7 Amazing Places to visit in Guwahati in one day

Guwahati is the gateway to North-East India and has a lot to offer than a transit point. Here are some amazing places to visit in Guwahati that are a mix of culture, religion, food, architecture and shopping. These Guwahati tourist places will surely make the visit memorable.

I was on a plane for the third time to Guwahati and I felt bad that there was not a single place I had explored on the earlier two trips. The first trip was a night stopover before moving towards Meghalaya , while the second trip was a work trip. I was determined to explore a few places to visit in Guwahati especially paying my respects at Kamakhya Temple Guwahati.

About Guwahati

Guwahati – the gateway to North East India is rich in culture, stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife and delicious food. Guwahati now called Gauhati is the capital of the state of Assam.

Assam is one of the seven sister states in North-East India. Since Guwahati is generally the first stop for travellers to explore the Seven Sisters of India, it is only fair to spend a day here and pay a visit to the spiritual sites, explore nature and taste the range of local flavors. Guwahati tourism needs to be explored!

Places to visit in Guwahati

It is tough to decide which tourist places in Guwahati to explore. But according to me, the Guwahati trip plan must start by paying respect to the Kamakhya temple. This is my ultimate guide to beautiful places in Guwahati.

Kamakhya Temple

Built in the 9th century, this Shakti Peeth is known as to be the reincarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is considered to be one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage spots in the country.

Although it is popularly known as black magic temple, it is also infamous for animal offerings. But keeping all that aside, this temple is important because it is the only temple that celebrates a woman’s menstruation and fertility.

Kamakhya is a celebration of the power that every woman possesses in creating a life by giving birth. Also known as the Bleeding Goddess, Kamakhya is associated with feminine sexuality, so much so that the idol in the temple is a rock shaped like a yoni or vagina. A naturally occurring spring keeps the area wet. Devotees are allowed to touch this rock fissure as a form of prayer and offer flowers.

A visit to Kamakhya temple Guwahati ensures that one gets impressed with the architecture.

Like most temples in India, Kamakhya mandir also has beautiful architecture on the outer walls as well as on the interior walls of the temple. A few sculptures also exist on the temple gates. The temple is designed as a beehive and devotees have to step down into a basement structure (the inner sanctum) to reach the rock fissure.

Visiting the temple would easily take 2-3 hours depending upon the day of the week so it is ideal to start early.

Kamakhya temple timings: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30

Entry to Kamakhya temple: Entry is free to Kamakhya temple however there are VIP tickets which makes visiting the temple sooner.

When is the Kamakhya temple closed?

Kamakhya temple is closed during the Ambubachi Mela that takes place in the month of June every year. It is closed during these 3 days and then open with a grand celebration and fervour.

Guwahati Planetarium, Guwahati

The Guwahati Planetarium is one of the popular tourist attractions in Guwahati.

The planetarium plays awe-striking videos of space that includes secrets of the universe, the evolution of the universe and scientific information about stars. It has state-of-the-art sound systems and a curved projection screen that hosts shows in English and Assamese focusing on astronomical history.

The projection of stars is the highlight and makes kids as well as adults stare in awe. Besides the star sky the planetarium also has high quality telescopes to encourage students for sky watching.

There are 140 seats in the planetarium that tend to fill up soon so it is advisable to arrive early. The duration of each show is 1 hour.

Assamese show timings at Guwahati Planetarium: 11 am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm

English show timings at Guwahati Planetarium: 12 noon and 4 pm.

Entry ticket price for Guwahati Planetarium: INR 30 per adult.

Navagraha Temple, Guwahati

Navagraha is derived from two terms: nava (meaning nine) and graha (meaning planet). Navagraha is nine heavenly bodies and deities that influence human life on Earth in Hinduism and Hindu astrology.

The Navagraha temple is dedicated to the nine celestial bodies of astrological significance, represented in the form of Lingas (a symbol of divine generative energy, especially a phallic object).

Perched on top of the Navagraha Hill, near Guwahati city, Navagraha Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to the nine celestial bodies. Pragjyotishapura, the ancient name of Assam originated from this temple. Built-in the late 18th century by King Rajesvar Singha, Navagraha Temple is known to have survived major earthquakes.

If astronomy interests the visitors then this is one of the best places to visit in Guwahati. The view from this temple is also lovely – one can see the Brahmaputra river in the distance.

Timings of Navagraha Temple, Guwahati: 7 am to 6 pm

Entry ticket: Free

Guwahati War Cemetery

On the way back from Navagraha temple, it is only fair to stop at the Guwahati War Cemetery.

One of the most offbeat places to visit in Guwahati, it is quite unheard of and most locals and tourists give it a miss. The Guwahati War Cemetery is built and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This organization also maintains a record of casualties.

However, it is a nicely maintained property that serves as the resting ground for over five hundred allied forces personnel who laid down their lives in the second world war. The graves are of brave soldiers from the United Kingdom, India, Canada, South Africa, China and New Zealand. 25 of the burials are unidentified.

The place gives a glimpse of the suffering and the young lives that were lost during the war.

Timings of Guwahati War Cemetery: 9 am to 6 pm

Entry ticket: Free

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Assam State Museum

Established in 1940 by the Assam Research Society, the Assam State Museum was taken over by the State Government in 1953.

Not just Assam, but the museum takes the visitor through the entire Northeast India – exploring the culture, architecture and community. The museum displays an extensive collection of sculptures, handicrafts, arts and artefacts, all of which are spread over three storeys. All the displays and information will keep the visitors hooked.

Located 1.5 km away from the Guwahati Railway Station, the Assam State Museum is located opposite the Prashanti Udyan Park.

Timings of Assam State Museum: 10 am to 4:30 pm

Entry Ticket to Assam State Museum: INR 15 per adult with camera. Without camera fees is INR 10.

Boating on the Brahmaputra River

A visit to Guwahati is not complete without gasping at the expanse of Brahmaputra river.

Taking a ride over Brahmaputra river is on the top of things to do in Guwahati, Assam. The Brahmaputra is the 9th largest river in the world by discharge, and the 15th longest.

It is also known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the Siang/Dihang River in Arunachal Pradesh, and Luit, Dilao in Assam. It is a transboundary river which flows through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh.

The Brahmaputra also hosts Majuli – the world’s largest river island. Spanning over 800 sq km, Majuli has been the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past few centuries.

While some visit the river for religious purposes, some go for a romantic experience. One can take a ferry boat over Brahmaputra river to go to the Umananda Temple on Umananda Island or rent a boat for a few hours or one can choose a luxury cruise on the Brahmaputra. Boating on the Brahmaputra River offers some scenic landscapes rich with diverse ecosystems.

Brahmaputra river cruise could be for a simple dinner with local food and live music or one could choose a 7 or 10-day Brahmaputra cruise itinerary. Although a couple of international travel operators run these river cruises, the itinerary includes visiting other places and national parks in Assam.

Timings: Always Open

Entry Ticket: Free

Umananda Island / Umananda Temple

Known as the smallest inhabited river island in the world, Umananda Island is one of the best places to visit in Guwahati.

The island has a temple built in dedication of Lord Shiva known as the Umananda temple. The island is also known as the ‘Peacock Island’ from its peacock-like shape. The temple promotes a blend of Shaivism and Vaishnavism practices and has a variety of Vaishnav Scripts inscribed on its walls.

According to the legends, the temple was built when King Supaatphaa asked for a Hindu temple to be built in the 16th century. The temple was however ruined during an earthquake but restored by a local merchant.

How to Reach Umananda Island

The best way of reaching Umananda Island is to avail of a ferry boat. There is regular ferry service every half an hour from 9 am to 4 pm from Umananda Ghat, Uzanbazar. The ferry ticket charge is INR 20 for to and fro journey (just take care of the ticket). There are private boats charging anything between INR 100-300 per person for the same journey, so one needs to stay alert.

Shopping in Guwahati

Guwahati is a paradise for shopaholics that has amazing choices of Assamese souvenirs to buy.

Retail therapy is a must even if you have one day in Guwahati. Things to buy in Guwahati include Assam tea because it is world famous. Assam has many tea gardens and although you probably drink Assam tea in your house, it’s only fair to buy some from here.

Other must-buy souvenirs from Guwahati include Assam silk sarees and fabrics, wooden handicrafts, handmade toys, bamboo pickel, Assamese traditional handmade jewellery (Dug-Dugi, Kerumuni, Thuriya, Gam-kharu, Loka-paro, Jonbiri, Dholbiri/Motabiri, Gal-pata, etc).

Jaapi is one of the most prevalent and best souvenir and gifting items from Guwahati. The jaapi is a traditional conical hat from Assam, made from tightly woven bamboo and/or cane. It has coloured portions with embellishments.

Gamusa is another useful souvenir from Guwahati that can be picked up. It can be used as a handkerchief, towel or a stole for sunny days. It is white in colour with red embroidery. Gamosa is hand woven on looms. It is so important to the culture of Assam and during the Bihu festival that it is gifted to guests in official ceremonies. The fabric used is cotton and is so versatile that it is used in making kurta, blouses or even modern-day gamusa masks.

Shopping markets in Guwahati

Fancy Bazaar

Fancy Bazaar is a street lined with small shops selling all sorts of household stuff. There are shops that sell souvenirs such as jaapi, gamusa, assam silk fabric and others.

The Maati Centre

Maati Centre is a studio which encourages artisans to sell their handicrafts directly. There are workshops and seminars conducted for the artisans. The collection is unique as there is something new each time.

Location: 10, Lamb Rd, Dighalipukhuri East, Uzan Bazar, Guwahati, Assam 781001

NEDFi Haat

The NEDFi Haat is run by a local administration. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation through this Haat helps artisans from the unorganized sector to sell their products to the public directly.. It is the best place for handicraft shopping in Guwahati.

Location: Gopinath Bordoloi Rd, Ambari, Guwahati, Assam 781001

Pragjyoti Assam Emporium

The Pragjyoti Assam Emporium showcases Assam’s best crafts and arts under one roof. All the Assam souvenirs can be bought from here at affordable rates.

Location: G.N.B. Road, Ambari, Guwahati, Assam 781001

Assam Silk Sarees

If you have the question of where to buy assam silk sarees in guwahati? I am getting there.

The Silkalay, Assam Silk Emporium, Kalpataru The Assam Co operative Silk House Limited, Aunty’s Shop are some of the stores selling assam silk sarees and fabrics. Google the names and the address would come up.

Food in Guwahati

Like every Indian city, Guwahati’s food is unique and flavourful.

The city has a mix of cuisines from all the northeastern states, including Assamese, Nagaland and Meghalaya food. The cuisine has vegetarian as well as meat dishes.

The flavors are quite peculiar as the cuisine uses fermented fruit and vegetables. It also uses the world’s hottest chili – Bhut jolokia, also known as the ghost pepper. These are some must-try food in Guwahati.

The famous street food of Guwahati includes Thukpa, Chowmein, Khaar, Silkworms, Masor Tenga and Payash.

Best Cafes in Guwahati / Best Restaurants in Guwahati

Mising Kitchen

If you’re looking to pamper your palate with traditional tribal Assamese food, then your calling has to be Mising Kitchen. It is popular for the non-veg thali – The Chicken Thali and Pork Thali. The Mising Chicken Thali (Rice, Yellow Dal, Black Dal, Khar, Leafy Fry, Veg Anja, Home Made Pickle, Mising Chutney, Chicken Curry, Chicken Boiled, Chicken Khorika, Chicken Aran, Fish Pitika, Fish Patot Diya) and the Mising Pork Thali (Rice, Yellow Dal, Black Dal, Khar, Leafy Fry, Veg Anja, Home Made Pickle, Mising Chutney, Pork Curry, Pork Boiled, Pork Khorika, Pork Aran, Fish Pitika, Fish Patot Diya).

Address: 1st Floor House No 24, Hengrabari Rd, Near Public Health Chariali, Ganeshguri, Guwahati

11th Avenue Cafe Bistro

Popular as a breakfast bistro, it is best-known for its Eggs Benedict and Italiano Frittatas. Their mocktails and coffee are delicious too! Their Italian spread – Spaghetti, Pizza and Pasta is worth trying.

Address: 53, Tayabulla Rd, Digholi Pukhuri East, Dighalipukhuri, Guwahati

Cafe Craft

Cafe Craft is a unique combination of a cafe, craft studio and graphics & animation studio, all under one roof. It is well decorated with masks and artistically painted kettles. They also have a little studio room selling handcrafted ceramics and other arty things. The sit-out in the balcony is spacious & colourful. Food is reasonably priced and served in good quantities.

Address: 187, Maniram Dewan Road Krishna Nagar, Chandmari, Guwahati

Where to stay in Guwahati

Being a transit point, there are many comfortable and affordable accommodation options in Guwahati.

Hotels in Guwahati

Hotel Rajmahal, Guwahati

I have stayed at Hotel Rajmahal, 2 out of 3 times I was in Guwahati and found it extremely comfortable. Being close to railway station, all major guwahati tourist places and a market on walking distance, it is a perfect place to crash. The food is also good. Book it here: Hotel Rajmahal

The Guwahati Address

The Guwahati Address is another good business hotel that is near Paltan Bazaar. It is cozy, contemporary and classy. Book it here: The Guwahati Address

Hostels in Guwahati

Gibbon Backpackers Hostel

Located in the middle of the city, Gibbon Backpackers Hostel provides a comfortable stay. It is a spacious, traditional Assamese house with a lawn area to lounge around. Meet like minded travelers from around the world and chat up over a cup of Assam Tea. Book it here: Gibbon Backpackers Hostel

Mezenga Backpackers Hostel

Another hostel in the city centre that is perfectly located to most tourist places in Guwahati. Book it here: Mezenga Backpackers Hostel

Best time to visit Guwahati

Guwahati is pleasant during winters (November to February) so it is best to visit then. Summers are extremely hot and humid which can make moving around and walking a small distance extremely uncomfortable. Monsoons are not a good time due to flooding in the Brahmaputra river and excessive rainfall everywhere.

How to reach Guwahati

By Flight:

Guwahati is well connected by regular flights to most major cities. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport is the major Airport in all of North East India and you can book a taxi/cab or board a bus to get to the city centre or to your hotel.

By Rail:

Guwahati railway station is well linked by rail to all major cities of the country with trains plying frequently at regular intervals.

By Bus:

Guwahati is very well connected with adjoining cities and states by regular bus services.

Getting around in Guwahati

Auto and app-based taxis – Ola and Uber are easily available round the clock. They are efficient, cost-effective and safe to explore the places to visit in Guwahati. There is also a possibility to rent a taxi for the day with a fixed charge.

Sustainable Tips for Places to visit in Guwahati

• This is a unique city having environmental as well as pilgrimage importance, so please respect it in all ways.
• Respect the ancient structures of temples by not sitting on them or by carving or writing on them.
• Observe peace and silence in temples. Do not use mobile phones in temples.
• Do not litter any of the tourist areas, especially while hiking or near waterfalls.

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