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
Dipor Bil
The giant freshwater lake is known for its rich biodiversity which supports a variety of flora and fauna.
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursUmananda Temple
Experience Time: 1-2 hoursKamakhya Temple
Exploration time: 2-3 hoursPobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Exploration time: 4-5 hoursMadan Kamdev
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursNehru Park
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursGuwahati, the largest city in Assam, features cuisines from northeastern states, including Assamese, Meghalayan and Naga food. Here are some famous restaurants in Guwahati:
While the age-old temples take you back in history, its electric ambience and lively nightlife keep up with the modern times. A city shaped by time, Guwahati has plenty of fun things to do:
The ideal time to visit Guwahati is from October to March. The weather is nice and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city.
Assamese is the official and the most widely spoken language in Guwahati. Besides this, people are well-versed in Hindi and English, making it easier for tourists to communicate with the locals.
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.
Guwahati, the vibrant city of Assam, celebrates various festivals enthusiastically. Some of the major festivals celebrated in Guwahati include:
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.