This scenic island is the smallest river island in the world, with legends aplenty. Most importantly, man and the wilderness live together on this unique island. It is a tranquil island so you can enjoy a peaceful time here.
This place has a tremendous spiritual significance which helps calm down your soul. This island is also getting famous for its vast biodiversity. This island is home to a rare species of golden langur. Several tamarind trees can be found around this island.
History Of Umananda Island
The history of this island is quite impressive. This beautiful island has various names. Several mythological stories related to this stunning place are pretty interesting.
Previously this island was called Umananda Island. This name is derived from the words Uma and Ananda. Uma refers to a Hindu goddess, Parvati, or Sati (wife of Lord Shiva). On the other hand, Ananda means joy. It is believed that Lord Shiva created this island for his beloved wife, Sati, and they lived here happily. That’s why this island is known as ‘Umananda Island’.
This place was also known as Bhasmachal. The name Bhasmachal is derived from the words Bhasma and Chal. Here, Bhasma means to destroy, and Chal means the region or place. Local people believed that; lord Shiva burnt Kamdev (the god of love) on this island.
Lastly, this island was named peacock island by some British officers who came to explore the river system. They find that the shape of this island is like a peacock’s splayed feathers. So they named this island Peacock Island.
Location Of Umananda Island
This fascinating island is located in the middle of the Brahmaputra River. Nowadays, it has become a tourist hotspot. As per the information, Assam’s smallest river island remains a prime tourist attraction of this country.
This island comes under Guwahati city of Assam State. This beautiful island has several names, but the most famous names are – Umananda Island and peacock island.
Landscape Of Umananda Island
According to Hindu mythology, this place is flooded with several legends. It is an outstanding island where man and wilderness stay together peacefully. It has a unique structure, like the father of a peacock.
This island is at the heart of the Brahmaputra River, so it can provide visitors with a calm environment. In this place, you can see a scenic beauty that is still not damaged by human beings. Visiting this island is worth it.
How To Reach Umananda Island?
Through Airline
The nearest airport to this island is Guwahati Airport. If you are flying to Guwahati from New Delhi, reaching your destination will take nearly 2 hours. Tourists must hire a cab from this airport to reach the exact location. This island is approximately 22 km away from the airport.
Several flights are available on this route, including Air India, Indigo Airlines, etc. Rather than New Delhi, you can also take flights from other airports to reach Guwahati, like – Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai etc.
Through Railway
The closest railway station to this island is Guwahati Junction. Or you can also take a train at the second largest railway station of Guwahati, Kamakhya Junction. It would be best to take a cab or bus from the railway station to reach the island. A train from New Delhi railway station takes nearly 28 hours to get to Guwahati Junction.
From New Delhi railway station, two trains journey daily to Guwahati junction. However, you can also start your journey from other major cities because this railway is well connected to other cities.
Through Road
Guwahati has a well-maintained transport network, connecting neighbouring cities and states through bus services. Three important nearby ports are Paltan Bazar, ISBT, and Adabari. Through NH.31, this city is connected to Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar.
On the other hand, NH.37 connects this city to other towns of Assam. The standard buses are relatively cheaper, but AC bus services are also available, which are comfortable.
Top Attractions To Explore Umananda Island:
1. Umananda Temple
This temple is the key attraction of this island. It is also the most visited sightseeing in Assam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The surrounding beauty of this temple is quite mesmerizing. People can feel a spiritual atmosphere around this temple. This temple is located at the top of a hill named Bhasmakuta or Bhasmakala.
Local people believe that skilled Assamese workers craft this picturesque temple. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. However devotees visit this temple all around the year, but a large number of devotees come to this place during the Shivaratri festival.
2. Nehru Park
It is quite a beautiful landscaped garden of this place. This fantastic park features lots of Stunning sculptures and flower gardens. It also offers playgrounds for children. This tranquil park is in the heart of the city.
On the opposite side, you can see Cotton College. That’s why this park is an ideal place for recreation. It helps individuals to refresh their minds.
3. Madan Kamdev
It is a famous archaeological site in this country. It is probably dated back to the 9th or 10th century AD. Kamarupa’s Pala Dynasty built this charming historical site.
Most interestingly, this temple spans nearly 500 meters because it is in a wide remote place. With this main temple, tourists can discover other temples of various sizes within the temple area.
Popular Adventure Activities Of Umananda Island:
#1. Ferry Ride
Here you can enjoy a fantastic ferry trip, which starts from Kachari ghat and ends at the Umananda temple of this island. While travelling, you can enjoy the surrounding views. Tourists can get here by government and private ferries.
#2. Rock Climbing
To experience this stunning activity, you have to visit the Assam Zoo. This excellent zoo is nearly 6 km away from this island and offers artificial rock climbing to its visitors. This rock climbing takes almost an hour. This activity lets you watch the scenic areas near the zoo.
#3. Ropeway
It comes under one of the most enjoyable activities in this place. It can offer you some excellent views of the Brahmaputra River. As per the information, it is the largest river ropeway in India.
Surprisingly, this ropeway has a 2 km distance, which connects Guwahati town and the north bank of the Brahmaputra river.
#4. Water Zorbing
It is a unique activity that you can enjoy at limited spots. Fortunately, this place provides an opportunity to enjoy Water Zorbing to its visitors. This activity allows you to roll across a water body within a clear giant bubble.
This activity is held under the guidance of professionals. You can enjoy this activity for around 15 minutes. It is pretty famous among the kids. While visiting this place, remember to experience this thrilling activity.
The Famous Festival of Umananda Island:
This island is based on the Umananda temple, that’s why two significant festivals related to Lord Shiva are celebrated.
(1) Maha Shivaratri
It is a significant Hindu festival celebrated among several devotees of lord Shiva. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva married his consort Parvati on this festival day.
That’s why this festival is marked explicitly by married couples. It is also believed that lord Shiva performed Ananda Tandava as Nataraja during this night. Several devotees come to this island to take blessings from lord Shiva.
(2) Shiva Chaturdashi
It is another major festival on this island. It is believed that if one worships lord Shiva on Amavasya Tithi (if it falls on Monday), it brings the highest bliss.
It is the most colorful festival on this island, which is held here annually. Every year countless devotees come to this island to worship their God.
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Food at Umananda Island
Tourists can taste a few delightful Assamese and Bengali cuisines here. While visiting this region, remember to enjoy these delicious foods. These meals are made from fresh ingredients like – herbs, meats, fish, and vegetables.
Some popular food items on this island are listed below:
- Momos
- Masor Tenga
- Thukpa
- Khaar
- Assam Tea
- Silkworms etc.
Most Suitable Season To Visit Umananda Island
This place can be visited throughout the year. But the most preferable month to visit this island is October to May. During this time, the weather remains enjoyable for exploring adventure activities. These months have a clear sky which is perfect for visiting nearby attractions. Try to avoid seeing this place during the rainy season because a ferry trip may be difficult at this time.
Accommodation Tourists Can Get Near Umananda Island
While visiting this island, visitors can get several premium and budget-friendly hotels. These hotels provide excellent customer service to their customers by professional employees.
Some popular hotels on this island are:
- Prag Continental hotel
- Atithi
- Hotel Nandan
- Hotel raj mahal
- Dynasty Hotel etc.
Conclusion
This island has immense mythological significance. Several devotees come to this island every year to take lord Shiva’s blessings. Moreover, this island also has great importance in balancing biodiversity. It is a perfect destination to escape from crowded city life and spend some time in a peaceful environment.
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