Straddling the banks of the Brahmaputra, this former capital of the Kamrup kings (when it was ancient Pragjyotishpur, meaning "The Light of the East") is a crowded, busy river town, the gateway to Assam and the entire Northeast region, and a major commercial hub for the region. Surrounded by paddy fields and ancient rainforests, Assam's capital city is home to many temples that date back to Vedic and Puranic times.

The Kamakhya Temple dominates the life of Guwahati, as much as the great Bramhaputra River. One of the most revered shrines of the Hindu faith, the temple is located on Neelachal Hill. The temple offers grandstand views of the Bramhaputra. The reigning deity here is goddess Parvati (Sati). Legend has it that Lord Shiva in his anger dismembered his consort. It is believed that of the pieces of her body, which he scattered in his rage, her yoni fell on Nilachal Hill. The temple here is also called Yoni Pith and is said to be a tantric centre. The shrine finds mention in the inscription of King Samudragupta's pillar at Allahabad. A rush of devotees throngs the temple during the Ambubachi and Manasha Puja.

Amongst some of the other holy places in Guwahati is the Bashisht Ashram dating back to the time when the great sage Vashisht visited this spot on the confluence of the Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta streams, and set up his ashram here. The Nabagraha Temple on Chitranchal Hill, is an important centre for the study of astronomy and astrology. Located in Jorpukhuri, the Ugratara Temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The Dirgeshwari Temple, is dedicated to an avatar of Goddess Durga. The Ashvaklanta Temple offers superb views of the city against the Bramhaputra River.

A River Cruise on the mighty Bramhaputra is wonderful opportunity to get a feel of this legendary river. Catch the ferry travelling between Sulkeshwar Ghat and North Guwahati or travel a little more stylishly in one of the state tourism run vessels. Top it off with a trip to Sualkuchi (an hours drive away) to explore the dazzling world of Assam silk.

Hajo

Situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, 32 km from Guwahati, Hajo is the meeting point of the Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu faiths. The Hayagrib Madhab Temple here is said to contain a relic of Buddha; one school of Buddhism believes that Lord Buddha attained Nirvana here. Numerous Bhutias congregate at the shrine in the winter. An Iraqi prince who became a preacher called Pir Giasuddin Aulia established the mosque in Hajo in the 12th century, while visiting the place to spread the word of the Prophet. The mosque is often referred to as Poa Mecca- being fourth in the line of sanctity to the shrine at Mecca. Hajo's bell metal work is renowned and you can buy some interesting artifacts made by the local craftsmen.

Madan Kamdev

This archaeological site has temples dating back to the 10-12 century.

Barpeta

There's an ancient Vaishnav monastery and shrine of Mahadeb Deva at Barpeta 137 km from Guwahati.

Bordowa

134 km from Guwahati is the birthplace of the Vaishnav reformer of Assam, Sri Sankardeva.

Darrang

100 km from Guwahati, close to the verdant Bhutan border, Darrang is the location of the famous Bhutia Fair in winter. The drive takes you along vast tracts of tea gardens.

Bhairabkunda

137 km from Guwahati, on the border of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh, Bhairabkunda is a popular picnic spot.

Tezpur

'The City of Blood' ( as a result of the great mythological war fought here between Lord Krishna and Lord Shiv) Tezpur is 198 km away from Guwahati. It is the Sonitpur of the old days. You'll enjoy delightful views of the Bramhaputra River at dawn…then watch the flurry of activity as the day begins for the boats and vessels lined up near the banks. The remains of 5th-6th century stone temples have been discovered in nearby Da Parbatia. The Cole Park, the recently developed attraction, is a big hit with visitors. If you have the time drive down to the Eco camp near the Jai Bhoroli River, 50 km away. An eco-venture experiment by the Assam Anglers Association and the State Forest Department it allows you a great opportunity to indulge in a spot of angling for the golden Mahseer famous in these waters.

Bhalukpong

Situated on the Assam-Arunachal border, 250 km from Guwahati, Bhalukpong is another picturesque spot for angling and leisurely picnics.

Sibsagar

About 369 km from Guwhati Sibsagar is situated close to the site of Chariadeo the ancient capital of the Ahom kings (1229 AD) who ruled Assam for six centuries. Their rule was consolidated by their domineering presence in the Assam valley and their stiff resistance to the Mughal incursions. In time their weakened position gave the British the advantage to wrest their kingdom in 1826. A large watertank, established by Queen Madambika in 1734, dominates the city. Strung around it are three temples the most important of which is the Shivdol (quite possibly the tallest Shiv temple in the country) which is the focal point of the Shivratri Puja. Vishndol and Devidol are the other two temples. Other notable tanks built by the Ahoms are the Joysagar, Gaurisagar and Rudrasagar.

Chairaideo

28km from Sibsagar, this has a number of burial vaults of noblemen, which have a striking resemblance to Egypt's pyramids.

Gargaon

Another capital of the Ahom's was Gargaon (15th century), 13km away from Sibsagar. The original palace has disappeared but Karen Ghar, the newer place built by King Rajeshwar Singha is very much in evidence. It's a seven storied structure with two floors above the ground and the rest are underground. It also has a couple of secret tunnels.

Rangpur

6 km from Sibsagar is another palace, the Talatal Ghar, built by King Rudra Singha in 1699.

The Ahom Museum contains relics from the period of Ahom rule. Amongst these are a plethora of swords, clothes, manuscripts and sundry artifacts.

Haflong

Assam's only hill station, Haflong is 364 km from Guwahati. Its picturesque and unspoiled environs are perfect for extended stays. Jatinga, close by is famous for the bizarre phenomenon of the annual mass suicide by birds. No answers have been found to this mystery.

Majuli island

Best approached via Jorhat, Majuli is the world's largest inhabited riverine island. It is also the focal point of Vaishnava culture. Majuli is renowned for its important satras (Vaishanav monasteries). For the Assamese this place is particularly revered as Sankardeva, the 16th century leader of Vaihsnav revivalism, established the satras. Majuli is home to the Mishing tribe who migrated from Arunachal. They are Assam's only riverine tribal community and they make some astoundingly beautiful shawls and blankets, which are also used as wall hangings.