Best Places to Visit in Guwahati

Guwahati is the largest city and the gateway to Northeast India. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

Whether you are looking for religious sites, wildlife sanctuaries, museums, or shopping destinations, Guwahati has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit in Guwahati that you should not miss.

Kamakhya Temple

One of the most famous and revered temples in India, Kamakhya Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, the presiding deity of Assam. The temple is located on the Nilachal Hill and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell after she immolated herself.

The temple is known for its unique ritual of celebrating the menstruation of the goddess when the temple remains closed for five days and then reopens with a grand fair. The temple attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year, especially during the Ambubachi Mela, the annual festival of fertility.

Brahmaputra River Cruise

The Brahmaputra River is the lifeline of Assam and a major attraction in Guwahati. The river offers a scenic and serene view of the city and its surroundings. One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the river is to take a cruise on it.

There are various options for cruising on the Brahmaputra, such as luxury cruises, dinner cruises, sunset cruises, and dolphin cruises. You can witness the stunning sunrise and sunset, spot the endangered Gangetic dolphins, visit the Umananda Island, and enjoy the cultural performances and delicious cuisines on board.

Umananda Temple

Another popular religious site in Guwahati is the Umananda Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on the Peacock Island, the smallest inhabited river island in the world, in the middle of the Brahmaputra River.

The temple was built by the Ahom king Gadadhar Singha in the 17th century and is known for its rock-cut sculptures and paintings. The temple can be reached by a ferry ride from the Kachari Ghat. The island is also home to the endangered golden langurs, which are considered sacred by the locals.

Assam State Museum

If you are interested in learning about the history and culture of Assam, then you should visit the Assam State Museum. The museum was established in 1940 and is one of the largest and oldest museums in Northeast India.

The museum displays a rich collection of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, weapons, coins, textiles, and manuscripts related to the various aspects of Assamese life. The museum also has a library, an auditorium, and a children’s section. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and public holidays.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

For the nature and wildlife lovers, Guwahati offers the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located about 50 km from the city. The sanctuary is famous for having the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world, along with other animals like elephants, leopards, wild boars, and various birds.

The sanctuary covers an area of 38.8 sq km and is surrounded by the Brahmaputra River, hills, and grasslands. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to March, when you can enjoy jeep and elephant safaris, birdwatching, and camping.

Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra

Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra is a cultural complex that showcases the art, literature, and music of Assam. The complex is named after the 15th-century saint and reformer Srimanta Sankardev, who is considered the father of Assamese culture.

The complex consists of a museum, a library, an open-air theatre, an art gallery, a children’s park, and a heritage park. The museum exhibits the costumes, jewellery, musical instruments, and handicrafts of the various tribes and communities of Assam. The complex also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Fancy Bazaar

If you are looking for some shopping and entertainment in Guwahati, then you should head to the Fancy Bazaar, the oldest and busiest market in the city. The market is located near the Brahmaputra River and offers a variety of products, such as clothes, accessories, electronics, books, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

You can also find some of the best street food and restaurants in the market, serving local delicacies like momos, thukpa, khaar, and pitha. The market is open from 10 am to 8 pm on all days except Sundays.

Other Places to Visit in Guwahati

There are many other places to visit in Guwahati that you can explore, depending on your preferences and time. Some of them are:

• Nehru Park: A lush green park with a musical fountain, a children’s play area, and a jogging track.
• Guwahati Planetarium: A dome-shaped planetarium that offers shows on astronomy and space science.
• Guwahati Zoo: The largest zoo in Northeast India that houses more than 900 animals and birds of different species.
• Navagraha Temple: A temple dedicated to the nine planets, located on the Chitrachal Hill.
• Madan Kamdev: An archaeological site that features the ruins of a 10th-century temple complex with erotic sculptures.
• Basistha Ashram: A tranquil ashram and temple complex, believed to be the abode of sage Basistha.
• Saraighat Bridge: A historic bridge that spans the Brahmaputra River and was the site of the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.
• Chandubi Lake: A natural lake formed by an earthquake, located about 65 km from the city. The lake is a popular picnic spot and a birdwatchers’ paradise.

Conclusion

Guwahati is a city that offers a blend of tradition and modernity, nature and culture, and spirituality and adventure. It is a city that will surprise you with its diversity and charm.

If you are planning to visit Guwahati, then you should not miss the places mentioned above, as they will give you a glimpse of the best that the city has to offer. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the best places to visit in Guwahati.