Sprawling beside the mighty Brahmaputra River in north east, Guwahati is a blend of modernisation and ancient history. While the age-old temples take you back in the history, its electric ambience and vibrant nightlife keep up with the modern times. The mighty Brahmaputra River carries tales which are thousands of years old. A city shaped by time, there are plenty of fun things to do in Guwahati.
Top 16 Things To Do In Guwahati
Guwahati is one of the fastest emerging urbanization in India. Popular things to do in Guwahati include boating in the river, cruise sailing, crazy shopping at fancy streets, and more. If you are still wondering what to do in Guwahati, here is an extensive list of things you can plan on your next trip.
- Sualkuchi – Embrace The Local Culture
- Shrimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra – For Art Lovers
- Assam State Museum – Soak In The Culture
- Guwahati Planetarium – Star-gazing
- Regional Science Center – Enjoy The Science Magic Show
- Brahmaputra River – Cruise Away
- Saraighat Bridge – Enjoy A Fun Bike Ride
- Cafe Hendrix – Indulge In Jazz Blues
- Foodvilla – Treat Your Taste Buds
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – Click Wildlife Photos
- Deepor Beel – Dilly Dally
- Assam State Zoo – An Amazing Place For Family Outing
- Kamakhya Temple – Tantrik Shaktism Cult
- Umananda Temple – Recreational Steam ride
- Madan Kamdev – The ‘Khajuraho’ of Assam
- Fancy Bazaar – Shop Your Heart Out
1. Sualkuchi – Embrace The Local Culture
Sualkuchi is a weaver’s town located on the north bank of Brahmaputra and is known as Manchester of East for its silk production. But if you think this is some cottage industrial town near Guwahati, let the vivid images of silk mekhela prove you wrong.
Not only you will fall in love with the woven art this town is famous for, but the landscapes of this town are equally bewitching. Come November, the town is decorated with festivities. Do not miss the Raas Mahotsav which happens here every November.
What to do: Shop Mekhela Chadar and traditional bridal dresses as a souvenir from your trip.
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2. Shrimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra – For Art Lovers
A place for art lovers and intellectuals, Kalakshetra is an extraordinary platform for artists to showcase their talents. You can enjoy drama, dance, and music performances in the open air theatre and admire the display of beautiful paintings and artefacts in the museum. There is even a library and children’s park for your leisure. If you like all things art, this one of the things to do in Guwahati, Assam.
Timing: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Tip: Do try cable car ride facility available inside the park to commute the tourists
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3. Assam State Museum – Soak In The Culture
Curious about the local Ahom culture and folklore? Head straight to Assam State Museum which will give you a real taste of the destination. It is known as one of the best museums in North India which houses artefacts as old as 7th century. History buffs cannot find better things to do in Guwahati, India than this.
Timing: 10:00 AM – 4:30 A.M.
Tip: You can carry your camera inside with the ordinary ticket of INR 50 permitting camera inside the museum
Entry Fee: INR 10 for students and INR 20 for adults
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4. Guwahati Planetarium – Star-gazing
When was the last time you looked at a sky full of stars? If you can’t remember, it is a reason enough for you to be enthralled with a heavenly experience. Guwahati Planetarium is a place for astro-lovers which projects great sky-watching sessions. The shows are available at regular intervals and available in English, Hindi, and Assamese languages.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30
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5. Regional Science Center – Enjoy The Science Magic Show
Learning becomes fun at Regional Science Center. If you are curious and have an aptitude of learning, Regional Science Center is the place where you will find miracles of science displayed in the most interesting way. It has got Science Magic Show, 3D show, and a Digital Planetarium. So, getting bored here is out of question.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM
Entry fee: INR 25
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6. Brahmaputra River – Cruise Away
When you are in Guwahati, you have got to hop on this dreamy experience. Cruising on the river is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Guwahati for couples. Be it candle-lit dinner or watching alluring sunset on the river, there can be nothing more romantic than being on a cruise line.
The Alfresco Grand is one of the famous cruise lines. It has started a new Dinner Cruise between 8PM and 10PM where you can enjoy live music with lip-smacking food. Or if you love sunsets, you can enjoy the relaxing Sunset Cruise in the evening between 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Timings: 12.30 PM – 2.30 PM for Lunch Cruise, 4 PM – 5 PM for Sunset Cruise, 8 PM for Dinner Cruise
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7. Saraighat Bridge – Enjoy A Fun Bike Ride
Still wondering what to do in Guwahati? Don’t worry and head out to Saraighat. A great engineering marvel, Saraighat is an interface between Northeast and the rest of the India. This rail-cum-road bridge is also the place where the war between Mughals and Ahoms (Rulers of Assam) took place. Located over mighty Brahmaputra River, a bike ride is one of the fun things to do in Guwahati. Sounds exciting, right?
Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM
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8. Cafe Hendrix – Indulge In Jazz Blues
If you are a music lover and like to spend your evening to the leisure of good music and electric blues, Cafe Hendrix is the place to be. It is a popular blues bistro in Guwahati which boasts excellent musicians from North East India. At Cafe Hendrix, you can experience the sensational and exhilarating nighlife in Guwahati. The music and food at this place will not disappoint you at all.
Timing: 1.00 PM to 11.30 PM
Cost for two: INR 1,200
Tip: Do try their Smoked Pork, Pork Fry, and Chicken Fingers
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9. Foodvilla – Treat Your Taste Buds
For a foodie who likes to try different cuisines, you ought to visit Foodvilla. Right in the middle of city, you will find Foodvilla which is famously known for authentic Assamese cuisine. Not only you will get to try delectable cuisine, you will learn a thing or two about their culinary style. Best part? You won’t have to go to great lengths to try some offbeat recipes.
Timing: 8 AM to 11 PM
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10. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – Click Wildlife Photos
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven to the Great Indian one-horned rhino, an indigenous and endangered species. If you love clicking pictures of wildlife, this place will give you some spectacular shots. Get close encounters with rhino, elephants, and a number of exotic birds. The sightings at this Wildlife Sanctuary are resplendent.
Timing: Elephant ride – 6.30 am to 8.30 am and jeep safari between 7am to 12 and 1pm and 3 pm
Tip: Try to reach out early as the park is usually crowded during weekends and the holiday season
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11. Deepor Beel – Dilly Dally
If you are someone who likes to spend time by the waterbody introspecting, there is no better place than Deepor Beel. It is a freshwater lake lying towards the south-west of Guwahati. Considered as one of the biggest lakes in Brahmaputra Valley, it is a paradise for bird-watchers. Winters are the best time to spot migratory birds which fly down from the mountains to more pleasant weather in plains.
Timing: 9am to 5pm
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12. Assam State Zoo – An Amazing Place For Family Outing
If you are visiting Guwahati with family, this could be a great attraction for the kids. The zoo is pretty large and houses a number of animals like rhinos, monkeys, and pelicans. It is vibrant with exotic flora and fauna and is located in the beautiful setting of Madgharia hills. One of the best tourist places in Asaam, this zoo has expanded over the years and has over 900 species of birds, animals and reptiles.
Timing: 8 am to 4.30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 30 per person
Tip: If you want to observe the animal closely safari is the best option
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13. Kamakhya Temple – Tantrik Shaktism Cult
Flocked by thousands of devotees everyday, Kamakhya Temple is one of the most sacred and oldest of the Shakti Peeths on the earth. The devoted shrine of Maa Kamakhya or Goddess of Desire has an aesthetic and historical significance for the devotees. In case you didn’t know, it is the centerpiece of Tantrik Shaktism Cult in India. Even if you are not a believer, the exhilarating views from the top of Nilachal Hills, where the temple is located, will blow your mind away. It is one of the best places to visit in Guwahati.
Timing: The temple opens at 9:30 in the morning and is closed between 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M when you can enjoy the bhog
Tip: The queues are long. However, you can cut the line and get special darshan for INR 500. There is also a goat sacrificial area in the temple premises which some people may find disturbing.
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14. Umananda Temple – Recreational Steam ride
Umananda Temple is located on Peacock Island amidst the Brahmaputra River. The 17th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be the place where he burnt Kamadev to ashes during meditation. It is one of the most revered temples in Guwahati. The recreational boat ride is one of the things to do near Guwahati. You will also meet notorious Golden Langoors on your way. It takes half an hour to reach temple by motorable boat.
Timing: 5.30 am to 6 pm
Boat ride: INR 50 per head
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15. Madan Kamdev – The ‘Khajuraho’ of Assam
About 40 km away from Guwahati lies the archaeological site where the old age sculptures of God Love have been found. The temple is located on the top of the hill amidst scenic beauty and lush greenery. The intricate carvings and detailed work of sculptures are worth looking at.
Timing: 6 am to 9 pm
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16. Fancy Bazaar – Shop Your Heart Out
Your trip is incomplete without visiting this iconic market hub in Guwahati. From top fashion brands to flea markets, Fancy Bazaar is the best place for shopping in Guwahati. Shop your heart out in the branded stores and flea markets. When you get tired, hog on delectable street food from the roadside eateries.
Timing: 10 am to 9 pm
Tip: Bargain as much as you can and check items before purchasing
Further Read: 15 Best Assam Food Options For The Foodies Traveling To North East!
And you thought you wouldn’t have much to do in Guwahati. Time will run out in this city, but not the things to do. So next time you’re here, you know where to go and what to do. So, wait no longer and plan your Assam trip for a wonderful experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Guwahati
What is Guwahati famous for?
Guwahati is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India where you can witness the best of nature’s bliss at its best. Moreover, there are numerous temples and pilgrim sites that will leave you mesmerized. Moreover, the city is also known for its lively getaways and pristine ambience.
Is it safe to visit Guwahati during Covid?
Yes, you can plan a visit to Guwahati without worrying about Covid as there aren’t many active cases there. However, it is recommended to get fully vaccinated before planning a trip. Also, make sure to abide by all the government protocols.
What are the things to do in Guwahati at night?
There are numerous things one can enjoy in Guwahari during the evening/night time. Some of these include:
1. Visit famous nightclubs
2. Enjoy a drive on Saraighat Bridge
3. Go on a sunset cruise
4. Enjoy shopping at Fancy Bazaar
5. Savour traditional treats at the top restaurants
Which are the most popular tourist places in Guwahati?
Guwahati has a lot of famous attractions, some of the most popular ones are:
1. Assam State Museum
2. Guwahati Planetarium
3. Brahmaputra River
4. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
What is the best time to visit Guwahati?
The best time to visit Guwahati is from October to April. During these months, the weather is perfect during this time, making it ideal for sightseeing and other excursions. Guwahati experiences pleasant weather almost throughout the year and can be visited according to the preferences of the visitors.
How to reach Guwahati?
Guwahati is well connected with various Indian cities via rail, road and air. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, popularly known as Guwahati Airport is located 25 km away from the main city while Guwahati Railway Station is merely 5 km away from the city centre.
What can I buy in Guwahati?
If you are shopping in Guwahati, then there are a plethora of options for you to choose from. You can buy some of the most unique souvenirs in the city, such as tea leaves, silk products as Assam silk is very famous, handicrafts, singing bowls, pickles, and so much more. When it comes to shopping, Guwahati has a lot to offer.
Which are some must-have traditional foods of Guwahati?
Here are some traditional delicacies that you must enjoy while visiting Guwahati:
1. Luchi
2. Momos
3. Khaar
4. Thukpa
5. Silkworms
6. Jhal Muri
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To make people travel and see a way of life through it is what Pranav strives to achieve with his content. He firmly believes that the more places anybody visits, the better are the chances for them to truly evolve and become their best version. If he is able to make even one person get off the couch and go explore, then in the words of mighty Thor himself, he is “worthy”.
