Guwahati – Shopper paradise of the northeast India

Last updated Apr 29, 2012 by admin

Being the largest city in the northeast, Guwahati enjoys a special Status. A centre for all business activities and shopping thus attracting the people of northeast and Eastern Bhutan towards it. The origins of this City trace back to the 6^th Century, making it stand among the oldest cities of the Country. Initially known as Prajyotishpura, Guwahati was the Capital of Assam till the 10^th century.

Located in the foothills of Shillong plateau, the city is closer to the Himalayas and quite hilly also. Guwahati is an important destination for tourists as this place has some interesting places to visit. The streets of Guwahati are usually occupied with tourists as there are many cultural and commercial markets across these streets. The bazaars in the city can load the tourists with the best of the stuff at reasonable rates. Amongst the more traditional places is the famous Pan Bazaar, while the Fancy Bazaar is a never-to-miss place for shopaholics as it is a shopping haven with many wholesale and retail outlets. Amidst the other bazaars in the city lies the Paltan Bazaar, a commercial center in the heart of the city famous for accommodations, transportation and restaurants.

After shopping, the travelers can move ahead to some historic places like the Uma Nanda Temple dedicated to lord Shiva which has its existence from the 17th century. The Janardana Temple, Bhubaneswari Temple and the Ugro Tara Temple are also some interesting places to visit. While the Navagraha Temple was built on Chitrasal Hill in 18th Century, it is the second highest hill in Guwahati. The Kamakhya temple which attracts pilgrims during the Ambubachi festival from all over the Country is also a fascinating place to visit in India.

The Assam State Museum, at the southern end of Dighalipukhuri tank, houses some important historic facts. A visit to this museum will guide the tourists about the journey of this city. The Basistha Ashramin city is also a picnic spot near the Sandhychal hills. The Pandu, a river port which lies on the south bank of Brahmaputra has a historic importance as this place was the entry point to Guwahati before construction of the Saraighat Bridge in the early 1960s. This cultural and historic city can be a wonderful experience for shopping and site seeing while holidaying in India.