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Picturesque Guwahati on the banks of mighty river Brahmaputra is the capital of north-eastern state of Assam. It is also called the 'gateway to the north-east'. Guwahati was formerly known as Pragjyotishpur (the City of Eastern Light). The diverse landscape of this beautiful city includes mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, forests, traditional buildings of older period and modern structures. Furthermore, it is a place having many beautiful temples. Guwahati houses the political capital of the state- Dispur. Many other tourist attractions of north-east can be reached only from Guwahati.

Best Season to Visit : September-April

Sightseeing at Guwahati -

Kamakhya temple : The Kamakhya temple atop the Nilachal hills attracts tourists in large numbers. The temple is one of the most sacred among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the whole world. The temple was built in the 10th century AD by the Koch king Naranarayan. The Ambubachi Mela(Fair) held during the monsoon season in the temple premises also attracts devotees in large numbers.

Umananda Temple : Umananda is regarded as the smallest river island in the world. At the very centre of the tiny island is Umananda Shiva temple. The beautiful temple built during the Ahom period can be reached only through motor boats and public ferries.The temple is visited in large numbers.

Guwahati Zoo and Zoological Gardens : The zoo at Guwahati is the largest natural zoo in India. Different animal and bird species including Assam's famed one -horned rhino could be seen in the zoo. There is also a museum and a beautiful zoological garden within the zoo premises.

Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra : The Kalakshetra is the newest addition to the many attractions of Guwahati. Built in the 1990's, the artistic excellence of Assam and rest of the north-eastern region is displayed here. There are eateries, places of worship, emporiums and open air theatres within the sprawling Kalakshetra premises.

Other attractions worth a visit in Guwahati are Nabagraha temple, Basistha Ashram, Karmanasha Islands and Dol Gobinda temple.

Reaching Guwahati -

• Air : Flights are available to Guwahati from many destinations of India including the metropolitan cities.
• Rail : Guwahati is well connected with the rest of India through a good railway network.
• Road : Guwahati can also be reached through road transport from the West Bengal side. From Guwahati, regular bus services are available to most places of Assam and the north-eastern region.

Shopping in Guwahati -

The traditional handloom and handicrafts of Assam are among the best buys of Guwahati. Bamboo is extensively used in making most handicrafts. Sarees made of pat and muga are also very popular. Guwahati is one of the best places to buy unique decorative items.

The main shopping places of the city are Fancy Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, Pan Bazaar, Ganeshguri and Maligaon.