Guwahati Pragjyotishpura in ancient Assam, Gauhati in the modern era) is the largest city of Assam and Northeastern India
It is a major riverine port city and one of the fastest growing cities in India, situated on the South Bank of the Brahmaputra River.
The ancient cities of Pragjyotishpura and Durjaya were the capitals of the ancient state of Kamrupa under the Varman and Pala dynasties of ancient India. Presence of many ancient Hindu temples are in the city, gave the name “City of Temples”.
Dispur, the capital of Assam, is in the circuit city region located within Guwahati and is the seat of the Government of Assam.
The city lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and on the foothills of the Shillong plateau. Guwahati is also the largest city in Northeast India.
The Guwahati region hosts diverse wildlife including rare animals such as Asian elephants, pythons, tigers, rhinoceros, gaurs, primate species, and endangered birds.
Guwahati’s myths and history go back several thousands of years. Although the exact date of the city’s beginning is unknown, references in the epics, and the ancient Puranas, and other traditional histories of India, lead many to assume that it is one of the ancient cities of Asia. Epigraphic sources place the capitals of many ancient kingdoms in Guwahati. According to Hindu mythology it was the capital of the kings Narkasura and Bhagadatta according to the Mahabharata.
Kamakhya Temple
Located within Guwahati is the ancient Shakti temple of Goddess Kamakya in Nilachal hill (an important seat of Tantric and Vajrayana Buddhism which is visited by thousand of worshippers throughout the year.
Archaeological evidence by excavations in Ambari, and excavated brick walls and houses discovered during construction of the present Cotton College’s auditorium suggest the city was of economic and strategic importance until the 9th-11th century AD.
Medieval History
35-feet-high statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and his army in the middle of the Brahmaputra
The city was the seat of the Borphukan, the civil military authority of the Lower Assam region appointed by the Ahom kings.
Sports
Guwahati features the multi-purpose Nehru Stadium which hosts mainly cricket and football; while the Kanaklata Indoor Stadium in the R.G. Baruah Sports Complex (in the Ulubari locality) is one of the oldest sports complex in the city.
However there are also other smaller stadiums located throughout the city.
The sporting infrastructure specially constructed for the 33rd National Games in 2007 include a large stadium at Sarusajai—the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, the Dr. Zakir Hussain Aquatic Complex, and the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi A.C. Indoor Hall. Guwahati is home to football club NorthEast United FC which competes in the Indian Super League.
Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium also known as Sarusajai Stadium is a football stadium in Guwahati, India . Besides hosting football matches, the stadium is also used for athletics. It has a total capacity of 35,000. In 2007, it hosted the 33rd National Games of India
The stadium is located in Lokhra, and is a one-tier stadium with roofing only over the main stand. There is only a limited amount of seats in the main stand and the rest is just standing area.
The stadium pays tribute to the late Indira Gandhi who was the fourth Prime Minister of India.
From 2014, it has been the home ground for NorthEast United FC in the newly formed Indian Super League and for which it underwent major renovations. The stadium has been selected as one of the venues for the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in India in 2017. Further upgrade plans are expected to be put in place like introduction of bucket seats, refurbished media and broadcast box etc.
The stadium was the main venue of 2016 South Asian Games, which was held in both Guwahati and Shillong from 5th to16th February 2016.
Football clubs based in the city
| Club | Sport | League | Stadium |
| NorthEast United FC | Football | Indian Super League | Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium |
| Guwahati F.C. | Football | I-League 2nd Division | Nehru Stadium, North-East Frontier Railway Stadium |
| Gauhati Town Club | Football | GSA Super League, I-League U18 | Judges Field |
| FC Green Valley | Football | Assam State Premier League | Nehru Stadium |
9 AWESOME PLACES YOU NEED TO VISIT WHILE YOU’RE IN GUWAHATI – A TRAVEL GUIDE
Tourists often visit Guwahati in huge numbers to know more about this beautiful city and to venture the wildness that it offers.
1. UMANANDA TEMPLE :
One of the most imperative temples of Guwahati, Umananda Temple is located on Peacock Island amidst Brahmaputra River. The temple was built in the seventeenth century and it was developed by Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique. The temple being at the focal point of River Brahmaputra, is reached by boats.
2. ASSAM STATE ZOO :
The Assam State zoo or the Guwahati zoo is the biggest of its kind in the North East. It is a prominent fascination of the city with animals from around the world and is flocked by tourists from all parts of the world. There is also provision for trekking in this zoo.
3. SARAIGHAT BRIDGE :
Saraighat Bridge is a road-rail bridge located over the Brahmaputra River. It is one of the most crucial junctions connecting the North East and the rest of the nation. One can experience an excellent view of the mighty Brahmaputra River from the top.
4. POBITORA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY :
The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the Great Indian one-horned rhino, is situated in the Morigaon region of Assam. The sanctuary is a perfect place to visit and experience wildlife with one’s own eyes. The sanctuary is also a famous picnic spot.
5. FOODVILLA :
Situated at the centre heart of the city in Panbazar, this resort type food chain is an ideal destination among the youths of the city. Pizza, Dosa and Grillend Sandwich are the best foods that are served here.
6. SUALKUCHI :
Sualkuchi is a weaver’s town that is known for its silk weaving and is located on the north bank of Brahmaputra. It was known as the Manchester of the East by the British. Sualkuchi gloats of a stunning resort known as spice route resort and it is an extraordinary spot to be amid weekends.
7. SHANKARDEV KALASHETRA :
A place renowned mostly for various performances performed by artists is a pretty good place to visit for some peaceful time. Many events are also conducted here in the form of rock concerts, competitions etc.
8. DEEPOR BEEL :
Situated toward the south-west of Guwahati, Deepor Beel is a freshwater lake in a previous channel of the Brahmaputra River, toward the south of the principle waterway. Additionally called as a wetland, it also considered as one of the biggest beels in the Brahmaputra valley of Lower Assam. One can find and locate almost 120 types of birds here and is a hot spot for avid bird watchers.
9. FANCY BAZAR :
This focal commercial center of Guwahati is this popular place for any shopping purposes. Situated close to the Central Railway Station, the place is continually filled with customers, and businessmen alike. It is a standout among the most happening spots in Guwahati.
The city of Guwahati has a pure blend of awesome cuisines, from authentic cuisines to the exotic Mughlai dishes along with the Chinese mouth watery delights to the smacking desserts; this city has got it all.
1. Maach
This fish themed restaurant has an all in all attractive concept with interesting fish serves. The restaurant serves on of the best fish finger with mayo dip and the bhetki masala which can be relished by one and all.
2. Three Guys
The restaurant is a perfect mix of awesome food, great taste and pocket friendly menu. The place serves on the most awesome chicken sausages and tandoori chicken in the hot meals. And one can easily enjoy the mushy beverages like blue lagoon and cold coffee after a big meal.
3. Nehars
This Mughlai themed restaurant delivers the Royal Mughlai dishes at its best. From the Hyderabadi Kababs to the Kormas and Nuns, this eatery has got in store a houseful of delicacies.
4. Pink Cherry Bubble
Located in the Maligaon area the cafe comes with a twist. With live music, magic show and a fine array of good food, this cosy place is worth spending time for. The speciality of this joint is the Chicken BBQ Pizza, Crostani Pollo (Roasted bread with chicken and cheese) and the thin crust pizza.
5. 16 Aana Bengal
The all Bengali restaurant serves Mutton Koshto to Pulao, Prawn Malai Curry to the Chicken Kasa. This place literally takes one off to Kolkata. One can also find the the yummies dessert of Nogen Gurer Doi here.
6. Gams Delicacy
Serving the regional favourites, this traditional eatery is the home to quality Assamese food. The veg thali with mashed potato and non veg thali with options like fish, chicken or pork and bamboo shoot coupled up with mustard gram chutney gets you to the village style of eating. This place is a pure class Assamese food server and a must try out joint for traditional food lovers.