Ancient Assam’s Pragjyotishpura & present day Guwahati, is the gateway to India’s mystical northeast. A bustling city that blends old-world charm with modern infrastructure & development, this rapidly growing city provides a link to seven other northeastern states. Situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River that cuts through 4 countries, the ancient cities of Pragjyotishpura and Durjaya in the north were the capitals of the ancient state of Kamarupa under the Varman and Pala dynasties. The hills hold a 10th-century temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya and an ancient seat of astronomy known as Navagraha, the temple of the nine planets; the small Umananda temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is on an island in the river. These are amongst the best places in Guwahati for tourists & pilgrims. 

Guwahati’s myths and history go back several thousands of years. The Ambari excavations trace the city to the Hindu kingdoms of Shunga-Kushana period of Indian history, between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD. It is now a rapidly growing city that provides a link to seven other northeastern states. Guwahati’s ‘urban form’ radiates from a central core with growth corridors radiating and extending towards the south, east and west. Dispur, the capital of Assam, also lies in Guwahati.

Northeast India is prime tea country, and any trip here would be incomplete without a visit to one of tea plantations that produce the famous Assamese Tea. Assamese tea has a reputation that precedes it, and you will find a variety of teas on offer in and around Guwahati. You will find the best rates at government-approved outlets. Venture outside Guwahati to explore a gorgeous plantation and indulge in a tea-tasting session. Spend an afternoon at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra complex to gain an insight into Assamese arts and culture. Head out early to the spectacular Kaziranga National Park, and with a bit of luck, you might spot a few of the regal creatures that call it home. Kaziranga is home to the largest population of the endangered Indian one-horned rhino, and also has the densest tiger population of any protected forest.

The northeast is truly a traveler’s dream. There’s nature, wildlife, architecture, shopping and some of the best hotels like Vivanta by Taj – Guwahati. Almost five acres of manicured greens, interspersed with betel nut trees, water bodies and local flora surround this stylish structure. The design is inspired by the Rang Ghar, the royal amphitheater of the mighty Ahom dynasty from which Assam draws its name. Look out for the signature bamboo cane interweave abstraction, the Gamocha pattern, the Xingkhap murals in the rooms, the 1008 sacred bells in the lobby that cascade down dramatically against a stunning backdrop. Dine at some of the fine dining restaurants at Vivanta by Taj – Guwahati like Umami, afresh take on Contemporary Chinese and Japanese cooking. North East and Continental cuisine await you at Seven – the all-day diner.

Complete with meeting spaces & event venues, 5 star amenities & a friendly staff, the Taj also has a top notch reward programme – Taj InnerCircle. In addition to the inner circle, Taj offers hotel credits for spends on dining, Business center, laundry, etc., at all Taj Hotels in India including Taj Safaris & all Taj International Hotels on bookings made till 15th October, 2016. If you wish to stay a bit longer, you can extend your stay with a complimentary night! For a three day stay, avail a complementary third night & for a four day stay, avail a complementary fourth night. You can even club two complimentary nights for a consecutive six or eight night stay.