Gauhati or Guwahati, the erstwhile capital of the state of Assam was earlier known as "Pragiyotishpura" (The Light of East). The name suits Guwahati remarkably due to its terrain and structure and with the river Brahmaputra bisecting the city into two halves, the city represents a miniature Assam complete with a collection of all inhabitants, their lifestyles and their dependence on the mighty river. However, the presence of mighty Brahmaputra carving its way through the city makes for a romantic and memorable experience. The history of the city dates back to the epic times. Guwahati has its first mention in the great epic Mahabharata as the capital of the demon king Narakasura of Pragjyotishpur. It is also believed that the city was the ancient land of Kamarupa. In this ancient land, the Hindu god of beauty, fertility and source of life was reborn.The city has also been a battleground and witnessed plenty of intense struggles between the Mughals and Ahoms. The Mughals tried to invade the state around 17 times, however every time they were defeated by the Ahoms. During the time of battle, the army of Ahoms was led by the great Ahom General, Bir Lachit Borphukan. In 1897, the entire city was ruined due to a major earthquake. Most of the old city was wiped out because of this earthquake, which was followed by a series of devastating floods.
How to reach here:
By Air: Guwahati Airport is well connected to many major cities in India, including Delhi, Agartala, Aizwal, Kolkata and Imphal. International travelers can connect to Guwahati through Kolkata.
By Rail: The Paltan Bazaar Railway Station in Guwahati is a major railway junction on the North-East Frontier Railway. Guwahati is well connected with all the major railheads of India like Delhi (Dbrt Rajdhani E), Kolkata (Saraighat Exp), Mumbai (Ghy Ltt Exp), Chennai (Ghy Sbc Express) and Bangalore (Ghy Sbc Express).
Best time to visit: October to March.
Languages spoken: Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, English.
Must eat: Pitika , Dheakiyasak and outenga, Tamol.
Famous Restaurants: Maihang, Mainland China, Delicacy, Hotel Sagar, Paradise, Naga Kitchen.
Places you must visit:
Manas National Park in Assam is situated on the foothills of the Himalayas. Formed by the watershed of the Manas, Hakua and the Beki rivers, the Manas National Park borders Bhutan and is the only Tiger Reserve in Assam. It was declared a sanctuary on 1st of October, 1928 and was designated a World Heritage site in December 1985.The park's vegetation is largely made up of eastern Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forests and grasslands. While tiger sighting is relatively rare, visitors to the park often spot golden langur, the Asiatic buffalo, elephants, Rhinos, wild bison, wild dog (dhole), otter and civet.The park is also a haven for 22 highly endangered species of Hispid Hare and the Pygmy Hog. The rare red pandas are also found here but on the Bhutan side. Some of the other animals sighted while exploring the park are Gaurs, Swamp Deer, Capped Langurs, Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar and Chital.
Pobitora is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries of Assam.About 50 km from Guwahati, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 38.8 Sq. km. Mainly famous for its Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary also shelters the Asiatic Buffalo, Leopard, Wild bear, civet cat.
The Assam State Museum, which showcases the unique culture and tradition of the north-eastern state, is located on the southern end of Dighalipukhuri Tank. Constructed in 1940, the museum features several sections such as archaeology, iconography, epigraphy and also numismatics. Visitors to the museum can see the various aspects of Assamese history and culture.There is a huge showcase of ancient Assamese coins, fabrics, tribal arts and sculptures. The museum also organises exhibitions of the tribal huts, which have been reconstructed. Exhibitions are also organised displaying the traditional weaving along with several other handicraft products, like locally made cane and bamboo items, toys and pottery.The archaeological and ethnographic displays of the museum include local costumes and terracotta.
How to reach here:
By Air: Guwahati Airport is well connected to many major cities in India, including Delhi, Agartala, Aizwal, Kolkata and Imphal. International travelers can connect to Guwahati through Kolkata.
By Rail: The Paltan Bazaar Railway Station in Guwahati is a major railway junction on the North-East Frontier Railway. Guwahati is well connected with all the major railheads of India like Delhi (Dbrt Rajdhani E), Kolkata (Saraighat Exp), Mumbai (Ghy Ltt Exp), Chennai (Ghy Sbc Express) and Bangalore (Ghy Sbc Express).
Best time to visit: October to March.
Languages spoken: Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, English.
Must eat: Pitika , Dheakiyasak and outenga, Tamol.
Famous Restaurants: Maihang, Mainland China, Delicacy, Hotel Sagar, Paradise, Naga Kitchen.
Places you must visit:
Manas National Park in Assam is situated on the foothills of the Himalayas. Formed by the watershed of the Manas, Hakua and the Beki rivers, the Manas National Park borders Bhutan and is the only Tiger Reserve in Assam. It was declared a sanctuary on 1st of October, 1928 and was designated a World Heritage site in December 1985.The park's vegetation is largely made up of eastern Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forests and grasslands. While tiger sighting is relatively rare, visitors to the park often spot golden langur, the Asiatic buffalo, elephants, Rhinos, wild bison, wild dog (dhole), otter and civet.The park is also a haven for 22 highly endangered species of Hispid Hare and the Pygmy Hog. The rare red pandas are also found here but on the Bhutan side. Some of the other animals sighted while exploring the park are Gaurs, Swamp Deer, Capped Langurs, Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar and Chital.
Pobitora is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries of Assam.About 50 km from Guwahati, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 38.8 Sq. km. Mainly famous for its Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary also shelters the Asiatic Buffalo, Leopard, Wild bear, civet cat.
The Assam State Museum, which showcases the unique culture and tradition of the north-eastern state, is located on the southern end of Dighalipukhuri Tank. Constructed in 1940, the museum features several sections such as archaeology, iconography, epigraphy and also numismatics. Visitors to the museum can see the various aspects of Assamese history and culture.There is a huge showcase of ancient Assamese coins, fabrics, tribal arts and sculptures. The museum also organises exhibitions of the tribal huts, which have been reconstructed. Exhibitions are also organised displaying the traditional weaving along with several other handicraft products, like locally made cane and bamboo items, toys and pottery.The archaeological and ethnographic displays of the museum include local costumes and terracotta.
The Bhubaneswari temple, a white shrine, is perched atop a hill adjacent to the city. Dedicated to Goddess Bhubaneshwari, the temple is visited by large number of tourists from across the country every year.
The Guwahati Planetarium is one of the major attractions of Guwahati. The aim of this planetarium is to spread awareness about astronomy. It also provides information about the universe along with several unsolved mysteries and queries.Sky watching sessions and special programs are the major attractions of this planetarium. These are projected on a dome-shaped screen in a hall.
The Sukreswar temple, located at Sukreswar, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for housing the sixth Jyotirlinga of India.According to one of the popular beliefs, it is said that a person performing post-death rituals at this temple will attain ‘moksha’ or peace for the dead. Constructed by the Ahom King Pramatta Singha, in 1744, this temple is believed to be the place where Sage Sukra resided and worshiped Lord Shiva.
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