Guwahati is an amazing city in itself and there are a number of things that you will be able to do here. Situated in the North East region of the country, in the state of Assam, Guwahati is a very interesting place and you will wonder why you have not visited this city before. Here are some of the interesting things to do here:
The Umananda Temple is located on one of the smallest riverine islands in the world, Peacock Island, which is located in the middle of the River Brahmaputra. The only way to reach the island is to take a boat that waits for devotees on the banks of the river at the ghats. The temple was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from Shiva, there are figures of Lord Surya and Ganesh to be seen as well and they are all carved out from rocks. The Assamese are known for their dedication to spiritual energy and this temple is a stunning example. The beauty of the Brahmaputra all-around simply adds to the beauty. You can visit between 5 am and 6 pm. Hotels in Guwahati are there to be booked with ease.
The best way to enjoy a vacation is to indulge in some shopping and Fancy Bazaar will surely satisfy all your shopping fantasies! The streets of this market are lined by shops of every kind and you will find silk sarees, antiques, handmade items, craft goods, and much more. There are also a number of food stalls here where you can enjoy authentic North-East Indian and Assamese cuisine. Budget hotels in Guwahati are available for bookings online.
The Brahmaputra river cruise, mostly known as the Alfresco cruise, is the best way to enjoy the beauty of this mighty river. One can sign up for various kinds of cruises depending on their preferences like the Party cruise, Dinner cruise, lunch cruise, and sunset cruise. The cruise will offer you stunning glimpses of the city of Guwahati stretched on the bank as you cruise down the river. There are multiple restaurants on the yachts associated with the cruise and you can enjoy the serene beauty from the multi-level deck. Good music and great music will be your companions on this cruise. You can book the cruise through your travel agents. Also, the best hotels in Guwahati are available for bookings online.
The Saraighat Bridge happens to be the first rail cum road bridge in Assam and has two levels to it. The view of the bridge at night is simply stunning and you can catch a magnificent view of the hills around from here which is why this bridge draws photographers in huge numbers. The bridge is also an important line of communication to other areas of Guwahati as well as to other regions of the North East. Drive over to the road section of the bridge and this is a unique experience in itself. Also, it is good idea to go for budget hotels in Guwahati as it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.
Stargazing is one of the most relaxing activities that you can engage in and the Guwahati Planetarium, located at MG Road, will give you this opportunity even in a highly urbanized city. The Planetarium stands amidst a beautifully landscaped garden and has a large dome, which is actually the screen on which the project is showcased with a hybrid projection system. The Astronomical Society in Guwahati has played a huge role in increasing the interest among the youths in space by organizing seminars, workshops, and conferences on astronomy. Many youngsters are now attracted to study science and astronomy because of it and school tours are often organized. A trip here is sure to be very educational. The Planetarium operates from 11 am to 4 pm and entry is INR 30. Hotels in Guwahati near the planetarium are available for easy bookings.
The Assam State Zoo and Botanical Gardens will surely mesmerize you with its beauty and the large number of bird and animal species it houses. There are in fact, more than 900 animals here including birds, animals, and reptiles, and some of them unique only to North East India. One can find rhinoceros, tigers, peacocks, spotted deer, pelicans and gulls, clouded leopards, and other animals and some of them have also been brought in from other countries like South America, Australia, and Africa. The canteen inside the zoo is quite good and the zoo is a very popular picnic spot for the youngsters and their parents during vacation. Entry is only INR 10. It is one of the places for top sightseeing in Guwahati.
Guwahati can get very chaotic at times but one of the quietest places within the city is the Nehru Park. This is where you should head if you just want to spend some relaxing time and take a stroll away from the noise of traffic. The park has wonderful sculptures of Jawaharlal Nehru, and other renowned men and women. There are sculptures of famous dancers and the local singing group. You can also spot many unknown trees and there is a beautiful pond inside as well. The park is open from 10 am to 8 pm and entry is INR 20. If you are wondering how to travel from Delhi to Guwahati can check flight schedules.
This sanctuary is located about 30 km east of Guwahati and is a wonderful place to go for a day trip. The sanctuary is home to the famous One-Horned Rhino and the Elephants and the efforts of the park are widely known to increase the population of these animals. The sanctuary itself stretches for over 40 km and it is a pleasure to ride through the marshes, lakes, swamps, and forested tracks. You can also go for a safari on the backs of elephants. There are also provisions for taking a jeep safari and one of the most popular activities here is to indulge in photography on the Hadug hanging bridge. You can have your lunch at the restaurants within the sanctuary. The sanctuary is open from 6:30 am to 5 pm. It is one of the offbeat things to do in Guwahati. Get hotels in Guwahati booked as soon as possible.
The Regional Science Center has done much to increase the interest of the general population towards science and one of the places where you can see the miracles of science taking shape is the Regional Science Center. Here you will get all sorts of information ranging from prehistoric life forms to the magic of mirrors and about various kinds of other species. Innovations of medical science and mechanical science are also demonstrated here. This is a popular haunt for science buffs and anyone would find a trip here most interesting. Entry is INR 20 and the center is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Also, go for the best hotels in Guwahati to enjoy a hearty stay.
Your trip to Guwahati cannot be complete without a visit to this revered temple. It is located about 7 km from the main city of Guwahati in the Nilachal Hills. Thousands of devotees visit the temple every day from all over the world. It is one of the Shaktipeeths and the Ambubachi Festival is celebrated here with a lot of pomp in the month of June and is the best thing to do in Guwahati in summer. The architecture of the temple itself is quite stunning. The temple is open from 6 am to 5: 30 pm but the shrine is closed from 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Entry is generally free but if you want to skip the line and go in the front then a fee of INR 501 is applicable.
The Dipor Bill, or the Dipor Lake, is located about 13 km in the southwest direction of Guwhati and is a heaven for bird watchers. It is such a pleasure to watch various kinds of birds basking in the sunlight and taking a dip in the lakes. The Bill is an actual extension of the River Brahmaputra and is surrounded by hills on all sides. You will come across many species of water plants growing along the banks like waterlily, aquatic grass, and all kinds of other floating vegetation. The winters see a number of migratory birds coming here as well and it is also their breeding ground, and they can be seen returning to their homes with their kids at the end of winter. It is one of the best things to do in Guwahati in winter.
The Sankardev Kalashetra, named after the famous medieval poet, is the perfect place to know not just about Assamese culture and tradition, but also the entire North East. The building acts as a museum, where many notable artifacts from the by-gone era are preserved. It is also an open-air theater where many cultural festivals are showcased and it an emporium as well. You will find many eateries here selling authentic Assamese and North- East Indian cuisine. There is an artistic village inside that teaches about the indigenous art forms of Assam. Cinemas from Assam, made in the ’90s and even earlier are also showcased here. Various exhibitions and workshops are also held at particular times of the year and this is why the center attracts students of performing arts from all over the country. Timings: 10 am to 7 pm.
You will end up having a wonderful time when you visit Guwahati and all these various activities here will keep you engaged for sure!
Please go back to portrait mode for the best experience