| Guwahati is the principle
town of Assam and the gateway to the rest of North East India. It
has the largest and most important rail station in the entire north
east India, a major airport that connects to Delhi and Calcutta.
The modern town of Guwahati is developed on the ancient city of
Pragjyotishpur or the light of east.The city is situated on the
banks of river Brahmaputra, the life line of North
East India and it is the principal center of political , industrial
, trade and commerce and educational activity of the entire region
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The largest Tea Auction centre in India lies in Guwahati.
Reference of Guwahati can be found in old scriptures such as the Kalika
puran and Mahahbharata. Historically the place was known as 'Pragjyotispura'.
The Present Name `Guwahati` is derived from `Guwai` meaning Betelnut
and `Hatt` meaning market. The capital of Assam, Dispur lies close
to Guwahati. |
What to see around Guwahati :
Kamakhya Temple : A major attraction of the
district is the temple of Kamakhya. This is considered the greatest
of all Shakpithas. Thousands visit the temple every year. The temple
is located in Guwahati on top of Nilachal hill which is 160 metres
high. There are several ancient temples in the Nilachal hill, the
most famous being the Kamakhya temple. A small township known as Kamakhya
has sprung up near the temple. The place is also known for its natural
beauty and it provides great panoramic view of the Guwahati town and
the river Brahmaputra. |
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Basistha Ashram :At a distance of
about 12 Kms from Guwahati, set in an idyllic surrounding is this
ashram of Basisstha Muni. The ashram was supposedly established
by Guru Basistha, a famous Rishi from the history. The place offers
a calm natural surrounding that would attract even the non believers.
State Zoo and Botanical Garden :
The State Zoo & Botanical gardens are about five km from the
railway station. The zoo has a good collection of wildlife including
tigers, leopords and Rhinos. The Zoo is closed on Friday. The botanical
garden is situated adjacent to the Zoo. |
| Umananda Temple :
This temple was build in 1664 on the Peacock Island of Brahmaputra.
Lord Shiva is worshiped here. |
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Assam State Museum :
The state museum is situated on the Brahmaputra riverbank at place
known as Aambari. The museum showcases rich cultural and political
history of the North East. The Museum is closed on Mon and alternate
Saturdays. |
| Hajo :
This is a unique place depicting religious tolerance. Situated at
a distance of 27 km from Guwahati, three major different religions
of the region, Hindu, Muslim and Buddhists share this place. There
is a large number of temples in the area the most important among
them is the temple of Hayagriva Madhava. Hindus and the Buddhists
offer prayer in the same temple of Hayagriva Madhava. Buddhist believe
the image inside the temple is that of Buddha whereas the Hindus
claim the horseheaded form of the image is that of Lord Vishnu.
There is a Muslim mosque in close proximity to a Hindu temple known
as Poa-Mecca.
Local mythology has it that the Pandavas of Mahabharata had taken
shelter in this region during their agyatvas or the period in hiding.
One can see the stone bowl used by Bhima during this agyatvas. |
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Sualkuchi :
The centre of Assam silk weaving, Sualkuchi is located about 32km
away from Guwahati. Mainly Muga and Endi silk is weaved by the fine
craftsmen here. |
Chandubi Lake :
A natural lagoon and fine picnic spot which is 64 kms. from Guwahati.
The lake and its surroundings is an ideal holiday resort with the
added attraction of fishing and rowing. |
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