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Guwahati

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About Guwahati

The gateway to the northeast and the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the region, Guwahati serves as the starting block for the other seven sisters locations . This featureless city – a prosaic heap of glass and concrete for the most part – is a blend of old and new sights but there are a scattering of interesting temples to explore, when it comes to tourist places in Guwahati. Walk its back alleys and old quarters to  click some timeless picture and you will be able to salvage a generous amount of local flavour that lingers amid its suburban sprawl of ponds, palm trees, small single-storey traditional houses and old colonial-era mansions.It is located on the south bank of the river Brahmaputra and is the largest city of Assam and Northeast. The place has many ancient temples and is also known as the ‘city of temples’ in Northeast India. The temple is dedicated to goddess Kamakhya an incarnation of Sati. It is on Nilachal hill, says the Shiva Purana, which the yoni or creative organ of Sati fell when Vishnu, in a bid to save the world from the Shiva’s tandava nritya or dance of destruction, cut her dead body into 51 pieces with his sudarshan chakra. Other ancient temples located in the city are Navagraha temple, Umananda temple which is tucked on an island on the river Brahmaputra, Balaji Temple; you can also visit the state Zoo.

 

The British legacy is still visible in the architecture and food habits of the population. The place serves as the starting block to getaways like Meghalaya, Kaziranga National Park, Kohima, Imphal, Tawang, Mawlynnong, Bhalukpong, Dirang, Bomdila, Tezpur etc.  Northeast is a hidden treasure of India and if you really want to explore the best of India then do not miss this region with exceptional vistas, phenomenal cultural differences in each state and a the unaltered Himalayas with some of the highest peaks in the world. The tourist places in Guwahati are indeed is a place for every traveling soul to visit once.

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Guwahati FAQ's

Travel advice

  • You can reach Guwahati by air, train, and bus. The most ideal time to visit this city is between October to April, and avoid travelling here during monsoons.

  • Opt for a rented car to travel around the city instead of a bus. Local buses are crowded and uncomfortable for a tourist to get around.

  • Get warm clothes, trekking and hiking gear, torches, and mosquito repellents when travelling to this city.

  • Do not wander alone in the adjoining forest areas in Guwahati as there are wild animals like leopards and bears that have attacked people in the past.

  • Do not accept drinks or drinking water from strangers. Carry your own water bottle when you travel.

  • Though, Guwahati has nightlife, it is not safe to wander out alone in the dark especially in isolated areas.

  • Avoid wearing revealing or skimpy clothes in most of the places in Guwahati.

  • Never travel alone and always move with tourist groups when travelling to Guwahati. This place should not be explored by solo travelers, as it is unsafe for solo backpackers.

  • Check for your health and hygiene before you eat at any restaurant, as the cuisine may or may not suite your health.

  • Keep all of your travel documents safe, and deposit them at the security box in the hotel.

  • Tipping etiquette is followed in most of the places in Guwahati as well. It is good to tip 10 to 20 percent of the bill.

  • At Guwahati you can stay at budget as well as luxury hotels.

Recommended reads for destination

Website

Bharat Online

Books

Guwahati: the Gateway to the East by K. Alam, N.C. Das, A.K. Borah


When is the best time to visit Guwahati?

Guwahati can be visited throughout the year, depending on your purpose to visit the place. To go on Jungle tours to spot animals, winters are the best, to enjoy the magical rains of the region, monsoon is the time and summer is the time when the region celebrates Bihu, so if photographing and enjoying the festival is your aim then try the hot months.

  • Winter (October - March): Winters are best suited to enjoy the comfortable weather. From the jungle safari to the old galleries and temples, the beautiful misty winters are the perfect season to be in Guwahati.
  • Summer (April-May): The unique and exuberating side of Assam is visible in the hot summers where the temperature ranges between 30- 40°C. The mornings are humid but the evenings are pleasant and the city celebrates its biggest festival Bihu during this season.
  • Monsoon (June - September): The high rainfall in the region brings a moderate climate in Guwahati. People often land in Guwahati to visit Cherrapunji, which is said to experience the highest rainfall in the country. The forests and wildlife tours are closed in this season.

How to reach Guwahati?

  • By Flight: The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is located around 20 KM from the city centre; domestic flights are also available from the major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore etc.
  • By Train: From almost all major railway station of the country, you can board a train to Guwahati. Guwahati Junction is the main railway station in the region, others are Kamakhya Junction, New Guwahati Junction and Azara Railway Station. If the distance between your city and Guwahati is quite long then do make a point of booking a seat or making a reservation at least a month prior to your travel date because it is one of the busiest station in the country.
  • By Bus: Guwahati has the bus connectivity with the nearby states like Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal via NH 31. The Northeast cities like Dibrugarh, Bongaigaon and Jorhat are also interconnected by bus services. In case of sudden plans to visit Guwahati, a bus can serve you the best if the distance from your place to Guwahati can be travelled by a Bus.
  • By Car/cab: The trip with your family or friends to Guwahati can be well cherished in a car journey. Car adds flexibility to stop for taking a picture or filling your stomach at your own convenience along the route. The highways NH 31 and NH 37 connect Guwahati with the major roadway network.

What are the different adventure activities to do in Guwahati?

The city is endowed with the mighty river Brahmaputra which enables many watersports adventure, the east Himalayas make it a best place for mountain biking, mountaineering and trekking and parasailing.

  • River Rafting: The turbulent tributaries of river Brahmaputra like Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas makes it a perfect destination to raft through the rapids.
  • Mountaineering and Trekking: North Cachar hills, Karbi hills are some of the places which see a good number of trekkers each year. The topography of Northeast makes it an ideal destinations for Mountaineers and trekkers.
  • Rock Climbing: The ample scope for rock climbing on the Elephant rocks in the Morigaon district and Simhasana hills of Karbi Anglong can be your best bet.
  • Mountain Biking: The hilly terrain of Guwahati and Assam see several motorbike and Bicycle rallies and in and outside the state. The hilly slopes and terrains of the region can be quite a challenge for the bikers. The Assam Tourism Department in collaboration with the Assam Tourism Development Corporation organizes most of the rallies.
  • Parasailing: North Guwahati is the best place for this heart pumping sport that has been introduced by the Assam Development Corporation to attract tourists.

Which are the best resorts to stay in Guwahati?

There are ample number of resorts which are excellent and welcoming , listed are a few recommended places where people enjoy their Guwahati sojourn.

  • Radisson Blu Hotel: The hotel is the finest property in Guwahati, loaded with ultra luxurious amenities that visitors boast of.
  • Brahmaputra Resort: This resort is nestled in the lush green Jungles of Sonapur and is pet friendly resort. The perk of staying in the middle of the jungle is the close encounter with wildlife and activities that you will enjoy here.
  • Ginger Hotel: It boasts of an inviting service and a grand welcome by the staff, and the excellent hospitality is the USP of the place.
  • Vivanta By Taj: It is situated in the heart of the Guwahati city and offers exquisite view. The hotel has an impeccable decor, Interiors, and an inviting aura.

What are the best public transport modes to commute around Guwahati?

City buses run by ASTC ply through the city from early morning till late evening on a frequent basis. You can also get auto-rickshaws as well as cycle rickshaws within the cities, depending on the distance you want to cover.

Which are the best places for shopping in Guwahati?

Guwahati has quite a number of options for the shopping lovers, from street bazaar to opulent malls; it can be considered as the shopping hub of Northeast.

  • Paltan Bazaar: It is famous for home decor and furniture shopping. One can shop a variety of tea, bamboo products and north eastern tribal garments.
  • GS Road: This side of the city houses many shopping malls and branded show rooms.
  • Paan Bazaar: This place is a paradise for the book and sari lovers, a hub where Assamese Saris are woven.
  • Fancy Bazaar: This market is a street shoppers delight, one can buy soft toys, tribal jewelry, wooden stuffs and gift shops at a very cheap price. Assam local products like - Jaapi (a kind of round bamboo cap) , Assamese sari, Gamcha (thin towel) , and bamboo pickles can be picked for this market.

What is the best local cuisine here and where can I get to try it out?

Some of the famous Assamese foods are as follows:

  • Nga-Thongba- which is a fish and ginger curry.
  • Masur Tenga- which is another fish dish.
  • Erongba- jackfruit-kernel chutney.
  • Laksa - a spicy noodles soup.
  • Pithas - rice cakes.

Assembled below are few of the restaurants in Guwahati where you can enjoy the local food.

  • Paradise: It is famous for its non-veg thali and is one of the oldest restaurant in guwahati that serves Assamese food.
  • Korikaa: This place is famous for some of the best lip smacking Assamese dishes and is indeed a pocket friendly restaurant.

What are the famous historic Monuments in Guwahati?

  • Kamakhya Temple: Perched atop the Nilachal hills, this temple is dedicated to goddess Kamakhya an incarnation of Sati.
  • Hajo: It is a monument that is visited by all the religions for it is believed to be dedicated to Gautam Buddha and is a unique place to be.

What are the famous pilgrimage places in Guwahati?

Guwahati is a mix of culture, nature and ancient wonders. The place has many ancient sites because of its connection with dynasties like Varman and Pala. Given below are some of the famous and ancient sites that people do not afford to miss, while they are i Guwahati.

  • Kamakhya Temple: Enconsed atop the Nilachal hills, this enigmatic temple is highly recommended because of its intimidating mood of tantrism and the location. It almost 8 KM away from the Guwahati city amidst the deciduous forests.
  • Umananda Temple: Encompass yourself with the the sculptures and engravings of Lord Shiva in the enchanting temple that is located on the Peacock island of the Brahmaputra river. It can be accessed by motor launches and ferries.
  • Navagraha Temple: It is known as the temple of nine planets and is situated on the Chitranchal hills. This ancient site was built in the 18th century.
  • Hajo: This temple is believed to be the place where Buddha achieved nirvana and houses Gautam Buddha relics. It is situated on the Monikut hill.
  • Basistha Temple: It is situated on the banks of rivers Basistha and Bahini, and is one of the oldest temples in Guwahati.

Guwahati Reviews

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Abhilasha Kumar
Reviewed: 31 Oct 2023
4.0/5
Good experience with Thrillophilia
Abhilasha Kumar
Abhilasha Kumar
Abhilasha Kumar
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Abhilasha Kumar
Abhilasha Kumar
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Rajasekhar Reddy Seerapu
Reviewed: 21 Aug 2022
4.0/5
It was great experience with you team Thrillophilia. it was well planned and covered almost all the places promised. Faced some difficulties with the vehicle on day6 but you people responded immediately and arranged alternative vehicles to meet the scheduled plan. Appreciate your team work, assista... Read More
Rajasekhar Reddy  Seerapu
Rajasekhar Reddy  Seerapu
Rajasekhar Reddy  Seerapu
Rajasekhar Reddy  Seerapu
Rajasekhar Reddy  Seerapu
Rajasekhar Reddy  Seerapu
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Puneeth
Reviewed: 19 Nov 2023
5.0/5
"I had an exceptional experience with the trip agent especially Ms.Diksha who planned everything seamlessly. The driver Bishwajeet was not only humble but also incredibly knowledgeable, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our journey. Highly recommend this team for a memorable trip!" It was safe &... Read More
Puneeth
Puneeth
Puneeth
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Puneeth
(3+)View All
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Vishwasshetty Vishwas
Reviewed: 28 Sep 2023
5.0/5
I booked a Meghalaya trip with a Thrillophilia. I get great service from them. Their executive is very helpful(Poc- Harsh & Swapnil). Overall experience was great. Need to improve Cherrapunji hotel service.
Vishwasshetty Vishwas
Vishwasshetty Vishwas
Vishwasshetty Vishwas
Vishwasshetty Vishwas
Vishwasshetty Vishwas
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Sulakshna Suryavanshi
Reviewed: 30 Sep 2023
4.0/5
Booked a 6 day's mesmerizing meghalaya trip through thrillophilia.....The tour was organised well , hotels are good and the entire trip was memorable for me. Overall a good experience with thrillophilia 🙂
sulakshna suryavanshi
sulakshna suryavanshi
sulakshna suryavanshi
sulakshna suryavanshi
sulakshna suryavanshi
sulakshna suryavanshi
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Vidhya Srinivasan
Reviewed: 29 Dec 2023
5.0/5
Booked:7MGBG1812
Recently embarked on an enchanting journey to Meghalaya with Thrillophilia, and it was nothing short of magical. Kaziranga greeted us with its wild charisma, offering a rare glimpse into the world of one-horned rhinos. Shillong's vibrant soul and colonial charm were a delight, while Cherrapunji's mi... Read More
Vidhya Srinivasan
Vidhya Srinivasan
Vidhya Srinivasan
Vidhya Srinivasan
Vidhya Srinivasan

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