PLACES OF INTEREST :-
Kamakhya TempleGuwahati's best known temple is Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill, eight km west of the city. These temples honour the Mother Goddess Kamakhya, the essence of female energy . Kamakhya is one of the 51 Hindu Pithas where as per the mythology the genital organ of the Sati (Parvati) - the eternal wife of Lord Shiva - had fallen down after death in one of her incarnations. It is considered as one of the most important centres of Shakti worship and Tantric Hinduism. The Temple was rebuilt in 1665 after being destroyed by Muslim invaders, but its origins are much older than that. It was probably an ancient Khasi sacrificial site, sacrifices are still very much part of worshipping here. Group of devotees arrive each morning with goats to offer to Shakti. It attracts pilgrims from all over India , especially during the Ambuchi Festivals which usually falls around July. This is a celebration of the end of the earth''''s menstrual cycle.

Assam State Museum This archaeological, ethnographic and natural history museum has recently been enlarged and is well worth a visit. There are also good displays of weaving, musical instruments and large sculpture gallery. The museum is open daily except Monday, from 10 am to 4.15 pm (5 pm in summer). It''''s also closed on Sunday afternoon and on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

Navagarh TempleSituated on Chtitrachal Hill to the east of the town, the Temple of the Nine Planets has long been known as a centre of astrology and astronomy. The nine planets are represented by nine linga inside the main temple.

Umananda TempleThe most interesting thing about this Siva temple is its location, on Peacock Island in the middle of the river.

Assam State ZOO & Botnical GardensThe zoo & botnical gardens are about five km east of the railway station. The zoo is reasonably well manged and has tigers, leopords and , of course, Assam famous rhinosplus the African two-horned variety for comparison. They are open daily except Friday.

AROUND GUWAHATI :- Hajo, Sualkuchi, Chandubi, Baisisthashram, Darranga, Pabitora, Madan Kamdev, Manas Wldlife Sanctuary.

Hajo This place, 25 km west of Guwahati, is the site of the Pua-Mecca Mosque, established by an Iraqi prince-turned-preacher, who traveled all the way to Assam in the 12th century to spread the Prophet''''s teachings. Hajo is a sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. The town also boasts the Hayagriba Madhava Temple, accessible via a long stone stairway. At the foot of the stairway is a large pond inhabited by one of Hajo''''s eminent residents: a giant turtle. Hajo is also renowned for its bell metal work.

SualkuchiAlso across the river from Guwahati, 32km away, Sualkuchi is a famous silk-weaving centre best known for its muga silk which is naturally golden-colored, not dyed. Endi and pat silks are also woven here, and pat silks are lower than in Guwahati.

ChandubiA natural lagoon and a fine picnic spot, 64 kms from Guwahati. The lake is a perfect holiday resort, with ample fishing and rowing opportunities.

BasisthaA popular picnic spot with small temples and a waterfall, Basistha is where the rishi or sage, Basistha, once lived. It''''s 12km from Guwahati.

Darranga80km away on the Bhutan border, is great winter trading area for the Bhutia mountain folk.

Pabitora A small wildlife sanctuary, 60 kms from Guwahati. Rhino and various species of deer abound here.

Madan Kamdev About 35 km from Guwahati, this place is famous for its impressive archaeological ruins.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Situated on the banks of river Manas, and 176 km from Guwahati, this sanctuary is the only ''''Tiger Project'''' of its kind in Assam. The park straddles two rivers, the Manas and its tributary the Hakua, along the Assam-Bhutan border. The protected area extends into the Bhutan foothills. Manas houses 19 of India''''s most endangered animal populations, home to the rare golden langur and a sizeable tiger population. Its wetlands are essential for the survival of the fast-vanishing hispid hare and pygmy hog. The fauna to be found here include the rhino, wild buffalos, elephants, gaur, swamp deer, capped langur and clouded leopard. The park, the eastern range of the chital and habitat of the sambar deer, also boasts a rich and diverse avian population. The main highlight is the giant hornbill, two subspecies of which, the pied and grey varieties, are to be found here.

Climate - Summer- Max. 35, Min. 22; Winter- Max. 26, Min. 10.

Best Season to visit - October to May.

How to Reach
By Air - Guwahati is connected by air to the major cities of India like Delhi, Kolkata, Imphal, Agartala, Aizawl, Dibrugarh and Jorhat.
By Rail - The Paltan Bazaar Railway Station in Guwahati is an important terminus on the North-East Frontier Railway.
By Road - It is well connected with all the major cities.