Embark on an Uninterrupted Journey to Guwahati

Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, is also the largest metropolitan area in the Northeast, renowned for its rich blend of nature's finest, deeply rooted culture, and spirituality. The city is a sacred hub, boasting several renowned shrines, including the Kamakhya Temple, Ugratara Temple, Basistha Temple, Doul Govinda Temple, and many more. Guwahati is surging and climbing amongst the most popular tourist locations, luring tourists from all over the globe. Apart from nature and spirituality, several festivals, such as the Hornbill Festival, the Ziro Music Festival, and the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, also attract a noteworthy crowd. To ensure a streamlined procedure when visiting Guwahati, consider reviewing the comprehensive guide, which provides vital details about the city.

Important Information about Guwahati 

• Country: India
• Population: 2,376,654
• Currency: Indian Rupees
• Language: Assamese
• Closest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) 

Top Things to do in Guwahati

Guwahati offers a great essence of nature that you cannot experience anywhere else. Additionally, it offers certain activities related to nature, providing an opportunity to explore, appreciate the view, and enjoy the surroundings, among other benefits. Below are some of the activities you should not miss when visiting Guwahati. Here are some of the things you should be doing in Guwahati:

Enjoying Boating at Umananda Temple: In the middle of the Brahmaputra River lies an island called Peacock Island, known as the smallest riverine Island in the world. Tours are arranged to this island through boats from the banks of the Brahmaputra. People can enjoy this service anytime between 5:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

Cruise Away in the Brahmaputra River: For a calming experience in the Brahmaputra River, visitors can get a soothing ride on a Cruise ship. However, a wide range of cruising options is available, including dinner cruises, lunch cruises, parties, and sunset cruises. You can choose an option that suits your preference and make bookings. 

Explore the Fancy Markets: Guwahati boasts several upscale markets, offering vibrant goods that make great gifts or souvenirs for your loved ones, whether it is clothing made of pure silk, antiques, handmade items, or more. Additionally, visitors can also satisfy their taste buds with the local delicacies from carts and stalls in the market.

Witnessing the Wonders at the Assam State Zoo: The Assam State Zoo Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination, offering one of the best experiences in Guwahati. The Zoo accommodates over 900 animals, reptiles, and birds, with some of the rarest breeds. Furthermore, you can also find the exotic flora and fauna from various parts of the world, promoting greenery and wildlife on a broader scale. 

Go on Safari through Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary offers a surreal experience, allowing you to come face-to-face with various wildlife species within its lush, tropical forest. Visitors can embark on a Safari through a Jungle Jeep, which will enable you to explore unique routes offering picturesque views and scenery. 

Places to Visit in Guwahati

When thinking of visiting the top locations in Guwahati, there is no shortage, as several options are available waiting to be explored. Whether you are a spiritualist, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a place to relax, there are several places. Create a bucket list, and include the following locations that you should not miss during your visit to Guwahati:

Kamakhya Temple: The Kamakhya Devi temple is one of the oldest and holiest shrines for Hindus, as it is among the 51 Shakti Peethas on earth. The temple is generally visited by devotees as well as occult practitioners, who are dedicated to the Goddess Kamakhya. The building is believed to have been built during the 8th-9th century, in a Nilachal architectural style. 

Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra: Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, or commonly known as the Kalakshetra, is a cultural institution named in honor of Srimanta Sankardev. It is a cultural museum, children's park, and library, preserving some of the belongings that demonstrate the deep-rooted culture of Assam. 

Assam State Museum: The Assam State Museum is a premier exhibition, preserving and displaying the rich history of Assam. The Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti established the museum in 1940, under the guidance of the Governor of Undivided Assam, Sir Robert Reid. Visitors can explore various sections of the Museum, including Epigraphy, Sculptures, Miscellaneous, Natural History, Art & Crafts, Anthropology & Folk, and the Arms Section. 

Guwahati Planetarium: For those interested in astronomy or seeking to gain knowledge about astronomical education and research, a visit to the Guwahati Planetarium is recommended. Built in 1994, the Guwahati Planetarium is the oldest planetarium in Assam and the North-Eastern region of India. Visitors can enjoy daily shows, seminars, workshops, and more, which are suitable for even those who are not interested in astronomy. 

Navagraha Temple: The Navagraha Mandir is another one of the oldest temples in Guwahati, situated on the Chitrachal Hills. The Sanctorum of the temple houses Nine Lingams of the Nine Celestial Bodies, as per the Vedic Astrology, including Surya, Chandra, Managala, Rahu, Shani, Ketu, Brhaspati, Buddh, and Shukra. Therefore, it is a must-visit place for exploration and to enjoy the fine architecture of the temple.

Best Time to Visit Guwahati

To ensure a perfect and worthwhile experience of Guwahati, it is required to visit during the most ideal time. The best time for visiting can be subjective depending on one's preference, purpose, and expectations. Therefore, a detailed discussion of all the seasons you can expect in Guwahati is provided below. It is advised that every person considering visiting Guwahati must review the following pointers below;

Peak Seasons: Guwahati witnesses a surge of tourists during the winter season, from December to February. The temperature stays between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius, creating a foggy and misty atmosphere. Yet, visitors arrive at Guwahati from all over the world to enjoy the cultural celebrations, picturesque scenes, and incomparable atmosphere. Though due to a vast surge of travelers, the pricing of transportation or accommodations may also skyrocket. 

Shoulder Seasons: If you seek a more peaceful time in Guwahati, consider opting for the Shoulder seasons, which last from October to November and March to April, when the temperature remains moderate, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. The prices also drop due to lower demand, which allows you to find your preferred option with more availability. Hence, savvy travelers shall opt for flying during Guwahati's shoulder seasons. 

Off-seasons: The end of summer, from May to September, and the beginning of Winter, from October to November, are considered the off-seasons. Although prices remain lower during this period, the weather remains unpredictable, with sudden heavy rainfall and higher humidity. Regardless of the affordability, considering other factors that influence the off-season, visitors should still avoid it. 

Cuisines/Food to eat in Guwahati

The Assamese cuisine curates the simple ingredients, merged with spices to add specific flavour, and a special cooking style to give it the required texture. The special dishes from the Assamese cuisine are heavily influenced by its culture and customs; hence, to experience Guwahati at its fullest, visitors must enjoy its cuisine. Here are some  options you can try while you're staying in Guwahati:

• Masor Tenga
• Patot Diya Ms
• Paror Mangxo
• Khaar
• Duck Meat Curry
• Pork with Bamboo Shots and Black Lentils
• Pitika
• Ou Khatta
• Lai Xaak Gahori
• Luchi
• Bhapa Ilish
• Thukpa
• Silkworm
• Pitha

Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Guwahati

Just like any other North-Eastern city in India, tourists must also consider a few things when visiting Guwahati. These things would ease your overall stay and exploration experience, eliminating the hassles and struggles. Therefore, be mindful of some strategic tips before planning your trip to Guwahati. The following pointers highlight the essential tips you should consider:

When visiting Guwahati, consider carrying warm clothing and rain gear, as the ideal season for visiting Guwahati is colder. You should also be prepared for rain, as it rains frequently in Assam, especially from June to September. If you arrive during the peak season, consider not bringing rain gear, but bring your winter wear instead, as the temperature typically drops to around 10 degrees Celsius. 

The network doesn't consistently perform its work, and there's also a lack of power, which may cause your other payment methods to fail. To counter this situation, consider carrying enough cash to manage your stay, shopping, exploration, and more. Additionally, most of the ATM's will be out of order as well; hence, consider arriving here with enough cash, or using the ATM at the airport. 

When traveling to the remote regions of Guwahati, the network can become spotty again, and finding power outlets may be difficult. Thus, carry a fully charged power bank to keep your devices juiced up when needed. Also, consider using your device less, so that you can make the charge of your phone last longer than usual. 

Although you will have no trouble finding chemist shops, consider bringing your own medicines if there are any prescribed by your doctor. Also, create a comprehensive first-aid kit that includes all essential ointments and drugs, as well as bandages and other necessary items. Additionally, some people should stay prepared for motion sickness by carrying the necessary medication. 

When visiting Guwahati, consider keeping your travel documents safe and close to you, including your passport, Visa, and a government-issued photo ID. You may need to present your official documents to the authorities or at hotels to make bookings. These documents are reviewed to validate one's nationality and identity.