Guwahati - India Travel Guide hero image

Guwahati!

india-guide.in

groups

Population

0.97 million

schedule

Best Time

October to March

calendar_month

Time Needed

2-3 days minimum

currency_rupee

Currency

Rupee (₹)

View full travel guide
See timings and practical tips

Plan by Intent

Trip Planning pages built for fast decisions and deeper discovery.

photo_camera

Did You Visit Guwahati?

Showcase Your Photography Skills • Help Thousands of Travelers • Get Featured with Credit

location_on Assam map Northeast India 🏙️ Urban 🕉️ Spiritual Temples River Cruises Guwahati Assam Kamakhya Temple Brahmaputra River Northeast India Gateway City

Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, serves as the gateway to Northeast India. Situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, it's a bustling urban center with a blend of ancient temples, modern infrastructure, and natural beauty.

Guwahati offers a unique glimpse into Assamese culture, but can be crowded and polluted. The Kamakhya Temple is a major draw, as is the Brahmaputra River. However, be prepared for traffic congestion and limited nightlife options.

Plan for at least 2-3 days to explore the city's main attractions. Getting around is relatively easy with auto-rickshaws and buses, but allow extra time for travel due to traffic.

When To Visit

Best Time

October to March

10-25 degrees C

The weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures enhance the overall travel experience.

Why Visit:

This is the best time to visit Guwahati for comfortable temperatures and clear skies. You can explore the Kamakhya Temple, take a river cruise on the Brahmaputra, and enjoy outdoor activities without the humidity and rain. The Rongali Bihu festival in April also falls within this period.

Tip: Expect slightly higher prices for accommodation and tours during peak season. Booking in advance is recommended, especially around major holidays.

Shoulder Season

April to May

25-35 degrees C

The weather starts to get hot and humid. Occasional rainfall is expected.

Why Visit:

The weather is hot but manageable, and there are fewer crowds. Prices for accommodation may be slightly lower.

Tip: Be prepared for the heat and humidity. Carry light clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

Avoid

June to September

28-32 degrees C

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and high humidity. The Brahmaputra River is prone to flooding.

Why Avoid:

Avoid visiting during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Many outdoor activities may be disrupted, and transportation can be challenging. The humidity can also be quite uncomfortable.

Note: Some indoor attractions remain open, but travel can be unpredictable. Look for deals on hotels.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Kamakhya Temple

⏱ 3-4 hours Free

Kamakhya Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. It is located on Nilachal Hill and is an import...

Read more arrow_forward

Umananda Island

⏱ 2-3 hours ₹20 (Indians), ₹200 (foreigners) for ferry

Umananda Island, also known as Peacock Island, is the smallest inhabited river island in the world. It is located in the middle of the Brahmaputra Riv...

Read more arrow_forward

Assam State Museum

⏱ 2-3 hours ₹20 (Indians), ₹250 (foreigners)

The Assam State Museum showcases the rich history and culture of Assam. It houses a collection of sculptures, artifacts, and ethnographic exhibits....

Read more arrow_forward

Guwahati Zoo (Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden)

⏱ 3-4 hours ₹50 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

The Guwahati Zoo is the largest zoo in Northeast India, housing a diverse collection of animals and birds. It also includes a botanical garden with a ...

Read more arrow_forward

Navagraha Temple

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

The Navagraha Temple, dedicated to the nine celestial bodies, is located on Chitrasal Hill. It is an important center for astrological studies....

Read more arrow_forward

Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra

⏱ 2-3 hours ₹30 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)

Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra is a cultural institution showcasing the art, culture, and literature of Assam. It features museums, art galleries, a...

Read more arrow_forward

Dipor Bil

⏱ 3-4 hours ₹20

Dipor Bil is a freshwater lake located to the southwest of Guwahati. It is an important bird sanctuary, attracting a variety of migratory and resident...

Read more arrow_forward
View all attraction details

Things To Do

attractions

Brahmaputra River Cruise

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹500-1500 per person

Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Brahmaputra River. Several operators offer cruises with different durations and itineraries...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Tea Garden Visit

⏱ 4-5 hours 💰 ₹800-2000 per person

Visit a nearby tea garden to learn about the tea-making process. Many tea gardens offer guided tours and tea tasting ses...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Shopping for Assamese Silk

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 Varies depending on purchases

Explore the local markets and shops for traditional Assamese silk products. Panbazar and Fancy Bazaar are popular shoppi...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Attend a Bihu Dance Performance

⏱ 1-2 hours 💰 ₹200-500 per person

Experience the vibrant Bihu dance, a traditional folk dance of Assam. Many cultural centers and hotels host Bihu dance p...

Read more arrow_forward

Cultural Experiences

celebration

Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple

3-4 days | Free

The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu festival celebrated at Kamakhya Temple. It commemorates the an...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Rongali Bihu Festival

7 days | Free

Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is the Assamese New Year festival. It is a celebration of sp...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Deodhani Dance

1-2 hours | ₹100-300

Deodhani is a traditional dance form associated with the worship of the serpent goddess Manasa. It i...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Bhaona Performance

2-3 hours | ₹100-300

Bhaona is a traditional form of Assamese drama created by Srimanta Sankardeva. It uses masks and cos...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Visit a Weaving Village

3-4 hours | ₹500-1000 (transport and potential purchases)

Sualkuchi is a village known for its silk weaving industry. It's a great place to see traditional we...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Traditional Assamese Cooking Class

3-4 hours | ₹1500-2500

Learn to prepare traditional Assamese dishes from local cooks. You'll get hands-on experience with l...

Read more arrow_forward
View all cultural experiences

Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Masor Tenga
Masor Tenga

A sour fish curry made with tenga (a local souring agent). Try it at Paradise Restaurant.

Khar
Khar

A dish made with an alkaline extract from banana peels. Try it at a traditional Assamese restaurant.

Pitha
Pitha

Rice cakes, often sweet. Try them at local sweet shops during Bihu.

Duck Roast
Duck Roast

Roasted duck, a popular dish during special occasions.

Doi-Chira
Doi-Chira

Flattened rice with yogurt and jaggery. A common breakfast item.

Where to Eat

Paradise Restaurant

Paradise Restaurant

₹₹

Assamese, Indian

📍 Chandmari

Popular restaurant serving authentic Assamese cuisine. Known for its flavorful dishes and casual atmosphere.

Masor Tenga

₹600-800 for two

Gam's Delicacy

Gam's Delicacy

₹₹

Chinese, Thai, Indian

📍 GS Road

Serves a variety of dishes, popular with locals and tourists. Known for prompt service.

MomosNoodles

₹700-900 for two

Street Food Spots

Fancy Bazaar

Fancy Bazaar

💰 Budget: ₹50-150 per person

⚠️ Tips: Be mindful of hygiene. Choose stalls with high turnover and freshly prepared food.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Guwahati

More restaurants & dishes from Guwahati

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Paltan Bazaar

Best for budget travelers and those arriving by train or bus. It's a busy area with plenty of affordable accommodation and restaurants, but can be noisy.

Best For: Budget travelers, backpackers

GS Road

A central location with good access to shopping malls and restaurants. Suitable for mid-range travelers, but traffic can be heavy.

Best For: Shoppers, business travelers

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹800-1500/night

Hotel Grandlorrd

📍 Paltan Bazaar

Basic but clean rooms in a central location. Close to railway station and bus stand.

₹800-1500/night

OYO Rooms Guwahati

📍 Various locations

Budget-friendly option with standardized amenities. Check reviews before booking.

₹600-1200/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹2000-3500/night

Hotel Landmark

📍 GS Road

Comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Convenient location for shopping and dining.

₹2000-3500/night

Hotel Dynasty

📍 Ulubari

Well-maintained hotel with good service. Offers a restaurant and bar.

₹2500-4000/night

Luxury

₹5000+/night

Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati

📍 VIP Road

Luxury hotel with spacious rooms and excellent amenities. Features a swimming pool, spa, and multiple restaurants.

₹5000+/night

Vivanta Guwahati

📍 Khanapara

Stylish hotel with modern design and upscale facilities. Offers a range of dining options and a fitness center.

₹6000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), 20km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Guwahati Railway Station (GHY)

Main railway station with connections to major cities. Located in Paltan Bazaar.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 30-35 hours (₹1500-4000)
  • From Mumbai: 40-45 hours (₹2000-5000)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • ISBT Guwahati
Routes:
  • From Shillong: 3 hours (₹300-500)

Note: Trains more comfortable for long distances.

Getting Around

local_taxi

Auto-rickshaw

💰 ₹50-200 depending on distance

Best for: Short distances, negotiating fares

Bargain before starting your journey. Confirm the fare and destination.

directions_bus

Bus

💰 ₹10-30 per ride

Best for: Budget travelers, covering longer distances

Buses can be crowded. Check the bus routes and schedules.

directions

Taxi/Uber/Ola

💰 ₹200-500 depending on distance

Best for: Comfortable travel, airport transfers

Book taxis or ride-sharing services through apps for convenience.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Light and comfortable clothing is recommended, especially during summer. Carry an umbrella or raincoat during the monsoon season.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1000, Mid: ₹2500, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: Available in most areas

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions, cards accepted at larger establishments

Bargaining: Expected in local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled water or boiled water. Avoid tap water.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic stalls.

Common Issues: Carry insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites. Consult a doctor for any health concerns.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Vodafone offer good coverage. Requires passport and visa.

WiFi: Available at most hotels and cafes

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: English is spoken by many, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Assamese phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹20-50

Nearby Destinations

Explore More Of India

Arkalgud - India Travel Guide

Arkalgud - India Travel Guide

map South India

Top Attractions:

  • Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple
  • Sri Rameshwara Temple
  • Coffee Plantations

+3 more attractions

Bandipur - India Travel Guide

Bandipur - India Travel Guide

map South India

Top Attractions:

  • Bandipur National Park Safari
  • Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
  • Bandipur Interpretation Centre

+3 more attractions

Manali - India Travel Guide

Manali - India Travel Guide

map North India

Top Attractions:

  • Hadimba Devi Temple
  • Solang Valley
  • Vashisht Temple

+2 more attractions

Sivasagar - India Travel Guide

Sivasagar - India Travel Guide

map Northeast India

Top Attractions:

  • Kareng Ghar
  • Talatal Ghar
  • Rang Ghar

+3 more attractions

Diu - India Travel Guide

Diu - India Travel Guide

map West India

Top Attractions:

  • Diu Fort
  • St. Paul's Church
  • Nagoa Beach

+3 more attractions

Bokaro - India Travel Guide

Bokaro - India Travel Guide

map East India

Top Attractions:

  • Bokaro Steel Plant
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park
  • City Park

+3 more attractions

Chhattisgarh - India Travel Guide

Chhattisgarh - India Travel Guide

map Central India

Top Attractions:

  • Chitrakote Falls
  • Kailash Caves
  • Bastar Palace

+2 more attractions

Malshej Ghat - India Travel Guide

Malshej Ghat - India Travel Guide

map West India

Top Attractions:

  • Malshej Falls
  • Pimpalgaon Joga Dam
  • Harishchandragad Fort

+2 more attractions

Share Your Guwahati Photos!

Help fellow travelers by sharing your authentic travel photos. Get credited with your name and social links!

Found an Error?

Help us improve! Report incorrect information or suggest updates.

Suggest a Destination

Know a hidden gem we're missing? Help us add it to the guide!