21 Popular Weekend Getaways from Guwahati

Situated on the bank of mighty river Brahmaputra, Guwahati is rightly the Gateway of North East India. A settled city with almost all comforts of modern day life yet close to nature, Guwahati is a perfect example as to how an ideal urbane should look like. Apart from being an inspirational city, Guwahati is also the object of envy as around it are situated some of the most scenic and enthralling destinations of North East, to where one can easily plan a weekend trip. Most of these destinations are still virgin lands that add yet another reason to plan a holiday near Guwahati. Also, there are some places that are historically rich and almost all places are culturally affluent giving you enough reasons to be on toes even on a weekend.

Here is a list of some of the best weekend getaways from Guwahati:

Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

Nohkalikai Falls Cherrapunjee, Photo: bit.ly/1TCYmAU

Distance from Guwahati: 148kms

Popular as the wettest place in India (Recently, the second wettest place after Mawsynram), Cherrapunjee is a great weekend getaway from Guwahati. Situated 150kms from Guwahati, Cherrapunjee is a scenic land with waterfalls, living Root Bridge, rolling mountains and verdant greenery. Although famed as the wettest place in the country, very few people know that it is also dubbed as the Land of Oranges. Since, it is situated at a short distance from Guwahati; it is seen swarmed with tourists especially over the weekend. Tourists can enjoy trekking, river canyoning from Nongthymmai to Mynteng steel rope bridge, rock climbing and camping.

Attractions:

• Seven Sisters Falls
• Living Root Bridge
• Nohkalikai Falls
• Mawsynram

Tezpur, Assam

Sunset at Brahmaputra River Tezpur Assam, Photo: bit.ly/1nMsfCZ

Distance from Guwahati: 177kms

After spending a hectic week amidst the bustling city, one must retire to a peaceful place that is nestled in the lap of the nature AND Tezpur is just that! Being close to the nature and to the history of Assam, Tezpur is probably one of ideal places to explore over a weekend. This fifth largest city of the state is also the oldest inhabited place with historical evidences dating back to 4^th century. Over a quiet weekend in Tezpur, one can visit the lush tea estates, majestic Hindu temples and suburb-located wildlife reserves.

Attractions:

• Agnigarh
• Bamuni Hills
• Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary
• Chitralekha Udyan
• Da-Parbatia
• District Museum
• Ouguri Hill
• Padum Pukhuri
• Kalia Bhomora Setu
• Nag-Sankar Temple
• Ketakeshwar Dewal

East Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Sunset at Brahmaputra River Tezpur Assam, Photo: bit.ly/1X2Uuc7

Distance from Guwahati: 195kms

There are several places in Garo Hills that have incredible tourism potential and amongst one of them is the East Garo Hills. There are several places in the East Garo that have immense historical importance, rich cultural and traditions and scenic locales. Since, the area is still untouched, it is able to retain original flora and fauna. The unexploited nature is what awaits here and that is why it is a great idea to spend weekend holiday exploring this mini paradise on earth.

Attractions:

• Ta’sek Lake
• Rong’bang Falls
• Domre Falls
• Mokma Dare
• Naphak or Napak
• Nongchram
• Williamnagar
• Rongrenggiri

Kaziranga National Park

Photo: bit.ly/1X2RMmU

Distance from Guwahati: 193kms

Famed for being the largest shelter for one-horned Rhinos in India, Kaziranga is an ideal weekend destination from Guwahati. Apart from Rhinos, Kaziranga is home to the tigers and a large breeding population of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. The park is also recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Bird Life International for conservation of avifaunal species. One can also find a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests, crisscrossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, and the park includes numerous small bodies of water as well.

Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Krang Suri Falls Jaintia Meghalaya, Photo: bit.ly/1Qc19vd

Distance from Guwahati: 177kms

Located in the neighbouring state Meghalaya, Jaintia Hills is like a slice of heaven on earth with its breathtaking sceneries and tranquil spots. Spread in an area of 3819 sq. Km, Jaintia Hills offers several attractions to its visitors that have picturesque views and innate serene beauty. The tourists can flock in here to enjoy and absorb the beauty of some of its scenic attractions.

Attractions:

• Jowai
• Nartiang
• Nartiang Monoliths
• Durga Temple at Nartiang
• Khim Moo Sniang
• Thadlaskein Lake
• Umhang Lake
• Kiang Nongbah Monument
• Syntu Ksiar
• Stone Bridge at Thlumuwi
• Dawki
• Iawmusiang
• Ruparsor bathing ghat
• U Lum Sunaraja
• Umlawan Cave
• Lady of good Health Shrine
• Borghat Temple
• Jarain Pitcher Plant Lake
• Krang Suri Falls
• Ialong Park
• Tyrshi Falls
• Iooksi (Kupli) Park

West Garo Hills, Meghalaya

New Tura View Meghalaya, Photo: bit.ly/1mcGYW7

Distance from Guwahati: 210kms

West Garo Hills is one of the largest districts of Meghalaya and comprises of a popular destination called Shillong. A tribal cultural can be seen in the areas as Bodo family of the Tibeto-Burman race tribes, Hajongs, Rabhas, Koches, Rajbansis, Meches, Kacharis and Dalus can be seen peacefully cohabitating this beautiful place. The Tura Range of hills adds to the beauty of West Garo where Nokrek National Park can also be found. A naturally rich destination West Garo Hills is ideal for weekend holiday especially with kids, it is great place to teach them the importance of nature and its multiple aspects.

Attractions:

• Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
• Tura Peak
• Pelga Falls
• Wadagokgre
• Kata Beel
• Darga of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba
• Mir Jumla’s Tomb
• Arbella Peak
• Rongbang Dare
• Sasatgre
• Chibragre
• Rombagre
• Kima Songa

Haflong, Assam

Distance from Guwahati: 169kms

Dubbed as White Ant Hillock, Haflong is a hill station that boasts its beautiful landscapes. It is an ideal place for campers and nature enthusiasts and for people who enjoy trekking and paragliding. Serving as the headquarters of North Cachar Hills district, Haflong is also the production center for horticultural produces like pineapple and oranges. The hill station also has a rich architecture that reflects the British colonial past.

Attractions:

• Orchid Garden
• Borail Range
• Maibong
• Jatinga
• Haflong Lake
• Haflong ridge

Jorhat, Assam

Jorhat Engineering College, Photo: bit.ly/1o5A6LM

Distance from Guwahati: 312kms

Jorhat is a gateway to upper Assam and to the state of Nagaland. Reckoned to be the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom, Jorhat is the home to many historical monuments of Assamese culture. Jorhat is also called the cultural capital of Assam as the cultural diversities which prevailed in the district for nearly a century has actually inspired the people to participate in cultural activities through the decades as a result; Jorhat has been able to produce many creative writers, musician, actors, historians and journalists.

Attractions:

• Kaziranga National Park
• Majuli
• Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar
• Lachit Borphukan’s Maidam
• Raja Maidam
• Jorhat Science Centre & Planetarium
• Jorhat Gymkhana Club
• Chandrakanta Handique Bhavan
• Ayur Sanjeeva
• Jorhat District Museum
• Thengal Bhawan
• Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kaziranga Golf Resort
• Sukapha Samannay Kshetra
• Mou Chapori
• Mulai Forest
• Jagannath Temple

Dimapur, Nagaland

Kachari Ruins, Photo: bit.ly/1KWOH0V

Distance from Guwahati: 271kms

Literally meaning the Great River City, Dimapur is reckoned to be the ancient capital of the Kachari tribe who ruled near 13th century AD. Even today, ruins of their kingdom can be found scattered in and around the town. These ruins are the evidence of a culture had a touch of Hinduism, but was predominantly Non-Aryan. Besides monoliths, Dimapur contains other ruins of temples, embankments and baths. Dimapur is a great destination to learn about the rich history of Nagaland and delve deeper in the culture significance of the state.

Attractions:

• Zoological Park
• Diezephe Craft Village
• Green Park
• Kachari Ruins
• Triple Falls
• Shiv Mandir
• NEZCC
• Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency
• Science Park

Shillong, Meghalaya

Ward’s Lake Shillong, Photo: bit.ly/1KpFPpx

Distance from Guwahati: 100kms

Shillong is the most popular holiday destination in Guwahati. Situated around 100kms from Guwahati city; Shillong is the pride of Meghalaya. Well-developed yet very close to nature, Shillong is one of the best choices for weekend getaway from Guwahati. The alcohol is cheap, the local wine is sweet and the people are even sweeter. Since, Shillong is considered one of the most easily accessible destination in North East, a lot of tourist visit here and this is the reason why the city is comparatively expensive than the others in the region. Booking hotels in advance and bargaining are the right keys to unlock a memorable and convenient holiday here.

Attractions:

• Lady Hydari Park
• Ward’s Lake
• Cathedral Catholic Church
• Williamson Sangma State Museum
• Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
• Golf Course
• Spread Eagle Falls
• Sweet Falls
• Elephant Falls
• Shillong Peak

Cooch Behar, West Bengal

The Cooch Behar Royal Palace, Photo: bit.ly/1X2T5Cy

Distance from Guwahati: 326kms

Once a princely State, Cooch Behar in West Bengal is known for its salubrious climate, natural freshness and landscape beauty. The destination is historically rich and preserves sculptures and coins of the Sultanate and the Mughal Periods, and the temples, palaces and mosques of the medieval and late medieval periods of the ancient kingdom of Kamrup. Apart from history, Cooch Behar is rich in nature’s beauty; it has large water bodies like Rasik Bill where a huge population of migratory birds assemble every year. A large number of temples can also be seen here.

Attractions:

• Baneswar Shiv Mandir
• Cooch Behar Royal Palace
• Siddheswari Kali Mandir
• Rasik Bill
• Madhupur
• Chilapata Forest and Jayanti forest
• Buxa Tiger Reserve & Fort
• Kamateshwari Temple

Nongpoh, Meghalaya

Sunset at Nangpoh, Photo: https://bit.ly/1SFLV6u

Distance from Guwahati: 48kms

Nongpoh is an important town of Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya. Forming the northern lower portion of the EastKhasi Hills in Meghalaya, Nongpoh is one of those places that are ideal for good overnight stay on the way to Shillong. Blessed with some spell-binding nature, the green trees, the azure sky and the tranquil ambiance makes this destination perfect travel option for the tourists looking for a weekend getaway near Guwahati.

Attractions:

• The Road Side Market
• The Nature Around
• The Orchid Lake Resort

Nalbari, Assam

Photo: bit.ly/1mcId7A

Distance from Guwahati: 43kms

Nalbari offers a perfect blend of religion, nature and rich culture. The place is famous for its ancient temples, verdant greenery and deep-rooted culture. People from various parts of the world frequent this place to visit the famous temples and they get enthralled by the beauty here that has great expanse of paddy fields and dense forests. An ideal place to enjoy the beauty of nature and soak in to spiritualism, Nalbari near Guwahati is amongst the best weekend getaway.

Attractions:

• Billeswar Temple
• Shripur Dewalay Mandir
• Basudeb Devalay
• Hari Mandir
• Buddhist Temple
• Jaypal Than
• Sonkuriha
• Fenguwa Rampart
• Daulashal Temple

Manas National Park, Assam

Distance from Guwahati: 148kms

Manas National Park is situated at the base of foot hills of the Bhutan-Himalayas in the state of Assam. The Manas National Park has a unique biodiversity and landscape, which helped it to be inscribed as World Heritage Site. Extending over an area of 2837 sq.km, the half of the park is covered by Grasslands of Terai and Bhabar type and has thick woodlands that are called Eastern Moist Deciduous Forests of various types. The park is the home to several wildlife creatures including Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino. It therefore is one of the best places to plan a weekend holiday near Guwahati as it offers a chance to learn more about nature and enjoy the air of thrill around.

Orang National Park, Assam

Swamp Deer, Photo: bit.ly/20GnbxC

Distance from Guwahati: 109kms

The Orang National Park is located on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra and is often called the Mini Kaziranga. Famous for its scenic beauty, the national park captivates the wildlife lovers completely. The Orang National Park is the home to rich variety of fauna including the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, leopard, sambar, barking deer, tiger, varieties of water birds, green pigeon, florican, teal, geese etc. It is also famous for its migratory birds who visit here from places like America. The park area enjoys typical subtropical monsoon climate and the area consists of alluvial flood plains of the Brahmaputra.

Nongstoin, Meghalya

Weinia Falls, Photo: bit.ly/1Qc2SRi

Distance from Guwahati: 158kms

One of the most scenic places of West Khasi Hills, Nongstoin is a dream weekend destination. A vast meadow last with a slightly tropical climate, Nongstoin offers a great place to holiday near Guwahati. The undulating meadows and the distant yet surrounding mountains offer a scenic landscape to die for. Nongstoin can be a romantic escape, for those who want to some time together in the lap of nature.

Attractions:

• Nongkhnum River Island and Beach
• Weinia Falls
• Shadthum Falls
• Riatsohkhe Falls
• Langshiang Falls
• Wei Spi Falls
• Shad Chong Falls
• Mawthadraishan Peak and Lakes
• Pamphyrnai Lake
• Umyiap Paddy Field
• Rambrai, Urkhli, Mawlangsu
• Punglieh, Syllei Iawkhein
• Wahriat Falls
• Nongstoin Bye Pass
• Kynroh
• Rwiang river
• Wahblei river

Nameri National Park, Assam

Photo: bit.ly/1KpGlDV

Distance from Guwahati: 216kms

The wildlife adventures are in abundance around Guwahati. One such adventure can be experienced in the Nameri National Park in Assam. Although a distant place, this national park is totally worth all time and money. Since, it lies only 32kms from Tezpur, it is wise to add this destination while planning a visit to Tezpur. Along with The Pakhui (Pakke) Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh, Nameri constitutes an area of over 1000 sq.km of semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests with cane and bamboo brakes and narrow strips of open grassland along rivers. The park is a birder’s paradise hand houses 300 species of birds. It is also has a good prey base in the form of Sambar, Barking deer, Hog Deer, Wild Boar and Gaur. About 3000 domestic cattle form a part of the prey base for Tiger and Leopards in the National Park.

South Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Distance from Guwahati: 148kms

Inarguably one of the most scenic destinations in Meghalaya, South Garo Hills is yet another best destination to plan a weekend trip from Guwahati. A drive to the region is enough to realize the beauty of this place. Blessed with nature and most importantly unexploited nature is what makes this place a paradise for those seeking solace. The region has a flourishing national park, which is popularly called Balpakram. Home to a large variety of animals including clouded leopards, Balpakram National Park is one destination that you must visit in South Garo Hills.

Attractions:

• Balpakram National Park
• Boldak Matchu Karam
• Chidimak
• Matchru
• Areng Patal
• Goncho Dare
• Dikkini Ring
• Rongsaljong Agal
• Rongsobok Rongkol
• Siju Cave

Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh

Bomdila Monastery, Photo: bit.ly/1nGleTr

Distance from Guwahati: 330kms

Bomdila is a beautiful town in the gorgeous Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at a distance of about 330kms, Bomdila can be reached by a car or bus from Guwahati. It is to be noted that since it takes longer than usual to reach a destination in North East, one might need to plan an extended weekend holiday in Bomdila to avoid exertion. The town has a brilliant landscape with snow-clad mountains of the Himalayan Range, apple orchards and it is blessed with a Buddhist monastery, which is indeed the repository of culture and history. An absolute delight, Bomdila is a perfect extended weekend destination from Guwahati.

Attractions:

• Sessa Orchid Sanctuary
• Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
• Dirang Valley
• Bomdila Monastery
• Apple Orchards
• Bomdila View Point
• R. Hill

Kohima, Nagaland

Photo: bit.ly/23IFlRU

A gateway to a rich tribal culture and unique traditions, Kohima is a perfect blend of the modern and traditional world. This Nagaland capital offers its visitors a chance to glance into the world of one of the ancient tribes in India. Although an urban hub, Kohima greatly boasts its deep-rooted culture in everything that is made available in the city. Kohima is also one of best places to go shopping for handicraft and clan motifs in North East India.

Attractions:

• Japfu peak
• Kohima Zoo
• Khonoma
• Cathedral of Reconciliation
• War Cemetery
• Bara Basti
• Dzukou Valley
• State Museum

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Lake in Pobitora Sanctuary, Photo: https://bit.ly/2N7qn6U

Distance from Guwahati: 50kms

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is the home to the endangered Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Along with Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, this sanctuary makes three most important reserves for the protection of Indian rhinos. Stretches in an area of 38 km, the park is also the home to wild buffalos, wild boars, leopards, and wild bear, civet cat, etc. The sanctuary is also ideal for bird watching and consists of more than 2000 migratory and India birds including Indian pied horn bill, osprey, hill myna, and kalij pheasant.

So, whether Akhomiya or tourist, you can enjoy taking a weekend break at one of these lovely destinations in Guwahati. If you think I missed out on a destination that deserves to be on the list, comment in the box below with your suggestions.

For everything else and in between, give us a call at +91-9212777223/24 or drop an email at info@tourmyindia.com. We at Tour My India anticipate a chance to provide you with holiday packages that not only meet your needs but also your budget and interest.