Earlier known as Pragjyotishpura, the city of Guwahati, is called the gateway of North Eastern Region. The city is lies on the banks of the River Brahmaputra, which divides the city into north and south, in the Kamrup Metropolitan district of Assam.
The city is best known for ancient temples, tea and areca nut production. Being the cultural center of Assam, the city attracts large number of visitors. It is an educational hub housing prestigious institutions like the IIT of Guwahati and Guwahati University.
The city is said to be a part of the ancient Kamarupa Kingdom. Narakasura, a celebrated \'asura\' in the Hindu tradition, is said to have made this city as his capital. His son Bhagadatta also ruled this city, and according to the Mahabharata, \'Pragjyotishyapura\' (present day Guwahati) was the place where he ruled.
The city maintains a pleasant climate all through the year. The city is divided into North and South Guwahati by the Brahmaputra River. Dispur, the present capital of Assam is located on the outskirts of Guwahati, at a distance of about 7 km.
Guwahati is a fastest growing city in Assam. Due to the presence of a natural river port the city had gained a strategic importance in the past. It is a the center for trade and commerce, for whole sale and retail market and also for cultural and literary activities. The Guwahati Tea Auction Center, Guwahati Refinery, Guwahti Stock Exchange are the major industries of the city.
How to reach:
Guwahati is served by an International Airport which is located in a village called Borjhar (24 km). Regular flights to all major and semi-metro cities of India are available from here.
