Places To Visit In Guwahati - A Guide For Tourists

Guwahati, known as the gateway to Northeast India, is the largest city in the region. Nestled between the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and the foothills of the Shillong Plateau, it holds both cultural and administrative significance. Dispur, located within Guwahati, serves as the capital of Assam, adding to the city’s prominence.

A treasure trove of religious and cultural heritage, Guwahati is home to several ancient temples. The Kamakhya Temple, perched atop Nilachal Hill, is a renowned site of Tantric Hinduism and the center of the famous Ambubachi Mela. Other significant temples include the Umananda Temple, situated on a river island, as well as the Navagraha and Basistha Temples. Nearby, Hajo stands out as a rare pilgrimage destination, attracting Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists alike.

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will find much to explore in and around Guwahati. The city is close to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Closer to the city, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam State Zoo, and Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary offer diverse wildlife experiences. These sanctuaries highlight the region's ecological richness and conservation efforts.

Guwahati’s infrastructure and economy also draw attention. The iconic Saraighat Bridge, a rail-road structure spanning the Brahmaputra River, is a vital lifeline for the region. The city’s role in the global tea industry is significant, with the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) being one of the busiest tea trading hubs worldwide. This importance stems from Assam’s status as the world’s second-largest tea-producing region after China.

As one of the 100 fastest-growing cities in the world and the fifth fastest among Indian cities, Guwahati is a hub of urban development. It serves as a major commercial and educational center in eastern India and is home to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. Combining rich traditions with rapid modernization, Guwahati offers a unique and diverse experience to visitors, making it a key destination in Northeast India.

Below is a list of all the top places to visit in Guwahati:

UMANANDA TEMPLE IN GUWAHATI

The Umananda Temple in Guwahati, Assam is the smallest inhabited riverine island in the world. Also, known as the “Peacock Island’, this place attracts scores of both tourists and locals alike.

A beautiful Shiva temple sits on the island which is located at the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra River. Visitors can reach the island by boarding ferries and boats.

KAMAKHYA TEMPLE IN GUWAHATI

The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is one of the oldest and biggest of the 51 Shaktipeeths. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, the temple is of major importance to the Hindus and acts as a centrepiece for tantric practitioners.

The Kamakhya Devi Mandir is located in the Nilachal Hills, in the western part of Guwahati, Assam. Thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine every day from all over the country, making the temple one of the most recognised and sacred destinations of North East India.

POBITORA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Known as “Miniature Kaziranga”, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist destinations for those living in and outside of Assam.

Approximately 30 kms away from Guwahati, this place is home to the endangered and majestic one-horned rhinoceros. Its vast areas of grassland and wetland comprises of an extensive range of wildlife. Several species of birds and animals can be spotted here.

The Sanctuary provides daytime forest safaris and ample space for camping.  

DEEPOR BEEL

About 17 kms away from Guwahati, Deepor Beel, also spelt as Dipor Bil, is one of the major tourist attractions and commonly visited picnic places in Assam. This freshwater lake is famous for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance to conserve the wildlife, offering one a spectacular scenic view of the wetland.

Deepor Beel boasts a variety of exotic bird species. Thousands of rare and endangered bird species can be seen here every day. Other than picnic; bird-watching, photography, boating and swimming can also be enjoyed. 

ASSAM STATE MUSEUM GUWAHATI

Established in 1940, the Assam State Museum in Guwahati is one of the biggest multipurpose museums in the country which exhibit a rich variety of artifacts, crafts and history. The museum preserves and celebrates various sections like historical artifacts, sculptures, folk art forms, an art gallery, textiles, scriptures, life sized models and many more.

ASSAM STATE ZOO GUWAHATI

The Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden stretches over an area of 432 acres, making it the largest zoo of North East India. The zoo was formed in 1958 and since then it has been a go-to tourist spot.

Some of the prominent features of the zoo are the Reptile House, Botanical Garden, Museum, Herbarium Collection and the Animal Exhibits. The place is a beautiful amalgamation of vast enclosers, arranged gardens and attractive water displays.

GUWAHATI PLANETARIUM

The Guwahati Planetarium is the only planetarium in Assam as well as the entire North east region. Established in 1994, the place is famous for its astronomical endeavours. This place was constructed with an aim to enhance astronomical studies and research.

Its distinct dome shaped ceiling is used for the screening of sky watching session. The entry fee is INR 30 per person.

NAVAGRAHA TEMPLE GUWAHATI

This ancient Hindu temple is settled in the Chitrasal Hill, and known for being the only grahapujan temple in Guwahati. Bulit in the late 18^th century by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha, the beautiful monument is dedicated to the nine celestial bodies of the Hindu mythology.

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kaziranga National Park is globally known for being the home of the Great Indian one horned rhinoceros, a rare and endangered species.

Stretched over a 1000 km², the vast landscape is also a Tiger Reserve and has the highest population density of tigers in the world. The park is also home to elephants, Asiatic Wild Water Buffaloes, swamp deer and over 490 species of birds.

NEHRU PARK GUWAHATI

One of the most common and visited public spots in Guwahati is the Nehru Park. Recently renovated, the Nehru Park is a lovely blend of natural beauty and artificial arrangements. Often visited as a recreational spot, this place offers various activities such as day-time picnics, a children’s park, dining at the restaurants and photography.

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR GUWAHATI WITHIN 100 KMS

Some recommendations of places to visit near Guwahati-

1. Hajo- This historic town is known for its religious unifying spirit. Highlights of this place include the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir and Poa Mecca.

2. Umiam Lake- Initially considered as a reservoir, Umiam Lake has become a major tourist destination in the last decade. Some of the highlights of this pristine place are kayaking, boating and scooting.

3. Sualkuchi- Known for its world-famous cultivation of the rare muga, eriand pat silk.

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR GUWAHATI WITHIN 50 KMS

Some places to visit near Guwahati within 50 kms are Guwahati City View point, Hatisila Picnic Spot, Gandhi Mandap, River Side Park and Shukreshwar Temple.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are some places to visit in Guwahati, Assam?

-   Kamakhya Temple, Assam State Zoo, Assam State Museum, Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre and Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra are some places to visit in Guwahati.

2. What are some places to sight-see near Guwahati?

-   Some places to sight-see near Guwahati are Umananda Temple, Deepor Beel, Kaziranga National Park.

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