:: :: :: H O L I D A Y S U N L I M I T E D ::: E A S T I N D I A -- A S S A M - G U W A H A T I -- ::: :: :: :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


	:: E A S T I N D I A > G U W A H A T I ::

	Brief -
	Guwahati, the capital city of the northeastern state of Assam, was formerly known as Pragjyotishpur or the City of Eastern Light, derived from two Assamese words, Guwa, meaning areca nut and Haat, meaning market, this capital city, is couched between the picturesque hills of the eastern flanks of the Himalayan mountain range and houses the political capital of the state, Dispur. The gateway to the seven other northeastern states, with its commanding position on the river Brahmaputra, Guwahati is an important business centre, as well as the gateway to the state of Assam.

	History -
	There is magical aura, that still lingers over the ever-expanding city. The demon King Narkasura, is said to have built this ancient city. Another legend gives the reason for Guwahati's charm, is its being the ancient Kamrup, the birthplace of Kamdeva, the God of Love.

	Culture -
	A rich legacy of culture and civilization behind her, the Assamese are colourful people, weaving fairy tales in dresses, singing and dancing in clouds and sunshine of pastoral life, creating art out of life and adding colour to it. Artist, sculptors, masons, architecture weavers, spinners, potters, goldsmiths and artisans of ivory, wood, bamboo, cane and hide, flourished in this capital city from ancient times. Every household possesses a handloom, used to produce silk and cotton clothes of exquisite designs.

	Climate & Geographical Location -
	The city experiences an annual rainfall of 180 cm (from May to September). Summer temperatures range from 22 to 38 deg C. In winters the mercury ranges from 10 to 25 deg C. Situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra, at an altitude of 55 meters above sea level, Guwahati is the junction of three important roads, National Highways 31, 37 and 40.

	How to Reach -
	Guwahati can be easily accessed by road, as Guwahati is the junction of NH-31, 37 and 40. The city has Assam State Transport Corporation and private A/c and non A/c deluxe coaches. It is also well connected by trains, from all over the country ,as well as the metros. The airport is the largest in the region ,linking it to the major cities of Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta ,as well as to the airport of Assam and the north east region.

	: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

	Kamakhya Temple -
	One of the most important religious places in the country, Kamakhya Temple, is situated on Nilachala hill. The temple represents Shaktism and is regarded, as belonging to a goddess, which represents the pro-culture aspect of nature. It attracts a very large number of worshippers, from all over the country. Pilgrims from Nepal and Bangladesh also come to the temple to worship the Mott Goddess. The scenic beauty of the place, overlooks the river Brahamaputra from the temple and hill, which is a feast for the sore eyes.

	Kaziranga National Park -
	The oldest national park in Assam, Kaziranga National Park, is known for the great one horned rhinoceros. But among the tall elephant grass and rugged reeds, marshes and shallow pools, are hidden animals like Elephants, Indian bison, Swamp Deer, Sambar, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard. Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Hog Badger, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Jackal Goose, Hornbill, lbis, Cormorants, Egret, Heron Fishing Eagle and many more, which are very much a part of the complex ecological balance of the park. All these are joined by a number of migratory birds during winters. Due to the presence of elephant grass, Kaziranga National Park is best seen from the elephant's back. The best season to visit Kaziranga, is between November and April, when the park is full of greenery, the monsoon has just ended, and animals wake up, from their slumber. Being moderately cold, animals are mainly seen, basking and lazing in the sun, and hence easily spotted.

	Others -

	HAJO - Hajo is the meeting place of Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. It is an important pilgrimage, for Hindus and Buddhists both. The Hayagiva-Madhab Temple, is one of the important places of pilgrimage, of the Hindus. At Hajo itself, there is Poa Macca.

	KAMAKHYA & BHUBANESHWARI TEMPLE - Atop Nilachal Hill, the Kamakhya and Bhubaneswari Temple, is dedicated to Shaktism. The different sculptures in the temple premises, date back from the 8th to the 17th century. It attracts a very large number of worshippers, from all over the country, who come here for a visit.

	MANAS NATIONAL PARK - The only Project Tiger in Assam, Manas National Park combines scenic beauty, and rare wealth of wild life, making it a unique world heritage site, to offer one of the most enthralling experiences.

	NAVAGRAHA TEMPLE - As the name indicates, this temple is dedicated to the nine planets in the solar system. It is situated on Chitrachal Hill, in Guwahati and is a centre of astrological and astronomical research.

	PABHA OR MILROY SANCTUARY - Located in Lakhimpur District, Pabha Sanctuary, was created to project the wild water buffalo. Located along the foothills of the Himalayas in Sonitpur District, this park combines scenic beauty, with the exotic wildlife.

	UMANANDA TEMPLE - The great Shiva temple on the pea-cock island, in the middle of the Brahamaputra, in Guwahati, attracts devotees from all over the country, during the Shivratri celebrations.

	VASISTHA ASHRAM - This Ashram is believed to have been established, by the great Sage Vasistha. Located on the Sandhyachal hills, it has a charm of its own. It is an important pilgrimage center, with the rivulets Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta converging here.