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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