Guwahati is situated on the southern bank of the mighty Brahamputra river in Kamrup district of Assam, Guwahati is a fast growing premier city .It is the gateway to the North eastern states of India and a principal centre of socio-cultural, political, industrial and trade and commerce of the entire region. Dispur, the capital of Assam is a part of Guwahati. A reference of Guwahati has been mentioned in the Kalikapuran and Mahabharata. A copper plate inscription of Balavarman II, a king of Kamrupa distinctly states that "Naraka lived in the city named Pragjotishpur within Kamrup and that the city was full of areca nut trees wrapped by pan creepers". Hence, this city subsequently got the name Guwahati. The word `Guwa' in Assamese means areca nut and 'Hat' means market. The mighty river Brahmaputra passes through Guwahati and atop Nilachal Hills, 8 km. from the city centre lays the famous Shakti temple of Goddess Kamakhya, one of the 51 Sakti peeths in the country.

Guwahati:Places To See

Kamakhya Temple
Situated atop the Nilachal Hills, the foremost shrine of Assam, Kamakhya is an ancient seat of Tantrik and Shakti cults of Hinduism. A little distance from Kamakhya temple is Bubhaneshwari temple from where one can have a panoramic view of the Brahmaputra River and the city.

Sukreswar Temple
Close by the North Brooke Gate, built to welcome the then Viceroy of India, Lord North Brooke, Sukreswar temple is famous for the Sixth Jyotirlinga of India.

Umananda Temple
Umananda temple is situated on the Peacock Island, in the middle of the Brahamputra River, which is world's smallest river island inhabited by humans.

Navagraha temple
Situated atop Chitrachal hills this " Temple of Nine Planets" was a great centre for the study of Astrology and Astronomy.

Dighali Pukhuri
Opposite Assam State Museum, Dighali pukhuri is a historic tank where facilities like boating, video games parlour etc. are available.

Deepor Bil
A large natural wetland with an area of 4.14 sq. km, Deepor Bil is the state's first Bird Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary). A variety of local and migratory birds can be spotted here.

Assam State Museum
Situated in the heart of the city, the Assam State Museum is a well laid out complex displaying various aspects of Assam's culture, history and crafts. The various sections are epigraphy, sculpture, natural history, crafts, arms, manuscript, village, ethnography and a miscellaneous section. Ph: 2540651

Planetarium
The Guwahati Planetarium is the only one of its kind in the entire northeastern region. The intriguing aspects of the universe are brought alive and explained inside the planetarium. It is open for visitors on all days except the 1st of every month. Ph. 2548926.

Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden
Covering a huge area of 175 hectares of land, this Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden is a storehouse of endangered and rare species of wildlife and plants. Among the main attractions are the one-horned rhino, giraffe, zebra etc. It is open on all days except Friday. Ph.-2201363.

Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra
Situated at about 10 km from the main city centre, Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra is a modern cultural complex at Panjabari. Regular cultural events, musical recitals & dance performances are held every weekend. It is open to visitors on all days except Mondays. Ph. 2337382.

Science Museum (Regional Science Centre)
A few kilometres away from Dispur the Regional Science Centre houses many exhibits and models depicting various natural phenomenon and modern technological advancement. A great learning experience for students and professionals alike. It is open on all days except public holidays. Ph. 2361699.

Bashistha Ashram
Set in idyllic surroundings about 12 km away, this ashram was established by Rishi Bashistha in the remote past. It is now a pilgrim centre as well as a picnic spot for visitors.

Tirupathi Balaji Temple
This newly constructed temple with striking South Indian Architecture is around 11km away from the city.

Jolporee
The mighty Brahamputra river is amongst the greatest attractions of Assam. A pleasant river cruise on the Brahamputra aboard the Jolporee, a luxury cruise vessel, in the evening hours, is a thrilling experience. Cruise starts from 4 pm onwards.

 

How To Reach Guwahati :

By Air : The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati is well connected by air with New Delhi, KoIkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines operate regular flights to Guwahati and some other towns like Dibrugarh, Tezpur, Jorhat, Silchar, Agartala and Imphal.
By Rail : Guwahati is well connected by train with Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Puri, Okha, Bangalore, Kochi, Thiruvanthapuram etc. Other important towns in the state are also well connected by train from Guwahati.
By Road : A network of roads connects Guwahati with all important cities in the neighbouring states and major cities in the country. Some of the road distances to important places in kilometre is as follows:

Road Distances from Guwahati : in kilometers

Agartala - 597 Dimapur - 280 Nagaon - 120
Aizawl - 538 Gangtok - 624 Orang - 140
Bagdogra - 523 Haflong - 355 Sivasagar - 369
Bhalukpung - 250 ltanagar - 420 Silchar - 398
Bomdila - 342 Jorhat - 309 Siliguri - 513
Cherrapunjee - 154 Kolkatta - 1182 Shillong - 100
Darjeeling - 587 Kalimpong - 582 Tawang - 532
Delhi - 2160 Kaziranga - 217 Tezpur - 181
Dibrugarh - 445 Lumding - 221 Tinsukia - 483
Digboi - 514 Mumbai - 3104 Tura - 284

Excrusions From Guwahati

Batadrawa : Batadrawa or Bardowa is the birthplace of the greatest Vaishnava Saint Srimanta Sankardeva where one will find a Shrine and a centre of Vaishnava art and culture. It is about 140 kms from Guwahati and about 15 km from Nagaon town.

Bhalukpung : Lying on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, Bhalukpung is known for its unique natural beauty and rafting. 56 km away from Tezpur town, Bhalukpung is a place of peace and tranquillity. It is also the entry point to Bomdila and Tawang. Minibuses ply regularly to Bhalukpung from Tezpur.

Bogolamari : 120 km from Guwahati near Dudhnoi in Goalpara district, the Bodos, Rabhas, Garos and Rajbongshi tribals inhabit Bogolamari. The village is rich in tribal culture and ethnic traditions.

Dhubri : District Headquarters and a major commercial town, Dhubri is famous for the Gurudwara of Guru Teg Bahadur Singh, Rajbari and the ancient caves at Jagihopa.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park : Covering an area of 340 sq. km. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is famous for its semi-wild horses and other wildlife like the White-Winged Wood-Duck, Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Asiatic Buffalo, Slow Loris, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon and more then 250 varieties of birds.

By Air : Dibrugarh
By Rail : Dibrugarh, Tinsukia
By Road : Regular day and night deluxe buses available from Guwahati


Digboi : Surrounded by numerous Tea Gardens and mystic blue hills, Digboi is a major oil-producing town. One of the oldest refineries of the world exist here. There is also a War Cemetery and a Golf Course.

Diphu : This hilly town 269 km from Guwahati is the district head quarters of Karbi-Anglong district. Diphu is the centre of Karbi art and culture. Karbis are the indigenous tribe of the State and they are well known for their hospitality and colourful culture. Both day and night buses ply regularly from Guwahati.


Haflong : 9 km from Haflong town is Jatinga, famous for the birds mystery. The migratory birds come during the month of August to November and it is a paradise for the Ornithologists. From an elevated watch tower one can see them yielding to their death-wish and their little plumage dropping down.

By Road : Haflong is 353 km from Guwahati. Bus services are available.
By Rail : Railway station, Lower Haflong 285 km from Guwahati.


Hajo : Often referred to as the cultural melting pot of Assam, Hajo around 24 km from Guwahati, is an interesting place where one can find the shrines of three different faiths namely Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist coexisting peacefully down the ages. Some Buddhist claim that Buddha attained mahaparinirvan in the present Hajo area and that the image inside the temple of Hayagrib Madhava is that of Buddha. Hindus worship Vishnu in his horse headed form at the temple of Hayagrib Madhava. Both the Hindus and Buddhist offer prayer in the temple of Hayagrib Madhava according to their own rites and customs.

Sri Surya Pahar : 14 kilometres to the east of Goalpara town, Sri Surya Pahar had been a major trade centre and the seat of administration in the past. It is the only place in the Northeast where one can see the sculptures and architectural remains of Buddhism, Jainism and the Hindu periods.

Sualkuchi : Lying on the northern bank of river Bramhaputra and about 32 km away from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is famous for the Assamese silk namely Pat, Muga and Endi.

Madan Kamdev : Approximately 35 km from Guwahati, Madan Kamdev is an archaeological site where erotic sculptures are found. It is often referred to as the miniature Khajuraho of Assam. A museum nearby is a must for tourists visiting this place. Madan Kamdev is also a picnic spot.

Mayong : Once a nerve centre for black magic, Mayong is to day an important tourist destination. A unique feature being the presence of so many temples in a small area.

Tezpur : Situated on the north bank of the majestic river Bramhaputra, Tezpur is considered as one of the most beautiful towns of the state. Tezpur is also remembered for the legend of princess Usha, the daughter of King Bana and prince Anirudha, the grandson of Lord Krishna for their eternal love and romance. It is 181 km from Guwahati. Buses ply regularly from Guwahati and other towns of the State. The nearest railhead is at Rangapara and the airport is at Salonibari.

Majuli : The biggest riverine island in the World, Majuli is famous for its Satras or Vaishnava monastries, which are the center of learning, art and culture. It is also famous for migratory birds and Mising tribal culture. Nimatighat, the nearest ferry ghat is only a few km. from Jorhat town. Tourists intending to visit Majuli can stay at the Tourist lodge in Jorhat or in the Govt Guest House at Majuli.


Sivasagar (Sibsagar) : Sivasagar is 369 km from Guwahati. It is also a leading tea and oil producing district. Sibsagar was formerly the capital of the mighty Ahoms who ruled Assam at a stretch for over six hundred years before the advent of the British. It is a beautiful town located around the huge Sibsagar tank, an artificial lake constructed by queen Madambika in 1734 A. D. The Shivadol or Shiva Temple on the bank of this tank is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India.

Ancient temples and monuments to be seen at Sibsagar are:

Kareng Ghar Joysagar Tank and Temple
Talatal Ghar Namdang Stone Bridge
Ranghar Charaideo Maidam
Gargaon Palace Ajan Pir Darga

Jorhat is the nearest airport (60 km.) and Simuluguri is the nearest railway station (20 km) Buses are available from Guwahati and other towns.