Picturesque
Guwahati on the banks of mighty river Brahmaputra is the capital of
north-eastern state of Assam. It is also called the 'gateway to the
north-east'. Guwahati was formerly known as Pragjyotishpur (the City of
Eastern Light). The diverse landscape of this beautiful city includes
mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, forests, traditional buildings of older
period and modern structures. Furthermore, it is a place having many
beautiful temples. Guwahati houses the political capital of the state-
Dispur. Many other tourist attractions of north-east can be reached only
from Guwahati.
Best Season to Visit : September-April
Sightseeing at Guwahati -
Kamakhya temple : The Kamakhya temple atop the Nilachal hills
attracts tourists in large numbers. The temple is one of the most sacred
among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the whole world. The temple
was built in the 10th century AD by the Koch king Naranarayan. The Ambubachi
Mela(Fair) held during the monsoon season in the temple premises also
attracts devotees in large numbers.
Umananda Temple : Umananda is regarded as the smallest river island
in the world. At the very centre of the tiny island is Umananda Shiva
temple. The beautiful temple built during the Ahom period can be reached
only through motor boats and public ferries.The temple is visited in large
numbers.
Guwahati
Zoo and Zoological Gardens : The zoo at Guwahati is the largest natural
zoo in India. Different animal and bird species including Assam's famed one
-horned rhino could be seen in the zoo. There is also a museum and a
beautiful zoological garden within the zoo premises.
Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra : The Kalakshetra is the newest
addition to the many attractions of Guwahati. Built in the 1990's, the
artistic excellence of Assam and rest of the north-eastern region is
displayed here. There are eateries, places of worship, emporiums and open
air theatres within the sprawling Kalakshetra premises.
Other attractions worth a visit in Guwahati are Nabagraha temple, Basistha
Ashram, Karmanasha Islands and Dol Gobinda temple.
Reaching Guwahati -
Air : Flights are available to Guwahati from many destinations of
India including the metropolitan cities.
Rail : Guwahati is well connected with the rest of India through a
good railway network.
Road : Guwahati can also be reached through road transport from the
West Bengal side. From Guwahati, regular bus services are available to most
places of Assam and the north-eastern region.
STD/ISD Codes -
if dialing from India to Guwahati: 0361(number)
if dialing from outside India to Guwahati: +91361(number)
Shopping in Guwahati -
The traditional handloom and handicrafts of Assam are among the best buys
of Guwahati. Bamboo is extensively used in making most handicrafts. Sarees
made of pat and muga are also very popular. Guwahati is one of the best
places to buy unique decorative items.
The main shopping places of the city are FancyBazaar, Paltan Bazaar, Pan
Bazaar, Ganeshguri and Maligaon.
Guwahati Attractions
