# Guwahati

Guwahati (Assamese: গুৱাহাটী Guvāhāṭī guah-hah-tih), previously Gauhati, is the capital and the largest city in the Indian state of Assam. Guwahati is one of the fastest-growing cities in India.

## Understand

Excavations trace the origins of the city to around the 4th century and it was the capital of Assam until the 10th century.
The rapidly-growing metropolis has a population of 2.4 million in 2020, and encompasses an area of over 360 km$^2$ (140 sq mi), making it the largest city in the state and the region. It is the main centre for shopping, retail and business; attracting people from all over North-Eastern India as well as from Eastern 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.
The pleasant environment, however, is somewhat tempered by the inadequate investment in the region, which is apparent from the low quality of roads. Still, despite the average infrastructure, private investors have been drawn to the city, and there has been something of a boom in the construction of shopping malls and high-quality condominiums, which has helped raise the economic profile of the city. The end of the decades-long insurgency in Assam has also helped in the economic boom of Guwahati.
This article also covers Dispur (দিছপুর Dichpur), Assam's seat of government. In 1973, Assam was reorganized 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, then a suburb of Guwahati.

### Climate

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 is more than 80/90% often.

## Get in
### By plane

* 26.10611191.5858331 Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU ; Guwahati International Airport, Borjhar Airport). A major hub for flights to North-East India and limited international destinations. The hill resort cities 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. It is served by two railway stations, 26.18263591.7518512 Guwahati NFR and 26.157191.69073 Kamakhya Junction NFR . The reservation office is 30 m 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. Tickets can also be booked on the Indian Railways website.

### 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.

## Get 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

* 26.1705691.67971 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.
* 26.1907891.643232 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 plate is also there which describes a part of the battle. (updated Jul 2023)

### Museums

* 26.18533591.7519043 Assam State Museum, GNB Rd (southern end of Dighalipukhuri tank.), ☏ +91 361 254 0651. Closed on Mondays, the second and fourth Saturdays of the month and government holidays. Adult ₹5, child ₹2.50. (updated Nov 2023)
* 26.1203291.815534 Regional Science Centre and Museum, Jawahar Nagar, Khanapara, ☏ +91 361 2363218. Daily 10AM-5:30PM, closed on Holi and Diwali. Adults/Children ₹10, Students ₹5. (updated Feb 2020)
* 26.130691.82245 Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Panjabari Rd, Batahguli, ☏ +91 361 233 2665. The museum is named after Srimanta Sankardeva, a famous social reformer who promoted the cultural heritage of Assam. It has exhibits of books, sculptures, paintings, costumes and other belongings associated with the Assamese tribal communities. (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.1869191.746566 Anthropological Museum, Department of Anthropology, Guwahati University, ☏ +91 361 2470248. M-Sa 10AM-4PM, closed on university holidays. The museum preserves prehistoric crafts, weapons, basketry, and jewellery among other things used by the ancient Assamese. (updated Feb 2020)
* 26.19155791.7518847 Guwahati Planetarium. Built in 1994, the distinctive building is the only planetarium in the north-eastern India. Uses a star field projector, HD video projectors and Dolby sound system. (updated Feb 2024)

### Natural attractions

* 26.1842291.862138 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)
* 26.163291.78689 Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden (Guwahati Zoo), Zoo Rd, Japorigog, ☏ +91 8721857919, +91 7002716702, assamforest.info.assamzoo@gmail.com. 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)
* 26.11916791.65333310 Deepor Beel (Dipor Bil). A permanent freshwater lake and a very picturesque picnic spot. It is designated as a Ramsar site. It is bounded by the steep highlands on the north and south, and the valley formed has a broad U-shape with the Rani and Garbhanga hills forming the backdrop. A birdwatcher's paradise, especially in winter when the migratory birds come down. (updated Jun 2023)
* 26.1881291.7508411 Dighali Pukhuri. Dighalipukhuri derived its name from the word dighal which means long. The lake is believed to be dug by Bhagadutta, the king of Pragjyotishpura. It is also mentioned in the Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Dighalipukhuri is a prominent tourist attraction in the heart of Guwahati with boating facilities and recreational activities. It is an old rectangular lake half a mile long originally engraved out from the Brahmaputra. Later, it was separated from the river when a portion was filled up. There are some nearby restaurants where one can have lunch or dinner.
* 26.09333391.74916712 Garbhanga Wildlife Sanctuary. A wildlife sanctuary south of the city. (updated Jul 2023)

### Places of worship

* 26.09591.78444413 Basistha Temple, near Balaji Temple. A place of pilgrimage and a picnic spot near the Sandhychal hills. It lies at the confluence of the three streams Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta, names of the wives of legendary sage Vashishtha who had set up this Ashram. (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.097191.69605414 Bhimeswar Dham. Often said to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.21305691.72583315 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)
* 26.24258391.74938916 Dirgheshwari temple (দীৰ্ঘেশ্বৰী দেৱালয় Dīrgheśbarī Devālaẏ). One of the 51 Shakti Pithas. (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.16642691.70550917 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)
* 26.1628291.694818 Navagraha Temple, Chitrasal Hill. An 18th-century temple dedicated to nine celestial bodies is atop the second-highest hill in Guwahati. (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.189191.753819 Ugratara Devalaya, Latashil. A temple dedicated to the deity Tara. The goddess in the sanctum sanctorum is not an idol but a pit of water. (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.196691.745420 Umananda Temple. A 17th-century temple on a river island of the same name is dedicated to Shiva. It was built by Ahom king Gadapani on this picturesque Brahmaputra isle called Peacock Island. You can hop into a shared ferry/motorboat for ₹10 and return on the same or another boat free of charge, or reserve the entire boat for yourself. All shuttle boats leave from the KachariGhat between the Deputy Commisioner's office and the lower courts. The island is also a sanctuary for an endangered population of golden langurs which you can see from very close quarters. They have thrived on this uninhabited island chosen for their translocation from their last refuge in the Manas National Park. The island also has a Ganesh temple and is small enough to be explored on foot. (updated Jul 2023)

## Do

* 26.14509291.7365121 Assam Cricket Association Stadium. (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.0804591.611132 Accoland, Rani Rd. Amusement park.
* 26.19155791.7518843 Guwahati Planetarium, Uzan Bazar. A great place to visit for science geeks and also for lovers of entertainment. (updated Nov 2023)
* 26.11566991.7602974 Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.1887591.747035 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)
* North Guwahati- Guwahati Ropeway, M. G. Road, Panbazar.

### 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)

## Learn

* 26.18722291.6916671 Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) (around 20 km from the heart of the city and around 35 min drive from the airport). (updated Aug 2022)

## 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".
* 26.1570391.777051 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. The city has several shopping malls. These are the major ones: Sohum Emporia, Sohum Shoppe, Guwahati Central, Central Mall, FBB, The Hub Mall, Vishal MegaMart, Big Bazaar, Pantaloons.
* Tea Bags, of the north east and Assam are available in many shops in the city. Assams Green tea is world famous.

### Markets

* 26.1924491.75682 Uzan Bazaar. Every morning, fishers come in to one of the oldest settlements in the city to sell their catch. (updated Feb 2020)
* 26.17944491.7522223 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.
* 26.1719491.761321 City Dhaba, Bora Service, Ulubari.
* 26.1505791.78472 Dispur Dhaba, Ganeshguri.
* 26.174391.777063 Get Tagged, Zoo Road, ☏ +91 9401057578.
* 26.1772891.750494 Hotel Shyama, AK Azad Road, Rehabari.
* 26.1534491.781535 JBs, G S Rd, Christian Basti. Good bakery with sweets.
* 26.1912591.75256 JBs, M G Rd, Riverside.
* 26.1726791.729947 Momo Ghar, Bharalumukh, ☏ +91 9435019810. Chinese.
* 26.1866591.74348 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

* 26.1489191.786999 Gam's Delicacy Restaurant, Ganeshguri, ☏ +91 361 2233402. Famous for ethnic Assamese cuisine.
* 26.1808791.7369310 Gopal Maharaj, Kamrup Chamber of Commerce Rd, Fancy Bazar, ☏ +91 9864351111.
* 26.1851291.7662611 Heritage Khorikaa, Silpukhuri, Chandmari, ☏ +91 9706034838. Famous for delicious ethnic Assamese cuisine.
* 26.1791.7627812 Khorikaa, Bora Service, Ulubari. Assamese restaurant with delicious thalis.
* 26.1599191.774913 Maach, Christian Basti, ☏ +91 9854061725. Famous for various fishes.
* 26.177891.775914 Mast Biryani, Zoo Road. Biryani restaurant.
* 26.1827491.7384715 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

* 26.1723291.7599116 Barbeque Nation, Ulubari, ☏ +91 9864109282.
* 26.1570691.7776917 Mocha, Christian basti (near the fly over), ☏ +91 8486000401. Italian restaurant.
* 26.1818991.7417218 Tandoor @ Hotel Dynasty, SS Road, Fancy Bazar, ☏ +91 361 7120055.

## Drink

Guwahati is said to have the most wine shops.

### Pub, disco, and bar

* 26.1802591.751351 Club Ozone, GS Rd.
* 26.1763991.755152 Ivory, Ulubari (below Hotel Amrit Regency). Bar/pub.
* 26.1608991.773513 Terra Mayaa, Anil Plaza-2.
* 26.1274191.812874 Urban Mantra, Namghar Path.
* 26.1612391.773925 XS, GS Rd.

## Sleep
### Budget

There are many budget hotels around the station but only a few are licensed to accommodate foreigners.
* 26.132291.809931 Hotel Brahmaputra Madhukalya, Panjabari Rd, Six Mile (Near Kalakshetra), ☏ +91 97060 37210. Small family hotel. Clean rooms, simple food, nothing fancy but economical. Breakfast.
* 26.1797591.752632 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)
* 26.1794591.752543 Hotel Brindavan, Paltan Bazar, M E Rd (3 min walking distance from Rly Station), ☏ +91 94350 40946. Check-out: noon. ₹400/- to ₹3,500/-.
* 26.1846791.744854 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.
* 26.1850191.750035 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

* 26.1783591.751966 Hotel Mahalaxmi Indo Myanmar, G.S. Rd, ☏ +91 361 260 2508, mahalaxmiindomyanmar@gmail.com. This one feels very Indian. Has a restaurant. ₹2514.
* 26.1819991.740957 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.
* 26.1834591.745418 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.

### Splurge

* Hotel Dynasty, S.S. Rd (Lakhtokia), ☏ +91 361 251 6021, info@dynastyhotel.in. 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.
* 26.122291.798839 Hotel Nakshatra, Beltola Tiniali, ☏ +91 99571 81929, fax: +91 361 2229720, hotelnakshatra@gmail.com. Luxurious hotel with comfort and modern facilities. Rooms ₹3000-₹4600, Suites ₹7000-₹12,000.
* 26.14151791.67560210 Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati, National Highway 37, Gotanagar, ☏ +91 361 7100100, fax: +91 361 7100101, reservations.guwahati@radisson.com. (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.1251991.8173111 Taj Vivanta, 613, Mahapurush Sriamanta Sankradeva, Road, Khanapara, ☏ +91 361 710 6710. The rooftop pool is at the top of this tall upscale hotel tower, and you get a complimentary breakfast in the morning. ₹6360. (updated Apr 2018)

## Nearby

* 26.24411991.5255311 Hajo (about an hour and a half drive from the city centre). A meeting point of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam due to the various pilgrimage sites on the different hills of the town. Interesting places to visit are the Hayagrib Madhab temple and Pua Mecca. While at the temple, make sure to go down to the temple pond to see the resident turtle. (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.24111192.0313892 Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km (31 mi) from Guwahati). Sort of a miniature Kaziranga, home to one-horned rhinos, buffalo, and other animals, which you can see from a terrain vehicle. Elephant rides are also available at certain times of the day. (updated Jul 2023)
* Resorts on Sonapur Road - The Sonapur Road (Guwahati-Nagaon Road, NH 37) has many dhabas that are within 10-15 km of the city outskirts (Khanapara). These resorts provide a good weekend break. Brahmaputra resort, Disang Dhaba in Tepesia are good for family outings.
* 26.1791.573 Sualkuchi (শুৱালকুছি Śuvālkuchi). A small town, known for its silk production and the "Manchester of Assam". (updated Jul 2023)
* 26.1164191.724994 Tirupati Balaji Temple. The Tirupati Balaji temple is on the National Highway By-pass easily reached by taking the National Highway from the city heading towards Maligaon/Adabari and beyond till you reach the Jalukbari junction. It takes about 20 min from the junction to the temple. It is supposed to be a replica of the temple in Tirupati - the temple provides a nice place for solitary meditation, being in a peaceful setting. (updated Feb 2024)

## 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