Are you looking for a travel destination that offers nature and spirituality in abundance? If yes, then you should consider Goalpara, a district in the state of Assam, India, that has a rich diversity of natural and cultural attractions. Goalpara is a place where you can witness the harmony of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam, as well as the vibrant Vaishnavite culture of Assam.
Goalpara is also a place where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of lakes, hills, forests and rivers, as well as the wildlife and birdlife of Manas National Park.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Goalpara, such as how to reach it, when to visit it, what to see and do there, and what holiday packages are available for it.
How to Reach Goalpara
Goalpara is well-connected by road, rail and air to other parts of India. You can reach Goalpara by the following modes of transport:
By Air: The nearest airport to Goalpara is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is about 130 km away. You can take a flight from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai to Guwahati, and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Goalpara.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Goalpara is Goalpara Town Railway Station, which is about 3 km from the city centre. You can take a train from Guwahati, New Jalpaiguri, Kolkata and other cities to Goalpara Town Railway Station, and then take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to your destination.
By Road: Goalpara is well-connected by road to other cities in Assam and neighbouring states. You can take a bus from Guwahati, Bongaigaon, Barpeta and other places to Goalpara Bus Station, which is about 2 km from the city centre. You can also drive your own car or hire a taxi to reach Goalpara by road.
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Best Time to Visit Goalpara
The best time to visit Goalpara is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C during this period, and the rainfall is minimal. You can also enjoy the festivals of Bihu, Durga Puja and Muharram during this time.
The summer season from April to June is hot and humid in Goalpara, with the temperature reaching up to 35°C. The monsoon season from July to September is wet and cloudy in Goalpara, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. These seasons are not ideal for visiting Goalpara, as they may cause inconvenience and discomfort for travellers.
Places to See in Goalpara
Goalpara has a rich diversity of natural and cultural attractions that cater to different interests and preferences of travellers. Some of the places to see in Goalpara are:
Surya Pahar: Surya Pahar is an archaeological site that showcases the rock-cut sculptures of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain deities. It is believed that Surya Pahar was once a centre of worship for these three religions. You can see more than 100 sculptures of gods and goddesses carved on the rocks and hills at Surya Pahar. You can also visit the nearby Surya Temple that is dedicated to the Sun God.
Dadan Hill: Dadan Hill is another archaeological site that displays the rock sculpture and figurines of various animals and humans. It is said that Dadan Hill was once a fort of King Dadan Borphukan, who was a general of Ahom Kingdom. You can also see a Shiva Temple on the hilltop that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Tukreswari Rock: Tukreswari Rock is a religious site that houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is believed that Tukreswari Rock was one of the places where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell after Lord Shiva carried her corpse across the world. You can also enjoy rock climbing on the hill that has many boulders and caves.
Pir Majhar: Pir Majhar is a tomb constructed in memory of Pir Sayed Abul Kasem, who was a Muslim saint and preacher. It is located amid evergreen forests and vivid landscape that create a serene atmosphere for visitors. You can also see many devotees who come here to pay their respects and seek blessings from Pir Majhar.
Sri Sri Chaitnya Gaudiya Math: Sri Sri Chaitnya Gaudiya Math is a cultural hub that follows the Sri Krishna Chaitanya culture that originated in Bengal. It hosts many events and festivals that celebrate the life and teachings of Lord Krishna and his devotees. You can also see many paintings and sculptures that depict the stories and legends of Lord Krishna at Sri Sri Chaitnya Gaudiya Math.
Buraburi Than: Buraburi Than is a religious site that worships Goddess Buraburi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is located on the bank of the Brahmaputra River and has a temple and a pond that are considered sacred by the locals. You can also see many rituals and offerings that are performed by the devotees at Buraburi Than.
Sri Sri Joybhum Kamakhya: Sri Sri Joybhum Kamakhya is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas or sacred sites of Goddess Shakti. It is situated on a hill that overlooks the Dudhnoi River and has a temple that enshrines the yoni or the female organ of Goddess Sati. You can also see many pilgrims who visit Sri Sri Joybhum Kamakhya to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
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Things to Do in Goalpara
Goalpara offers a range of activities for travellers who want to have fun and adventure in their trip. Some of the things to do in Goalpara are:
Boating: You can enjoy boating on the Urpad Beel and Kumri Lake, which are natural lakes with water plants, fish and migratory birds. You can also see the scenic beauty of the lakes and their surroundings while boating.
Birdwatching: You can indulge in birdwatching at the Urpad Beel and Kumri Lake, which are home to many species of birds, such as kingfishers, egrets, herons, ducks and geese. You can also spot some rare and endangered birds, such as black-necked stork, greater adjutant stork and white-winged wood duck at these lakes.
Wildlife Safari: You can go for a wildlife safari at the Manas National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve with diverse wildlife and scenery. You can see many animals, such as one-horned rhinos, elephants, tigers, leopards, deer and monkeys at Manas National Park. You can also enjoy the views of the Himalayan foothills, the Manas River and the grasslands at Manas National Park.
Trekking: You can go for trekking on the hills and valleys of Goalpara, which offer a challenging and rewarding experience for adventure seekers. You can explore the natural beauty, flora and fauna of Goalpara while trekking. You can also visit some of the historical and religious sites, such as Surya Pahar, Dadan Hill and Tukreswari Rock while trekking.
Camping: You can go for camping at some of the scenic spots in Goalpara, such as Surya Pahar, Dadan Hill and Tukreswari Rock. You can pitch your tents, light a bonfire and enjoy the starry night with your friends and family. You can also experience the local culture, cuisine and hospitality of Goalpara while camping.
Conclusion
Goalpara is a district in Assam that offers a variety of attractions for travellers who seek natural beauty, cultural heritage and religious significance. It has many places to see, things to do and holiday packages to choose from. It is also well-connected by road, rail and air to other parts of India. The best time to visit Goalpara is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
If you are looking for a travel destination that offers nature and spirituality in abundance, then Goalpara is the place for you.
