Here’s the most practical guide to the Amazing places to visit in Guwahati.
To spend an excellent vacation in the wilderness, hearing the chirping of birds, then listening to the whispers of the wind, excited by the sound of the gushing river and set the clock back to let your mind race into yesteryear, you need to be in Guwahati, Assam.
Guwahati is the most significant city of Assam and gateway to North East India. The city is home to many ancient Hindu temples and hosts diverse wildlife including rare animal and endangered birds. Here is the list of amazing tourist places in Guwahati.
1. Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra
Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra commonly known as Kalakshetra is a cultural association of Guwahati, Assam, named after the medieval poet-playwright and reformer Srimanta Sankardev. It features a heritage, library and various facilities for preserving, demonstrating and performing cultural items. In addition to becoming Northeast India congregation that is cultural, the Kalakshetra is also a significant tourist spot in Guwahati. Constructed in the 1990s, the artistic superiority of Assam and remainder of this area is exhibited here. There are eateries, places of worship, emporiums and open-air theatres inside the sprawling Kalakshetra premises. Kalakshetra is key tourist destination of the city and one of the best places to visit in Guwahati.
Opening Time: 10AM to 8PM (All Days)
Ticket Prices of Kalakshetra:
- Adults: Rs. 30/- per person
- Children: Rs. 10/- per children (5 years to 14 years)
- Foreigners: Rs. 100/- per person
2. Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya Temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya, one of the oldest Shakti Peeths. It is one the most famous temples in India.
The Kamakhya temple is not just a famous pilgrimage site in Assam but is also a unique temple in the country.
Kamakhya Temple is Just One among the 52 Shakti Peeths of All India. The temple is situated beneath Ninanchal Hill (800 feet above sea level) in the western portion of Guwahati city. There is no image of Shakti in the Kamakhya temple. However, in a corner of a cave in the temple, there is an image of the yoni of the goddess, that’s the object of reverence. A natural spring keeps the rock moist. This temple was destroyed at the early 16th century and then rebuilt in the 17th century by King Nara Narayana of Cooch Behar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YubnjhWCSjw
Video courtesy: 7 Wonders Of India
Kamakhya Temple timings: Morning 5:30 AM to Evening 10 PM. (All Days)
The place where the Kamakhya temple stands today is also considered to be where Shiva first courted Sati. Kamakhya Temple is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Guwahati.
Distance between Guwahati Railway Station to Kamakhya temple: 6.5 Km
Distance between Guwahati Airport to Kamakhya temple: 18.5 Km
Read: Kamakhya Temple – A to Z
3. Umananda Island: The Smallest River Island in The World
Umananda Island is the smallest inhabited river island in the world. Like Majuli, Umananda is located in the middle of Brahmaputra river. Ahom King, Gadadhar Singha ordered to build a Shiva temple on the island. Today, Umananda Temple is one of the main pilgrimage sites in the city. The British known as Peacock Island because the shape of this island resembles a peacock feather. It’s not simply this, the mythical stories related to this charming place are interesting also! Umananda Island is just one of those unique places to visit in Guwahati.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva made this island because of his wife Parvati’s happiness. Another name given to the island is Bhasmachal and there is an interesting story behind it. Apparently, the God of Love according to Indian mythology, Kamdev, was burnt to ash after interrupting Shiva who was in profound meditation.
The island is hugely popular because it inhabits golden langurs, among the most endangered primate species. A story goes that these langurs were left by two youth nearly 35 years ago and they have lived until today. All these langurs, otherwise hostile, have adapted to humans due to frequent visitors here. Five of them live on the island now.
The Island is situated in the middle of Brahmaputra river, exactly between North and South Guwahati. A 10-minute boat ride from the banks of the river takes you to the island. Motor Boat services start from 7 am and ends at 5 pm.
4. Deepor Bil
Deepor Bil is one of the most preferred weekend places near Guwahati.
Located to the south-west of Guwahati city, in Kamrup district of Assam, India. It is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River, to the south of the main river.
Considered as one of the largest beels in the Brahmaputra valley of Lower Assam, it is categorized as representative of the wetland type under the Burma monsoon forest biogeographic region.
The beel is a natural habitat to a lot of varieties of birds. 219 species of birds and over 70 migratory species are reported in the area. Aquatic vegetation like aquatic grasses, water hyacinth, water fountains and other floating and submerged, emergent vegetation are found during the summer season.
5. Brahmaputra River Cruise
In touring Guwahati, the thrill and fun lie in cruising Brahmaputra. The river flows through Guwahati dividing the same. Spectacular views while traveling will leave you mesmerized. You can opt for cruise or cruise. The cruises are well arranged and conducted that you aren’t short of anything whilst. Both your eyesight and your taste buds are left to feast upon at will.
Alfresco Grand is one of the most popular floating fine dine restaurants in Guwahati. The cruise ‘ALFRESCO GRAND’ houses the first Floating cum Cruise Bar on the river Brahmaputra with a Fine Dine AC Restaurant. Along with this, the cruise also houses two large sundecks SURYA & VAYU and a large multipurpose Hall for Conferences and Parties.
Address: Opp. ITA Centre, MG Rd, Machkhowa, Guwahati, Assam 781009. Hours: 11 AM to 10:30 PM (All Days)
6. Dighalipukhuri – Boating Point and War Memorial
Dighalipukhuri Boating Point is a place where one can enjoy boating and have fun in the park. Children and couples have a gala time there. There is a war memorial on the northern bank of historic Dighalipukhuri. The boating and the war memorial are the major attractions there and enjoyed by people of all ages.
Dighalipukhuri is a rectangular man-made pond in Guwahati, about half a mile long. Dighalipukhuri has occupied altogether an area of garden and pond between 17-18 bigha lands.
Dighalipukhuri was made by Bhagadatta by digging a canal. In ancient times, it was utilized from the Ahoms as a yard. Its accessibility to the Brahmaputra was closed, and during times, that part was further packed on which the Circuit House was constructed. The Gauhati High Court building was constructed in the area that was filled. It is a pond that is beautiful and it’s among one of the fantastic tourist places to visit in Guwahati.
7. The Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden
The Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden is the largest of its kind in the North East region and it is spread across 432 acres. The zoo is located within the Hengrabari Reserved Forest at Guwahati, India
As among the most obvious attractions in Guwahati, it sees a huge of a ton of people on a daily basis. It’s simply the ideal spot to visit with kids and loved ones. Children especially love the walk through the zoo, inducing nature and observing unique exotic creatures in their natural habitats. White tigers, leopards, swamp tapirs and also the infrequent one-horned rhinoceros are a few of the unique creatures that live within this event. The landscaped botanical gardens incorporate various selections of herbaceous plants, shrubs, palms, conifers and broad-leaved plants. A unique attraction this is the orchid home that retains 44 types of rare orchids in the North East area.
Best Time to Visit – Morning, Afternoon
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on Fridays
8. Regional Science Centre aka Science Museum
Regional Science Centre, Guwahati, popularly known as Science Museum, is one of the units of National Council of Science Museums functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.
The primary intention of this Science Centre would be to popularize Science one of the people of the area. Since its inauguration on March 15, 1994, this Centre was bringing pupils, teachers and the general public since it supplies a competent forum for them to learn mathematics through discussion and enjoyable. Aside from its own permanent galleries using numerous participatory exhibits in science fiction, this Centre arranges regular instructional programs and actions, particularly for the pupils, so as to inculcate scientific temper into these by devoting science instruction at a non-formal manner. The Centre can also be using one Innovation Hub where kids can take yearly membership and perform their creative actions all days except Monday beneath a coach.
Opening Timings
Regional Science Centre, Guwahati remains open for visitors from 10-00am to 5-30pm every day, except on ‘Holi’ and ‘Diwali’.
Ticket counter closes at 5:00 pm
Entry fee:
General Visitor: Rs 25/-
25 or more in group: Rs 20/-
Organised Private School: Rs 15/-
Organised Govt. School: Rs 10/-
Foreign Tourist: Rs 50/-
9. Fancy Bazaar – The Famous Street Market
Fancy Bazaar- the cosmopolitan market stretch of Guwahati is a true shopping paradise for the city dwellers. Fancy Bazaar is situated in the western portion of the busy business city centre. It’s famed for retail and wholesale shops. You are able to search for designer clothing at wholesale prices. Other things which you are able to increase your shopping list comprise wholesale products which range from food and drinks to hardware.
If you want to buy the famous Assamese silk made Mekhela Chador, Fancy Bazar is the place with numerous silk shops and showrooms.
Enter the marketplace through any of the narrow lanes from the main road and get prepared to be part of all the frenzy and buzz straight in the word ‘move’. The streets have specific stores for tribal jewellery, wooden stuffs, artificial flowers, wind chimes, handbags, soft toys, decoration items, clothing items and footwear. Ethnic Assamese showpieces such as the touch Jaapi (a round headgear made from bamboo and decorated with intricate designs) and Gamosa (thin cotton towel using elaborate knitting work on the borders) are just two items you shouldn’t miss out on.
TIP- Famous things to buy in Guwahati
- Apparels made of Assamese silk (Pat, Muga etc.)
- Cotton clothes with traditional thread work
- Artistic wall hangings, caps and shawls
- Hairclips and fashion accessories made of bamboo
- Tribal art
- Brass utensils,
- Toys made of clay
- Laichampi (traditional blanket)
- Traditional souvenirs like Xorai, Gamosa, Japi
10. Balaji Temple- Spend an Amazing in Evening
The Purva Tirupati Balaji temple is a beautiful temple of Guwahati located at Lokhra region. The Balaji temple is a replica of the famous Tirupati Venkateshwara temple of Southern India. The Tirupati temple in southern India is located in Tirumala at Chittor district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The Balaji temple at Guwahati is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and will be situated approximately 10 km from the town center.
Although Guwahati has a lot of temples, this one stands out for its architecture and grandeur. The environment here is so calm and peaceful. They have puja time in the evening don’t miss that.
These are the ten must visit tourist places in Guwahati. If you are in Guwahati for a day or two you can explore these places and have an amazing experience.
Looking for some more tourist places in Guwahati?
If you are looking for some more places to visit in Guwahati, you might consider the Assam State Museum which has the Historical sculptures & various objects. Its a Museum with a unique array of historical pieces from the area, such as sculptures, coins & books. The location of the museum is just opposite to Dikhalipukhuri (mentioned in No 6)
Also, you can visit Guwahati Planetarium. It’s one of its kind centre of astronomical research in Assam and the entire North-Eastern region of India. The English show starts at 12 PM & 4 PM. Guwahati Planetarium remains closed for visitors on 1st& 15th day of every
Month.
Again, if you are on the way to Airport and you have 2/3 hours extra time you can visit Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi Kshetra which is near Jalukbari Point/ Gauhati University Gate. People typically spend up to 25 min there.
Best season to visit Guwahati
Guwahati has a subtropical climate, with warm to hot temperatures year-round. The mild and relatively dry months (Nov–Feb) are a popular time to visit. Temperatures can be high Apr–Oct and monsoon season (Jun–Sep) brings heavy rainfall. Thousands of Hindu devotees gather at Kamakhya Temple for the Ambubachi Mela (Jun), celebrating the annual menstruation of the goddess Devi Kamakhya.
Guwahati is Beautiful | Watch this Video
[Bonus Tip] Places to visit in Guwahati for Couples
Looking for some good places to visit in Guwahati for couples? It depends on what kind of places you are looking for.
For Parties – Terra Maaya, Topaz, Cafe Copa, Silver Streak, Bistro Hendrix, The Lounge
Cozy Places – Greenwood Resort, Umananda Island, Dighalipukhuri
Cruise – Alfresco Grand
Wildlife – Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
To Enjoy Scenic Beauty – Chandrapur, Chandubi Lake, Deepor Bil
Chilling all Day – Brahmaputra Jungle Resort, Accoland Water Park, Dreamland Water Park
Loud – Cafe Hendrix
Long Drive – Nongpoh, Umiam Lake
Get the best view of the city – Navagraha Hills, Kamakhya Hills.
Enjoy the Sunset – Ujanbazar Ghat.
Spend a Peaceful Evening – Gandhi Mandap or Kharghuli Sector 1 Side
For Movies – Cinépolis Guwahati at Central Mall, PVR Dona Planet, Galleria Cinemas at The Hub Mall, Anuradha, Apsara
Outdoor Parks etc – Nehru Park, Dighalipukhuri, Shradhanjali Kanan, Zoo, Shankardev Kalakshetra
Temples – Kamkhya Temple or the Balaji Temple
If you have a little time extra in your hand and wish to spend a weekend in Guwahati or any other tourist places near Guwahati then we have an excellent list. Here’s the
[Bonus Tip] 5 Best Weekend Places Near Guwahati.
Here are our best 5 picks! Best weekend places to visit in Guwahati.
- Umiam Lake (aka Barapani) – 82 Km from Guwahati. It is one of the biggest lakes in the area and lies bang on Shillong-Guwahati highway. The lake is very beautiful. Lying in between woods Umiam Lake is one of the biggest in Shillong providing a substantial part of the city’s electricity by its dam structures. It’s a great place to spend with family or friends. Though adventure sports are a bit costlier, the place is known for its serenity and greenery.
- Chandubi Lake is a natural lake Situated at a distance of 64 Km from the city of Guwahati Available through National Highway 37. The lake can be found in the foot of Garo hills surrounded by Assam and Meghalaya. The region is covered by heavy jungle and tiny villages. It’s a pure holiday and picnic place. You can spend 4 to 5 hours there.
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – Situated in the floodplains of the mighty Brahmaputra, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the densest population of the larger one-horned rhinoceros, in the world. Located in the Morigaon district of this state of Assam, the sanctuary is just one hour and a half drive away from Guwahati. (48 km from Guwahati)
- Nongpoh – For a Weekend Drive (59 km from Guwahati) – Nongpoh is a perfect destination for a relaxing and undisturbed holiday. It functions as a fantastic break-journey point on how to Shillong. Fantastic for a holiday with friends, family members, husband and solo excursions. It’s also a photographer’s delight because it’s surrounded by rich green trees and magnificent blue heavens.
- Deepor Bil – 13 km from Guwahati – As we mentioned earlier, Deepor Bil is one of the most preferred weekend places near Guwahati.
If you want to know more, read our blog about these 9 weekend places to visit near Guwahati.