Guwahati Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and scenic city of Guwahati with our comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local tips for an unforgettable experience.


Introduction to Guwahati

Guwahati is the largest city in the state of Assam and a gateway to the Northeast region of India. Nestled on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is known for its cultural and religious significance, scenic landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. The city is a blend of ancient and modern India, offering a unique travel experience to its visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Guwahati

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kamakhya Temple: A sacred temple dedicated to Kamakhya, the goddess of fertility and power. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage spots in India and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
  • Assam State Museum: Featuring a collection of artifacts and exhibits on the rich heritage and culture of Assam, this museum is a must-visit for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
  • Umananda Temple: Located on Peacock Island in the middle of Brahmaputra River, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers a stunning view of the river and the city.

Natural Attractions of Guwahati: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, this wildlife sanctuary is a great place to explore the diverse flora and fauna of Assam.
  • Sualkuchi: Known as the “Manchester of the East,” Sualkuchi is a handicraft village famous for its silk, handloom products, and textiles.
  • Kaziranga National Park: The UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its tiger population, one-horned rhinoceros, and elephant population.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Guwahati

  • Dighalipukhuri: A popular walking trail, this scenic route around a man-made pond is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a jog.
  • Nehru Park: Located in the heart of the city, this park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Guwahati and features a jogging track and scenic views of the Brahmaputra River.
  • Basistha Ashram: This historic ashram is located in a lush green forest and offers a picturesque setting for a hike.

Best Things to Do in Guwahati: Activities and Tours

  • Brahmaputra River Cruise: Take a leisurely cruise on the Brahmaputra River and enjoy the scenic views of the city and the river.
  • Assam Tea Garden Tour: Explore the Assam tea gardens and learn about the production of tea in Assam.
  • Shopping at Fancy Bazar: Famous for its local handicrafts, textiles, and handloom products, Fancy Bazar is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local products.

Week-Long Itinerary for Guwahati

Day Activity
1 Visit Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple, and Assam State Museum
2 Explore Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
3 Visit Sualkuchi and experience the local handicrafts
4 Enjoy a Brahmaputra River Cruise
5 Attend a cultural show at Gauhati University
6 Explore the Basistha Ashram and hike in the lush green forest
7 Visit Kaziranga National Park

Food and Drink Scene of Guwahati

Must-Try Dishes

  • Assam Tea: Made from locally grown tea leaves, Assam tea is a must-try for tea lovers.
  • Fish Curry: Guwahati is known for its delicious fish curry made with locally sourced fish and spices.
  • Pitha: A traditional Assamese sweet made from rice batter and coconut, Pitha is a popular dessert in Guwahati.

Local Beverages

  • Apong: Made from rice and locally grown herbs, Apong is a popular alcoholic beverage in Assam.
  • Assam Tea: Enjoy a hot cup of Assam tea, either plain or with a dash of milk.

Where to Stay in Guwahati: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Vivanta Guwahati: Located in the heart of the city, Vivanta Guwahati is a luxury hotel that offers stunning views of the Brahmaputra River.
  • Prabhakar Homestay: This guesthouse offers comfortable and affordable accommodation in a quiet residential area of Guwahati.
  • Zostel Guwahati: A budget-friendly hostel that offers clean and comfortable accommodation for solo travelers and backpackers.

What to Buy in Guwahati: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handicrafts and Textiles: Guwahati is famous for its handloom products, silk, and textiles. Buy a souvenir or a gift for your loved ones from Sualkuchi or Fancy Bazar.
  • Assam Tea: Bring home a packet of locally sourced Assam tea for yourself or as a gift for tea lovers.
  • Traditional Jewellery: Made by skilled artisans, traditional Assamese jewellery makes for a unique and beautiful souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Guwahati

Assamese culture is a blend of Hinduism, Islam, and tribal traditions. The people of Assam are hospitable and welcoming, and food and tea are an integral part of their culture. It is customary to take off your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home.

Best Time to Visit Guwahati

The best time to visit Guwahati is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Guwahati

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and tea.
  • Carry appropriate clothing while visiting temples or religious places.

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water.
  • Wear revealing clothing while visiting temples or religious places.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Guwahati

Guwahati is a generally safe city, but it is advisable to take necessary precautions and be alert while traveling to avoid any unpleasant incidents.

Health in Guwahati

It is advisable to drink bottled water and avoid street food to prevent any health issues while traveling in Guwahati. It is also recommended to carry necessary medication and consult a doctor for any health concerns.

Getting to Guwahati: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Guwahati

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the nearest airport to Guwahati and is well-connected to major cities in India.

Bus Stations Near Guwahati

Guwahati is well-connected by road to major cities in the Northeast region of India. There are several state-run and private bus services that operate to and from Guwahati.

Other Options

Guwahati is well-connected by rail to major cities in India. The Guwahati railway station is the largest in Northeast India and is connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.

How to Get Around in Guwahati

Guwahati has an extensive public transport network, including buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis, that makes it easy to travel around the city.

Where to Go Next from Guwahati: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Shillong: A popular hill station located 100 km from Guwahati, Shillong is known for its scenic beauty and cultural attractions.
  • Kaziranga National Park: Located 200 km from Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park is home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and offers a unique wildlife experience.
  • Majuli: The world’s largest river island, Majuli is a beautiful destination known for its cultural attractions and scenic landscapes.

Conclusion

With its rich culture, scenic landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Guwahati offers a unique travel experience to its visitors. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into Assamese culture, Guwahati has something to offer. With this comprehensive tour guide, we hope you have all the information and insights you need to plan your trip to Guwahati.

Kamakhya Temple. Kamakhya Temple. Accoland Amusement park Accoland Amusement park ''Bahor Sungar Doi'' ''Bahor Sungar Doi'' A hotel on left A hotel on left The road to the Kamakhya Temple The road to the Kamakhya Temple