With a history dating back to the 4th century BCE, Assam is home to numerous ancient monuments and religious places that reflect its rich cultural and spiritual legacy. The temples of Assam highlight this heritage, including the ancient Kamakhya Devi Temple, a significant Shakti Pitha, and the serene Umananda Temple on Peacock Island. Temples such as the Hayagriva Madhava Temple in Hajo and the satras of Majuli showcase Assam’s spiritual diversity and Vaishnavite traditions. Join us as we explore Assam’s cultural legacy and spiritual vibrancy through its religious places and most iconic temples.
If you plan a holiday in India’s northeast, don’t miss exploring Assam’s most stunning tourist places.
Best time to visit Assam’s religious places
The best time to visit Assam to explore its iconic temples is during the cooler months, from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for temple visits bundled with sightseeing. The monsoon season, from June to September, is best avoided due to heavy rainfall, which can disrupt visits to the religious places of Assam.
Plan an unforgettable wildlife adventure in Assam with our guide on the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park.
Religious places: Iconic temples of Assam
Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple, Guwahati
A visit to Assam is incomplete without seeking blessings at this ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Maa Kamakhya Devi. It is recognised as one of the oldest Shakti Pithas and is a significant pilgrimage site. According to legend, the temple stands where Sati’s ‘yoni’ fell after Shiva’s destructive Tandava dance with her corpse. The temple’s sculptures intricately depict the symbolic representation of the yoni.
T+L travel tip: The Kamakhya Devi Temple is closed for three days during the Ambubachi Mela, symbolising the goddess’s menstrual cycle. During this period, no female deities are worshipped.
For more information on Kamakhya Devi Temple, visit their official website.
- Best time to visit: Although October to March is the best time to plan your trip to the Kamakhya Devi Temple, you can also visit in June for the Ambubachi Mela, which draws thousands of devotees from all over India to this famous temple in Assam.
- Things to do nearby: The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Assam State Zoo are great places for nature lovers near the Kamakhya Devi Temple. For a cultural experience, visit the Padmapur Temple. Explore Pandu (about 15 km from the Kamakhya Devi Temple), known for the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. This religious place in Assam is perfect for a peaceful retreat. Explore more with our guide to the must-visit tourist places in Guwahati, the gateway to northeast India.
- Nearby hotels: Novotel and Radisson Blu
- Where to eat: Paradise Restaurant and Delicacy
- How to reach
By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is approximately 20 km away.
By train: Guwahati Railway Station is approximately 8 km away.
By road: Kamakhya Devi Temple is about 8 km from Guwahati’s city centre.
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Basistha Temple, Guwahati
The Basistha Temple, built by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1764, is associated with the sage Basistha, who meditated in a cave 5 km inside the temple. It sits on the banks of mountain streams from the neighbouring state of Meghalaya and is one of the most popular temples in Guwahati, Assam.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Things to do: Explore the Garbhanga Reserve Forest, which is home to elephants and offers scenic nature walks. The Sage Basistha Cave is peaceful and located about 5 km into the forest.
- Nearby hotels: Treebo Tryst Apollo Grand and Mayflower Hotel
- Where to eat: Michinga and Mughal Garden
- How to reach
By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is approximately 22 km away.
By train: Guwahati Railway Station is approximately 14 km away.
By road: Take a cab from Guwahati City, about 14 km away.
Umananda Temple, Guwahati
Umananda Temple, located on the smallest river island in the Brahmaputra River near Guwahati, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known as Peacock Island due to its shape, the island is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva for his wife, Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva resided here as Bhayananda, and the island is also called Bhasmachal, where the lord burned Kamadeva with his third eye.
- Best time to visit: From November to March. The temple is significant during Maha Shivaratri, and Mondays are considered the holiest day for worship.
- Things to do nearby: Explore Umananda Island, also home to the Golden Langur, an endangered species. Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the Brahmaputra to witness a beautiful sunset.
- Nearby hotels: Radisson Blu and Hotel Lilawati Grand
- Where to eat: JB’s and 11th Avenue Cafe Bistro
- How to reach
By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is approximately 20 km away.
By train: Guwahati Railway Station is within the city.
By water: Since this temple is on an island, you must take a 10-minute ferry ride from Kachari Ghat near Guwahati High Court.
Hayagriva Madhava Temple, Hajo
The Hayagriva Madhava Temple, built in 1583, houses an image of Lord Vishnu resembling Lord Jagannath from Puri. It is a significant religious place for Hindus and Buddhists in Assam, who believe Lord Buddha attained nirvana here. The temple’s entrance, made from four granite blocks, is flanked by sculptures of the ten avatars, with Buddha as the ninth.
- Best time to visit: October to March are the ideal times to enjoy Bihu and Holi festivals
- Things to do: Feed the fish and turtles at the Madhab Pukhuri, a pond near the temple. Just a short distance away, explore the Powa Makkah mosque, an important Muslim pilgrimage site.
- Nearby hotels: There are some budget hotels and homestays in Hajo, but we recommend staying in Guwahati hotels such as Vivanta Guwahati or Hotel Nandan.
- Where to eat: Mahamaya Restaurant, Aloha Restaurant and Khangsi Dhaba
- How to reach
By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is approximately 30 km away.
By train: Guwahati Railway Station is approximately 44 km away.
By road: Guwahati city centre is approximately 49 km away.
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Siva Doul, Sivasagar
The Siva Doul, constructed in 1734 by the Ahom Queen Ambika, is the tallest temple in Assam, with its tower topped with a gold kalasha. The doul in Sivasagar is part of three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Goddess Durga.
- Best time to visit: October to April. Also, you can visit the temple during Maha Shivaratri for the big annual fair or during the Hindu month of Sawan when Hare Krishna kirtans are held.
- Things to do: Visit the Vishnu Doul and the Devi Doul, located within the temple’s premises. Sit by the massive Borpukhuri, a historical water body. Then, visit Joysagar Tank (about 5 km), surrounded by temples built by the Ahom rulers. Finally, visit Kareng Ghar (about 12 km), the former palace of the Ahom kings, and Rang Ghar (about 4 km), a historic sports pavilion.
- Nearby hotels: Hotel Brahmaputra and Hotel Shankar
- Where to eat: Trishna and Anjali’s Kitchen
- How to reach
By air: Jorhat Airport is approximately 55 km away.
By train: Sivasagar Town Railway Station is within the city.
By road: Well-connected to major cities such as Guwahati (about 360 km), Jorhat (about 55 km) and Dibrugarh (about 80 km).
Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar, Jorhat
Located in Jorhat district, this religious place in Assam was established by saint-reformer Madhavdeva. He kindled an earthen lamp here, which has been continuously burning (refuelled by priests) today. The shrine’s name comes from an anecdote about Madhavdeva staying with a poor old woman who served him rice and wild greens (Dhekia Saag). Pleased with her humility, he established the naamghar, entrusting her to keep the lamp burning.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Things to do nearby: Visit Majuli (about 20 km), the world’s biggest riverine island. Explore the Tocklai Tea Research Association (about 7 km), a hub for tea research. For wildlife, visit the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary (about 20 km), home to the endangered primates. You can also enjoy the Jorhat Science Centre & Planetarium (about 4 km) for an educational experience.
- Nearby hotels: Hotel Heritage and Manor Boutique
- Where to eat: Fat Belly, Abhiruchi, and The Little South Restaurant
- How to reach
By air: Jorhat Airport is approximately 15 km away.
By train: Jorhat Railway Station is approximately 12 km away.
By road: Jorhat city is approximately 15 km away, and from the National Highway 37, it’s about 3.5 km away.
Dakshinapat Satra, Majuli
A socio-religious institution associated with Vaishnavism, Dakshinapat Satra is situated on Majuli Island in the Brahmaputra River. This temple of Assam welcomes visitors with an intricately adorned gateway featuring religious motifs, flowers, and animals. The gateway leads to the sacred space where the idol of Jadavarai is worshipped. About 100 monks, called bhaktas, currently reside in the satra under the guidance of a Satradhikar (head priest).
For a deeper insight into the world’s biggest river island, follow our story on the magical world of Majuli.
- The best time to visit is October to March. For a more immersive experience, visit the Raas Lila, an annual festival held on the full moon in October or November.
- Things to do: Visit famous satras like Auniati and Kamalabari. During winter, enjoy bird watching, cycle through picturesque villages, and interact with the local tribals. Shop for unique handcrafted masks and pottery, sample traditional rice beer and sweets and visit the historical Tengapania site along the Brahmaputra River.
- Nearby hotels: La Maison de Ananda and Prashaanti Tourist Lodge.
- Where to eat: Majuli homestays provide authentic Assamese meals.
- How to reach
By air: Jorhat Airport is approximately 20 km away.
By train: Jorhat Railway Station is approximately 14 km away.
By road: Jorhat Town is approximately 17 km away from Neemati Ghat, the port from where ferries ply.
By water: Majuli is a riverine island, so you must board a ferry from Neemati Ghat.
Negheriting Siva Doul, Dergaon
The Kacharis originally built this temple of Assam in the 8th-9th Century AD, but Ahom king Rajeswar Singha later rebuilt it after natural calamities damaged it. Located in Golaghat district, this religious place in Assam is surrounded by four smaller temples at each corner, dedicated to Ganesh, Vishnu, Durga, and Surya.
- Best time to visit: October to April
- Things to do: Visit Kaziranga National Park (about 60 km), Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary (about 30 km), and the Deopahar Ruins (about 40 km), all of which offer a mix of wildlife, history, and natural beauty in Assam.
- Nearby hotels: Hotel MD’s Continental (Jorhat) and Clubway Grand (Jorhat)
- Where to eat: Madhusala Restaurant and Suki Da Cafe
- How to reach
By air: Jorhat Airport is approximately 55 km away.
By train: Numaligarh Railway Station is approximately 15 km away.
By road: Jorhat city is approximately 21.5 km away. From the National Highway 37, the temple is about 3.5 km away.
Da Parbatia, Tezpur
Located a few kilometres from Tezpur city, it is one of the oldest Hindu temples of Assam. Excavations in 1924 revealed a 6th-century stone door frame with intricate carvings. The ruins of the temple, built during the Ahom period, stand atop the original structure.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Things to do nearby: Explore the serene Brahmaputra River and parks like Aghanashini Park and the Agri-Park. For adventure, visit Nameri National Park (about 40 km), home to diverse wildlife. For a unique tea plantation experience barely 22 km from Tezpur, visit Balipara.
- Nearby hotels: Hotel KRC Palace and The Greenwood Hotel Resort
- Where to eat: Saffron Restaurant, KF Restaurant and Inaya Mughlai, all in Tezpur.
- How to reach
By air: Tezpur Airport is approximately 12 km away.
By train: Tezpur Railway Station is within the city.
By road: Guwahati is about 176 km away.
Tilinga Mandir, Bordubi
The Tilinga Mandir in Bordubi (Tinsukia district) is a famous temple in Assam. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is translated as the “Temple of Bells”. The temple has the most extensive collection of bells, ranging from 50 grams to 55 kg. It is believed that if you hang a bell here, your wish will come true, and you should return to the temple to tie another bell if your wish is granted.
- Best time to visit: November to February. Monday is a particularly popular day to visit.
- Things to do nearby: Visit Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (about 30 km) or explore Maguri-Motapung Wetlands (about 25.5 km) for birdwatching. Enjoy the Brahmaputra River views at Bormukoliya Ghat and discover the local tea culture in the town. Also, explore the temples of Assam. Don’t miss Digboi (about 38 km), home to the oldest oil refinery in Asia, which dates back to 1901.
- Nearby hotels: Hotel Highway and Padmini Resort, both in Tinsukia
- Where to eat: Hongkong Restaurant, and Dhaba NH 37
- How to reach
By air: Dibrugarh Airport is approximately 45 km away.
By train: Tinsukia Railway Station is approximately 15 km away.
By road: Well-connected to Tinsukia town, about 14 km away.
Insider tips to explore the temples of Assam
Exploring the temples of Assam can be a rewarding experience if done thoughtfully. Here are some practical tips:
- For cultural immersion, align your visit with local festivals like Ambubachi Mela (Kamakhya Devi Temple) or Bihu.
- Due to high demand, book accommodation well in advance for significant events like the Ambubachi Mela or satra festivals in Majuli.
- Wear modest clothing suitable for religious places. Avoid shorts or sleeveless tops, as many places require covering shoulders and knees.
- Hiring a local guide while visiting the temples of Assam can enhance your understanding of each site’s history, significance, and myths.
- Many religious destinations have nearby eateries serving Assamese cuisine. Explore thalis at local dhabas or Assamese restaurants.
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(Feature image credit: পাপৰি বৰা, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related | 11 Legendary Temples Of South India That Are Architectural Masterpieces
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Kamakhya Temple, located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, is a major Shakti Pitha and a revered site for Tantric worship. It is associated with the goddess Kamakhya, symbolising feminine energy and fertility. The Ambubachi Mela, held here annually, attracts thousands of devotees.
Umananda Temple is located on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River, Guwahati. Accessible by ferry from the Kachari Ghat, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its serene setting and religious significance make it a must-visit spot.
Hajo, near Guwahati, is a convergence of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. It houses the Hayagriva Madhava Temple, revered by Hindus and Buddhists, and the Powa Mecca Mosque for Muslims. This blend of faiths makes it a unique spiritual destination.
Sivasagar, once the capital of the Ahom dynasty, boasts key temples like Siva Doul, Vishnu Doul, and Devi Doul, built around the historic Sivasagar Tank. These temples are notable for their grand architecture and cultural significance.
Yes, Hajo's Hayagriva Madhava Temple is a significant Buddhist site. It is believed to house relics of Lord Buddha and is visited by Buddhist pilgrims from India and Bhutan.
The Maha Bhairav Temple in Tezpur is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for housing one of the largest Shiva Lingas in the world. Its vibrant Maha Shivaratri celebrations draw devotees from across the region.
Assam is renowned for its Vaishnavite culture, with key sites being the Satras of Majuli, established by Saint Srimanta Sankardeva. These monasteries promote art, music, and spiritual teachings.
The Powa Mecca in Hajo, believed to have been built with soil from Mecca, is an important mosque. It serves as a revered site for Islamic pilgrims in Assam.
Tribal religious sites like the Bathow Temple of the Bodo community and the Donyi-Polo shrines of the Arunachali tribes are significant. These places reflect the spiritual and cultural practices of Assam's tribes.
Majuli, the world's largest river island, is home to over 30 Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries). Visitors can explore these centers to learn about Assam’s unique Neo-Vaishnavite culture, art, and traditional performances.
Ambubachi Mela is an annual tantric festival celebrating fertility, held at the Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati. It draws thousands of pilgrims, sadhus, and tourists from across India.
Yes, Assam offers a mix of spirituality and adventure. Combine temple visits with wildlife safaris in Kaziranga, river cruises on the Brahmaputra, or cultural explorations in Majuli.
Key religious festivals include Ambubachi Mela, Bihu (a harvest festival), Durga Puja, and the Raas Festival in Majuli. These celebrations reflect Assam’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Visitors should dress modestly, remove footwear before entering temples, and respect local customs. Photography may be restricted in certain areas; it's best to seek permission when in doubt.
Lesser-known sites include the Da Parbatia Temple in Tezpur, Sri Surya Pahar in Goalpara, and the Tamreswari Temple in Tinsukia. These sites offer unique insights into Assam’s spiritual diversity.
Written By
Rubi Borgohain
A writer and editor with experience in news, lifestyle, and education. Previously worked with The Hindustan ..Read More
