Guwahati is a major city in eastern India, often considered as the gateway to the North-East Region (NER) of the country and is the largest city within the region. Dispur, the capital of the Indian state of Assam is situated within the city. Guwahati is one of the most rapidly growing cities in India. During past few decades it has experienced unprecedented spatial expansion and also steep rise in population. In fact according to a survey done by a UK media, Guwahati is among the first 100 fastest growing city of the world and is 5th fastest growing among Indian cities. Today, the city straddles between the LGB International Airport in the west to Narengi in the east for almost 45 kilometers and between the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river and the foothills of the Shillong plateau for around 15 kilometers.

KAMAKHYA

Guwahati is particularly famous for its Kamakhya temple located atop the Nilachal hill, at a distance of 10 km from the railway station. The origin of Kamakhaya is Pre–Aryan. Kamakhaya is an ancient seat of Tantric and Shakti cults of Hinduism. The original temple was destroyed by the invading Muslims in their crusade against Hindu temples and idols in the early part of 16 th century. The name of the Muslim General who destroyed the temple was known as Kalapahar; originally he was a Hindu but by force he had been converted to Muslim. Ultimately it was restored from ruins by King Naranarayan of the Koches and rebuilt in its present form in 1565 AD. The Yoginitantra and the Kalikapurana, two store houses of ancient rites and mythology; are silent on this aspect.

TEMPLE OF NINE PLANET

The Navagraha Temple was built by the Ahom king Rajeshwar Singha (1751-1769) It is on the top of Chitrasal Hill (or Navagraha Hill) in Guwahati. The temple is dedicated to the nine planets in the solar system. It was the center of astrological and astronomical research. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, enshrined in this temple are nine Shiva lingams, representing nine planetary gods of Hinduism. Each lingam is covered with a cloth having specific colour for each lingam which signifies one of the nine planets.

MADAN KAMDEV

Situated 35 kms from Guwahati Madan Kamdev is an archaeological site where erotic Sculptures are found. It is often referred to as “Khajuraho of Kamrup” it is a complex of 24 temples. Set on a hillock (Dewangiri Hill) full of sal and teak forest. The exact history of the temple is not known, but it was been estimated that the temple complex was built during the period of 10- 12 th Century by pala dynasty. It was built in 5 sections also known as “Pancharatha”. The Sculpture of Six headed Bhairab four armed Shiva was found here.

SUALKUCHI

Sualkuchi is situated 35 kilometers from Guwahati. The place is also known as the MANCHESTAR OF THE EAST. The tradition of weaving in this little hamlet can be trace from 11th century, when the then king Dharam pal of the pala dynasty brought 26 families from Tantikuchi (Barpeta) to Sualkuchi. In Assam there are three type of Silk: 1. Muga the Golden Silk, 2. Pat Silk, 3. Eri Silk. The Golden silk was the royal fabrics of the Ahom Kings who ruled Assam for six centuries till 1826. Muga the (Golden Silk) is non-mulberry silk obtained from semi domesticated silkworm known as Antheraea Assamensis found only in Assam. Most of this is exported to Japan, where it is use to make KIMONOS.

HAJO

Hajo in Assam is a centre for various religions, located about 28 km across the river Brahmaputra, from the city of Guwahati. Hajo in Assam is a sacred place, where three religions - Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists meets. Hajo is also renowned for its bell metal work. Hajo has a large number of temples, the chief among them being Hayagriva-Madhab Temple. Hajo Assam is also considered to be a Muslim pilgrimage centre, since the mosque known as the Pao Mecca built by Pir Ghiasuddin Aulia is situated here. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas had taken shelter in this region during their agyatvas or during the period in hiding. One can see the stone bowl used by Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers) during this agyatvas. Hajo 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 oldest residents - a giant turtle.

POBITORA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is major wildlife stock, situated in Morigaon district of Assam, the northeastern state of India. Covering an area of 38.8 Sq. km., the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is about 50 km from Guwahati, situated on the border of Nagaon and Kamrup Dist. Pobitora is mainly famous for its great Indian one horned Rhinoceros. Besides Rhinoceros the other animals are Asiatic Buffalo, Leopard, Wild bear, civet cat etc. Assam Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to more than 2000 migratory birds and various reptiles.