Guwahati, the former capital of
Assam, is situated on the banks of the river
Brahmaputra. Earlier known as Pragiyotishpura, literally meaning 'the light of the east', Guwahati is the gateway to the most exotic and enchanting places in the north-east of India. Guwahati is the main center of business and is the hub for the world’s largest tea auctions. It also has servicing centers for the oil industry and tea plantations. A number of ancient temples including
Umananda temple on Peacock Island dedicated to Lord Shiva are important landmarks. The main festivals celebrated here are the Sivaratri, Manasa festival, the Assam tea festival, Magh Bihu,
Bohag Bihu and Rongali Bihu.
Some of the main attractions in and around Guwahati are Assam State Museum, Commercial Museum, zoo and botanical gardens, Basista Ashram and
Sualkuchi, a silk weaving center. The Kaziranga Wildlife Reserve famous for its Indian one-horned rhinoceros is located 215 km away from Guwahati. The capital city,
Dispur, is 8 km to the south-east of Guwahati.
Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is situated 18 km towards the east from Guwahati and the railway station is at the center of the town. Guwahati connects NH - 31, 37 and 40 with other cities of India by road.
