Situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is Assam's sleepy capital. It was once known as "Pragiyotishpura" or Light of the East. The name Guwahati is a combination of two words: Guwa, meaning areca nut, and Hat, meaning market. Guwahati, or Gurahati, is the gateway to one of the most exotic and fascinating regions of India - the north east.

Today, Guwahati is the business hub of the region and also Assam's largest city. It is the service centre for the oil industry and tea plantations, and home to the world's largest tea auctions.

There are many ancient Hindu temples in and around Guwahati. Notable among them is the Umananda temple on Peacock Island, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Facts About Guwahati