Being the largest city in all of northeast India, Guwahati is spread over an area of 320 sq. km. Being a river port, the city is a trade and business hub. Several Hindu pilgrimage sites are situated in Guwahati, due to which many pilgrims visit the city every year. Guwahati is the gateway to North-Eastern India, engulfed with charming scenic views of luxuriant hills, and flowing water of Brahmaputra rivers. The city is endowed with abundant divine religious sites and has generous serene natural beauty sites to relax at.
Guwahati is also popular for the presence of rare wild animals and endangered birds, which is a delight for wildlife lovers. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is a popular tourist attraction.
Things to do in Guwahati
Wildlife enthusiasts must visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Assam State Zoo to see rare wild animal species. The Science Magic Show in the Regional Science Center is loved by kids and families. Kamakhya Temple and Umananda Temple are great if you want to have a divine experience. Spend a day on a cruise with your family at Brahmaputra River. Assam State Museum is soaked in culture and must be witnessed by you. Stimulate your senses with a bike ride at Saraighat Bridge. Enjoy and have fun at Srimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra, which is a great place for art lovers.
Tourist attractions in Guwahati
Peacock Island is the smallest inhabited riverine island in the world and is situated on the Brahmaputra River. Other tourist attractions include Nilachal Hills, Umananda Temple, Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple, Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple, Ganesh Mandir, Lankeswar Shiv Temple, Guwahati Planetarium, Maati Centre, Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Science Museum, Dipor Bil and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
Places to shop in Guwahati
Affordable and value-for-money gifts can be bought at Sualkuchi, Fancy Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, and Pan Bazar. Dona Planet and Pragjyotika Assam Emporium are popular among the young crowd. NEDFi Haat organises regular exhibitions to promote the handicraft works of local artisans, usually during Pre-Rongali Bihu Fair and Pre-Bhogali Bihu Fair. If you are fond of bamboo crafts and exclusive range of handlooms, then you must visit Pragjyoti Assam Emporium. Your shopping is not complete until you have tasted fragrant tea at Jalan’s Tea with various flavours available.
Best time to visit Guwahati
Visiting Guwahati between October and March is ideal as the weather is most enjoyable during this time and is perfect for sight-seeing.
Modes of transport in Guwahati
Auto-rickshaws and car rentals, trains, buses and pre-paid taxis run frequently throughout the city, which makes it really transport friendly for tourists who have multiple options to travel.
Weather in Guwahati
Summers are very hot and humid which makes the average temperature rise to 29 degrees Celsius. Winters are much more enjoyable and the temperature doesn’t go below 5 degrees Celsius during this time.
Airport in Guwahati
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (IATA: GAU) is the 11th busiest airport in the country and is situated about 20 km away from the city. Domestic flights to destinations like Agartala, Aizawl, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Dibrugarh, and Hyderabad are offered by IndiGo from Guwahati.
