Guwahati Travel Guide: Gateway to Assam & Northeast India - Capital Cities of Indian States [Assam]

Guwahati, nestled on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, is Assam’s bustling capital and the largest city in Northeast India. Known for its ancient temples, rich culture, wildlife sanctuaries, and vibrant markets, Guwahati is often the starting point for exploring the entire Northeast. It seamlessly blends tradition with modernity — from the sacred Kamakhya Temple to trendy cafes along GS Road.

Guwahati, nestled on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, is Assam’s bustling capital and the largest city in Northeast India. Known for its ancient temples, rich culture, wildlife sanctuaries, and vibrant markets, Guwahati is often the starting point for exploring the entire Northeast. It seamlessly blends tradition with modernity — from the sacred Kamakhya Temple to trendy cafes along GS Road.

This comprehensive Guwahati travel guide explores must-see attractions, food, shopping, culture, nightlife, nearby excursions, and practical travel tips.

Top Places to Visit in Guwahati

1. Kamakhya Temple

One of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India, located atop Nilachal Hill. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, the temple is known for its Ambubachi Mela and tantric significance.

2. Umananda Temple (Peacock Island)

A Shiva temple on the world’s smallest inhabited river island in the middle of the Brahmaputra. Accessible via a short ferry ride.

3. Assam State Museum & Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra

Both showcase Assam’s cultural heritage, traditional crafts, manuscripts, and art.

4. Navagraha Temple

An ancient temple dedicated to the nine celestial bodies, often called the Temple of Nine Planets.

5. Brahmaputra River Cruise

A sunset or dinner cruise on the Brahmaputra offers mesmerizing views of the river, hills, and city lights.

6. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km)

Known for its dense population of one-horned rhinoceroses, birdlife, and wetlands.

7. Basistha Ashram

A serene spot associated with sage Basistha, blending natural caves, waterfalls, and spiritual history.

8. Fancy Bazaar & Pan Bazaar

The commercial heart of Guwahati — perfect for shopping Assamese silk, handicrafts, and local snacks.

Guwahati is a foodie’s delight with traditional Assamese cuisine, tribal specialties, and fusion cafes: Assamese Thali – Rice, fish curry, dal, khar (alkaline curry), pitika (mashed veggies). Fish Tenga – Tangy Assamese fish curry with tomatoes. Smoked Meat – A tribal delicacy often served with bamboo shoots. Street Food – Puchkas, momos, and egg rolls near Fancy Bazaar. Cafes – GS Road has vibrant tea lounges and live-music cafes.

Food in Guwahati

Guwahati is a foodie’s delight with traditional Assamese cuisine, tribal specialties, and fusion cafes:

  • Assamese Thali – Rice, fish curry, dal, khar (alkaline curry), pitika (mashed veggies).

  • Fish Tenga – Tangy Assamese fish curry with tomatoes.

  • Smoked Meat – A tribal delicacy often served with bamboo shoots.

  • Street Food – Puchkas, momos, and egg rolls near Fancy Bazaar.

  • Cafes – GS Road has vibrant tea lounges and live-music cafes.

👉 Travellingcamera’s food explorations

Culture, Art & Festivals in Guwahati Bihu Festival: Assam’s biggest celebration, marking the agricultural cycle with dance, music, and feasts. Ambubachi Mela: A major tantric festival at Kamakhya Temple. Crafts: Assamese silk (Muga & Eri), bamboo and cane products, pottery, and masks from nearby Majuli.

Culture, Art & Festivals in Guwahati

  • Bihu Festival: Assam’s biggest celebration, marking the agricultural cycle with dance, music, and feasts.

  • Ambubachi Mela: A major tantric festival at Kamakhya Temple.

  • Crafts: Assamese silk (Muga & Eri), bamboo and cane products, pottery, and masks from nearby Majuli.

Nightlife in Guwahati Riverside Lounges: Cafes and bars with views of the Brahmaputra. Pubs on GS Road: Growing pub culture with music and karaoke nights. Cultural Evenings: Folk dance performances at Kalakshetra or local auditoriums.

Nightlife in Guwahati

  • Riverside Lounges: Cafes and bars with views of the Brahmaputra.

  • Pubs on GS Road: Growing pub culture with music and karaoke nights.

  • Cultural Evenings: Folk dance performances at Kalakshetra or local auditoriums.

Shopping in Guwahati

  • Fancy Bazaar: A paradise for street shoppers — clothes, bags, and trinkets.

  • Pan Bazaar: Books, handicrafts, and Assamese textiles.

  • Silpukhuri & Ganeshguri: Modern shopping complexes and branded stores.

👉 Travellingcamera’s local market stories

Local Life in Guwahati

  • Morning: Locals throng tea stalls for Assam tea with pitha (rice cakes).

  • Day: Busy markets and offices dominate the streets.

  • Evening: Families enjoy riverside walks or attend cultural events.

  • Essence: Guwahati blends the pace of a growing city with the simplicity of Assamese traditions.

👉 Travellingcamera’s street photography journeys

Excursions Around Guwahati Kaziranga National Park (190 km): UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for one-horned rhinos and elephant safaris. 👉 Travellingcamera’s wildlife adventures Hajo (24 km): An ancient town of interfaith harmony with Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist shrines. Sualkuchi (35 km): Known as the Manchester of the East for its silk weaving. Madan Kamdev (40 km): Archaeological ruins often called the Khajuraho of Assam. Shillong (100 km): Meghalaya’s capital and one of India’s most charming hill stations.

Excursions Around Guwahati

  • Kaziranga National Park (190 km): UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for one-horned rhinos and elephant safaris.

  • Hajo (24 km): An ancient town of interfaith harmony with Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist shrines.

  • Sualkuchi (35 km): Known as the Manchester of the East for its silk weaving.

  • Madan Kamdev (40 km): Archaeological ruins often called the Khajuraho of Assam.

  • Shillong (100 km): Meghalaya’s capital and one of India’s most charming hill stations.

Best Time to Visit Guwahati October–March: Cool, pleasant weather with clear skies. April–June: Warm but good for river cruises and temple visits. July–September: Monsoon makes landscapes lush, but travel can be tricky.

Best Time to Visit Guwahati

  • October–March: Cool, pleasant weather with clear skies.

  • April–June: Warm but good for river cruises and temple visits.

  • July–September: Monsoon makes landscapes lush, but travel can be tricky.

How to Reach Guwahati

  • By Air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport connects Guwahati to major Indian cities and some international hubs.

  • By Rail: Guwahati Junction is a key railhead in Northeast India.

  • By Road: Well-connected to Shillong, Kaziranga, and other cities via NH 27 & NH 6.

Where to Stay in Guwahati

  • Luxury: Radisson Blu, Vivanta by Taj.

  • Mid-range: Hotel Dynasty, Kiranshree Grand.

  • Budget: Backpacker hostels and guesthouses near Paltan Bazaar.

👉 Travellingcamera’s stay experiences

Where to Stay in Shillong Luxury: Ri Kynjai Resort (by Umiam Lake), Polo Towers. Mid-range: The Heritage Club, Café Shillong Bed & Breakfast. Budget: Backpacker hostels and guesthouses near Police Bazaar. 👉 Travellingcamera’s hotel & stay reviews

Why Visit Guwahati?

Guwahati is not just a stopover — it’s a cultural, spiritual, and natural hub of Assam. From sacred temples and vibrant markets to wildlife safaris and Brahmaputra sunsets, it offers travelers a complete Northeast experience. Whether you’re starting your Sikkim–Meghalaya trip or exploring Assam’s tea gardens and rhino reserves, Guwahati is the perfect gateway.

👉 Explore more of Assam & Northeast India on Travellingcamera: Travellingcamera Northeast Stories

Comments

Post a Comment

Trending Post Today !

Image

How to reach Kasol/Malana and top things to do around this stunning hill-station of Himalayan State of India

If you are a regular visitor of Travellingcamera , you must have noticed that title of this Photo Journey is not really matching with what we usually share. This post is inspired by lot of queries which come to us, especially in summer.  One of the mostly asked thing is the options to reach Kasol and Malana . Here we are trying to share some details the option to reach Kasol/Malana, places to stay , things to do and lot more.  Related post -  Kasol: A beautiful Himalayan hotspot
Image

Main places to see & Top things to do around Dalhousie : Stunning Hill Station in Himalayan State of India

  Dalhousie is one of the most popular Hill Stations in Himachal  and there is lot to explore around Dalhousie. This is small and very well maintained town in Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh . This Photo Journey shares some of the exciting places around Chamba and how to plan a good one day tour through Khajjiar, Chamba & Chamera etc. CHAMERA HYDROLIC PROJECT Chamera Hydroelectric Project is located in Banikhet, 7 kms from Dalhousie. The water body near the lake is very scenic and is a popular boating spot. Chamera Dam is around 40 kilometers from Chamba Town. It takes approximately 1.5 hrs to reach the place is road condition is good. Overall it’s a little dry terrain as compared to Dalhousie and Khajjiar. And temperature also goes up as we go towards Chamera Dam.  As you move out from Chamba town, you follow Ravi river for some time and then take right. After 45 minutes of drive, you get a glimpse of Chemera Dam.