Kaziranga National Park

Seated all poise and pretty beside the majestic Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is everything that reflects the modern Northeast India. However, this important city in Assam, ensures that it does by no means, obstruct the glow of its rich culture and traditions. This top tourist destination in Assam is considered as the gateway to the culturally rich Northeast India. Being one of the best tourist places in Assam, the city of Guwahati is a perfect blend of nature, culture, heritage, religion, and buzzing nightlife.

Guwahati is also dotted with a number of leisure parks and it is one of the best places to savour Assamese cuisine. Kamakhya, Nabagraha and Umananda are some popular temples in Guwahati that are worth visiting. Those interested in exploring the rich flora and fauna of the region, Kaziranga and Pobitora are two popular wildlife attractions near Guwahati.

Top Tourist Attractions to Visit Guwahati

The city of Guwahati is a veritable paradise and have an other-worldly charm. Being one of the most visited tourist destinations in Assam, there are plenty of things to see here in Guwahati.

Kaziranga National Park

A World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO, Kaziranga National Park is spread over an extensive area of 430 sq km. It houses various wild species including leopard, tiger, elephant, Asiatic water buffalo, swamp deer, wild boar, hog deer and various other. Not to forget, Kaziranga is home to the world’s largest population of the vulnerable one-horned rhino. The park also has a variety of birds both domestic and migratory.

Assam State Museum

An ideal place to learn about the state’s history, Assam State Museum showcases the rich historical past and the culture through its rare and unique exhibits. On display, there are scripts, prehistoric sculptures, costumes and ivory paintings that belong to the ancient people of Assam. For culture buffs, this museum is one of the best places to visit in Guwahati.

Guwahati Planetarium

Located on MG Road, Guwahati Planetarium is an interactive place for people of all ages, especially kids. This place provides a learning experience where various astronomical activities are arranged to give visitors a glimpse of what the outer space looks like. In addition, special shows and skywatching sessions are also organised.

Nehru Park

An ideal picnic spot in Guwahati, Nehru Park is a beaut location with a serene ambience. Blessed with abundant greenery, this park is a perfect place for outings with family. There are a number of swings for kids. The park also has statues that depict various dance forms of Assam – Deodhani, Bihu, Ojapali and Bor Taal. Yet another highlight of this famous family-friendly tourist spot in Guwahati is the open-air theatre.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Another delight for wildlife buffs, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls over an area of 38 sq km. The sanctuary has rich biodiversity and is primarily known for being the dwelling land of Indian one-horned rhino. Leopard, barking deer and wild buffalo are other animals that can also be spotted here. There are more than 2000 migratory birds that find their temporary home in this wildlife destination.

Kamakhya Temple

Located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Kamkhya Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. A visit to the temple is believed to protect devotees from the evil eyes. The presiding deity of the temple is Kamkhya Devi who is revered as the ‘Bleeding Goddess’. As per the belief, the main sanctum sanctorum (Garvagriha) of the temple has a mythical vagina and womb of Goddess Shakti.

Navgraha Temple

Perched atop of Navagraha Hill, Navagraha Temple date back to the 18th century and was built by Rajeshwar Singha – the Ahom King. It is dedicated to nine celestial bodies – Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, North Lunar Node and South Lunar Node. Navagraha Temple is one of the best spiritual places to visit in the city of Guwahati.

Guwahati Zoo

Also known as Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati Zoo is spread over a large area of 432 acres of land. The zoo is a habitat of more than 890 animals, reptiles and birds from across the world. Some popular wild creatures that you can expect to see here are leopard cat, one-horned rhino, tiger, clouded leopard, golden langur, Himalayan black bear, elephant and hoolock gibbon. The place is ideal sightseeing choice for someone who has a keen interest in nature and wildlife.

Umananda Temple

One of the highly revered shrines in Guwahati, Umananda Temple is located on Peacock Island. Constructed by Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique, the temple dates back to the 17th century. It is sacred to Lord Shiva. Apart from its religious significance, the temple is also known for its stunning architecture.

Top Things to Do in Guwahati

Apart from the pilgrimage and wildlife, there are several other experiences that you should experience while vacationing in Guwahati. There are plenty of options of what to do in Guwahati.

Nightlife

Guwahati is known for its glamorous nightlife. The city boasts a good number of nightclubs, pubs, bars and discos that come alive in the night and make nightlife in Guwahati one of the most spectacular experiences.

Mountain Biking

For adventure buffs, mountain biking is one of the must thing to do in Guwahati to experience some adrenaline rush. The mud and grass paths in Guwahati make for a good mountain biking experience.

Boat Cruises on the Brahmaputra

The River Brahmaputra divides Guwahati into two halves. A boat cruise on the resplendent river water is an experience of a lifetime in Guwahati. You can board one of the many boats and go on a cruise. And the most mesmerizing thing about this entire boat cruise are the views of sunrise and sunset.

Accommodation Options

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Assam, Guwahati offers some great staying options. Here you can find some top brand hotels to choose from if you are looking for a luxury stay.  Besides, a number of mid-range hotels can also be found in Guwahati. And if you are on a tight budget, there are pocket-friendly hotels to choose from where you can enjoy a pleasant stay with basic modern amenities.

Best Time to Visit Guwahati

The best time to visit Guwahati is the winter season that marks its beginning in the month of November. During this season the temperature of the city ranges from 5 degrees to 23 degrees Celsius. The pleasing weather condition allows travellers to explore the city to its fullest in the winter season. Summer in Guwahati is too hot and humid. Whereas, the monsoon season is another season which is not ideal to visit Guwahati since it receives heavy and sporadic rainfall.

How to Reach Guwahati?

Reaching Guwahati is not at all a difficult task. The city is well-connected with almost all the cities and towns of the country. The best way to reach Guwahati is by rail. The vast network of Indian Railway allows travellers to reach Guwahati from every nook and corner of the country. The city has its own railway station, which is Guwahati Railway Station. For travellers who prefer time over money, airways is the ideal way to reach Guwahati. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in the city of Guwahati is well-connected with almost all the major domestic cities and with some international destinations as well. Tourists can also reach here via road. Both government and private buses operate from nearby cities like Shillong, Cherrapunji, Kohima etc.