are Rani and Garbhanga RFs. Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary. The forests act as the green lung of Guwahati, but, unfortunately, a large chunk of the area is encroached by unauthorized occupants. The Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden set up in 1957 is the largest of its kind in the North East region and it is spread across 432 acre. The zoo is located within the Hengrabari Reserved Forest at Guwahati, The zoo occupies an area of 130 hectares. It is a top destination for families seeking summer fun. It's an ideal spot for picnics and nature walks, offering stunning natural scenery. The area is also perfect for tracking adventures, making it a must-visit location in Guwahati ( wiki ).

Address : Borbari, Pathar Quarry, Hengrabari Reserve Forest, Hengrabari-Assam State Zoo, RG Baruah Rd, Guwahati, Assam 781005.
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MAHABAHU BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER HERITAGE CENTER AND RIVER PROMENADE, GUWAHATI, ASSAM

Photo Travelogue :


What if you suddenly feel the urge and want to see how the britishers used to live nearly two hundred years ago while cololizing the country, like ours; is it possible? Well, the answer is yes! Because, some of the british era bungalows still exsts in our country. Guwahati too has some of it and they still exist with their former glory intact, giving glimpses of the past. Many of these bunglalows have been converted to official or residential premises; while some into museums too as with the 'Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Center'. In the past, it served as office of the Ahom and British rulers which was known as Borphukon Tila, as it is located in a hillock overlooking the mighty Brahmaputra. With entry fee of Rs.60 ( and Rs.120 if one wants to go inside the museum ), this place is a must visit especially after the place has been expanded and beautified in recent times. With the ticket price set high, it is less crowded; so it is ever so peaceful...thus, it is really recommended if you want some quality peacdeful time in a beautiful setting. There is security check and one cannot bring in food items as there are cafes/restaurants inside including a 'Starbucks'. There is also parking in the area so no issues there, but inside is strictly a pedestrian only zone. As I walked in, I was instantly greeted by the tall trees, cool breeze and artistic 'culture wheels' that are placed along the entire pathway resembling buddhist prayer wheels, only, these had beautiful scuptural display of various tribes and communities that always have inhabited the region and their continuous connection with the river Brahmaputra. These wheels have music in them too which plays on turning, and these music are from these ethnic communities. As one approaches the bungalow one can see the 'art garden' ( on left ) as well as the 'heritage alpana' ( further left ) which is largest floor painting - a rangoli style mosaic. Here's my entire visit in pictures. Enjoy :-)


the sign outside the premises located just opposite panbazar water treatment plant...


british era bungalow...built in the 1800's its still in perfect shape...


another angle...what a luxury to be living here...


architectural display of bamboo and wood works in the bungalow...those sofa sets and center table made of bamboo...wow!
there are lots of relics and stuff on display inside the museum related to art, craft and traditions of the region...


the art garden...its a big area and one can go around the entire bungalow, the river is visible from here too with good sitting arrangements at various points, and a gazebo deck...it is shaded and has a swimming pool and kids play area...


snakes and ladders or chess, anyone?






the newer landscaped garden was recently innauguated and beautified which includes a beautiful river promenade...


strolling along the banks of river brahmaputra...a multi-level picturesque promenade with the ropeway visible...


umananda or peacock island stands bang opposite, right in middle of the river...






the river looks so serene and peaceful...its a bliss just to gaze at it...time just stops here...


and, now time to explore the garden...

once 'nakkata pukhuri' with its encroachments, now transformed into something so gorgeous...the ancient pond still exists, but now behind these tall palms with fountains and lightings in it that lits up in the evenings giving off the vibes...



am I in japan? oh..no its in guwahati...its so pleasing to the eye, uniquely manicured trees...


my Rs60 worth of time 'paisa wasooled' --- merely the ambience of the place makes it so...


time for some pet-puja by the river-side...


there are lots of options...I chose fries and they were...hmmm...okayish!!

I loved the place and will definately recommend a one time visit atleast if you have the time and can afford it, and have curiosity in knowing the history of the place. The high entry fee ensures it remains clean and peaceful ( which is a good thing ), however, not all might be able to visit it. Its a classy affair and is currently being expanded with works going on, so, in future things/rules and entry fees etc might change. However, If you only want to enjoy views of the Brahmaputra, there are other options too, and, much cheaper ~ around many points along the entire northern stretch of Guwahati.


Address : Old DC Bungalow, Pan Bazaar, Guwahati, Assam 781001
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( Images - ©Mine. All rights reserved. )
Our Rating Scale is : 1 to 5 = ????? - It was Awesome!