Guwahati

Guwahati is one of India's premier north-eastern city destinations. With its spectacular topography, rich cultural heritage and warm friendly people-Guwahati has something to offer to everyone. Situated beside the most impressive wide and muddy Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is considered as the gateway of entire north-east India.

Once known as "Pragjyotishpura" in Mahabharata, Guwahati reflects the amalgamation of different communities with the cultural and racial distinctiveness, including tribal or non-tribal, Assamese or Non-Assamese entailing mutual understanding, intimate contact and cultural interchanges. "Guwa" means "betel-nut" and "Hat" means "Market", hereby, the name "Guwahati" suggests a prime commercial centre of the north-eastern states. Guwahati is not only famous for being the main centre of oil industries and tea plantations, but is also considered as the hub of Assamese handicrafts and handloom items.

Geographical description:

Altitude: 55 meters.

Temperature (deg c):
Summer:
Max35 Min 22
Winter:
Max26 Min10

Rainfall:180 c.ms
(from May to September)

Best season:
October to March

Culture and Heritage:

Guwahati's colourful history and exotic look of culture represents a harmonious symphony of multi-racial population. Lots of temples and monuments can be found in Guwahati.

Kamakhya Temple: Located on the top of Nilanchal hill i.e. 8km away from the railway station Kamakhya temple is recognised as the most powerful tantrik shrines of Shakti form of worship in the world.

Navagraha Temple: "Navagraha" means "nine planets" and this temple "Navagraha" represents the worship of nine planets of the world. As such, this temple situated on Chitrachal hill has long been known as the centre of astrology and astromony.

Umananda Temple: Situated on an island in the middle of Brahmaputra, Umananda temple has always been attracting the tourists with its fascinating view.

Vashistha Ashram: Acclaimed as a place, where Rishi Vashistha lived once is also famous as a picnic spot with the temple inside, waterfall and its beautiful natural scenario.

Diverse Natural Attraction:

Guwahati provides some of the finest sight-seeing options viz. DeeporBeel, Dighali Pukhuri, Jorpukhuri with its diverse natural attraction. The Zoo and Botanical garden is a home of many living specimens of animals, birds and reptiles. Botanical garden offers a refreshing view with lush green surroundings and vibrant colours of tropical flora.

Museums and Galleries:

Museums and galleries in Guwahati offer a fascinating perspective of Assamese and historical, cultural, artistic and natural heritage. Assam State Museum in Ambari has a good collection of archaeological, ethnographic and natural items. Displays of weaving, musical instruments and sculpture have enlarged the gallery. Similarly, Sankardev Kalakshetra has also an excellent collection of cultural artefacts, textiles, prints, traditional items and many more. It has a fine collection of paintings too.

Shopping:

Guwahati is a shoppers' paradise with hundreds of retail outlets, numerous modern shopping complexes, handicraft stores and side-walk bazars. The main shopping areas are concentrated in Fancy bazar, Panbazar, Ganeshguri and G.S.Road. The highly versatile Assamese Pat and Muga silk are available as individually designed pieces can be considered as the main attraction of Assamese markets.

Entertainment:

Guwahati offers an exciting choice of entertainment including cultural centres, multiplexes, eating joints, water parks, pubs and hotels.

Best time to Visit:October to March

Around the City:

Around Guwahati there are some other sight-seeing touring options which carry their natural, historical, religious and cultural values. Among them Hajo, Sualkuchi, Pabitora, Madan Kamdev, Chandubi, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is worth mentioning.

Getting Around the City:

Visitors to Guwahati have a variety of transportation modes to choose for travelling around and out of the city. With the city's efficient network of air, train, bus and taxi services, getting around the city is very convenient and affordable.

Accomodation:

From expensive to budget accommodation, city hotels to river-bank resorts, Guwahati caters for every preference and budget for the tourists.

Famous Hotels are:

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Guwahati