Guwahati, Pragjyotishpura and Durjaya in ancient Assam, Gauhati in the modern era — is an ancient urban area, largest city of Assam and northeastern India. It is one of the fastest developing cities in India and is a major city in Eastern India, often referred as Gateway of North Eastern Region of the country.Prāgjyotishpura, and Durjaya, were the capitals of the ancient state of Kamarupa under Varman's and Pala's respectively. Many ancient Hindu temples are in the city, so also known as the "The City of Temples." Dispur, the capital of the Indian state of Assam, is in the city and is the seat of the Government of Assam.The city is between the banks of the Brahmaputra river and the foothills of the Shillong plateau, with LGB International Airport to the west and the town of Narengi to the east. It is gradually being expanded as North Guwahati to the northern bank of the Brahmaputra.The famous heritage Madan Kamdev is situated 30 km away from Guwahati. This heritage is same as Khajuraho. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation, the city's local government, administers an area of 216 km², while the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, the planning and development administers an area of 254 km².Guwahati is the major commercial and educational hub of North-East India and is home to institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and other premier institutions like Gauhati University and Cotton College. The city is a major center for cultural activities and sports in the North Eastern region and for the administrative and political activities of Assam. The city is an important regional hub for transportation.Guwahati and its environs are rich in wildlife with several rare mammals such as Asian elephants, python, tiger and primates. The birdlife in and around the city is also rich and diverse.
