Guwahati, Jewel of the North -East

Dispur

Kamrup

Assam

India

Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, English

October To April

+91-361

Kamkhya temple and economic capital of Assam.

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Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmputra River, Guwahati and Dispur are within the range of 8 kms from each other. The River Brahmputra which cuts across Assam is the widest here and at times the other bank is invisible. Guwahati is surrounded by hills from three sides and the mighty Brahmputra in the North. Surrounded by the districts of Nabari, Barpete, Gopalpara, Darrang and Marigaon, it is bordered by the state of Meghalaya in the South. Tropical rains lash Guwahati from May to September and it chills the weather in the winter months.

Guwahati and Dispur are the twin cities within the distance of 8 km from each other. Actually Dispur is the political capital of the state but Guwahati being the commercial hub of the entire North East region; many mistake it to be the capital of Assam. Dispur is famous for its auction market of tea. Guwahati known as Pragjyotishpur earlier is an ancient city from the Vedic days. Over the period of time it became the melting pot of cultures and traditions of the people who came and settled here. Today Guwahati is the commercial and the cultural hub of Assam. Although Dispur is the capital; it is Guwahati which gains importance throughout.
Guwahati with its natural splendours and the mighty Brahmputra River is a major attraction as the gateway to the North eastern states. It is famous for the proximity to the Kamakhya temple, the Kaziranga and the Manas sanctuaries and the various tribal tours which start from here. The vast lush green tea gardens and the beautiful paddy fields with the equally beautiful surroundings surely attract one and all to Guwahati.
Assam's history and culture also revolve around this ancient city which was known as Pragjyotishpur and later also as Kamrup. The name Guwahati comes from two words Guwa and Hati meaning the market place of beetle nuts, which was the main trade of the people from Guwahati. The magical aura that the city commands is from its centuries old legacy and ancient traditions. This starting point to the unexplored area in the Far East corners of India, is itself is full of surprises.
The main attraction of Guwahati lies not only in its natural splendours but also its serene calmness and the not so modernized approach of life. The people of Guwahati are still self satisfied and would like to be left alone. Although some anti national activities with militant support have been on for some years in the area, the Assamese clan is basically peace loving.
The people are busy in either plucking tea leaves in the vast tea gardens or are in some or the other way related to the occupations with the tea gardens. People work in paddy fields and silk production is also one of the important trades of this part of the country. The silk produced here known as Moga and Pata is world famous for its quality and soft texture. People love to sing and dance on special occasion and one such special occasion is the Bihu. Bihu is celebration of Spring and the harvest season and is celebrated with great fervour throughout Assam.