Guwahati Travel Information

The ancient Pragjyotishpura - "the light of the east", is situated on the banks of the mighty river Brahmaputra surrounded by a ring of rolling hills. It is the premier city of North East India and gateway to this region. Guwahati is not only an important business and commercial centre, but also the cultural hub and educational nerve centre of North Eastern India, besides being a place of pilgrimage.

Guwahati has a unique magical charm. Perhaps, the magic of the demon king Narakasura, who built the ancient city, still rings the air. Or may be, it imanates from the Nabagraha Temple (temple of nine planets), the seat of astronomers who perform their miracle even today. Or you may discover the magical charm in the sunset viewed from the Bhubaneswari hill, as you look down upon the crimson ripples of the Brahmaputra, caressing the pale pink city.

For those with a religious bent of mind, Guwahati can be soul cleaning experience. Kamakhya, on the top of Nilachal Hills via a vital centre of tantric form Hinduism, Saktism; Umananda, on the peacock island, in the middle of the Brahmaputra, is a Shaivaits dream come true; Nabagraha, Sukleaswar are notable places of Hindu pilgrimage. Hajo, a few Kms. From the city, is an important pilgrimage for the Hindus, the Muslims and the Buddhists.

For those with a interest on archeology and sculpture, can have a visit and explore the magic of Madan Kamdev, a site which history is still unknown.

If you are interested in the famous Assam silk, then Sualkuchi, 32kms. away from the city is the right place for to have a glimpse at the glorious golden Assamese garments.

If you are peace and solitude loving, spend a day of musing of Vasisthasram, the hermitage of Saint Vasistha or cruise on the river Brahmaputra in a luxury river ferry. You may explore the mysterious beauty of Chandubi lake and its banks strewn with old relics, on a boat cruise or you can even fish in its waters............come, enjoy a fantasy filled holiday in the city.

 

How to Get There:
Guwahati (Assam) is well connected by air, train and road with the rest of the country. There are direct train services from New Delhi and Kolkata with connectivity to Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram etc.

Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport of Guwahati is well connected by air with New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Indian Air Lines, Sahara And Jet Airways operate regular flights to Guwahati. The other towns to which these airways operate flights are Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Silchar. Air India operates direct flight between Guwahati and Bangkok on Mondays and Thursdays.

Bus Services:

A network of National Highways and other roads connect Guwahati with all the important places of Assam. Both Govt. and private buses ply from Guwahati to all the major towns of Assam. These buses also ply to the capitals of the neighbouring states from Guwahati.

What to see:

Kamakhya and Bhubaneswari temple, Umananda, the island temple in the Brahmaputra river, Vasistha Ashram, Navagraha Temple, Sukleswar Temple, Balaji Temple; Planetarium, State Museum, Science Museum, State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Indian Institute of Technology, Gauhati University and Guwahati Refinery.

Excursions:
Madan Kamdeva, Hajo, Sualkuchi,
Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandubi.

General Information:

Area: 313.0 Sq. Km.

Population: 5.84 Lakhs (1991 Census)

Latitudes: 26°5'N to 26°12'N

Longitudes: 91°34'E to 91°51'E

Average Temerature:

Summer: 33°C; Winter: 10°C

Average rainfall: 160cms.

Best season: October to April