assam

Guwahati Tourism – An Ultimate Travel Guide, 2022

Situated on the south bank of river Brahmaputra and the foothills of Shillong plateau, Guwahati or Gauhati is the biggest city of the state of Assam. It is also the largest metropolis in the northeast of India. Guwahati gets its name from the Assamese “Guva” taken from Sanskrit ‘Guvaka’ meaning areca nuts and ‘Hati’ meaning rows. It is called the “Gateway to the Northeast of India. With the LGB International Airport to the west and the town of Narengi to the east, Guwahati is situated between the Brahmaputra River’s banks and the Shillong plateau’s foothills. The North Guwahati neighborhood, which is located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra, is progressively becoming a part of the city limits. Situated 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Guwahati is the renowned Madan Kamdev. The Greater Guwahati Metropolitan Area is planned and developed by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), while the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, the city’s municipal government, oversees an area approximately 216 square kilometers (83 sq mi). Guwahati is the largest city in Northeast India. The government of Assam has set goals for Guwahati for the year 2025. These include – to conserve Guwahati’s sensitive natural environment, to develop an integrated intra-urban transport system, to develop well distributed social and physical infrastructure etc. The Guwahati region is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including endangered birds, Asian elephants, pythons, tigers, rhinoceroses, gaurs, and primate species.

What Makes Guwahati So Famous?

We all know that Guwahati is known to be the ‘Gateway to the northeast’ but there are many things adding to the uniqueness of this city.

  • Considering its size, connectivity to transportation, and strategic location, it is the most significant city in North-East India.
  • We might not be wrong if we say, Guwahati has the most number of temples in the northeast which makes it the City of Temples.
  • The Assamese Thali restaurants serving the food in their bell metal plates all across Guwahati are quite unique!
  • Known for its wildlife, Guwahati is home to the rare species of one-horned rhinoceros.
  • Kamakhya Temple, one of the temples from the 51 Shakti peethas resides on the Nilachal hills.
  • Temples in Guwahati are built centuries ago – the oldest traces of epigraphs being in 8th – 9th century.
  • Burmese invasions took place in Guwahati in the early 19th century.

Things to do in Guwahati

  • When you visit Guwahati, a traditional exquisite Assamese Thali should definitely top your list of ‘must try things’. One may find a number of restaurants homestyle food joints serving hot plates filled with wholesome recipes. A thali is generally served in bell metal (alloy of copper and tin) plates. Khar or Kol Khar, an alkaline extract made from burned dried banana peel ashes is one of the unique recipes of Assam. Other dishes of the thali include Pitika, Mati Mahor Dali, Kahudi, Chutneys made from Bamboo shoot or Bhut Jolokia (one of the spiciest chillies in the world) Masor Tenga that stand out in flavor and taste than the rest. Definitely a must try!
  • Overlooking the Brahmaputra River in Assam is the road/rail bridge known as Saraighat Bridge. The North East area and the rest of India are connected by this crucial bridge. The Brahmaputra River has never had a bridge before its construction. India’s first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, officially opened it to the public in April 1962. It is a photographers’ paradise! So if you are a budding photographer who likes to capture picturesque locations here’s your spot!
  • Spend a day in Hajo to experience a fusion of multi-religious temples and the feel of old Indian architecture and history. Hajo, a pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims in the same region, is located 31 kilometres from Guwahati and is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Hayagriva Mahadev, Kedareshwar, Madan Kamdev, and more well-known temples are located here. In and of itself, the zone’s Mahadev temple’s lofty stepped entrance is spectacular.

Itineraries for Guwahati Tour

You can choose your ideal Guwahati Tour plan from our list of Guwahati Tour Packages.

How do we reach Guwahati

You can reach Shillong by road, rail or flight.
By Road
By Rail
By Air

Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and other private buses provide convenient transportation between Guwahati and a variety of other towns and cities. Travelers have a choice of luxury, air-conditioned, deluxe, or Volvo buses, depending on their needs. It is simple to travel from Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, West Bengal, and Nagaland because several important national highways converge at Guwahati.

The main train station in Guwahati is called Guwahati Junction. The city’s second-largest station is Kamakhya Junction. Through rails, Guwahati is well connected to all of the country’s major railway stations. The station has excellent train connections to all significant Indian cities. A premium train called the Rajdhani Express travels from New Delhi to Guwahati in around 34 hours.You can take a local bus or a taxi to the city center or your accommodation from the railroad station.

The major airport in all of northeast India is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, also called as Guwahati International Airport. The airport has good connections to all the major Indian cities as well as a few select foreign places like Bangkok and Paro. 20 kilometres west of the city centre is where the airport is located. To travel to the city centre or your accommodation from the airport, you can either arrange for a taxi or take a bus.

Languages
History
People

The most common language in Guwahati and the official language of the state is assamese. Communication between tourists and locals is made simpler by the fact that the majority of the population is fluent in both Hindi and English.

Gauhati’s history dates back thousands of years. Ancient puranas and epics have made reference to the city, referring to Guwahati as one of Asia’s earliest towns. The Kamakhya, Basistha, and Navagraha temples, which have stood here for aeons, are evidence that Guwahati was inhabited in the past. According to the Ambari excavations, the city dates to the sixth century AD. In pre-colonial and colonial times, Guwahati was known as Gowhatty; during the British era, it was known as Gauhati; and in the late 1980s, it was once more known as Guwahati. In the past, Guwahati was known as Pragjyotispura because astrology was practised there according to “Jyotish Shastra.”It served as the administrative centre for ancient Assam, which was formerly known as Kamrupa.

In addition to embracing modernity, the Guwahati people have preserved their unique traditions and culture. They live life to the fullest and are very animated and enthusiastic. This city is home to individuals from many nations, faiths, and castes. Older generations still dress traditionally, with men and women wearing dhoti-gamosa and women donning the “mekhala chador,” which is a type of chador. Younger generations prefer to wear western clothing. People follow a variety of religions, including Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Hinduism.

Tips for visiting Guwahati

  • Bring an umbrella, sunscreen, a sipper, and sunglasses if you plan to visit Assam in the summer.
  • For visitors from outside India, be sure to carry enough rupees to avoid problems if your money runs out.
  • Keep your money bag secure when visiting a new place, perhaps in your front pocket or in a big bag.
  • It is advised to only carry cash while using local transportation so you can easily purchase tickets.
  • Please carry an umbrella, raincoat and monsoon-necessities during May, June, July and September.
  • Wear sport shoes and full sleeve clothes while performing adventurous activities or Sports.

Rainfall in Guwahati

Guwahati is furnished with on average 1722 mm (67.8 in) of rainfall per month. The driest month is January with an average of 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation. The wettest weather is in July when an average of 377 mm (14.8 in) of rainfall occurs.The annual average precipitation is 2056 mm (80.9 inch).

Weather in Guwahati

Guwahati experiences humid subtropical weather, with an average yearly temperature of 24.2 °C. Summertime begins in April and lasts until May. During this season, the high temperature is north of 40 °C. In general, travelers stay away from this season because of the extreme heat. Between June and September is the monsoon season. The citizens of Guwahati are relieved by the plentiful rainfall that falls during this season and the brief period of relatively good weather. Winter season begins in October and lasts through March. Tourists love this weather because it is cool, with a minimum temperature of roughly 5 °C.

SeasonTemperature
Summer(April-June) 23.9°C-36°C
Monsoon(July-September) 21.9°C-30.3°C
Winter(October-March) 5°C-17°C

Best Places to stay in Guwahati

In Guwahati, there are plenty of hotels. You’ll find sufficient names with a quick search. There are lodging options for every price range and need. Examine the area before making a reservation.
There are also a few new family-run homestays. Despite not being numerous, you can still discover them. I’ll attempt to compile a list of them soon. There are several resorts, mainly around Guwahati’s outskirts.
Additionally, there are resorts in locations that locals utilize as weekend getaways, like Rani, Chandubi, Chandrapur, Sonapur, etc. One may choose the place of accommodation according to his or her budget. Some of the options are

HotelLocation
Treebo Trend Umal HomestayGaneshguri
Gruham Sojourn HomestayUzan Bazaar
The OrnatePaltan Bazaar
Hotel Rajendra ResidencyAthgaon
Gibbon Backpackers HostelBamunimaidan

Frequently Asked Questions about Guwahati Tourism

1. What is the best time to visit Guwahati?

The months of October to April are the best ones to visit Guwahati since the weather is pleasant and the temperature barely rises to 5 degrees Celsius

2. What to shop in Guwahati?

Some of the well-known stores selling Assam Silk with the traditional Mekhela Chadar can be found in Fancy Bazar. There are numerous well-known silk stores in Fancy Bazaar, including Aunty’s Shop, Silk Queen, Silkalaya, and Chayanika Silk. Other than silk fabrics, things like Phulam Gamusa, Assamese Traditional Jewellery, Handmade toys, Pickles, Jaapi, Meditation Bowls can be shopped.

3. Is Guwahati safe for tourists?

Yes, Guwahati is among the safest locations in India for travellers. Here, women have greater cultural and economic authority. It is also visited by women travelling alone. The Guwahati police and populace in general are friendly to tourists. However, you should always exercise caution and keep your priceless possessions close to you wherever you go.

4. What are some special and unique places to visit in Guwahati?

The city of temples houses many shrines and temples of various gods and goddess namely Kamakhya Temple, Sukreshwar Temple, Navgraha temple and many more. Guwahati is also famous for its Fancy Bazaar, Uzan Bazaar and Paltan Bazaar.

5. Which are the best resorts to stay in Guwahati?

Resorts in Guwahati are located in the best place amidst nature. Some of the best resorts in Guwahati are 
The Ornate 
Bougainvillea 
Brahmaputra Jungle Resort
Giardo De Fiore 
The Upper Homes

6. Which currency is used in Guwahati?

Indian rupees are used as currency in India. Atms in the city allow you to make cash withdrawals. There isn’t much of a credit card presence here. In large stores or at your motels, you might be able to use them.

7. What are the cellular services for tourists?

Tourists can purchase a new Assam SIM card at any of the Guwahati mobile or recharge stores to avoid roaming fees. You would need to have appropriate identity documents, such as a passport (for foreign travellers), a driver’s licence, or a voter ID card, in order to buy a new SIM. In Guwahati, there are plenty of networks to select from.

8. Is Internet/Wifi available at locations?

In Guwahati, Wi-Fi is not always readily available. The guests of a few hotels in Guwahati have access to Wi-Fi. These hotels may offer free Wi-Fi or charge a fee for it. Additionally, you can search the city for Internet cafés.

9. How safe is Guwahati?

The people of Guwahati are friendly and inviting, and the city is safe. However, it’s best to exercise caution and keep your possessions secure at all times, just like in any other region of the world.

10. Does Tourism of Guwahati offer Adventurous activities?

Rock climbing and adventurous trekking paths are available in Guwahati as well. The area is perfect for water sports like white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and more thanks to its network of rivers, rivulets, and mountain streams.

11. How to reach Guwahati?

By Flight – You can take a flight from your city to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport or Guwahati International Airport 
By Train – Guwahati Railway Station is well connected to all major railway stations in India. Rajdhani Express, a premium train, takes about 34 hours from New Delhi to reach Guwahati.
By Road – The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and other private buses provide excellent connections between the metropolis of Guwahati and a number of surrounding cities and towns. Travelers have a choice of Volvo, deluxe, air-conditioned, or luxury buses, depending on their needs.

12. Is traveling to Guwahati expensive?

Absolutely not! One of the best cities for travelers on a tight budget is Guwahati. If you book with us, you’ll be able to get incredible, specially designed tour packages for Guwahati at incredibly low prices. To make a reservation at fantastically low pricing, get in touch with us and speak with our agent.

13. Is Guwahati ideal for family tours or honeymoon trips?

Guwahati is perfect for all types of excursions, including family vacations with children, parents, and grandparents, as well as group travels with your closest friends.

14. Are there any discounts available for bulk bookings?

If you have any questions about price, special offers, group reservations, etc., we kindly ask that you speak with one of our agents as each question will vary.

15.  Is Dawki a drone-friendly city?

Yes, drones are permitted in the majority of locations in Dawki. If a drone is prohibited somewhere, though, our local contact will let you know in advance so you can avoid fines.

16. Are there recreational activities to enjoy the Nightlife of Guwahati?

Guwahati’s nightlife is undoubtedly an experience in and of itself!  Whether you’re one of the typical party animals or you’re looking for serenity, the city has a wide variety of exhilarating events to offer. Guwahati’s streets have a lot to offer, especially in the early hours. The pub and party scene is expanding quickly, with lively crowds waiting to be entertained. The popular nightclubs Terra Maya, Underdoggs, Kamakaze, and Café Hendrix are just a few of the hot spots that are open till dawn and serve copious amounts of alcohol and unusual food for the finest party atmosphere. If all-night raves are not your thing, you can stroll around the inner city to find delectable street fare and spend some time relaxing at Chandubi Wetland.

17. Where can I buy the best quality Assamese Tea in Guwahati?

You can purchase furniture and supplies for house décor at the Paltan Bazaar. Additionally, this market is well-known for its assortment of Assam and Darjeeling teas.

18. What are some of the places to shop local goodies from?

1. Maligaon Market – When people hear the name of this location, they immediately think of the highly regarded steaming momos. If you wish to sample authentic eastern cuisine, this area has a broad range of restaurants and food booths. It also features a market where different products are sold, including everything from textiles to industrial materials.
2. If you’re looking for some high-end brands to shop at, head over to GS Road Market. From international items like Bottega Veneta and Furla to national names like Allen Solly and Puma, it houses shops for all kinds of companies. Huge savings are available during the Christmas season, and customers frequently come here in the off-season to find affordable, high-quality clothing.

19. What are some of the famous local things/souvenirs to buy from Guwahati?

Customers from all over India come to buy cane work, wool shawls, handlooms, handicrafts, and Naga/Manipuri jackets, which are top items on their shopping lists.