Guwahati: The Gateway to Northeast India

• Helloনমস্কাৰ
  [Nomaskār]
• Goodbyeবিদায়
  [Bidāy]
• Yesহয়
  [Hôy]
• Noনহয়
  [Nôhôy]
• Please/You're welcomeঅনুগ্ৰহ/স্বাগতম
  [Ônugroh/Shwāgôtom]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [Dhônyôbād]
• Excuse me/Sorryক্ষমা কৰক/দুঃখিত
  [Kshôma kôrôk/Duhkhît]
• How are you?আপুনি কেমন আছে?
  [Ôpuni kemôn achô?]
• Fine. And you?ভাল আছো। আৰু তুমি?
  [Bhāl achô. Āru tumi?]
• Do you speak English?আপুনি ইংৰাজি বলে?
  [Ôpuni iṅraji bôle?]
• I don't understandমোক বুজাব নহয়
  [Môk bujāb nahôy]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseঅনুগ্ৰহ কৰি মেনু দেখাব
  [Ônugroh kôri menû dekhāb]
• I don't eat meatমই মাংস খায় নহয়
  [Môi māṅs khāy nahôy]
• Cheers!চিয়াৰ্স!
  [Chiyôrs!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseঅনুগ্ৰহ কৰি মোক মানি দিব
  [Ônugroh kôri môk māni dib]

• Help!সহায়
  [Sôhāy]
• Go away!চলি যাওক!
  [Xôli zāuk!]
• Call the Police!পুলিচ বোৰ কৰক!
  [Pulich bôr kôrok!]
• Call a doctor!ডাক্তৰ বোৰ কৰক!
  [Dāktôr bôr kôrok!]
• I'm lostমই হাৰিব পৰিছো
  [Môi hārib parichô]
• I'm illমই অসুস্থ আছো
  [Môi ôsusth achô]

• I'd like to buy...মই কিনিব বোৰ
  [Môi kinib bôr]
• I'm just lookingমই কেৱল চাবছো
  [Môi kewôl xābôxô]
• How much is it?এটা মুল্য কিয় হৈছে?
  [Eṭā môlô kiy hôichô?]
• That's too expensiveএইটো খুবই মহঙ্গা হৈছে
  [Eiṭô khubôi môhônga hôichô]
• Can you lower the price?মূল্য কম কৰিব পাৰেনে?
  [Môlô kôm kôrib pārenē?]

• What time is it?কি সময় হৈছে?
  [Ki sômôy hôichô?]
• It's one o'clockএটা এখন একটাই হৈছে
  [Eṭā êkhôn êkôtai hôichô]
• Half past (10)দহাই পাৰা
  [Dôhai pārô]
• Morningসোঁওজা
  [Sônjô]
• Afternoonদুপৰ
  [Dupôr]
• Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [Sôndhyā]
• Yesterdayকাল
  [Kāl]
• Todayআজি
  [Ôzi]
• Tomorrowকালি
  [Kāli]
• 1এক
  [Êk]
• 2দুই
  [Dui]
• 3তিনি
  [Tini]
• 4চাৰ
  [Char]
• 5পাঁচ
  [Pāmcha]
• 6ছয়
  [Sôi]
• 7সাত
  [Sāt]
• 8আঠ
  [Ôth]
• 9নয়
  [Nôy]
• 10দহ
  [Dôh]

• Where's a/the...?এতিয়াই...টা/থাকে?
  [Etiyāi...tā/thākê?]
• What's the address?ঠিকনামা কিয় হৈছে?
  [Thiknāmā kiy hôichô?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?মুখ্যমন্ত্ৰী দেখাব পাৰে?
  [Mukhyômantree dekhāb pāre?]
• When's the next (bus)?পৰৱাচ গাড়ী কি সময়ত আহিছে?
  [Pôrôwāch gāṛi ki sômôyt ahichê?]
• A ticket (to ....)টিকেট (.... লৈ)
  [Tiket (.... Lôi)]

Guwahati, situated along the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. According to Hindu mythology, it was known as 'Pragjyotishpura', meaning the 'City of Eastern Astrology'. The city is also associated with the epic Mahabharata; it is said that the Pandavas visited the Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill to seek blessings.

One of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India, the Kamakhya Temple, stands as a testament to the city's profound spiritual heritage. Built in the 8th century by the Mlechchha dynasty and later renovated by the Koch King Naranarayan in the 16th century, the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. The Ambubachi Mela, held in June, is a major festival celebrating the goddess Kamakhya's annual menstrual cycle, drawing devotees from across the country.

In the 17th century, the Ahom Dynasty, which ruled Assam for six centuries, faced a significant threat from the Mughal Empire. The Battle of Saraighat in 1671, fought on the Brahmaputra River, was a decisive moment in Indian history. Led by the brilliant strategist Lachit Borphukan, the Ahoms defeated the Mughals, ensuring Assam's independence. This battle is commemorated by the Lachit Divas on November 24 every year.

With the advent of British colonial rule in the 19th century, Guwahati began to transform from a historical city to a modern urban center. The British established infrastructure such as railways, educational institutions, and administrative buildings. Cotton College, founded in 1901, became a notable center for higher education. Post-independence, Guwahati continued to grow, becoming the largest city in Assam and the gateway to the northeastern states of India.

Guwahati is a vibrant cultural hub, home to diverse communities and traditions. The city celebrates numerous festivals with great fervor, including Bihu, the Assamese New Year, which marks the agricultural calendar and involves traditional music, dance, and feasting. The Brahmaputra River Festival, held annually, showcases the cultural diversity and heritage of the region through performances, boat races, and exhibitions.

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Eastern Himalayas, Guwahati is surrounded by natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located nearby and is renowned for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses. The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, closer to the city, also offers a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The city's numerous hills, parks, and riverbanks provide ample opportunities for nature lovers to explore and enjoy.

Guwahati is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is the primary airport, located about 20 kilometers from the city center. It has regular flights to major Indian cities and some international destinations. Guwahati Railway Station is a major hub with trains connecting to various parts of India. For road travel, National Highways 27 and 17 link Guwahati to other cities. Buses and taxis are readily available for intercity travel.

Within Guwahati, you can use a variety of transportation options. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are common for short distances. Ola and Uber services are also available. The city has a network of city buses operated by Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and private operators. For a more local experience, try the shared tempo services. Renting a car is also an option if you prefer more flexibility.

The official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large stores. However, it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases and in rural areas. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, but it's good practice to withdraw a sufficient amount before heading out for the day.

Guwahati is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any urban area, it's important to be cautious. Avoid isolated areas after dark and be wary of pickpockets in crowded places. Areas like Paltan Bazaar and Fancy Bazaar are bustling but can be hotspots for petty crimes targeting tourists. Always keep your belongings secure and stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 108 for medical emergencies. Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) and Apollo Hospitals are among the major medical facilities. It's wise to have travel insurance that covers medical and other emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like temples. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering a temple. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elders. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Assamese cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Guwahati like a local, visit the local markets such as Fancy Bazaar and Pan Bazaar for a variety of goods and street food. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and eager to share insights about the city. Don't miss a boat ride on the Brahmaputra River, especially around sunset. For a unique cultural experience, visit during the Bihu festival, which showcases traditional Assamese music, dance, and cuisine.