Guwahati
The mighty Brahmaputra flows beside the Guwahati city. Formerly referred to as ‘Kamrupa’, the city is one of the fastest developing cities in India. This city is the gateway to seven other sates of north-east India. The skyline of the city today is a fine blend of old world charm and new age shopping malls and multi-storied buildings. Guwahati is also a revered destination because of its holy shrines like the Kamkhya and the Nava Graha temple. A reference of Guwahati has been mentioned in Kalika puran and Mahahbharata. In history, Guwahati was identified as 'Pragjyotispura' meaning the 'light of the East '. The Present Name Guwahati is apparently derived from 'Guwai' and 'Hatt' that mean batalnut market. The largest Tea Auction market in India lies in Guwahati.
Assamese are very warm and hospitable and tourists, especially backpackers, will find their hospitable nature very helpful in exploring the city. A tranquil evening on the banks of the Brahmaputra River is a life long cherishing experience. It is a gateway to neighboring state of Meghalaya / Arunachal Pradesh and from where Wildlife sanctuaries and tea plantations in Assam are accessible.
Guwhati is between October - April when the monsoons are over and the weather is pleasent. The summers are usually from April - May with a maximum temprature going upto 40 degrees celcius.
Kamakhya Temple (4.50kms), Brahmhaputra Sunset Cruise (5 kms), Basistha Ashram, Kalakhetra, Balaji Temple, Umananda Temple, State Zoo, Srimanta Shankardev, Gandhi Mandap (dedicated to mahatma Gandhi), Hajo,a pilgrimage for both Hindu & Muslim, Pobitora National Park may also be some of the good experiences.
