Photo spot in Guwahati
Umananda Temple
Guwahati, Assam
A Shiva temple on Peacock Island — the smallest inhabited river island in the world — reached by a short ferry across the Brahmaputra.
Best time
Morning — calm water and soft light on the island; late afternoon for a golden glow on the river on the last boats back.
Best angle
Sit at the back of the ferry on the way out and photograph Peacock Island ahead, with the temple roof showing through the trees.
Entry fee
Ferry fare
Opening hours
6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ferry hours)
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Umananda Temple
Morning — calm water and soft light on the island; late afternoon for a golden glow on the river on the last boats back. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Umananda Temple
Sit at the back of the ferry on the way out and photograph Peacock Island ahead, with the temple roof showing through the trees. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the ferry with the island behind
By the island temple
Outfit guide
What to wear at Umananda Temple
For photos at Umananda Temple, saffron, white and river blue work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
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Traditional wear for this spot
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Eat nearby
Food near Umananda Temple
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Good to know
Local tips
Take the government ferry from Kachari Ghat for the cheapest crossing.
Ask when the last boat back leaves as soon as you land on the island.
Wear sandals you can take off easily, because the temple steps and jetty are often wet.
Go on a weekday morning if you want a calm visit, as Mondays and weekends are busier.
Keep your phone in a zip bag on the boat in case of spray or rain.
Skip the trip on days of heavy rain or thick fog, when ferries are often cancelled.
Combine the ferry with a walk along the Uzan Bazar riverfront afterwards.
A temple in the middle of the river
Umananda Temple stands on Peacock Island, a small rocky island in the Brahmaputra opposite the Guwahati courts. It is often called the smallest inhabited river island in the world. The Ahom king Gadadhar Singha had the temple built in the 1690s, and it was rebuilt after later earthquakes. It is dedicated to Shiva, and inside you will see carvings of Hindu deities on the rock faces around the shrine.
Getting there
Ferries leave from Kachari Ghat, near Uzan Bazar on MG Road. Government boats are cheapest and run roughly every half hour through the day, while private motorboats leave when they fill and cost more. The crossing takes about ten to fifteen minutes. Boats usually start around 7 am, and the last run back is in the late afternoon, so do not leave it too late. Services can pause when the river is very high or foggy.
On the island
From the jetty, a flight of steep stone steps climbs to the temple. The climb is short but slippery after rain. The island is tiny, so an hour is enough to visit the temple, sit by the river and catch the boat back. Peacock Island was once home to a small group of golden langurs, but the last one died in 2020, so do not come expecting to see them.
When to go
Mondays, which are sacred to Shiva, are busier than other weekdays. Maha Shivaratri, in February or March, brings the biggest crowds of the year. In the monsoon the river runs fast and brown, and boats may be suspended for safety.
Photos
The best photos are from the boat, not the island. Sit at the back on the way out for the island ahead, and at the front on the way back for the Guwahati skyline.
Questions
Umananda Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Umananda Temple?
Morning — calm water and soft light on the island; late afternoon for a golden glow on the river on the last boats back. Sit at the back of the ferry on the way out and photograph Peacock Island ahead, with the temple roof showing through the trees.
Is there an entry fee at Umananda Temple?
Entry to Umananda Temple is by ferry fare.
What are the opening hours of Umananda Temple?
Umananda Temple is open 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ferry hours).
What should I wear at Umananda Temple?
Saffron, white and river blue photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Umananda Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning — calm water and soft light on the island; late afternoon for a golden glow on the river on the last boats back.
Which ghat does the Umananda ferry leave from?
Kachari Ghat, near Uzan Bazar on MG Road, is the main ferry point. Some private boats also leave from the Fancy Bazaar side, but Kachari Ghat is the easiest to find and has the regular government service.
How long do I need for Umananda?
About an hour and a half including the ferry both ways. The island is small, and the temple takes twenty to thirty minutes.
Are there still golden langurs on Peacock Island?
No. The island's small group of golden langurs dwindled over the years, and the last one died in 2020. The species survives in western Assam and Bhutan.
Do the Umananda ferries run in the monsoon?
They run on most days, but can be suspended when the Brahmaputra is very high or the weather is bad. Check at the ghat before planning your day around it.