Set in the foothills of eastern flanks of the Himalayan mountain range, it is the biggest city of Assam in India. It is also the commercial capital of the state and the gateway to other northeastern states. Ancient name of Guwahati is Pragjyotishpur means city of eastern light.

According to legend, Guwahati was the capital of Demon king ‘ Narakashura’ of ‘Pragjyotishpura’. It was semi mythical town founded by the demon king, who later killed by Lord Krishna. The city finds place in the Epic ‘Mahabharata’ and located at the land of Kamrupa from which the present day name of Kamrup administrative district under which Guwahati city was derived. The main inhabitant of the land is Ahom tribe. The city was much colorful much before the Ahom arrival. Unfortunately, most of the old city was wiped out by huge earthquake in 19th century followed by a series of ravaging floods.

The present name Guwahati is derived from two word – ‘Guwa means areca nut and ‘Hati’ means market. Dispur, the capital of Assam is located at the center of Guwahati and an important center of socio-culture, political, industrial, trade and commerce of the entire region. It is also houses the largest tea auction market in India. Although Guwahati serves as the gateway to northeastern states but it also hold number of famous tourist attractions like Kamakhya temple, Basistha Ashram, State Zoo, Umanda temple and soem old masjid and dargah.

Sights And Activities

Kaziranga National Park
The most illustrious national park of India for its big beasts. It is located at central Assam and covered an area of 430sq.km. It is also home of highly endangered species of one horned rhinoceros. The landscape comprises of tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, mellow marshes and shallow pools. Other than rhinoceros, elephant, bison, sambar, hog deer, leopard, sloth bear, jungle cat and tigers adorned the forest.

Kamakhya Mandir
It is believed that one of the body parts of Lord Shiva’s wife fell on the Kamakhya Hill and thereafter the Kamakhya Mandir has become an important center for tantric worship of female spirited power. The inner sanctum is sticky with blood where goats are ritually beheaded. Ambubachi Mela is the famous festival occurs in the month of June. Nine nearby mandirs represent incarnations of Shakti.

Riverside Guwahati
Another beautiful and highly revered temple called Umananda Mandir situated on a beautiful forested river island, access only by cruise boats. The boats depart from Kacheri Ghat that offers attractive river view. Sukreshwar Devalaya is another temple where holy water dribbles constantly over a Lord Shiva lingam from a suspended bell metal amphora.

Fancy Bazaar
This is the Guwahati’s commercial center that afford to have silver spired church, a Sikh temple dome and minarets rising like lighthouses above the stacked signboards and shop fronts.

Assam State Museum
The excellent museum preserve some of the rarest tribal artifacts, ancient Assamese coins, fabrics and fabulous sculptures of 14th century.

Vashistha Ashram
The ashram is located about 12km from the railway station. It is believed to be the abode of sage Vashistha. An interesting old shrine with green surrounding and three beautiful streams
Kanta, Lalita and Sandhya. Nearby Ugratara Temple is famous for its golden deity and buffalo sacrifices.

Guwahati Zoo
The largest natural zoo of the country is worth a visit.