Guwahati

Guwahati, formerly known as Gauhati is a metropolis in India and the largest city of Assam. Excavations trace the origins of Guwahati to around the 6th century and is known as Ancient Pragjyotishpur or the City of Eastern Light. Guwahati is from 2 words: the word ‘Guwa’ in Assamese means areca nut and ‘Hat’ means market place. Situated on the southern bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra in Kamrup district of Assam, it is the gateway of the North-eastern states of India and a principle centre of socio-cultural, political, industrial, and commerce of the entire region. One of the most rapidly growing cities in India, Guwahati is among the first 100 fastest growing cities of the world and the fifth fastest growing cities in India. It is a major commercial and educational centre of eastern India and is home to world class institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT, Guwahati) and Cotton College. Guwahati's myths and history go back several thousands of years and a reference of Guwahati has been mentioned in the Kalikapurana and Mahabharata. A new cantilever bridge across river Brahmaputra has been planned to link North Guwahati.

Eating Out!

Guwahati food mainly consists of the nan-roti-paneer combination that’s hard to relish. Hotels like Kuber International Guwahati and Hotel Hornbill Guwahati add to the charm of this magical place.

SpiceJet Recommendations!

Bhubaneshwari Temple; Bashistha Ashram; Guwahati Zoo; Shiva Temple; Assam State Museum.

Shopping

Shopping in Guwahati is like digging out the secret treasures of the mysterious North-East. To get a genuine essence of the business hub, leaf through through the local bazaars stuffed with decorative pieces comprising of the famous mekhela chaddar, traditional handloom, muga, pat, endi silks, exquisite silk sarees, bamboo, handicrafts, cane decorative items and tribal arts. The aesthetic and luxurious hill town is a rich land with several curios and artifacts which make for wonderful mementos. The main shopping areas are Paltan Bazaar, GNB Road and Fancy Bazaar and there are plenty of government emporiums that sell these at reasonable prices.

Kamakhya Temple
The temple is perched atop the famous Nilachal hill at about 800 feet above the sea level. Built in 10th century by the famous Kochi king, Naranarayan, it draws both the tantrik worshipers and the Hindus in large numbers. The entire temple complex comprises of many other temples like the Devi Kali, Tara, Bagala, Chinnamasta, Bhuvanesvari, Bhairavi and Dhumavati, apart from the main Devi temple. It draws pilgrims from all over India, especially during the Ambubachi festival.
Navagraha Temple
Atop the Chitranchal hill in east Guwahati is the Navagraha temple - the "temple of nine planets," - an ancient seat of astrology and astronomy built by Ahom king Rajeswar Singha. Housed in a red beehive-shaped dome, the central lingam is encircled by further nine representing the planets (graha) – Surya, Chandra, Buddh, Sukra, Mangal, Brahaspati, Sani, Rahu and Ketu.
Nehru Park
This is a public park named after former Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru and is situated at heart of the city at Panbazar by the side of Cotton College. Not to be missed are the highlights of the park like concrete statues of Bihu dance, Ojapali dance, Deodhani dance, Jhumur dance, Bhoor tal dance etc. There are altogether 45 concrete statues depicting these various aspects of Assamese life and culture and the park's main attractions are the Musical Fountain that operates in the evening and rides for children.
NEDFi Haat
Located at a leased building of Industries & Commerce Department Govt. of Assam, visitors to the NEDFi Haat can buy various handicraft & handloom products. Also, varieties of traditional food items produced by the Self Help Groups of the State in the Bihu seasons are available here.