Guwahati

Excavations trace the origins of the city to around the 4th century and it was the capital of Assam until the 10th century. The rapidly-growing metropolis has a population of more than 1.8 million and encompasses an area of over 360 km 2 , making it the largest city in the state and the region. It is the main center for shopping, retail and business; attracting people from all over the north east as well as from Eastern Bhutan. The slow, meandering Brahmaputra River is a focal point of the downtown while the lush hills of the Shillong Plateau provide a verdant backdrop for the suburbs. The pleasant environment, however, is somewhat tempered by the inadequate investment in the region, which is apparent from the low quality of roads. Still, despite the average infrastructure, private investors have been drawn to the city in recent years and there has been something of a boom in the construction of shopping malls and high quality condominiums, which has helped raise the economic profile of the city. The end of decades-long insurgency in Assam has also helped in the economic boom of Guwahati.

Climate

Guwahati's climate is subtropical. Summers last here from April to May, monsoons from June to September and winters from October to March. Temperatures here approximately range between 19°C and 26°C. 161.3 cm is the average yearly precipitation level here. Humidity is more than 80/90% often.

By plane

• Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International AirportA major hub for flights to North-East India and limited international destinations. The hill resort cities of Shillong and Tura are connected by regular scheduled helicopter services run by Pawan Hans. Shillong (30 min), Tura (50 min), Naharlagun (Itanagar), Tawang (75 min).

Bagdogra, Delhi, Imphal, Kolkata Agartala, Aizawl, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Imphal, Jorhat, Kolkata, Lilabari, Silchar, Tezpur Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Paro, Singapore Bagdogra, Bangalore, Delhi Chennai, Delhi, Imphal, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru Agartala, Bangalore, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Goa, Imphal, Jorhat, Kolkata, Mumbai Itanagar, Naharlagun, Shillong, Tawang, Tura Agartala, Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai Delhi, Bagdogra, Kolkata, Goa, Banagalore

Airlines	Destinations
Air India
Air India Regional
Druk Air
GoAir
IndiGo
JetLite
Pawan Hans
SpiceJet
Vistara

By train

Guwahati is connected by train with major cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Reservation office is 30 m north of the station, and at #3 window you can book a foreign tourist quota on trains originating from Northeast Frontier railways network.

By car

By road - NH-31, NH-37 and NH-40 pass through Guwahati. It is a 3-hour drive to the Bhutan border town of Samdrup Jongkhar.

By bus

It is connected to all major cities of North East India by bus. There are overnight bus services for Dibrugarh, Kohima, Imphal, Itanagar, Siliguri.

By boat

Luxurious vessels with A/C upper deck connect Guwahati to Dibrugarh, passing through Kaziranga & Tezpur.

By bus

Bus is the cheapest way of travelling around the city. Guwahati is well connected to most of its city area with local service buses, with air conditioned bus service having recently begun between the airport and the city.

By auto

Compared to other cities in India, autos charge a hefty price for the ride. There is no meter system used by the autos, the auto driver will simply refuse to drive you if you insist on the meter - the best you can do is negotiate in advance (check with a local on what it should cost you). Small distance charges are high.

By motorbike

River crossing

If you can not go on the river cruise, at least cross the river on the ferry. Ferries provide transport to the local people - they leave the jetty at Fancy bazar every half an hour and the round trip will take around 45 minutes. Tickets are ₹10, 1 way. It is a simple way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Brahmaputra river.

• Assam State MuseumThe museum is closed on Mondays.

• Assam State Zoo And Botanical Gardens

  phone: +91 8721857919, +91 7002716702
  address: Zoo Road, Japorigog

• Bhubaneswari Temple

• Digholi PukhuriDighalipukhuri derived its name from the word 'dighal' which means long. The lake is believed to be dug by Bhagadutta, the king of Pragjyotishpura. It is also mentioned in the Mahabharata,the great Indian epic. Dighalipukhuri is a prominent tourist attraction in the heart of Guwahati with boating facilities and recreational activities. It is an old rectangular lake of half a mile long originally engraved out from the Brahmaputra. Later, it was separated from the river when a portion was filled up. There are some nearby restaurants where one can have lunch or dinner.

• Guwahati Planetarium

  address: Uzan Bazar
  A great place to visit for science geeks and also for lover of entertainments.

• Indian Institute of TechnologyIt is around 20 km from the heart of the city and around 35 min drive from the airport.

• Janardana Temple

  address: Shukaleswar Hill

• Kamakhya Temple

  address: Nilachal Hill
  Atop the Neelachal hill, the highest spot in the city draws pilgrims from all over India especially during the Ambubachi festival. A high seat of the shakti sect, one of the 54 Shakti Peethas of the Tantric cult, it is associated with the legend of the mother goddess who slayed the legendary demon king Narakasur who ruled ancient Assam. The Goddess Kamakhya is made of eight metal alloys, and seated on a throne with five jewels. To reach her statue pilgrims have to go down a dimly lit flight of steps. Further within the cave shrine is the well and yoni mandala clearly indicating worship began with the spring and cave long before the temple was built. Goddess is also worshiped in the aspects of Durga, Kali, Tara, Kamala, Uma, Chamunda, and Shakti. The temple dates to the 17th century and follows the Assamese style in its design.

• Navagraha Temple

  address: Chitrasal Hill
  An 18th-century temple dedicated to nine celestial bodies is atop the second highest hill in Guwahati.

• Pandu PortA river port on the south bank of Brahmaputra in West Guwahati was the entrepot to Guwaahati before construction of the Saraighat bridge in the early 1960s.

• Regional Science Centre and Museum

  address: Khanapara

• Shankardev Kalashetra

  address: Panjabari Rd

• Ugro Tara Temple

  address: Lotaxil
  A temple dedicated to the deity Tara. The goddess in the sanctum sanctorum is not an idol but a pit of water.

• Uma Nanda TempleA 17th-century temple on a river island of the same name is dedicated to Shiva. It was built by Ahom king Gadapani on this picturesque Brahmaputra isle, also called Peacock island. You can hop into a shared ferry/motorboat for ₹10 and return on the same or another boat free of charge, or reserve the entire boat for yourself. All shuttle boats leave from the KachariGhat between the Deputy Commisioner's office and the lower courts. The island is also a sanctuary for an endangered population of golden langurs which you can see from very close quarters. They have thrived on this uninhabited island chosen for their translocation from their last refuge in the Manas National Park. The island also has a Ganesh temple and is small enough to be explored on foot.

• Nehru Park

  phone: +91 96133 86546
  address: Cotton College Road, Pan Bazar Road, Pan Bazaar
  This is an outdoor park opposite Guwahati Cotton College in the area of Pan Bazaar. This beautiful park is great to visit with your spouse or partner. Sitting arrangements are nice and organised. There is a child park inside the main area where children can have a lot of fun and activity.

• AccolandAirport Rd. Amusement park.

• North Guwahati- Guwahati Ropeway, M. G. Road, Panbazar.

• Handicrafts, of the north east and Assam are available in many shops in the city.
• Handlooms & Handicrafts, the Assam Silk & Golden SIlk "Muga" is world famous. You will be fascinated to see the designs and colours of the local dress called "Mekhela - Chadar".

• Hidesign

  phone: +91 92 0704 7683
  address: Digholi Pukhuri East
  One of the largest stand alone leather goods stores in India with a wide range bags and accessories for men, women and travel.
• Malls. The city boasts several shopping malls. These are the major ones: Sohum Emporia, Sohum Shoppe, Guwahati Central, Central Mall, FBB, The Hub Mall, Vishal MegaMart, Big Bazaar, Pantaloons.
• Tea Bags, of the north east and Assam are available in many shops in the city. Assams Green tea is world famous.

If you have just exited the airport or have to wait sometime before boarding your flight, then you can head to the Airport Restaurant right opposite to the domestic terminal for some reasonably priced food.

Budget

There are many good dhabas on the main roads, highways and at the outskirts of the city.

• City Dhaba

  address: Bora Service, Ulubari

• Dispur Dhaba

  address: Ganeshguri

• Get Tagged

  phone: +91 9401057578
  address: Zoo Road

• Hotel Shyama

  address: AK Azad Road, Rehabari

• JBs

  address: G S Rd, Christian Basti
  Good bakery with sweets.

• JBs

  address: M G Rd, Riverside

• Momo Ghar

  phone: +91 9435019810
  address: Bharalumukh
  Chinese

• Shaikh Brothers

  phone: +91 36 1273 6615
  address: Shaikh Building, 195 Hem Baruah Road,Panbazar
  Century old bakery. Well known throughout entire North East India for its delicious pastries, cakes, bread and cookies. Established by Golam Ibrahim in 1885, Shaikh Brothers is the oldest and largest bakery shop in North East India. It is managed by its fourth generation partners namely Shaikh Sakhawat Hossain, Shaikh Azizul Hossain, Shaikh Khoda Nawaz and others. It is renowned for its tasty birthday and Christmas cakes. In 2015 it completed its 130th year of service. It is locally known as "the Heritage Bakery Of Assam".

Mid-range

• Bon Jaluk

  phone: +91 8254063369
  address: Ganeshguri
  Famous Assamese thalis.

• Gam's Delicacy Restaurant

  phone: +91 361 2233402
  address: Ganeshguri
  Famous for ethnic Assamese cuisine.

• Gopal Maharaj

  phone: +91 9864351111
  address: Kamrup Chamber Rd, Fancy Bazar

• Heritage Khorikaa

  phone: +91 9706034838
  address: Silpukhuri, Chandmari
  Famous for delicious ethnic Assamese cuisine.

• Khorikaa

  phone: +91 9864982948
  address: Bora Service, Ulubari
  Assamese restaurant with delicious thalis.

• Maach

  phone: +91 9854061725
  address: Christian Basti.
  Famous for various fishes.

• Makhan Bhog

  address: Ulubari

• Mast Biryani

  address: Zoo Road
  Biryani restaurant.

• Nashraj Restaurant

  phone: +91 361-251-9465
  address: S.S. Rd, Fancy Bazaar
  This restaurant is popular with locals and foreigners, and serves tasty Indian, Chinese and selected Continental cuisine.

Splurge

• Barbeque Nation

  phone: +91 9864109282
  address: Ulubari

• Mocha

  phone: +91 8486000401
  address: Christian basti
  Italian restaurant

• Tandoor @ Hotel Dynasty

  phone: +91 361 7120055
  address: SS Road, Fancy Bazar

Guwahati is said to have the most wine shops.

Pub, disco, and bar

• Cafe Copa

  address: GS Rd

• Club Ozone

  address: GS Rd

• Ivory

  address: Ulubari flyover
  Bar/pub.

• The Lounge Bar

  address: Christian Basti

• Mazbaan

  address: Ganeshguri
  Bar, disco, DJ Ronnie

• Q'Ba

  address: Ulubari
  Disco

• Silver Streak

  address: Hotel Bramhaputra Ashok

• Terra Mayaa

  address: Anil Plaza-2

• Topaz

  address: Ulubari

• Urban Mantra

  address: Sixmile

• XS

  address: GS Rd

Budget

There are many budget hotels around the station but only a few are licensed to accommodate foreigners.

• Brahmputra

  address: Panjbari, Sixmile
  Small family hotel. Clean rooms, simple food, nothing fancy but economical.

• Hotel Biswanath

  phone: +91 361 2633597
  address: M.E. Road, Paltan Bazar
  Not a great value, but one of a few budget hotels licensed to take foreigners.

• Hotel Brindavan

  phone: +91 361 291 2222
  address: Paltan Bazar, M E Rd

• Hotel Suradevi

  phone: +91 361 254 5050
  address: M.L.N Rd
  Slightly out of the action, but a decent budget choice with a restaurant.

• Prashaanti Tourist Lodge

  phone: +91 361-2544475, +91-9435042063, +91-94640 83579
  address: Station Road, Kamakhya, Navagraha
  The lodges are operated by Department of Tourism and Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited.

Mid-range

• Hotel Mahalaxmi

  address: G.S. Rd

• Hotel Nova

  phone: +91 361 251 9465
  address: S.S. Rd
  A decent mid-range choice, it is centrally located, reasonably clean and friendly, and has a good restaurant on site. Hot running water, TV with satellite connection, same-day laundry available.

• Hotel Rialto

Splurge

• Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok

  phone: +91 361 2602281
  address: M.G.Road
  It is a luxury hotel near the bank of mighty Brahmaputra river having all the modern facilities.

• Hotel Dynasty

  phone: +91 361 251 6021
  address: S.S. Rd
  Centrally located, warm and comfortable, and the staff are friendly. Tandoor is one of the two in-house restaurants, and a good place to splurge on food in the city, with live music in the evenings.

• Hotel Nakshatra

  phone: +91 361 2222666
  address: Beltola
  Luxurious hotel with comfort and modern facilities.

• Radisson Blu Hotel

  phone: +91 361 7100100
  address: National Highway 37, Gotanagar
  On NH37 12 km from the railway station and 15 km from Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

• Taj Vivanta

  address: Khanapara

Shillong is an old hill station established by British and stepping point to Cherrapunji and further south. Meghalaya state transport provides several buses departing in the morning and also regular shared 7-passenger jeep service for ₹170 (more comfortable than usual 10-pax Sumo) from the bus terminal south of the train station.

• Balaji Temple - Balaji temple is on the National Highway By-pass easily reached by taking the National Highway from the city head towards Maligaon/Adabari and beyond till you reach the Jalukbari junction. It takes about 20 min from the junction to the temple. It is supposed to be a replica of the temple in Tirupati - the temple provides a nice place for solitary meditation, being in a peaceful setting.
• Deepor Beel - A wetland and a very picturesque picnic spot. A bird-watchers paradise, especially in winter when the migratory birds come down. Access is from the National Highway, Gorchuk Ali.
• Hajo - Hajo is an interesting place to visit near Guwahati. The place has religious significance for Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. It takes about an hour and half from the city center to reach Hajo by own transport (buses are there from Adabari bus stand). Interesting places to visit are the Hayagrib Madhab temple and Pua Mecca. While at the temple, make sure to go down to the temple pond to see the resident turtle.

• Kamakhya Temple - A famous Hindu Temple and Pilgrimage. Attracts visitors and devotees from all around the world and country. A 25-30 minutes drive from the heart of the City.
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary - Wildlife reserve about 50 km from Guwahati. Sort of a miniature Kaziranga, home to one-horned rhinos, buffalo, and other animals, which you can see from a jeep. Elephant rides are also available at certain times of day.
• Resorts on Sonapur Road - The Sonapur Road (Guwahati-Nagaon Road, NH 37) has many dhabas that are within 10-15 km of the city outskirts (Khanapara). These resorts provide a good weekend break. Brahmaputra resort,Disang Dhaba in Tepesia are good for family outings.