The mighty River Brahmaputra meandering through its heart, the majestic Himalayas as its backdrop, and nature's bounty all around, Guwahati is truly a gem of the Northeast. Guwahati tourism is incomplete without exploring the ancient temples, lush hills, vibrant wildlife, and sprawling tea gardens. Known as the gateway to Northeast India, Guwahati is a rapidly growing city that offers many attractions to enchant tourists. It is renowned for being home to the world-famous one-horned rhinoceros. Guwahati has everything, whether you're seeking adventure, culture, or simply a relaxing holiday. Explore this detailed Guwahati travel guide to discover the best of what this charming city has to offer.
How to reach Guwahati
- By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), commonly known as Guwahati Airport, is located 20 km from the city centre. The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 serves domestic flights, whereas Terminal 2 serves international flights to Guwahati.
- By train: The city has two main railway stations: Guwahati Railway Station and Kamakhya Railway Station. These stations are served by regular trains from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
- By bus: Guwahati has robust connectivity to nearby cities and towns via government-run and private buses, including Volvo, deluxe, air-conditioned, or luxury coaches. Its strategic location at the intersection of major national highways makes it easily accessible from Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, West Bengal, and Nagaland.
- Getting around/local transport in Guwahati: Taxis and auto rickshaws are readily available in Guwahati, with metered fares. Auto rickshaws are popular for short distances. ASTC op
Places to visit
Dipor Bil
The giant freshwater lake is known for its rich biodiversity which supports a variety of flora and fauna.
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Umananda Temple
Experience Time: 1-2 hours
Kamakhya Temple
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Exploration time: 4-5 hours
Madan Kamdev
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Nehru Park
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursView All 6 places
Places to eat
Oriental Bistro
At Oriental Bistro, travellers can indulge in a delightful culinary experience focusing on Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cuisines.
Popular dishes: Dimsums, sushi, and bowl meals.
Naga Kitchen
Naga Kitchen offers a unique dining experience. The menu features a range of dishes from the region, including curries, stir-fries, and other specialities.
Popular dishes: Chicken fried dumplings, meat steamed dumplings, and chicken Naga curry.
King Chilly
If you want to experience a quintessential Assamese experience, King Chilly, with its woody interiors, is a perfect place.
Popular dishes: Aloo pitika, kochu haak, and chicken with pumpkin.
Café B-You
Café B-You is a popular dining place located within Radisson Blu, Guwahati. It has a lively vibe and delectable dishes.
Popular dishes: Fried fish, chicken caesar salad, and chicken tikka.
Cafe Riverrun
Located near the River Brahmaputra, Cafe Riverrun offers one of the most beautiful views in the city.
Popular dishes: Chicken club sandwich, OTT milkshake, butterscotch milkshake, and choco peanut butter waffle.
Paprika
Michinga offers various dishes, from traditional Indian curries to flavorful Chinese stir-fries, catering to diverse palates.
Popular dishes: Chicken curry, jumbo Assamese thali, and fish fry.
Things To Do
Heritage excursions
Cultural tour
Local cuisine
Historical sites
Local cuisine
Museum visits
Wildlife sanctuaries
Temple visits
Best time to visit
Most commonly spoken languages
Shopping
Guwahati is a lively city with great shopping spots. Check out these popular shopping places in Guwahati for a fantastic experience:
- Fancy Bazaar: The market is famous for its tribal jewellery, handicrafts, and home and interior decor items. Also named Faasi Bazar, the place offers silk fabric, traditional Japis or conical hats and Gamosas, as well as ceremonial cloth, which are both specialities of Assam.
- Paltan Bazaar: Paltan Bazaar is a popular shopping destination that sells various items, including clothing, electronics, handicrafts, and local souvenirs.
- Pan Bazaar: Pan Bazaar in Guwahati is known for its wide range of bookstores, handicraft shops, and traditional Assamese clothing stores. It's a favourite spot for book lovers and those looking for unique, locally made items. The welcoming atmosphere adds to its charm, making it a popular destination for shoppers.
- GS Road: Here, you'll find many branded shops, designer boutiques, and electronic stores. A stroll along GS Road promises a more upscale shopping experience, with each store offering tempting products. Whether you're in the market for a new washing machine or a pair of stylish slippers, GS Road will surely cater to your needs, making it a must-visit destination for avid shoppers.
Festivals
Guwahati, the vibrant city of Assam, celebrates various festivals enthusiastically. Some of the major festivals celebrated in Guwahati include:
Bihu
The national festival of Assam is celebrated in three different forms - Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu), Kongali Bihu (Kati Bihu), and Bhogali Bihu (Magh Bihu). It is a celebration of the change of the seasons. Bohaag Bihu is celebrated in April, Maagh Bihu in January, and Kaati Bihu in October. Each of the three celebrations marks a significant phase in the farming calendar of Assam.
Durga Puja
This festival, celebrating the Goddess Durga's victory over evil, is a significant celebration in Guwahati. Pandals (temporary structures) are erected across the city, and elaborate idols of Goddess Durga are worshipped with grandeur.
Brahmaputra Beach Festival:
The Brahmaputra Beach Festival happens every year in spring by the River Brahmaputra. It lasts three days and includes cultural events, dances, crafts, and water sports. The festival brings music, art, and celebrations to the riverbank, allowing people to enjoy Assam's culture and nature.
More reasons to visit
Here are some more reasons to visit this beautiful city:
- Adventure activities: Guwahati offers many options for adventure activities. You can enjoy river rafting in the River Kameng, rock climbing in Rani, and explore Panacea.
- Guwahati Zoo: The Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, or Guwahati Zoo, sprawls across 430 acres in the Hengrabari Forest Area. It is renowned for its diverse wildlife, housing 113 species, including one-horned rhinoceros, giraffes, ostriches, and kangaroos.
- Assam State Museum: The Assam State Museum in Guwahati is a must-visit to get a glimpse of the local culture. Established in 1940, it features galleries showcasing Assamese history, including sculptures, tribal art, and fabrics. One of its highlights is the Surya sculpture, which dates back to the 5th-12th centuries and reflects the region's rich heritage.
