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A Travel Guide to The North East City of India – Guwahati

A Travel Guide to The North East City of India – Guwahati
Last Updated: January 31, 2020

Guwahati is a land of infinite beauties with a perfect blend of urban lifestyle and nature. One of the most popular weekend destinations in India, Guwahati has seen a rise in its tourism which is majorly attributed to tourist places in this Northeastern destination which offer a balance of nature and adventure. Guwahati offers options ranging from romantic getaway on a cruise to religious destinations to nightlife. Whatever you expect in a travel destination, the city in Assam has it all. So, if you decide on a Guwahati sightseeing tour or a visit to best tourism places in Guwahati, you will return with a bag full of memories and memory card full of photos. Follow this travel guide of 15 top things to do and places to visit in Guwahati and have the time of your life.

Visit Guwahati Planetarium: A Journey to Stars

Guwahati Planetarium

If you are in Guwahati and thinking of top things to do, then we have got one of the top tourist destinations for you. Dive into the mystery of our galaxy and explore the infinite universe and beyond in the Guwahati Planetarium. Situated on the MG road, Guwahati Planetarium has dome-shaped overhead screens in the planetarium that will take you on a surreal journey of the known and unknown universe. Offering a seating capacity of 140 people, the shows are organized in Assamese language as well as in English. Shows are organized at an interval of every two hours.

Address: M G Road, Near Gauhati High Court, Latasil, Uzan Bazar, Guwahati
Ticket Charges for Guwahati Planetarium: INR 30 for each show.
Timings for Guwahati Planetarium: The Planetarium is open from Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.

Explore The Culture and Tradition of Assam At The Assam State Museum

The Assam State Museum

Located in the heart of the city of Guwahati, lies the Assam State Museum. It was inaugurated in 1940 and since its opening, the museum has been an excellent reflection of the history, culture and tradition of Assam. Considered as the biggest multipurpose museum in North East India, the museum showcases the crafts, epigraphy, literature of the state. Most of the sculptures displayed in the museum are made of terracotta, wood or metal. One of the must-visit places in Guwahati, the museum also has a big library that narrates the history of Assam as well as showcases the Assamese literature.

Address: Kamrup District, Near Railway Station, Guwahati
Entry Fee for Assam State Museum: INR 10
Timings for Assam State Museum: Closed on 2nd and 4th Saturday and Government holidays. Timings for the museum is 10 am to 4 pm

ISKCON Guwahati: Visit The Haven of Krishna

ISKCON Temple Guwahati

Not many are aware but Guwahati is famous for religious tourism too. There are numerous famous Hindu temples that attract tourists from all parts of the country. One such famous spiritual destination is the ISKCON Temple in Guwahati. Made and maintained by Hare Krishna mission, ISKCON temple attracts Krishna followers from all over the globe. The temple is also a work of art with its blend of heritage and modern architecture. One visit to the temple and you will feel the sense of relief within you. Even aarti at ISKCON temple is a thing you must experience while in Guwahati.

Address: Mount Hari Krishna, South Sarania, Ulubari Chariali, Guwahati
Timings for ISKCON Temple: Open all day from 4:30 am to 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Chandubi Lake: Romance With Nature

Chandubi Lake

One of the best places in Assam, Guwahati has an abundance of nature sightseeing spots. One such popular tourist attraction is the Chandubi Lake. For those who like to sit by the lake and spend some time in solitude, Chandubi lake is perfect for you. The untouched beauty of the lake will ensure that you get some of the best frames for your picture collection. Some 65 km from Guwahati, one of the best offbeat places to visit in Assam, Chandubi lake is perfect to just relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can also spot migratory birds in the Chandubi lake.

How to Reach Chandubi Lake from Guwahati?

You can book a taxi to the lake which is 65 km from the city centre.

Witness The Magic of Science at the Regional Science Center

Regional Science Center

Science can be boring at times but not at the Regional Science Center in Guwahati. If you are on a family vacation, then you must visit this place. The Regional Science Center has been making science fun for the visitors. The complex phenomena and principles of Science are explained with practical applications. The major attraction of this place is the Science magic shows. Also, check out the 3D shows and Digital Planetarium in the Regional Science Center.

Address: Jawahar Nagar, Khanapara, Guwahati
Entry Fee for Regional Science Center: INR 20 for Gallery and Park area. INR 20 for Taramandal and INR 20 for 3D Scientific movies.
Timings for Regional Science Center: Open all days of the week from 10 am to 4 pm.

Assam State Zoo: A Perfect Family Vacation Destination

Assam State Zoo

Another popular tourist Attraction in Guwahati is the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Park. A perfect picnic spot with your family, the children would be more than happy to witness 850+ animals in the Zoo. Spread over an area of 430 acres, the zoo located in the Hengrabari Forest reserve is home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals in India. One of the best spots for travelling with kids, the zoo would be a nice place to explore while on your weekend getaways.

Address: Zoo Road, Guwahati.
Entry Fee for Assam State Zoo: INR 10 per person.
Timings for Assam State Zoo: Open all days except Friday. Summer Timings: 7 am to 4:30 pm, Winter Timings: 8 am to 4 pm.

Umananda Temple: Row the Boat to Reach to God

Umananda Temple

If you wish to experience the beauty of Brahmaputra River, then you have to visit Umananda temple. Located on the Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River, you would have to take a ferry ride to reach the holy temple. The 3-century old temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva burnt Kamdev. The boat ride in the gigantic Brahmaputra is a major highlight of this trip to the temple.

Cost of Boat Ride: INR 50 per person.

Saraighat Bridge: The Battlefield of Man and Nature

Saraighat Bridge

If you wish to witness the skirmish between nature and man and a man trying to dominate the nature then head down to the Saraighat Bridge. 1.2 km long bridge is the first to be ever constructed over the mighty Brahmaputra. Today, more than 50 years old, the Saraighat is the bridge between North East India and rest of the country. A road trip across the Saraighat Bridge is a unique experience in itself, with you surrounded by the scenic beauty of the mighty Brahmaputra river. A combination of rail and road bridge, Saraighat is a testament to engineering. If you visit during the monsoon season, you can witness the might of the river Brahmaputra.

The Gem of Assam Tourism: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pride of Assam Tourism, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is one place you can not afford to miss while you plan a trip to Guwahati. A haven for One-Horned Rhinos, Pobitora offers higher chances of you witnessing a Rhino than other wildlife sanctuaries. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed one of the best places for nature sightseeing and wildlife photography. The lush green grasslands provide some of the best frames for wildlife photography. Also, the famous morning and evening jeep ride is a famous attraction of the sanctuary. Located 30 km east of Guwahati, Pobitora should definitely be on your travel itinerary.

Entry Fee and charges: There is no entry fee. However, Jeep safari costs around INR 1,350 per hours and Elephant Safari costs around INR 550 for one person.

How to Reach Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary?

You can hire a taxi from Guwahati to reach Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

Fancy Bazar: Shopper’s Paradise

Fancy Bazaar Guwahati

Guwahati is a place of many beauties and there are numerous tourist attractions but there are some activities you just can’t afford to miss. One of the best activities to do in Guwahati is exploring the Fancy Bazaar. The shopping capital of Guwahati, the iconic Fashion Bazar is the answer to all shopping lists. From flea markets to branded stores, the market has it all.

Address: MG Road, Guwahati.
Timings for Fancy Bazar: The market remains open all days of the week from 9 am to 7 pm.

Take a Step Closer to Nature at The Deepor Beel

Deepor Beel

If you are one of those people who prefer solitude over everything then Deepor Beel is the perfect destination for you. Arguably the one of the best places to visit in Guwahati, Deepor Beel takes you a step closer to nature. Every year thousands of Migratory birds flock to Deepor Beel, making it a sight to witness. It is a freshwater lake near Guwahati and it is believed to one of the largest freshwater lakes in Brahmaputra valley. The best time to visit Deepor lake is from the months of October to March when migratory birds arrive in the valley.

How to Reach Deepor Beel?

The lake is 5 km away from the city of Guwahati. You can hire a private transport to reach here.

Cruise on Brahmaputra River: Best Honeymoon Idea to Relish in Assam

Cruise on Brahmaputra River

One of the best places to visit for couples, Guwahati offers some of the most romantic options for best honeymoon destinations in India. One such is cruising in the zenith of Brahmaputra river. Be it a romantic dinner on-board or watching the sunset over the horizon with your significant other, cruising over the Brahmaputra river is one of the best things to do in Guwahati. There are various cruise operators you can choose from. The duration of the cruise also differs as per your need, you can choose from 2 hours to 2 days to an 11-day cruise trip to North East India.

Cafe Hendrix: The Ultimate Nightlife Experience of Guwahati

Cafe Hendrix

If you are looking for reasons to visit Guwahati, here is one — Guwahati is not just about sightseeing tours, the city also offers you one of the best nightlife experiences in India. The epicentre of urban nightlife is Cafe Hendrix. One of the top tourist attractions and the most famous hangout place for local youth, Cafe Hendrix is one stop destination for all party lovers. A blend of live music, lip-smacking food and booze fused with mesmerizing ambience make it one of the must-visit places in Guwahati. While you visit here, you would also get to experience the assamese local music. The local delicacies are a must try.

Address: Opposite Pantaloons, Down Town, G S Road, Guwahati
Must Try Things in Hendrix Bar: Try the Smoked Pork and Bamboo Shots
Timings of Cafe Hendrix: Open all day from 1 pm to 11:30 pm.

Experience The Cuisines of Assam at Foodvilla

Cuisines of Assam at Foodvilla

With growing tourist population in Guwahati, more and more restaurants are opening up. But if you wish to try authentic Assamese delicacies, visit the Foodvilla in Guwahati. Known for its authentic Assamese cuisines and super friendly service, Food villa is one of the must-visit places in Guwahati. The soothing ambience of the restaurant adds to the charm of the place. Try the traditional Assamese thali served here.

Address: Food Villa, Panbazar, Guwahati.
Timings: Open all day from 8 am to 11 pm.

Guwahati is a paradise hidden in the astounding state of Assam and this travel guide will help you uncover the hidden secret of the beautiful city.

Well, if you’re looking for sightseeing tours in any places of Guwahati or North East India, you can contact us at Tour My India. You can call us at +91-9212553106 or send us your queries at info@tourmyindia.com and we’ll get back to you with best travel packages for North East India, where you can pick the one that suits you the most.

For any queries, feel free to post your questions in the comment section below.

Published: 24 Nov, 2018
Ashwini

About

Born and brought up in the Lucknowi tehzeeb, Ashwini wishes to someday settle in a quaint little town in the Himalayas. If you do not find him daydreaming about his travel plans, you’ll find him exploring the vastness of Youtube and Netflix. A travel romantic and a cricket fanatic, he also wishes to try every cuisine ever made in this world.

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