Revealing the 8 most important facts you need to know before visiting Guwahati
The vibrant gateway to Northeast India, Guwahati is an amazing city on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Combining a rich cultural heritage with beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine, Guwahati serves up tradition and modernity on one exciting platter! Here’s a handy guide to 8 essential things you need to know before you visit:
1. Gate to the northeast
Strategically located in Assam, Guwahati provides the easiest entry point to explore the surrounding northeastern states. Its excellent connectivity by air, rail and road makes it the perfect base camp for unlocking the diversity of the Seven Sisters borderlands. From the one-horned rhinos of Kaziranga to the rolling hills of Meghalaya, Guwahati is the ideal launching pad for epic adventures in the region!
Fun facts:
- Distance to major cities:
- 950 km from Calcutta
- 1,500 km from New Delhi
- Major airports:
- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
- Handles 8 million passengers per year
- Gateway to States:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Manipur
- Nagaland
- Sikkim
- Tripura
2. Temples and pilgrimages
The ancient temples and shrines of Guwahati welcome devotees from all over. Marvel at the mystical Kamakhya Temple, one of India’s 51 Shakti Peethas, dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya. Visit the iconic Umananda Temple on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River or explore the Navagraha Temple dedicated to nine heavenly deities. Lose yourself amid magical architecture, devotional chants and profound spirituality.
Fun facts:
- Popular temples:
- Kamakhya Temple
- Umananda Temple
- Navagraha Temple
- Basistha Ashram Temple
- Legends of origin:
- Shakti Peetha
- Battlefield of Banasura and Lord Krishna
- Major pilgrimages:
- Ambubachi Festival (700,000 visitors)
- Shivaratri celebrations
3.Brahmaputra River Cruises
Float gently atop the mighty Brahmaputra on scenic river cruises and reveal the soul of Guwahati. Watch fertile islands and distant hills pass by as you cruise along the waterway. Catch golden sunsets over the glittering waves. Spot the endangered Ganges River dolphins frolicking in the current. Cruise through the heart of the city amidst natural beauty and natural surprises!
Fun facts:
- River length: 2,900 km
- River width in Guwahati: 1-2 km
- Main tributaries:
- Islands:
- Peacock Island (Umananda)
- Bengal Island (Bhasmacala)
- Wild animals:
- Gangetic dolphins
- Gharials
- Turtles
4.Assamese cuisine
Food in Guwahati celebrates the untamed flavors of the border. Enjoy aromatic Assam tea, harvested from local plantations. Enjoy tender fish in spicy curries, puree pitika potato snacks or snap bamboo shoots fresh from the jungle. Don’t miss the native desserts such as pitha pancakes, doi curd and larus sesame candies. For authentic tastebud magic, delve into Guwahati’s incredible local markets, packed with spices, herbs, pickled goods and more!
Fun facts:
- Famous dishes:
- Masor Tenga (spicy fish curry)
- Khar (alkaline dish)
- Poitabhat (spicy fried duck)
- Ingredients:
- Bamboo shoots
- Banana flower
- Fern leaves
- Colocasia stems
- Candy:
- Laru (Sesame & Rice Candy)
- Pitha (sweet pancakes)
- Doi (yogurt)
5. Nature reserves
Guwahati is teeming with an abundance of wildlife and biodiversity thanks to its protected parks and sanctuaries. One-horned Indian rhinos roam the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, visible during jeep safaris and elephant rides. Discover bird species, from vibrant kingfishers to migratory birds, at the Deepor Beel Wetland Reserve. For nature and animal lovers, the Gugwaahti wilderness offers rare opportunities for wildlife encounters!
Fun facts:
- Major animal reserves:
- Pobitora Nature Reserve
- Indian rhinos, leopards, wild buffalos
- Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary
- Pobitora Nature Reserve
- Rare wildlife:
- One-horned rhinoceros
- Asian elephants
- Wild water buffalo
- Golden Langurs
- Gangetic dolphins
6. Crafts and shopping
Guwahati delights shopaholics with its wealth of local handicrafts and traditional arts. Spend your money on fine Assam silk sarees, vibrant with intricate designs, showcasing the state’s mastery of sericulture. Hone your haggling talents at Pan Bazaar with handwoven Assamese mekhela chadars, designer jewelery and wicker woven furniture. Don’t miss the Assam State Emporium for authentic handicraft finds!
Fun facts:
- Famous textiles:
- Assam Silk
- Golden Muga silk
- Eri Silk
- Gamocha cotton towels
- Reed and Bamboo Crafts:
- Jewellery
- Baskets
- Furniture sets
- Terracotta and pottery items
- Bell and metal crafts
- Xorai (traditional bell)
- Joha Rice Sieve
7. Best time to visit
Guwahati enjoys a humid, subtropical climate with scorching summers and mild, pleasant winters. From October to March there are blue skies and comfortable climates, perfect for city explorations. In April, the mercury and humidity begin to rise, until the monsoon months of June to September are heavy with atmospheric rain showers (and mosquitoes!) Visit Guwahati from late autumn to spring to enjoy it at its best!
Fun facts:
- Average annual precipitation: 1,500-2,000 mm
- Average maximum temperatures:
- Summer (April June): 30 C to 35 C
- Monsoon (July September): 25 C to 30 C
- Winter (November): 22 C to 27 C
- Best time to visit: late October to early March
8.Assamese culture and festivals
Enjoy Guwahati’s community spirit and distinctive cultural identity by participating in vibrant local celebrations. Bihu Festival welcomes Assamese New Year in April with celebrations, dances and optional buffalo races! Experience the mystical Ambubachi Mela with ritual prayers and offerings at the Kamakhya Temple. Through smiles, stories and hospitality, discover what makes heritage-rich Assam so special.
Fun facts:
- Major festivals:
- Bihu (harvest celebrations)
- Ambubahci Mela
- Jonbeel Mela
- Raasfestival
- Traditional dance forms:
- Bihu dance
- Bhortal dance
- Ojapali folk music
- Kitchens:
- Assamese
- Mishing
- Karbi
- Dimasa
- Bodo
- Bengali
- Nepali
There you have it! From temples to markets to cruises, Guwahati is an incredible gateway to the adventures of Northeast India. Visit with respect for the environment, culture and communities that shape the essence of this region. Travel responsibly, sustainably and consciously. And prepare to fall in love with vibrant Guwahati, the “City of Eastern Light”