Cover Image Credit: Wikimedia
Guwahati is the largest and peaceful city beside the great Brahmaputra river in the heartland of Assam. The city is known for its holy sites and shrines of Hindu deities like Shiva or Vishnu. The famous temple, Kamakhya temple built around the 10th century, is still majestically situated atop the Nilachal hill and is just at a distance of 10kms from the train station. Like it or not, the Northeast part of India has been left unexplored for years. Blame it on the infrastructure. But the recent improvements to the roads and infrastructures in these regions has been a big boon to the tourism of the states. Thanks to the strategic location of the Guwahati, with just a few hours of driving, you can reach many popular destinations in India. Which makes Guwahati a perfect getaway for your weekends.
Are you ready for the road trips through the incredible wildlife reserves with the numerous wild cats and the famous one-horned-Rhinos? Guwahati is filled with magnificent temples, lush green trees, and glorious cultures. But apart from that there are many places in the vicinity which are ideal for taking road trips from Guwahati. Let us depart!
6 Best Places For Road Trips From Guwahati
Here are some of the best places for road trips from Guwahati which one must visit to enjoy a great time away from the hustle-bustle with friends and family.
1. Cherrapunji
Do you believe that you can visit Scotland from Guwahati in just 4 hours? Yes, Cherrapunji or the Scotland of the East, is located in Meghalaya. Cherrapunji is a popular destination and the second wettest location in India, well known for its rainfall and attracts the monsoon lovers to this place. At a distance of just 150 kms from Guwahati, Cherrapunji is a must-visit destination for your weekend fun with your friends. It is one of the most scenic drives in the northeast, and just takes around 4 hours of drive gliding through those beautifully created 4 lane expressways towards Shillong.
If you are looking for a break during your long drive, plan it at Nongpoh where you can refresh yourself with the tasty pineapples. With lush green hills, silvery waterfalls, and pristine rivers, Cherrapunji not only offers the most magnificent views but also an excellent opportunity for the adventure lovers with its trekking. Do not miss visiting the Mawkdok valley and its gorgeous views.
Things to do in Cherrapunji: Sightseeing, Trekking, Photography
Ideal for: Friends and Family
Trip Duration: 2-3 Days
Distance from Guwahati: 150 kms
Best time of visit: October to May
Must Read: 10 Hill Stations Near Guwahati That Shouldn’t Be Left Unexplored
2. Kaziranga
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO world heritage center that is located near the plains of the Brahmaputra River. The forest is home to several wild animals like wild cats, Elephants, and the Indian one-horned Rhinoceroses. Do you know that around 70% of Rhinos of the world are in this park? With literally around a century of them, you can never miss sighting a tiger in the park.
And all this at a distance of 200 kms only from Guwahati. The forest may be very inviting for you to explore, but maintain caution especially during the nights. Nights can be pitch dark and surely need caution. Also, plan your trips outside the months of June, July and August since the park may easily get flooded due to heavy rains in Assam.
Things to do in Kaziranga: Sightseeing, Safari, Elephant riding, Photography
Ideal for: Friends and Family
Trip Duration: 2-3 Days
Distance from Guwahati: 200 kms
Best time of visit: November to April
Suggested Read: 10 Homestays In Guwahati That Exude The Feeling Of “Home Away From Home”
3. Tezpur
Tezpur, also called the City of Blood in India, is in the Northern banks of Brahmaputra river. Known by several names including the cultural capital of Assam, the town also wears the crown for being the cleanest town in Assam. The town is famous for the tea plantations and national parks which attracts the majority of the tourists to this place. The town has good connectivity to Guwahati with trains. But the scenic road drives from Guwahati is something you will never forget.
The city offers fantastic views of the snow-clad Himalayas which for sure will leave you mesmerized. Few of the must-visit sites when you are here are the Nameri National Park and Agnigarh- The impressive fire-fort.
Things to do in Tezpur: Sightseeing, Visit National Parks.
Ideal for: Friends and Family
Trip Duration: 2-3 Days
Distance from Guwahati: 175 kms
Best time of visit: October to March
Suggested Read: 15 Stunning Places To Visit In Guwahati For Couples
4. Bomdila
Bomdila is a gorgeous town that is tucked away in the eastern part of Himalayan ranges in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The location on the hills has certainly kept it a hidden treasure from the regular tourist crowd. I bet the picturesque landscape and the panoramic views of mountains surrounding this place will never make you leave this neighborhood. If you are wondering about what pleasure activities this town can offer, think again. The vast apple orchards, Buddhist monasteries, and the hills with numerous trekking trails are a perfect bet for the weekend getaways. Treat yourself with the lullabies from the lush green and nature.
Even in summers, the temperature here does not exceed 30-degree Celsius. The best time to visit is the months from April to October. July to September is when the place experiences serious rainfalls.
Things to do in Bomdila: Trekking, Visit Buddhist Monasteries.
Ideal for: Friends and Family
Trip Duration: 2-3 Days
Distance from Guwahati: 200 kms
Best time of visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Top 16 Things To Do In Guwahati: Home Of One-Horned Rhinos
5. Nongpoh
Nongpoh is a petite town on the North of the East Khasi Hills. Just 40 kms away from the state capital Shillong in Meghalaya or the Abode of the cloud. Nongpoh is very much accessible for road trips from Guwahati. It is only 50 kms and is a breeze to drive here. The beautiful rivers and the lush green trees along with the serene climate is just right for your enjoyable trip.
Being in the middle of Shillong and Guwahati has its own advantage. Yes, the town is very easy to reach from the highway between these two cities. Being close to the Brahmaputra river the town offers a tropical climate. So the summers are hot and humid. The best time to visit is the winter when the climate is very pleasant.
Things to do in Nongpoh: Trekking, Picnic.
Ideal for: Friends and Family
Trip Duration: 2-3 Days
Distance from Guwahati: 50 kms
Best time of visit: February and December
Suggested Read: Nightlife In Guwahati: 13 Best Places To Dance The Night Away!
6. Jaintia Hills
Jaintia Hills is situated at a distance of 70 kms from the state capital of Meghalaya, Shillong. Jaintia Hills is the paradise on the earth with its breathtaking sceneries and tranquil spots. It is a land of majestic hills filled with rich minerals. Tourists are really amused at the pristine lakes and lush greenery of the Jaintia Hills. One of the most beautiful waterfalls of India called the Krang Suri Falls is situated in Jaintia Hills. With the backdrop of solid rocks woven with the creepers and trees is sure to raise your eyebrows with surprise.
With warm summer and cold winters, Jaintia is more suited for travel during the summer season. As with other parts of the northeast, the Jaintia hills also receive heavy rainfalls during the monsoons.
Things to do in Jaintia Hills: Sightseeing, Trekking, Boat rides.
Ideal for: Friends and Family
Trip Duration: 2-3 Days
Distance from Guwahati: 170 kms
Best time of visit: March to June
Further Read: Shopping In Guwahati: 10 Places To Buy All Assamese Delights From Tea & Silk Sarees
Whatever the connectivity available, driving through the scenic routes from Guwahati is one of the best ways to visit popular destinations around the city. Driving at your own pace, relaxing, breathing the cool breeze from those lowered windows of the car is something no other mode of transport can offer. So if you’re planning a vacation in Assam, make sure to enjoy a road trip to these places near Guwahati.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Road Trips From Guwahati
What are the main weekend destinations from Guwahati?
Although there are several destinations both in and out of Assam, we would recommend the Cherrapunji and Tezpur.
What is the best time to visit Guwahati?
October to April is the best month to plan your visit to Guwahati. Avoid the monsoons since the regular rain may spoil the travel plans.
How to reach Guwahati?
Guwahati is well connected by trains and roads for domestic travel. It also has an international airport with good connections within India, and limited connectivity to other parts of the globe.
How safe is Kaziranga National Park for the traveler?
The national park is filled with thick green forests and would be pitch dark in the night. Also, the volume of wild animals here are huge, and it is advisable to always follow the recommendation of the resorts and park guidelines.
How good are the roads in and around Guwahati?
Yes, roads were a big problem a couple of years back. But with the recent development of infrastructure, the roads are very good and well-suited for road trips to the neighboring states too.
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