My visit to Guwahati, a different Assam

My first trip to North East of the country turned out to be an eye-opener. I visited Guwahati yesterday for a day and found the city very different from what I had imagined. Large airport, good roads, peaceful and welcoming people, clearly not what one imagines when thinking of a city in Assam. I was told the Guwahati has one of the highest literacy rates amongst women and i wouldn't find a beggar if i went looking for one. Even the top metros in India can't boast of such feathers. I also met certain important office bearers and was impressed with their modesty, straight talk and welcoming nature (the same with other people i met). Also learned a couple of rituals - people gift hand woven fabrics and bow while greeting their guests - was really impressed with their hospitality. A mention of Guwahati wouldn't be complete without talking about the mighty Bhramaputra and Maa Kamakhya Devi's mandir situated on top of a hill. Although i couldn't visit the mandir this time, I was told that anyone who visits Guwahati and remembers Maa has to return and offer prayers at the temple. So looking forward to my next visit, when I hope to explore more of the Prag Jyotish (another name for Guwahati).