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Umananda River Island: A Miniature Marvel on the Brahmaputra

Discover Umananda Island: The world's smallest inhabited river island, home to the sacred Umananda Temple on the Brahmaputra.

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Umananda Island, also known as Peacock Island, is the smallest inhabited river island in the world, situated in the middle of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam. Home to the Umananda Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it's a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance.

A brief summary to Umananda River Island

  • 5PWV+GVJ, Umananda, Guwahati, Baruah Souk, North Guwahati, Assam, 784522, IN

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
  • Check the ferry schedule in advance, as timings may vary depending on the season and river conditions.
  • Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
  • Be respectful of the religious site and dress modestly.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Guwahati, take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to Kachari Ghat, near the Guwahati High Court. From Kachari Ghat, ferries regularly depart for Umananda Island. Government ferries are the most budget-friendly option, costing around ₹40 for a round trip, but they have limited operating hours. Private ferries offer more flexible timings but cost more, ranging from ₹300 to ₹800 for a round trip. The ferry ride takes approximately 10 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Take a taxi or ride-share service directly to Kachari Ghat in Guwahati. From there, take a ferry to Umananda Island. A short taxi ride within Guwahati will typically cost between ₹150-₹300, depending on the distance and traffic. Once at Kachari Ghat, you will need to take a ferry to reach the island. Ferry fares range from ₹40 for a round trip on a government ferry to ₹300-₹800 for a round trip on a private ferry.

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Discover more about Umananda River Island

Umananda Island, locally known as Peacock Island, is a captivating destination steeped in mythology and natural charm. This tiny islet, recognized as the smallest inhabited river island globally, sits in the heart of the Brahmaputra River, Guwahati. The island is easily accessible by ferry from Kachari Ghat. The island's name, Umananda, is derived from the Assamese words 'Uma,' another name for the Hindu goddess Parvati, and 'ananda,' meaning joy. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva created this island to bring joy to his consort, Parvati. Another legend recounts that Kamadeva, the god of love, interrupted Shiva's deep meditation on the island and was reduced to ashes by Shiva's third eye, leading to the island also being known as Bhasmachal, the 'hill of ashes'. The primary attraction on Umananda Island is the Umananda Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in 1694 by the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha, the temple houses a statue of Lord Shiva and showcases Assamese craftsmanship. Although an earthquake in 1897 caused damage, it was later restored, with the temple now displaying a mix of Hindu Vaishnavism and Shaivism. Stone sculptures of various Hindu deities, including Ganesha, Surya, Vishnu, and Devi, can be found here. Umananda was once home to a population of golden langurs, an endangered primate species. Introduced in the 1980s, the last langur died in 2020. The island is also dotted with tamarind trees, adding to its scenic beauty. Visiting Umananda offers a serene escape and a unique opportunity to explore a significant religious site amidst the natural splendor of the Brahmaputra.

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