env2024@iitg.ac.in     +91-361-2583050

ENVIRONMENT 2024

An International Conference on Environmental Challenges, Opportunities and Sustainable Solutions

Venue


ACADEMIC COMPLEX | CORE 5

Location

The conference will be held at Core 5, Classroom complex in the beautiful campus of Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG). IITG is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. It is around 20 km from the heart of the city and around 40 min drive from the Guwahati Airport. Guwahati is the gateway of the North-East and is well connected to other parts of our country by air, rail, and road. There are direct air services to reach Guwahati from/to Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata. These airports have connectivity to all major cities in India. Also, Guwahati is serviced by direct train services from/to all the metropolis and other major cities of India.

To reach the institute from the city, there is an Institute bus service that runs regularly to and from the city.

Campus Map - click here





Tourist Destinations near Guwahati

Assam is a beautiful and diverse state with an incredible culture and beautiful landscapes. The state is located in the northeast region of India. Assam shares its borders with the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Guwahati lies between the banks of the Brahmaputra River and the foothills of the Shillong plateau. The city has LGB International Airport to the west and the town of Narengi to the east. The city is gradually expanded as North Guwahati at the northern bank of the Brahmaputra. The Guwahati region hosts diverse wildlife including rare animals such as Asian elephants, pythons, tigers, rhinoceros, gaurs, primate species, and endangered birds. Many places in the city and its outskirts attract the attention of the visitors.

Kamakhya Temple
The Nilachal Hill, located 7 km from Guwahati city, holds significant historical, archaeological, and religious importance. Once believed to be a 'Khasi' sacrificial site, the hill is now home to a cluster of ancient temples, with the most prominent being the Kamakhya Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti or Kamakhya, this temple is the oldest and most revered center for Shakti worship, contributing to the spread of Tantrik Hinduism.

Legend conveys that when Lord Shiva carried the corpse of the deceased Sati, the female genitalia (yoni) fell onto this hill and turned it to bluish hue, thus earning it with the name 'Neelachal' (Blue Spread).

Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park, located 200 km from Guwahati, is a prime attraction for tourists. The part with its unique mix of animals and birds is a well known tourist spot for the visitors to explore due to its authentic . The park spans 450 square kilometers and is blessed by the Brahmaputra River in its entire stretch. This World Heritage Site is renowned for breeding and housing the one-horned rhinoceros. It also boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including shallow water fowls, pond herons, fishing eagles, egrets, river terns, adjutant storks, and black-necked storks.

Riding a tall elephant through the park is an unforgettable experience. With grass growing taller than the elephants themselves, and observing the rhinos as they skillfully navigate away from the trained pachyderms is truly a sight to behold.

Manas National Park
Manas National Park, one of India's most stunning national parks, is located 180 km from Guwahati. Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, the park covers an area of 390 square kilometers. It is a haven for wildlife, providing breeding and playgrounds for tigers, langurs, water buffaloes, rhinos, Assamese macaques, and hoolock gibbons.

The lush forest cover and marshy areas also create a perfect habitat for various bird species. Visitors can spot giant hornbills (both pied and gray), jungle fowl, scarlet minivets, and more, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

Dirgheswari Temple
Dirgheswari Temple is situated on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River in North Guwahati, Assam, India. This temple, built by Ahom king Swargadeo Siva Singha, stands as a significant Shakti Peetha, a revered site for Shakti worship. The area is notable for its ancient rock images that exist alongside the temple. The present brick structure of the Dirgheswari Temple, constructed during the reign of Swargadeo Siva Singha (1714 CE-1744 CE), was overseen by Tarun Duwarah Barphukan, the Ahom viceroy of Guwahati and Lower Assam.

The main attraction of Dirgheswari Temple is the annual Durga Puja celebration, which draws devotees from distant places to participate in the festivities.

Aswaklanta Temple
Aswaklanta is a renowned Hindu temple located on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra River in Kamrup district, Assam. Situated near Assam's capital, Guwahati, it is a popular tourist destination. The temple was established in 1720 AD by the Ahom King Shiva Singha. According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Krishna was searching for Narakasur, his horses became tired and rested at this spot. Hence the location is named as Aswaklanta, which means "tired horses." Another legend suggests that Arjuna, the third of the Pandavas, was persuaded to stay here as part of a conspiracy that led to his son Abhimanyu's death in the war. This place was originally called Abhi-kranta in Assamese, which later evolved into Aswaklanta.

In 1897, a massive earthquake demolished a significant portion of the temple. However, under the initiative of Lord Curzon, the Viceroy at that time, the temple was renovated. There was once a sacrificial space or Kunda at the site, but it has since been washed away by the Brahmaputra River.

Uma Nanda Temple/ Peacock Island
The Brahmaputra River plays a crucial role in shaping the lifestyles and survival of the Assamese people, especially those in Guwahati. However, even this mighty river yields to the gods when they choose to establish their abode right in its midst.

The Shiva temple of Umananda is prominently situated on Peacock Island (World`s smallest river island) in the middle of the Brahmaputra River. Perched atop a mound accessible by steep steps from the shore, the temple stands as a testament to divine presence. Boat ferries and motor launches depart regularly for the temple from Umananda Ghat on the shore, offering visitors a chance to experience this unique site.

Basistha Ashram
Vasishtha, also known as Basistha, the learned sage, is credited with writing the Hindu epic Vasishtha Ramayana, also known as the behind-the-scenes Ramayana. The fact that this epic has endured for millennia, been translated into several languages, and is still recited daily in many households speaks volumes about the sage's abilities and knowledge. Vasishtha is believed to have established an ashram here and spent his final days at this location. A grave dedicated to the sage can be seen at the ashram.

Nearby, three mountain tributaries—Sandhya, Lalita, and Kanta—flow by the ashram. The picturesque surroundings and the belief in longevity after a holy dip in these three streams have enhanced the popularity of this religious site. The ashram is conveniently located about 12 km from the railway station.