Assam is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is home to many alluring ancient temples in India. Travel to a pilgrimage destination with ASTC, and save more on travel expenses without compromising your comfort.
Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) is a trustworthy public bus service that interconnects cities, hilly regions, and highways across the state. It operates a fleet of over 500 regular state buses and more than 1,200 privately owned buses, ensuring convenient travel.
Keeping the comfort of passengers in mind, ASTC offers various buses ranging from AC/Non AC Hi-Tech Luxury to Semi-Deluxe, AC/Non AC Hi-Tech, Volvo, AC/Non AC Seater, and Deluxe.
Here are some popular pilgrimage destinations in Assam you can travel to by booking ASTC bus tickets.
Kamakhya Temple
Nestled in the Nilachal Hill of western Guwahati, Assam – Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shakti peethas in India. The temples surrounding the main shrine are dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas: Bhairavi, Kali, Tara, Chhinnamasta, Sodashi, Dhumavati, Bhuvaneswari, Matangi, Bagalamukhi, and Kamalatmika.
This centre of Tantra worship attracts a large crowd of devotees during the Ambubachi Mela – the annual fair. Durga Puja is also celebrated every year during Navratri.
Several ASTC buses depart every hour from Bharalumukh and arrive at Paltan Bazaar for Kamakhya Temple pilgrims. In addition, regular ASTC buses ply between the railway station and the temple, with a travel time of 20-25 minutes.
Negheriting Shiva Doul
Located on a hillock about 1.5 km north of National Highway 37 in Assam’s Golaghat District, the Negheriting Shiva Doul temple was built by the Kacharis during the 8th and 9th century AD. However, it was destroyed multiple times due to natural calamities. Ahom King – Rajeswar Singha reconstructed the present temple.
The Shiva Doul consists of the ‘Bana Linga’ that is around 3 ft in diameter, with four small Douls on the premises devoted to Durga, Ganesh, Vishnu, and Surya.
ASTC buses regularly commute from Guwahati and other parts of Assam to Golaghat, providing pilgrims with an economical and comfortable travel option.
Shiva Dol
Located on the banks of the River Borpukhuri – Shiva Dol consists of three Hindu shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and the Goddess Mother. Every year, a fair is organized during Mahashivaratri, attended by thousands of Pilgrims from all over India.
Rath Yatra and Dol Yatra are celebrated annually at the Vishnu Dol. In September-October, Durga Puja is also celebrated at Devi Dol.
ASTC provides regular buses to Sibsagar Shiva dol, which can be booked online or at the ASTC bus counters. This facilitates easy and secure travel for pilgrims.
Basistha Ashram
This temple belongs to Maharshi Basistha, the famous sage and one of the Saptarshis. The Basistha temple was built in 1764 by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha. Situated in southeast Guwahati, this temple is of Vedic significance. The Basistha temple is easily accessible via ASTC buses.
Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar
Located in the Jorhat district of Assam, Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar was founded by the saint-reformer Madhavdeva. This place witnesses a large crowd of pilgrims and devotees daily and higher during the sacred months of Bhadra. August to September is the death anniversary of the gurus Madhavdeva and Srimanta Sankardeva.
To reach this place at minimum cost and maximum safety, you can take the ASTC buses operating from Guwahati to Jorhat.
Concluding Thoughts
Hundreds and thousands of devotees visit these top pilgrimage destinations in Assam annually. To make this journey comfortable and convenient for the pilgrims, ASTC has tied up with redBus for simple, easy, and cost-effective bookings. You can reserve your ASTC pilgrimage bus tickets online with a few clicks and without hassle. ASTC offers a unique scheme for pilgrims under the Dharmajyoti Scheme, which provides a 25% concession on the regular fare.
Visit the redBus website to book your ASTC bus tickets today or explore other routes and destinations in Assam!