10 Things to Do in Guwahati for an Unforgettable Experience

Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, offers a perfect mix of history, spirituality, and adventure. From visiting the famous Kamakhya Temple to enjoying a scenic cruise on the Brahmaputra River, there are endless experiences waiting for travelers. Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do in Guwahati for an unforgettable trip. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Guwahati

Guwahati is a rapidly growing urban hub that offers various beautiful experiences. Here is an extensive list of things to do in Guwahati.

1. Visit the Iconic Kamakhya Temple 

Situated on Nilanchal Hill in the western part of Guwahati, Assam, the Kamakhya Temple is a revered shrine of Goddess Shakti in India. This temple is considered one of the four essential Shakti Peethas, symbolizing supreme divinity. It celebrates female fertility and holds auspicious significance for followers of the Tantrik sect in Hinduism.

Originally built and reconstructed over several centuries, from the 8th to the 17th, the temple showcases a remarkable architectural spectacle. It is adorned with simple yet intricate carvings at its main entrance, embellished with vibrant flowers, and boasts a grand dome that offers panoramic views of the serene Nilanchal Hills.

The temple is most crowded during the Ambubachi Festival, a vibrant celebration that lasts 3-4 days in June.

2. Cruise on the Brahmaputra River for a Mesmerizing Sunset 

Brahmaputra River Sunset

After spending a hectic day at Guwahati, you can unwind and rejuvenate by immersing in the tranquil waters of the Brahmaputra River. The Alfresco cruise on the Brahmaputra offers various experiences, like parties, dinners, lunches, and sunset cruises. Easily bookable, this cruise has a welcoming crew, restaurants serving delectable cuisines, and bars to savor drinks while admiring Guwahati’s illuminated riverside.

The multi-level decks provide a panoramic view of the cityscape, complemented by the refreshing river breeze. You can enliven the experience further through lively music that sets the tone for dancing and enjoyment. This makes it a must-try place for an unforgettable experience.

3. Explore the Assam State Museum & Uncover the Region’s History 

Guwahati market

Located at the heart of Guwahati, on the banks of the Dighali Pukhuri tank, the Assam State Museum stands as a celebrated institution in North-East India. Also known as Assam Rajyik State Museum, it serves as a captivating window into the region’s rich cultural heritage and historical evolution.

Since its establishment in 1940 during British colonization by the Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti, Assam Research Society, the museum has been a cherished repository of North-East India’s history, sculptures, and handicrafts.

Under the patronage of Kanklal Baruah, the museum was entrusted to the state in 1953, further solidifying its role in preserving the region’s cultural legacy. With diverse collections, like ancient artefacts and sculptures from the 5th–12th centuries to relics from World War II, the Assam State Museum offers a compelling journey through the history of North-East India.

4. Discover Umananda Island – The World’s Smallest River Island 

Situated within the heart of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Umananda Island is the world’s smallest river island that is overflowed with legends and natural beauty. Known as the Peacock Island, this sanctuary has remained untouched by human intervention. It harmoniously cohabits with rare and endangered species, including the Golden Langurs.

Legend has it that the island where Lord Kamdev faced the wrath of Lord Shiva’s third eye, which gave it the alternative name Bhasmchal. The Umananda Devi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the major tourist attractions near Guwahati. It draws a steady stream of devotees, especially during religious festivals. Visiting Umananda Island offers a rare chance to experience a tranquil haven steeped in mythology.

5. Stroll Through Nehru Park – A Peaceful Green Retreat in the City 

Guwahati City at night

Nehru Park, situated near Cotton College in Panbazar, is a serene haven amid its urban surroundings. Named in honour of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, this beautiful garden park was established in 2000 and has evolved into a major tourist attraction in the city.

It was a church with several cemeteries. The park transformed under the auspices of the Assam Government, culminating in its current status as a verdant retreat adorned with lush trees, soft grass, and captivating sculptures. The park’s allure further extends to its 45 concrete sculptures that show the diverse dance forms of Assam. Moreover, its additional features are an open-air theatre, a rock garden, and scenic ponds.

You will be enthralled by the park’s well-manicured lawns, vibrant blooms, and the overall vitality that distinguishes Nehru Park as a must-visit place in Guwahati.

6. Experience Assam’s Rich Culture at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra  

Amazing Island in Guwahati

Established in Panjabari, Guwahati, the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra is a cultural institution named in honour of the legendary medieval poet-playwright and reformer, Srimanta Sankardev. Built in 1990, this sprawling complex is dedicated to promoting Assam’s rich heritage, art, and traditions.

The Kalakshetra serves as a state’s cultural brilliance. It features dedicated centres showcasing its history, artistry, and glorious past. Its expansive grounds house a museum, a library, an art gallery, and a children’s park, among other facilities. Constructed to conventional Assamese designs, the buildings and structures vividly depict the lives of diverse local groups and sub-groups. It embodies the essence and ethos of Assam’s ethnicity.

A visit to Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra promises a captivating and enriching experience. It provides a profound insight into Assam’s cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

7. Explore the Cosmos at Guwahati Planetarium – A Stargazer’s Paradise 

Guwahati Planetarium, located on MG Road, is a celestial haven for enthusiasts of the universe. It dives deep into the mysteries of the vast cosmos. The detailed explanations of the ever-expanding universe, transcending human comprehensiveness, greatly captivate visitors.

Apart from the regular sky-watching sessions led by expert astronomers, the planetarium’s main allure lies in its special shows projected on a dome-shaped overhead screen. These immersive shows are available in Hindi, English, and Assamese.

Conveniently scheduled just 2 hours apart, these shows provide an easy-to-manage and enriching experience for all visitors, allowing them to delve into the wonders of the cosmos and gain a deeper understanding of our awe-inspiring universe.

A visit to the Guwahati Planetarium promises an enlightening and captivating exploration of the celestial realm, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

8. Spot One-Horned Rhinos at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – A Wildlife Haven  

Rhino in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Located just 30 km from Guwahati in Assam’s Morigaon District, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary filled with natural wonders. It boasts the densest population of One-horned Rhinos globally, which makes it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Dubbed the “Bharatpur of the East,” Pobitora is also a paradise for bird watchers, showing a remarkable diversity of bird species.

It is spread across 38 sq. km., Pobitora offers a tranquil retreat into the wilderness, adorned with lush greenery. Popular among Guwahati things to do, this sanctuary serves as a perfect stopover on the way to the renowned Kaziranga National Park, drawing visitors with its proximity and rich flora and fauna.

Apart from wildlife sightings, Pobitora offers opportunities for excursions to nearby attractions like Sualkuchi, known for its weavers, and Hajo, a cherished pilgrimage site. So, immerse yourself in Assam’s unique culture by exploring the local communities surrounding this picturesque sanctuary.

9. Shop for Local Treasures at Fancy Bazaar – Guwahati’s Shopping Hub 

Island in Guwahati

Considered the “Chandni Chowk of Guwahati,” Fancy Bazaar is the ultimate flea market gem in the city. This bustling marketplace, a maze of tiny shops and colourful stalls, beckons visitors with its maze-like alleys and unbeatable prices. A chaotic yet charming blend of enthusiastic shopkeepers, bustling shoppers, and tantalizing street food scents, Fancy Bazaar captivates all who seek a shopping adventure.

As a haven for compulsive shoppers, Fancy Bazaar offers diverse product options, including designer clothes, jewelry, accessories, home decor, and more, all at wholesale prices. Famous for its Assam silk and garment shops, the market also features sweet shops and captivating souvenirs for memorable takeaways. You can even rejuvenate yourself with lip-smacking local snacks at the eateries lining the market’s bustling sides.

Explore this shopping paradise to discover unique Assamese treasures, from traditional Jappis and gamchas to spicy Bhut Jolokia pickles and intricate home decor items crafted from betel nut and tambul. Do not miss the opportunity to savour the region’s famous Assam tea and steaming momos or indulge in delectable sweets at JB’s restaurant, a popular destination in the area.

10. Ride Across Saraighat Bridge – India’s First Rail-Cum-Road Marvel 

Spread across the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, this iconic bridge is the country’s first railway-cum-road bridge. Commencing its construction in 1958, the bridge was inaugurated for good trucks in 1962 by the esteemed then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and later opened for public traffic in 1963. It features a double-decker design with a road highway on top and a rail line below. This bridge is a vital link between the North East region and the rest of the country.

Marking its 50th anniversary, the bridge will remain structurally sound for years to come, according to a study by experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). With Lachit Borphukan Park to the south and Chilarai Park to the north, the bridge offers a historical and scenic backdrop for thrilling bike rides, adding to the allure of Guwahati’s local sightseeing.

The 1.4 km-long bridge not only connects both banks of the Brahmaputra River in Saraighat but also offers a captivating glimpse of the town’s storied past, marked by the legendary clash between the Ahoms and Mughals.

In 2017, an adjacent three-lane concrete bridge further enhanced the connectivity and charm of this historic landmark, inviting locals and tourists alike to partake in exhilarating bike rides and soak in the grandeur of the Brahmaputra.

How to Reach Guwahati

You can reach Guwahati using various transportation modes:

By Air: Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Borjhar serves as Guwahati’s air gateway. It is located approximately 10-15 kilometres from the city centre. Upon arrival, taxis and buses are readily available outside the airport and offer convenient transport options for reaching the heart of the city.

By Rail: Guwahati boasts excellent railway connectivity, with trains linking the city to major urban centres across India. The rail network also extends to interior regions of Assam and other Northeastern states.

By Road: You can rely on a comprehensive bus network that connects Guwahati and neighbouring states, including West Bengal and Bihar. The city also offers extensive road links to other Northeastern states, which ensures convenient access for visitors from various regions.

Best Time To Visit Guwahati

The best time to visit Guwahati is during winter, from October to March. With the chilly temperatures around 5° C, this season offers an ideal climate for exploring the city. It is the perfect time for forest safaris as you can immerse in the region’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty without any worry.

Moreover, this period hosts two lively Bihu festivals, the Kongali and Kati Bihu in October and Bhogali or Magh Bihu in January. These celebrations provide valuable insights into the vibrant culture and traditions of the Assamese people, showcasing their exuberant revelry and merrymaking. Winter offers comfortable weather and unique opportunities to participate in cultural experiences and festivities. This makes it an ideal time to explore various things to see in Guwahati.

Guwahati, the city of endless possibilities, makes you pleasantly overwhelmed by the myriad things to do. Time flies amidst the rich cultural tapestry, vibrant markets, and captivating festivals. Remember, the clock may tick away, but the list of experiences in Guwahati keeps growing. So, plan your next visit wisely and make the most of the things to do in Guwahati. Consider Thomas Cook for tailored packages and services to enhance your Guwahati travel experiences.

People also asked about Guwahati

Q: What is the best time to visit Guwahati? 

October to March is the ideal time, with pleasant weather and major festivals like Bihu.

Q: What are the top things to do in Guwahati at night? 

Enjoy a Brahmaputra River cruise, visit local markets like Fancy Bazaar, or explore cafes and lounges. 
Q: Is Guwahati safe for solo travelers? 

Yes, Guwahati is safe for solo travelers, but it’s advisable to take standard precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night.