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As one of the fastest growing cities in India, Guwahati has several exciting experiences to offer visitors. Whether it’s the numerous temples here or the bustling city life, there are plenty of things to do in Guwahati. Thanks to its well-connected airport, many people often come here as a conduit to other cities and towns of the North East. But Guwahati has a lot to offer on its own as well. The capital of Assam has grown into a sprawling city, filled with interesting places to see and things to do.
So if not for the historical temples or the burgeoning nightlife, there are markets and fairs as well as museums and planetariums to visit. Also, let’s not forget the main Guwahati sightseeing spot – the mighty Brahmaputra. This is something that simply cannot be missed if you are in the city. There are cruises as well as events that take place on the shores, so make sure not to miss any of those when you are in the city. Here’s a list of some of the top things to do in Guwahati.
The Guwahati Planetarium is an excellent place to look at the stars and it doesn’t really matter whether or not you’re scientifically oriented. After all, who doesn’t want to look at a sky full of stars and marvel at the awesome sights of nature? The planetarium is open only from 11 am to 4 pm. It is an excellent way to spend the day as you get to know more about our galaxy.
One of the most fun things to do in Guwahati is to visit the Guwahati Zoo. Whether you’re travelling with children or not, this is surely a place you should not miss out on, especially as it has the rare one-horned rhino in its 130-acre zoo. There are white tigers, swamp tigers and leopards as well, here along with animals such as giraffes, kangaroo, and jaguars to name a few. The aviary here is also a popular spot for those who are enchanted by birds while the reptile house can send a shiver up your spine!
One of the coolest things to do in Guwahati is to go on a Brahmaputra cruise. It’s also one of the most romantic things to do here, so if you’re with a significant other, do check out the cruise experiences offered here. You could even have a romantic candle lit dinner or watch the sunset over the river. One of the famous cruise lines is Alfresco Grand which has recently begun a Dinner Cruise which is between 8pm to 10pm. Delicious food, live music, gentle waves lapping against the sides, what more could you want?
This popular blues café in Guwahati is the place where most musicians from north east India assemble so they can jam together. For the onlookers, it’s a marvellous experience, taking in the wonderful music and of course, the delicious food. It’s also known as the Jazz Bar and there are always huge crowds especially during weekends. Places like these will prove that Guwahati straddles between tradition and modernity with ease.
Guwahati’s temples are very famous and some of them have historical backgrounds as well. While devotees might not really consider this as Guwahati sightseeing, these are certainly some of the places you must visit when in the city. The Umananda Temple on Peacock Island is a serene spot and the island is also considered to be the world’s smallest inhabited riverine island. There are boats available on the banks of the Brahmaputra which will take you to the island. The other famous temple here is Kamakhya Temple which is famous especially during the Ambubachi Festival which is a huge and vibrant celebration that takes place in June for 3- 4 days. Other famous temples in Guwahati include ISKCON Guwahati, Bhubaneshwari Temple, and Navagraha Temple.
Also known as the Chandni Chowk of Guwahati, there are plenty of small shops here, stalls and roadside vendors selling all sorts of things. Maybe not for the discerning, but if you don’t mind a little kitsch check out what they have on offer. It’s all quite reasonably priced anyway. But it’s not just random knickknacks on sale here. There are shoes, jewellery, stationery, artefacts and furniture as well, which is sold here. There are also the famous Assam silk shops here where you can buy sarees. If shopping isn’t really your scene then enjoy the delicious street food on offer here. You won’t be able to resist it!
If you can’t wait to do some Guwahati sightseeing, then do check the SOTC website for offers and deals on Guwahati holiday packages.
One of the best things to do in Guwahati would be to visit the Assam State Museum to get a taste of the local Ahom culture. There’s much to see and explore here especially when it comes to really old artefacts that go all the way back to the 7th century. This is said to be one of the most famous museums of north east India as it offers plenty of insights into ancient and modern history of the region. Established in 1940, the museum is a great place for historians and tourists alike.
