Guwahati

Understand

Guwahati (GOO-wah-hah-tee) is the main centre for shopping, retail and business in the Northeast, attracting people from all over the region and even Bhutan. The slow, meandering Brahmaputra River is a focal point of the city while the lush hills of the Shillong Plateau provide a verdant backdrop for the suburbs. However, the city’s pleasant environment is somewhat offset by inadequate regional investment, evident in the lack of reliable drainage, which leads to frequent flooding during the monsoon season, as well as by low air quality. Nevertheless, despite its average infrastructure, Guwahati has attracted private investors, resulting in a surge of shopping malls and high-quality condominiums that have elevated the city’s economic profile. The end of Assam’s decades-long insurgency has further contributed to this economic upswing.

History Excavations trace the origins of the city to around the 4th century and it was the capital of Assam until the 10th century. In 1973, Assam was reorganised to form the smaller states of Meghalaya, Manipur and Mizoram. Assam lost its capital, Shillong, to Meghalaya. A search for a new capital ensued and the choice settled on Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati.

Climate

Like most of the Northeast and unlike many Indian cities, 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 often reaches more than 80-90%.

Talk Like most of Assam, the main language of Guwahati is Assamese. However, a sizable population of the city can also understand other languages, like Bengali and Hindi.

Getting there

By plane 1 Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU IATA, Guwahati Airport, Borjhar Airport). The hub for domestic and limited international flights to the Northeast. The hill stations of Shillong and Tura are connected by scheduled helicopter services run by Pawan Hans. Shillong (30 min), Tura (50 min), Naharlagun (Itanagar), Tawang (75 min).

By train Guwahati is well connected by train with all of India's major cities, and is served by two railway stations:

2 Guwahati NFR (code: GHY). The main station, serving the city centre. There's an inter-state bus terminal (ISBT) at the southern entrance of the station. (updated May 2026) 3 Kamakhya Junction NFR (code: KYQ). The secondary station with more train service than Guwahati station, although not all Guwahati-bound trains stop here. (updated May 2026) You may find another "station" called New Guwahati NFR (code: NGC), which strangely has no passenger platforms, and is a mere rail yard. The reservation office is 30 m (98 ft) north of Guwahati station, and at the third window, you can book a foreign tourist quota on trains originating from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) network.

By car NH-31, NH-37 and NH-40 pass through Guwahati. It is a 2- to 2½-hour drive via Rangia to the Bhutanese border town of Samdrup Jongkhar.

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

By boat Luxurious vessels with AC upper decks connect Guwahati to Dibrugarh, passing through Kaziranga and Tezpur.

Getting around

By bus Buses are the cheapest way of travelling around the city. Guwahati is well connected to most of its city area with local service buses, and there is an air-conditioned bus service 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 ferry 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.

See

1 Kamakhya Temple (কামাখ্যা মন্দিৰ Kāmākhyā Mandir), Nilachal Hill (25-30 minute drive from city centre). 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 Shaktism, one of the 51 Shakti Pithas 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. The Goddess is also worshipped in Durga, Kali, Tara, Kamala, Uma, Chamunda, and Shakti. The temple dates to the 17th century and follows the Assamese style in its design. (updated Jul 2023) 2 Pandu Port. A river port on the south bank of Brahmaputra in West Guwahati was the entrepot to Guwahati before the construction of the Saraighat bridge in the early 1960s. 3 Guwahati War Cemetery, Nabaratna Road. 9 AM - 4 PM (Closed on Sunday and public holidays). Guwahati War Cemetery is one of the largest Second World War cemeteries in India. It is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). The Cross of Sacrifice dominates the cemetery. The cemetery has 24 Chinese graves. Also, the cemetery is the only one in India to house Japanese graves. Sadly, the remains of the 11 fallen Japanese soldiers were taken back to Japan in 2012. (updated Apr 2026)

North Guwahati North Guwahati covers the upper banks of the Brahmaputra River, opposite the city centre.

4 Dirgheshwari temple (দীৰ্ঘেশ্বৰী দেৱালয় Dīrgheśbarī Devālaẏ). One of the 51 Shakti Pithas. (updated Jul 2023) 5 Doul Govinda Temple. A Krishna temple. It is known for its Holi celebrations in the month of February–March. Holi is observed by the local people for five days with various programmes and about five thousand pilgrims are always assembled at the temple premises during this time. The temple is open and accessible all year round, but you can enjoy the thrill of a river cruise as well as walking on the white sands of the beaches of Brahmaputra, from the month of November to April. (updated Jul 2023) 6 Sualkuchi (শুৱালকুছি Śuvālkuchi). A small town, known for its silk production and the "Manchester of Assam". (updated Jul 2023)

Museums 7 Assam State Museum, GNB Rd (southern end of Dighalipukhuri tank.), ☏ +91 361 254 0651. Closed on Mondays, th

Do

1 Guwahati Planetarium, Uzan Bazar. A great place to visit for science geeks and also for lovers of entertainment. (updated May 2026) 2 Ropeway. The aerial lift across both banks of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati. The southern terminal (Kachari Ghat) is near Nehru Park, whereas the north terminal (Rajadwar) is behind Doul Govinda Temple. (updated May 2026)

Events Assam Tea Festival. November. The annual festival caters to more than tea lovers. In addition to tea tasting and tours of the tea gardens, visitors can enjoy jungle safaris and river rafting. (updated Feb 2020) Bihu. A set of three Assamese festivals in April, October and January respectively, all of which celebrate the changing seasons. (updated Feb 2020) Debaddhani Festival. July–August. A three-day festival where offerings are made to the goddess of snakes, Devi Manassa. An unusual ritual takes place where possessed devotees walk on a sharp sword's edge in a trance-like state. (updated Feb 2020)

Parks

3 Accoland, Rani Rd. Amusement park. 4 Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary. A wildlife sanctuary east of the city. It is known for hosting rare and endangered birds and animals. The elephants in the sanctuary have become isolated with no movement with other elephant populations. (updated Jul 2023) 5 Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden (Guwahati Zoo), Zoo Rd, Japorigog, ☏ +91 8721857919, +91 7002716702, [email protected]. Sa-Th 8AM-4:30PM. The largest zoo and botanical garden in North-Eastern India. It is home to about 895 animals, birds and reptiles representing almost 113 species of animals and birds from around the world. Adults ₹30 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners; children 5-12: ₹10 for Indians, ₹30 for foreigners; all children under 5 free; ₹50 for car parking. There are also fees for photography. (updated Nov 2023) 6 Garbhanga Wildlife Sanctuary. A wildlife sanctuary south of the city. (updated Jul 2023) 7 Nehru Park, Cotton College Rd, Pan Bazar Rd, Pan Bazaar, ☏ +91 96133 86546. F–W: 10AM–8PM. 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. The sitting arrangements are nice and organised. There is a child park inside the main area where children can have fun and activity. Adult ₹10, child ₹5. (updated Nov 2017) 8 Saraighat War Memorial Park (শৰাইঘাট ৰণ স্মৃতি উদ্যান Śarāighāṭ Raṇ Smr̥ti Udyān). A park built in memory of the Battle of Saraighat between the Mughals and the Ahoms. There are four bronze statues of Ahom warriors in battle postures in the park and a bronze p

Buy

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". 1 Hidesign, Dighali Pukhuri East (Near High Court), ☏ +91 92 0704 7683. One of the largest stand-alone leather goods stores in India, with a wide range bags and accessories for men, women and travel. Malls. Major malls include: City Center, Sohum Emporia, Sohum Shoppe, Guwahati Central, Central Mall, FBB, The Hub Mall, Vishal MegaMart, Big Bazaar, and Pantaloons. Tea bags from north-eastern Assam are available in many shops in the city. Assam's green tea is world famous.

Markets 2 Uzan Bazaar. Every morning, fishers come in to one of the oldest settlements in the city to sell their catch. (updated Feb 2020) 3 Paltan Bazaar. Literally meaning 'military market', back in the day Paltan Bazaar was the shopping hub for British sepoys. It is one of the busiest and most congested places in Guwahati. (updated Feb 2020)

Eat

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

1 City Dhaba, Bora Service, Ulubari. 2 Dispur Dhaba, Zoo Road, Ganeshguri. 3 Get Tagged, Zoo Road, ☏ +91 9401057578. 4 Hotel Shyama, AK Azad Road, Rehabari. 5 JBs, G S Rd, Christian Basti. Good bakery with sweets. 6 JBs, M G Rd, Riverside. 7 Momo Ghar, Bharalumukh, ☏ +91 9435019810. Chinese. 8 Shaikh Brothers, Shaikh Building, 195 Hem Baruah Road,Panbazar (opp. United Bank), ☏ +91 36 1273 6615. 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 9 Gam's Delicacy Restaurant, Ganeshguri, ☏ +91 361 2233402. Famous for ethnic Assamese cuisine. 10 Gopal Maharaj, Kamrup Chamber of Commerce Rd, Fancy Bazar, ☏ +91 9864351111. 11 Heritage Khorikaa, Silpukhuri, Chandmari, ☏ +91 9706034838. Famous for delicious ethnic Assamese cuisine. 12 Khorikaa, Bora Service, Ulubari. Assamese restaurant with delicious thalis. 13 Maach, Christian Basti, ☏ +91 9854061725. Famous for various fishes. 14 Mast Biryani, Zoo Road. Biryani restaurant. 15 Nashraj Restaurant, S.S. Rd, Fancy Bazaar (inside Hotel Nova), ☏ +91 361-251-9465. This restaurant is popular with locals and foreigners, and serves tasty Indian, Chinese and selected Continental cuisine.

Splurge 16 Barbeque Nation, Ulubari, ☏ +91 9864109282. 17 Mocha, Christian basti (near the fly over), ☏ +91 8486000401. Italian restaurant. 18 Tandoor @ Hotel Dynasty, SS Road, Fancy Bazar, ☏ +91 361 7120055.

Drink & nightlife

Guwahati is said to have the most wine shops.

Pub, disco, and bar 1 Club Ozone, GS Rd. 2 Ivory, Ulubari (below Hotel Amrit Regency). Bar/pub. 3 Terra Mayaa, Anil Plaza-2. 4 Urban Mantra, Namghar Path. 5 XS, GS Rd.

Sleep

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

1 Hotel Brahmaputra Madhukalya, Panjabari Rd, Six Mile (Near Kalakshetra), ☏ +91 97060 37210. Small family hotel. Clean rooms, simple food, nothing fancy but economical. Breakfast. 2 Hotel Biswanath, M.E. Road, Paltan Bazar (south of the station), ☏ +91 81358 09898. Not a great value, but one of a few budget hotels licensed to take foreigners. ₹1923 single. (updated May 2015) 3 Hotel Brindavan, Paltan Bazar, M E Rd (3 min walking distance from Rly Station), ☏ +91 94350 40946. Check-out: noon. ₹400/- to ₹3,500/-. 4 Hotel Suradevi, M.L.N Rd (Pan Bazaar), ☏ +91 94353 24031. Slightly out of the action, but a decent budget choice with a restaurant. ₹400 single w/private bath. 5 Prashaanti Tourist Lodge, Station Road, Kamakhya, Navagraha, ☏ +91 361-2544475, +91-9435042063, +91-94640 83579. The lodges are operated by Department of Tourism and Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited. (updated Aug 2016)

Mid-range 6 Hotel Mahalaxmi Indo Myanmar, G.S. Rd, ☏ +91 361 260 2508, [email protected]. This one feels very Indian. Has a restaurant. ₹2514. 7 OYO Hotel Nova, 1, SS Rd, Kamarpatty, Fancy Bazaar (Fancy Bazaar), ☏ +91 124 620 1614. 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. ₹1390 for single with no a/c. 8 Hotel Rialto, GNB Rd, Pan Bazaar (nearby Pan Bazer), ☏ +91 94017 26686. Has that nice crumbly look like all of the other buildings around it. Buffet and breakfast here. ₹1,000-₹1,800. Rohinka Aau-igh Guesthouse (Rohinka), Resham Nagar, Khanapara (On Highway 27 - Siliguri to Guwahati Highway), ☏ +91 99540 90080. Modern. Clean. Comfy rooms. Restaurant with excellent food. Efficient and very friendly service.

Splurge Hotel Dynasty, S.S. Rd (Lakhtokia), ☏ +91 361 251 6021, [email protected]. 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. Rooms ₹3400-₹5000, Suites ₹8000-₹15,000. 9 Hotel Nakshatra, Beltola Tiniali, ☏ +91 99571 81929, fax: +91 361 2229720, [email protected]. Luxurious hotel with comfort and modern facilities. Rooms ₹3000-₹4600, Suites ₹7000-₹12,000. 10 Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati, National Highway 37, Gotanagar, ☏ +91 361 7100100, fax: +91 361 7100101, [email protected]. (updated

Go next

Kaziranga National Park Shillong — an old hill station established by the 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 the usual 10-pax Sumo) from the bus terminal south of the train station. Tezpur