Guwahati: The Gateway to Northeast India
Guwahati: The Gateway to Northeast India
Guwahati, formerly known as Gauhati, is the largest city in the Indian state of Assam and the largest metropolis in northeastern India. Dispur, the capital of Assam, is in the Guwahati circuit city region and is the seat of the Government of Assam. A major riverine port city with hills, Guwahati is one of the fastest-growing cities in India and is situated on the south bank of the Brahmaputra. The city is known as the "gateway to North East India".
The ancient cities of Pragjyotishpura and Durjaya (North Guwahati) were the capitals of the ancient state of Kamarupa. Many ancient Hindu temples like the Kamakhya Temple, Ugratara Temple, Basistha Temple, Doul Govinda Temple, Umananda Temple, Navagraha Temple, Sukreswar Temple, Rudreswar Temple, Manikarneswar Devalaya, Aswaklanta Temple, Dirgheshwari Temple, Lankeshwar Temple, Bhubaneswari Temple, Shree Ganesh Mandir, Shree Panchayatana Temple, Noonmati, and the like, are situated in the city, giving it the title of "The City of Temples".
Guwahati is the primary educational and research powerhouse of Northeast India, anchored by premier institutions of national importance like IIT Guwahati and Gauhati University, the region's oldest and most extensive academic hub. The city’s landscape is further enriched by specialized centers like NIPER Guwahati for pharmaceutical sciences, NLUJAA for legal studies, and AIIMS Guwahati, which leads in medical research and healthcare. Beyond general academia, Guwahati hosts research facilities such as the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), which focuses on frontier areas like plasma physics and biotechnology, the ICAR-National Research Center on Pig, and the Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), a major unit of the Tata Memorial Center dedicated to oncology research. These institutions, along with historic colleges like Cotton University and Assam Engineering College, collectively foster a robust environment for innovation, technical training, and high-impact scientific inquiry across the entire North East.
By air:
To reach Guwahati by air, fly into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), which is well connected to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
By Train:
Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) is the main hub in Northeast India and is well connected to major Indian cities. Direct trains are available from across India.
By Road:
Guwahati is well-connected via national and state highways. It can be reached easily by bus or private vehicle. Private buses (AC/non-AC) and Assam State Transport Corporation operate frequently from nearby cities.
Kamakhya Temple: Located on Nilachal Hill, it is one of the oldest and most significant Shakti Peethas in India and attracts pilgrims during the Ambubachi Mela.
Umananda Temple: Situated on the smallest inhabited river island (Peacock Island) in the Brahmaputra, this Shiva temple offers panoramic views.
Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra: A sprawling cultural institution showcasing the art, culture, and history of Assam through museums and exhibitions.
Assam State Museum: Located in Ambari, it houses historical artifacts, sculptures, and items related to Assamese cultural heritage.
Swahid Smarak Kshetra: Located in Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, is a major historical memorial honoring 860 martyrs of the 1979–1985 Assam Agitation.
Deepor Beel: A vast freshwater lake and bird sanctuary, perfect for sunsets, nature photography, and birdwatching
Chandubi Lake: A natural lake surrounded by forests and hills, ideal for picnics, boating, and overnight camping.
River Cruises: Explore the Brahmaputra at sunset, offering tranquil views of the city's natural surroundings.
Shillong (The Scotland of the East): About 100 km from Guwahati, it is known for its pleasant climate, Ward's Lake, Lady Hydari Park, and vibrant cafes, making it the perfect base for exploring further into Meghalaya.