The gateway of northeast is on the banks of the mighty Brahmapurta River and is the largest city in the Northeast. It is a fast growing premier city a good place to start tours to other northeast destinations.

A huge modern cultural complex at Panjabari named after the great Vaishnavite saint Mohapuruxh Srimanta Sankardeva of the 15th century is located about 10 km away from the city-hart towards the south. This has been established with the purpose of preservation and promotion of the rich socio-cultural heritage of the peoples of Assam. It is open for visitors on all days except Monday.

It is situated on Nilachal hill, eight km east of the city. This temple honour the mother Goddess Kamakhya, the essence of female energy. It is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. The temple was rebuilt in 1665 after being destroyed by Muslim invaders, but its origins are much older than that. It was probably an ancient Khasi sacrificial site, sacrifices are still very much part of worshiping here. Group of devotees arrive each morning with goats to offer to Shakti.