Guwahati – The gateway of northeast India
Guwahati is the largest metropolitan city in Assam with a population of 23 lakh. The city is having a total area of 328 square kilometres. It is beautifully placed at an altitude of 55 meters above sea level on the south bank of the River Brahmaputra in Assam between the hills of eastern borders of the Himalayan mountain range. It is a combination of the metropolitan city as well as a historical city. The city consists of the 10th-century temple of Kamakhya and Navagraha, signifying the nine planets. It is surrounded by wildlife sanctuaries, archaeological ruins and silk-weaving centres. Culturally, Guwahati is also a centre of business and IT industry.
Things to do in Guwahati
Visit the Kamakhya Temple to worship. Take a tour to the Assam State Zoo with your family and museum. Try Assamese cuisines from local restaurants that are also a must-try for tourists. Shop for silk sarees at Silkallay. Enjoy the luxury river cruise on the Alfresco Grand. Or, explore the beautiful Peacock Island.
Tourist attractions in Guwahati
Among all the famous sightseeing places in Guwahati, the Kamakhya Temple is one of the most important religious and historical sites of the city. Guwahati zoo has a huge collection of wildlife animals which serves as a special attraction to children and adult alike. Immerse deeper in Science at Regional Science Centre. Witness how Assam silk is woven at Saulkuchi.
The Shiva Temple in Umananda is also a lovely place where you can enjoy boating and ferries. Another tourist place is Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra which is a cultural place. It has pools, open theatre and a museum.
Places to shop in Guwahati
The Fancy Bazaar is one of the most famous areas of shopping in Guwahati. The things they sell there are both cheap and good quality. Here, you can find footwear, clothing and accessories.
You can also buy Assam silk sarees in Silkallay, must try Mekhela Chador, an Assamese dress that looks like a sarong. Pragjyoti Assam Emporium offers tribal crafts, bamboo crafts and unique handlooms at low prices. There are many malls and multiplexes too.
Best time to visit Guwahati
The best time to visit Guwahati is during summers from October to April as the weather around this time will be damp or humid. Tourists can also visit Guwahati in April to enjoy the Bihu festival in pleasant weather.
Modes of transport
Modes of transport in Guwahati are buses, taxi, auto-rickshaws and try-cycles.
Weather in Guwahati
The summer season is comfortable in Guwahati with a moderate temperature. It rains mostly in June in Guwahati. The temperature in winters ranges from 10°C to 20°C.
Airports in Guwahati
Guwahati International Airport (IATA: GAU) which is one of the busiest airports in India is located in Guwahati.