Golaghat, bounded by Brahmaputra River in the north and the state of Nagaland in the south, is a major administrative district of Assam. With a total population of about 945,781, the majority of which comprises of cultivators, the region contributes a lot to the production and economy of the state. In addition to the attractions located within the place, a number of tourist destinations are present at a short distance and a visit to these places is definitely a must if you want to make your trip to Golaghat, complete. Let us explore the tourist places near Golaghat in detail.Excursions From Golaghat
Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary
Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. The place is 25 km from the town of Golaghat and is home to a number of wild animals, like the hoolock gibbon and the golden langur. This region is famous for its hot water springs, from which its name also seems to have originated. Lucky visitors may also get to see herds of wild elephants grazing by the side of the NH 39, which passes through the thickest portion of this reserve, especially in the winter season.
Negheriting Shiva Mandir
About 30 km from the town of Golaghat and 32 km from Jorhat is the Negheriting Shiva Temple, perched atop a small hill, bordered by lush tea gardens. This temple was established in the 18th century, by the famous Ahom king, Rajeswar Singh, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. This temple contains the shrine of Bana Lingam, engraved on a large slab as the main sanctum or the sanctum sanctorum. Apart from this, the temple also houses a number of other sanctums, devoted to Lord Ganesh, Lord Vishnu, Surya and Goddess Durga. The major festivals celebrated in the temple are Shivratri and Pradosham. It is also a very famous picnic spot visited by hundreds of natives and tourists every year.
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is one of the most visited wildlife reserve of India and is situated on the southern bank of the river Brahmaputra. This park was established in 1908, as a game reserve and later, declared as a national park (in 1974). In 1985, it was recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO, housing a number of wild animals and migratory birds like the one-horned rhino, tiger, leopard, elephant, wild pig, hog deer, swamp deer and buffalo. Watch towers are present within the vicinity of the reserve, for the purpose of viewing the wildlife in the swamp areas and the forest department also organizes elephant and jeep safaris into the sanctuary. The best time to visit the park is from December to March.
Golaghat Baptist Church
Golaghat Baptist Church is one of the oldest and the largest Baptist churches situated in Assam. It was established in December 1898. The man behind this great endeavor was Dr. O.L. Swanson, who was a missionary from the United States and came to Assam in 1893, along with his wife. The church is located at a distance of 25 km from the town of Golaghat and holds special services on specific occasions, apart from the regular devotional and prayer services. It also provides help to the poor and the needy.
