Guwahati is known as the Gateway to North East India and is located on the banks of the beautiful Brahmaputra. Guwahati is a highly modern city and yet they stay close to nature and have figured out how the urban and the natural could co-exist side by side. Guwahati has wonderful scenic beauty as well and many wonderful destinations of the North East happens to be located in and around this city. There are a number of great weekend getaways from Guwahati because you will come across many places of natural beauty and historical significance situated close to it. Here are some of the places to visit near Guwahati within 500km.
Located in Meghalaya, Cherapunjee is about 148 km from Guwahati and is known as one of the wettest place not only in India but also in the world, along with Mawsyngram. It rains almost throughout the year and people here have now made it a part of their lives. There are great waterfalls fed by the rains, and there are lush green mountains. Not many people, however, know that it is also known as the Land of Oranges. Tourists who come here enjoy river canoeing from Nongthymmai to Mynteng steel rope bridge, camping and rock climbing.
It is located 177 km from Guwahati and is another predominant city in Assam itself. Tezpur lies in the laps of nature and it has a rich historical past as well. There monuments and edifices still here today that date back to the 4 century and they are a treasure to explore. There are a number of tea estates in this region and you can see how tea is plucked and a tea tour will give you an idea about the process of tea making. There are majestic Hindu temples and there are wildlife reserves located just at the suburbs. Do not forget to go for a sightseeing and when you do, make it a point to visit Agnigarh, Bamuni hills, Chitralekha Udvan and Da- Parbatia among others. The Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a large species of flora and fauna.
The beauty of Meghalaya is one of a kind and you will be mesmerized by the beauty of nature. The entire Garo Hills is a treasure trove but the East Garo Hills will enthrall you with its majestic peaks and trekking trails. It is located about 195 km from Guwahati. The nature here is unexploited and there is almost no commercialization in this region, which is why the mountains here are so magnificient. Some of the notable things to see in the East Garo Hills in the Rong Bang Falls, Napak, Mokma Dare, Domre Falls, Nongchram and Williamnagar among others. It is ideas to take a car from the main city nearby as transportation on the hills could get sparse. On the other hand, the West Garo Hills have their own attraction and is the home of the Bodo family of tribes. The Nokrek National Park can be found here and the Tura range of hills is great for hiking and getting some exercise. Camping is a popular activity here. The Tura Peak, Kata Beel are popular points, and there are numerous waterfalls in this region.
This national park is very famous for being the largest shelter of the one- horned Rhinos in India and would provide an ideal getaway from the hullaballoo of urban life. There are also tigers to be seen here, if you are fortunate enough. The reserve is also has a large breeding population of elephants, along with swamp deer and wild water buffalos. The park has also been recognized as an Important Bird Area or IBA, by the Bird Life International for their efforts of conserving a number of rare avifaunal species. There are vast expanses of tall elephant grass, marshlands and dense tropical forests. The Brahmaputra passes right through the park and lots of migratory birds come here as well.
The Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya is another splendid site to enjoy a perfect weekend getaway. There are breathtaking sceneries and lots of mountain trails for trekking. The Jaintia Hills are known for the small tribal villages which are extremely scenic. You would not find many urban settlements here, and the lack of commercialization lets you enjoy the full impact of natural beauty. Do not forget to visit Jowai and the Nartian Monoliths. The Durga Mandir at Nartiang is another popular spot here and is considered very sacred by the locals. The Kiang Nongbah Monument will draw your attention to the art works of the North Eastern rulers. Dawki, Umhang lake, Umlawan caves and the Borghat Temple are some of the other important places here that are worth a visit.
Haflong is another popular hill station in the state of Assam itself and has been dubbed as the White Ant Hillock. It is a popular tourist place near Guwahati as it is always thronged by campers and nature enthusiasts and many trekkers and hikers make it their base as they go for hiking in various parts of the Himalayas from here. Paragliding is another popular activity here and the region also serves as the headquarters for the North Cachar Hills district. It is also a major center for the production of many horticultural products and pineapples and oranges grown here are widely exported. Since this was an important region under the British era, a number of colonial styled buildings are to be found here which still retain their original architecture. Quite a few attractions are to be found here like Orchid Garden, Borail range, Jatinga, Haflong Lake and Ridge among others.
Jorhat is considered a gateway to upper Assam and is also the entry point to the state of Nagaland. It was once the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom and likewise, a number of architectural monuments are found here. It is also known as the cultural capital of Assam and cultural activities are organized here throughout the year. All the traditional festivals of Assam like Bihu, among others, are celebrated with great pomp. Jorhat is been home to a number of artists, musicians and poets of the Assamese language and the museums here are always a pleasure to visit, which maintain records of the cultural diversity and integrity of the land. Some of the more popular sites here are Majuli, Chandrakanta Handique Bhavan and Thengal Bhawan. Do not forget to visit the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to rare species of birds and animals.
Dimapur can be literally translated to the Great River City and this city of Nagaland was once the capital of the ancient Kachari tribe. They once ruled the region around the 13th century AD and even today, the ruins of their kingdom can be found here, which attracts visitors who are interested in history. It is evident that their culture had tinges of Hinduism and yet they were non- Aryans. The monoliths in Dimapur are a must-visit and there are a number of embankments and baths here which draw a steady stream of visitors. Nagaland is not as crowded as the other northeastern state, which is why it is the perfect place for someone who wants to truly learn about the cultural significance of this state. If you want to experience the art and culture of the land, then head to Diezephe Craft Village, where you will find goods made by the locals. There is also the Kachari Ruins and the Shiv Mandir.
A trip to the North East somehow seems incomplete without a trip to Shillong. It is one of the most popular places to visit near Guwahati within 100 km. The city a very urban region, and yet being settled in the hills, it still manages to stay close to nature. One of the reasons why backpackers and college-goers visit Shillong in huge numbers is because the alcohol is inexpensive and very sweet. The people here are very warm but as a lot of tourists visit here, the city is more expensive in general than most other parts of Meghalaya. You need to book rooms well in advance to have a hassle-free accommodation. There is also the lady Hydari Park, Ward’s Lake, and the Williamson Sangma State Museum.
Located in the state of West Bengal, Cooch Behar was once a princely state and is known for its wonderful climate and natural beauty. The main attraction here is of course, the Cooch Behar Palace. There are sculptures and coins still preserved here from the Sultanate and Mughal period. There are a number of temples, mosques, and imambaras here. The ancient kingdom of Kamrup was also said to be here. One of the most popular picnic spots near Guwahati, the Rasik Bill is an amazing waterbody that becomes the home of the plentitude of migratory birds during the winters. The Baneshwar Shiv Mandir and the Buza Tiger Reserve and Fort and are also located nearby. Traveling to Cooch Behar will be an all-round experience, with forests, art, culture, and history all rolled into a single vacation.
If you stay in Guwahati and you want to get away from the city for the weekend or even an extended holiday, you now know where to head towards for a weekend getaway from Guwahati.
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