Guwahati

Guwahati is a valley that runs from the banks of Brahmaputra riverup to the foothills of Shillonghills. It is the largest city in northeast India and hosts a cosmopolitan society. 

In Guwahati, one can catch the glimpses of nearly all the communities of the northeast ~ whether they live here or are transiting. This gives the city a very vibrant look, always teeming with people. 

The prime attraction in Guwahati is Kamakhya Temple situated atopNilachal Hill. Kamakhyais one of the 51 Shakti Pithas and the most revered ones. The temple was built as early as in the 8th Century and betrays an oval-shaped architecture unique to Assam. 

Climbing the Nilachal Hill, which now has a motorable road right up to the Temple premises, is an experience in itself. Thousands of people from all over the world visit the temple every day ~ most on pilgrimage and some for its historical value. 

Next major attraction is the Umananda Island in the middle of mighty Brahmaputra river. The Islandis famous for a temple dedicated to Parvati ~ another name for Goddess Durga.The temple displays mixture of both Hindu Vaishnavism and Shaivism.

Going by history, the temple was built some 324-years ago in 1694. Mythology has it the Island was created by Lord Shiva for his wife Parvati and he himself lived herein the guise of Bhayananda. 

Shiva burnt Kamadeva with his third eye on UmanandaIsland when the latter interrupted his meditation. Hence,UmanandaIsland is also called BhasmachalDue to itsshape, the British had named it the Peacock Island.

UmanandaIsland can be reached by boat and Global Connection Siliguri is there to arrange all the necessary logistics. 

Kalakshetra, the official name being SrimantaSankaradevKalakshetra, is north-east’s largest centre of culture and heritage located in Guwahati. Built in 1998, it is named after medieval poet-playwright and social reformer SrimantaSankardev.

Kalakshetraincludes a cultural museum, library, and various facilities for preserving andexhibiting cultural artifacts and hosting cultural performances. The artistic excellence of Assam and rest of the northeast is displayed here.

Eateries, emporiums, open-air theatres, and a children's park within the sprawling Kalakshetra premises make it a must go for tourists. A cable car facility is available inside the park for visitors and one can get an excellent view of the Shillonghills during the ride, let Global Connection Siliguri assure you. 

Visiting Guwahati but not buying a traditional silk saree or a gamosa is almost a crime. To pick the best one, one will have to travel 35 km toSualkuchi ~ a small town with the largest number of cottage industry engaged in handloom. 

Called the "Manchester of Assam,” Sualkuchi is famous for high-qualityMuga silk,Pat silk, Eri silk, and Endi cloths. The all-white cotton towel with red embroidery at both ends that most Indian politicians keep suspended from their neck these days is nothing but a gamosa from Sualkuchi. 

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located some 48-km from Guwahati in the district of Morigaon. It is popular for sighting the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros.Out of the total notified area of 38.80 square kmin the sanctuary, 16 square km alone is rhino habitat. 

Elephant rides and jeep safaris are two major activities that are preferred for the sighting of the one-horned rhinoceros.Other than this,Pobitora interests tourists for theHaduk Hanging Bridge and GarangaBeel.