GUWAHATI, June 18 � Alluring Guwahati, a glossy coffee-table book, capturing the fascinating aspects of the city of Guwahati, was released here today. The book documents the various landmarks in the city, lists eateries, wildlife getaways, must-have info for tourists, titbits, and more.
VS Bhaskar, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Government of Assam, while releasing the book, said it succeeded in filling the void of such a publication aimed at tourists and others who would like to know almost everything about the city.
An initiative of the Kamrup (Metro) district administration, Alluring Guwahati has been brought out by Wordweaves India, a Guwahati-based publisher with support from State Bank of India, North-east circle.
Although the book is not a comprehensive publication on Guwahati, it can be used as a ready reference guide by both first timers to the city as well as residents. For instance, in the History and Geography section, the book features important monuments, complete with their history, albeit in brief. If Guwahati has its own wildlife and is a haven of birds, it also has its share of famous religious landmarks, representing all religions. The book features most of them.
That aside, the book lists the affordable eateries in the city, including the new and not-so-new fine dining restaurants that dots the downtown area. The book also guides the visitor where to look for souvenirs and ethnic items. The book has tried to give a peep into the Assamese way of life and the music scenario.
Alluring Guwahati also has a mini yellow pages section featuring important phone numbers for the convenience of the visitors. It would be like a ready reckoner and give the visitor a fair idea on what to expect when in the city or how to get around town. Alluring Guwahati would help visitors understand that Guwahati is not just about the Kamakhya temple, that is famous and highly revered, and that it is more than just a gateway to the North-east.
The text of the book is by Rituparna Goswami Pande and the principal photographer is ace lensman Anupam Nath. Moreover, a few eminent city residents have penned their thoughts of our scenic city that is so dear to them despite the odds.
Celebrities, social activists, academics, tourism officials, hoteliers and other well known personalities attended the launch where the speakers included Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner Ashutosh Agnihotri, journalist Wasbir Hussain, Assam Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Anurag Singh, and actors Kopil Bora and Nishita Goswami.
