Guwahati is one of the fastest emerging urbanization in India. Popular things to do in Guwahati include boating in the river, cruise sailing, crazy shopping at fancy streets, and more. If you are still wondering what are the things to do in Guwahati, here is an extensive list of things you can plan on your next trip.
Science Museum
Established in the year 1994, Regional Science Museum is located in Khanapara, Guwahati. It is one of the many educational institutes in the state and was built to promote, enlighten, and educate people about prehistoric times and science and technology. Interactive exhibits and activity driven science education is what people come here for.
One of the most famous tourist attractions in the state of Assam, it is visited by not only kids but anybody who has an aptitude for learning. There is a prehistoric park having exhibits that are centuries old. 3D movies are played and there are many outdoor and indoor shows like magic mirror, butterfly corner, children’s corner, fun science that take place. The large aquarium which is the home to many different kinds of fishes is another attraction of this place. This is one of the things to do in Guwahati
Doul Govinda Temple
One of the most famous temples in Assam is the Doul Govinda Mandir. Located in North Guwahati, on the foothills of Chandrabati Hills, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is not only visited by Krishna devotees but by people of all faith for its scenic beauty. It is said that deity of Lord Krishna in this temple was installed by someone named Ganga Ram Baruah who brought it from a place in Nalbari named Sadhyasar.
All the festivals associated with Lord Krishna are celebrated here, Holi being one of the most important ones. The festival of colors is celebrated for a period of five days here and thousands of tourists and locals visit this place during this time. Janmashtami is another important festival that is celebrated here.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
It’s well-known that Guwahati is the land of great wildlife, and a holiday here should definitely include a visit to the beautiful Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Spanning over an area of 40 km, the sanctuary is home to the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, the River Dolphin and the Oriental Pied Hornbill.
There are 2000 migratory birds and reptiles which call the sanctuary their home and if you are a wildlife enthusiast, Pobitora shouldn’t be missed! The first safari begins at 6:30 in the morning, and if you’d like to catch the sunrise in the forest, then you definitely shouldn’t miss the morning safari.
- Distance from Guwahati: 55 km
- Timings: 6:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians, INR 500 for Foreign Nationals
- Jeep Safari Fee: INR 2000
Dipor Bil, Guwahati
A stunning freshwater lake in the city of Guwahati, Dipor Bil or Deepor Beel is home to a huge variety of birds. Among the more notable bird species, the Kingfisher, Fishing Eagle, Whistling Teal and Pintail are some of the rare varieties that you’ll encounter here. This deepwater lake gets its water from the rivers of Basistha and Kalamini and it is considered to be the largest lake in the Brahmaputra valley. The place is a haven for birdwatchers but even if that is not your favourite activity, you should definitely include it in your itinerary. The best time to visit this place is from October through March.
Assam State Zoo
Assam State Zoo is one of the most prominent attractions of Guwahati. Spread over 130 hectares of land, the zoo is home to an astounding collection of rare and endangered species of wildlife. Take your kids along on this magnificent walk through the array of exotic and rare wild species of animals in their natural habitat. Some of the most photographed animals here include the rare one-horned-rhinoceros, the rarer white tigers, swamp tapirs and leopards. The zoo also comprises of animal exhibits, a museum, a reptile house, a botanical garden and a herbarium collection.
Basistha Ashram Temple
Situated on the banks of a small yet charming stream, the Basistha Ashram Temple is one of the most revered temples in the city of Guwahati. In the year 1764, King Rajeswar Singha of the Ahom dynasty commissioned the building of this temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. If the inscriptions are to be believed the Ashran dates back to the Vedic period and was built by Saint Basistha.
Ugratara Temple
The Ugratara Temple is one of the most sacred and important pilgrimage centres of Assam. Dedicated to Goddess Ugra Tara (considered as another form of Goddess Parvati), the temple was constructed by King Shiva Singh of the Ahom Kingdom in 1725. On the east side of the temple, you will find a water tank called the Jor Pukhuri. The upper section of the temple suffered considerable damage due to an earthquake. Since then, it has undergone several renovation and modification attempts. During the festival of Navaratri, pilgrims from far and wide come to the temple to offer their prayers and participate in the festivities.
Kamakhya Temple
Located on the Nilanchal Hill in the western part of Guwahati in Assam, Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered shrines of Goddess Shakti in India. According to the Hindu scriptures, there are four important Shakti Peethas (Temples with highest powers of divinity) in the country and Kamakhya Temple is one of them. Kamakhya Temple celebrates the power of the woman to give birth and is regarded as extremely auspicious among the followers of the Tantrik sect of Hinduism. It was built and reconstructed multiple times between the 8th and 17th Centuries and is a spectacle in itself.
The main entrance of the Kamakhya temple is beautifully designed with simple yet elegant carvings that are decorated with colourful flowers. The temple has a massive dome which overlooks the quaint Nilanchal Hills in the background. It is especially decked up during the Ambubachi Festival and fare that is held for 3-4 Days in the month of June.
Umananda Island
The smallest river island in the world, Umananda Island is a place with legends aplenty, a place where man and the wilderness co-habit in peace and serenity. Umananda Island lies at the heart of the Mighty Brahmaputra River which flows through the middle of the city of Guwahati. An island with many legends associated with it has not been destroyed by the presence of human beings as yet. It was known as Peacock Island among the British Colonists who named it so based on its shape. The Island is home to a very rare and endangered species called Golden Langurs who are considered to be highly sacred among the people of the Himalayas.
The legend goes that it is the very same place where Lord Kamdev (Lord of Love) was burnt into ashes by the third eye of Lord Shiva when the former tried to disrupt his meditation thereby giving it its alternative name Bhasmchal. The major attraction of the island is the Umananda Devi Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and sees a large influx of devotees during religious festivals.
Fancy Bazar
Endearingly called as the ‘Chandni Chowk of Guwahati’, Fancy Bazaar is probably the best flea market in all of Guwahati. Consisting of a bazillion tiny shops, stray stalls, roadside setups, Fancy Bazaar is sure to lure you with its labyrinthian alleys and its throwaway prices. A chaotic yet charming amalgamation of the disarrayed shopkeepers, the hustling shoppers along with the aroma of the local street food, the market is a shopping hub for all the compulsive shoppers out there.
This shoppers’ paradise is the go-to place for anything and everything ranging from designer clothes to boots to jewellery, stationery, accessories, artefacts and even furniture, and all of it in the really reasonable wholesale prices. The market is famous for housing some famous Assam Silk shops, garment shops, not to forget, sweets shops and little coops for memorable knick knacks and takeaways. The delicious eateries lined at the side will help you refresh and rejuvenate with lip-smacking local snacks.
Assam State Museum
Built in the 1940s, the Assam State Museum takes you for an intriguing journey through Northeast India. Situated in the city centre, this place is a must-visit for history buffs and those who are interested in the rich culture of the Northeast. Showcasing an extensive collection of sculptures, handicrafts, arms and artefacts, the museum traces back the ancient as well as the modern history of the region.
Guwahati Planetarium
The Guwahati Planetarium offers a glimpse into the secrets of the universe and is a great way to spend your time if you are travelling with children and young adults. Located at the very accessible MG Road, the planetarium takes one through sky watching sessions detailing the history and the evolution of the universe. Since there is limited seating in the planetarium, it’s best to reach early. With shows in both English and Assamese, you may want to check their schedule to attend the session of your choice.
Saraighat Bridge
Saraighat Bridge connects northeast India with the rest of India – and it’s quite beautiful! Opened to traffic in 1962, the Saraighat Bridge is the first rail-cum-road bridge over the leviathan Brahmaputra River. Saraighat is a historically important place too. It was where the legendary battle between the Mughals and the Ahoms (rulers of Assam from the 12th century for about 600 years) took place. The Ahoms defeated the Mughals in this historic battle.
River Cruise in the Brahmaputra
One of the prime things to do in Guwahati is experience a cruise ride in the Brahmaputra. Considered to be one of the most romantic experiences in the city, you can opt for a romantic candle lit dinner or watch a mesmerizing sunset with your significant other. You can also enjoy mouth watering cuisine and live music.
Guwahati Planetarium, Guwahati
The Guwahati Planetarium, located on MG Road is an excellent destination for the ‘universe lovers’. The magic of the infinitely expanding universe is explained in such detail and is yet beyond anybody’s understanding.
Apart from the regular Sky watching sessions conducted by the experts at the planetarium, special shows projected on a dome-shaped overhead screen are the star attraction of the Planetarium. These shows are available in Hindi, English as well as Assamese and the timings are as convenient. The shows are just 2 hours apart and hence easy for tourists to manage.
Purva Tirupati Shri Balaji Temple
The Tirupati Balaji Temple is a magnificent temple of the city, Guwahati. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is considered to be a very holy place for the Hindu pilgrims. The temple has a very unique architectural design and is built over a large area of land. At the entrance of the temple one can find a temple of Lord Ganesha. The main temple dedicated to Lord Balaji has an idol weighing about 4 tonnes. In the adjoining portions to the main temple there are several other temples that are built in dedication of other deities like Goddess Padmavathi and Garuda who is the vahana of Lord Balaji. One can also see the South Indian style used in the construction of this temple. The pure white structure of the complex allures the visitors the most. The temple organizes regular pujas and other religious ceremonies. There is a beautiful park attached to the temple where you can sit and relax for sometime after completing the puja in the mandir. The serenity and pleasant ambience of the place makes one forget all the worries and tensions of life.This is one of the important thing to do in Guwahati.
