Photo Travelogue :
Almost every city in India ( and also world ) has a historic lake as a prime landmark and attraction; and, Guwahati boasts one its own as well, right in the middle of the city. Dighalipukhuri is an ancient lake built during the Ahom reign with almost 200+ year old trees surrounding it. Its a major tourist destination and very popular with locals too. One day I went exploring and it was quite a nice experience with its leafy canopies making it a nice and cool environment. It has undergone major changes over the years and is quite a popular recreational spot. On north-end of the lake, a small war memorial park has been recently added with an army tank and fighter jet ( both having being used in kargil war ) being displayed. Although, the surroundings are a busy area, with High Court, Judges Field and Fatasil playgrounds; and colleges like Hendique, Cotton and others around it, once you enter the lake premises you are automatically transported to another zone altogether; one that of greenery, serenity and calmness. Its location makes it easily accessible.
history before my eyes...
beautiful garden...
relaxing activity like boating is available...booking area...
war memorial...
On the main entry gate, south side of the lake is a park for kids that has games and a playground with affordable entry fee of Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children. Its open till 8pm. There are many street food stalls outside the park that remain open till late night. Its a perfect place to hang out with friends and family. The lake also has an errie side to it, with many suicides having taken place over the years in it. It was also once reported as haunted, but, with increased commercial activity over the years around the area, such reports have declined. Although, a late night visit ( when everyone's gone ) can still give one goosebumps and a chill down the spine.
Dighalipukhuri is a rectangular man-made pond in Guwahati, about half a mile long. Dighalipukhuri is believed to have been built during the Ahom dynasty. The pond is said to have been dug by King Bhagadatta during the swayamvara of his daughter, Bhanumati. The pond's name comes from its length, which is dighal ( ong ). The legend goes that at the base of this tank are seven deep wells, which were used to draw water for various chores during the wedding. Later the King ordered a canal to be dug so that the tank was permanently connected with the River Brahmaputra, and due to the incoming waters from the river the tank itself grew longer. Subsequently all the later kingdoms, the Burman, the Kamata, the Koch and the Ahom, had used Digholi Pukhuri as a ‘Naoxal’, a place to keep their naval boats and probably where they also constructed them. The legendary Ahom general, Lachit BorPhukan had used Digholi Pukhuri to ‘hide’ his numerous boats, which he so successfully used against the larger Mughal ships during the famous Battle of Saraighat ( wiki ).
Address : Dighali Pukhuri Road, Tayabulla Road, Guwahati - 781001
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