Guwahati, on the south bank of the Brahmaputra, is the largest city in north-east India and the gateway to the region, with the main airport and railway hub. It was known in ancient times as Pragjyotishpura and has been a centre of Shakti worship for many centuries.
The best things to do in Guwahati include darshan at the Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill, a boat to the Umananda temple on its river island, a sunset cruise or ropeway ride over the Brahmaputra, and the city's museums and cultural centres. Short trips lead to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary for rhinos, the multi-faith pilgrimage town of Hajo and the silk-weaving village of Sualkuchi.
One to two days is enough for the city. October to March is the most comfortable time.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Guwahati travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Guwahati
- Visit Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill
- Take a ferry to Umananda Temple on Peacock Island
- Take a Brahmaputra sunset cruise
- Ride the river ropeway to North Guwahati
- See the Assam State Museum
- Visit Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra
- Go birdwatching at Deepor Beel
- See one-horned rhinos at Pobitora
- Visit Hajo's temples and mosque
- Watch silk weavers at Sualkuchi
Going by road? See our guide to road trips in Northeast India.
Temples and the river
Visit Kamakhya Temple
Kamakhya, on Nilachal Hill, is one of the most important Shakti Peethas and a major centre of Tantric worship. The present temple was rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries under the Koch and Ahom kings. Queues for the inner sanctum can take several hours; special darshan tickets are available. The Ambubachi Mela in June draws huge crowds.
- Time needed
- 2β4 hours
- Best time
- Early morning on weekdays
- Good to know
- Very busy during Ambubachi in June
Take a ferry to Umananda
Umananda Temple, dedicated to Shiva, sits on Peacock Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra, often described as one of the smallest inhabited river islands in the world. Ferries leave from Umananda Ghat near the High Court. The island is home to golden langurs, a rare primate.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Good for
- Families
Cruise the Brahmaputra at sunset
Sunset cruises on the Brahmaputra leave from the riverfront, with music and snacks on board. The river is wide here and sunsets over the water can be spectacular. The Guwahati ropeway, one of the longest river ropeways in India, crosses from the city to North Guwahati and gives aerial views.
- Best time
- Sunset
- Good for
- Couples, families
See Basistha Ashram and Navagraha Temple
Basistha Ashram, at the city's southern edge, is a temple linked to the sage Vasishtha, set among streams and forest. The Navagraha Temple on Chitrachal Hill is dedicated to the nine planets and was historically a centre of astronomy.
Museums and culture
See the Assam State Museum
The Assam State Museum near Dighalipukhuri tank has sculptures, inscriptions, manuscripts, textiles and a gallery on the region's tribal cultures. It is a good introduction to Assam's history.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Good to know
- Closed on Mondays
Visit Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra
Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra is a cultural complex named after the 15th- and 16th-century saint-reformer. It has museums on Assamese culture, a heritage park with traditional houses, and hosts performances of Sattriya dance and Bihu.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Good for
- Culture seekers
Shop at Fancy Bazar and Pan Bazar
Fancy Bazar is Guwahati's busy wholesale market for clothes, spices and household goods. Look for Assam silk (muga, pat and eri), gamosa towels and Assam tea in the shops of Pan Bazar and Paltan Bazar.
Eat Assamese food
Try an Assamese thali with masor tenga (sour fish curry), khar, duck with ash gourd, aloo pitika and pitha. Assam tea, of course, is everywhere.
- Good for
- Food lovers
Day trips
See rhinos at Pobitora
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, about 50 km from Guwahati, has one of the highest densities of one-horned rhinos in the world. Jeep safaris in the morning often bring close sightings, making it a good option if you cannot go to Kaziranga.
- Best time
- November to April
Visit Hajo
Hajo, across the river, is a pilgrimage town sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. The Hayagriva Madhava Temple is believed by some Buddhists to be where the Buddha attained nirvana, and the Poa Mecca mosque on a nearby hill is an important Muslim shrine.
Watch silk weavers at Sualkuchi
Sualkuchi, near Hajo, is known as the silk village of Assam. Almost every house has a loom, weaving muga and pat silk mekhela chadors. Visitors can watch weavers at work and buy directly.
- Good for
- Shoppers, culture seekers
Go birdwatching at Deepor Beel
Deepor Beel, a Ramsar wetland on the western edge of the city, attracts migratory ducks, storks and waders in winter. Wild elephants sometimes visit from nearby forests.
- Best time
- November to February
Things to do in Guwahati by type of traveller
Pilgrims: Kamakhya at dawn, Umananda by ferry and a day at Hajo.
Families: The river cruise, ropeway, Umananda's langurs and a morning safari at Pobitora.
Travellers in transit: With half a day, visit Kamakhya and take a sunset cruise before heading to Shillong or Kaziranga.
What to do in Guwahati with one day
Visit Kamakhya early, then take the ferry to Umananda. After lunch, see the Assam State Museum and Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, and end with a Brahmaputra sunset cruise.
Practical tips for Guwahati
- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is about 25 km from the city centre.
- Traffic can be heavy; allow extra time for the airport.
- Dress modestly at temples; leather items may not be allowed at Kamakhya.
- Monsoon (June to September) brings flooding in parts of Assam; check conditions.
Plan the rest of your Guwahati trip
Guwahati things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Guwahati?
Visit Kamakhya Temple, take a ferry to Umananda, enjoy a Brahmaputra sunset cruise and the ropeway, see the Assam State Museum and Kalakshetra, and take trips to Pobitora, Hajo and Sualkuchi.
How long does darshan take at Kamakhya?
It varies widely, from under an hour on quiet weekday mornings to several hours on weekends and festivals. Special darshan tickets reduce the wait.
How many days are enough for Guwahati?
One to two days, plus a day for Pobitora or Hajo.
Can I see rhinos near Guwahati?
Yes, at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, about 50 km away.
Things to do near Guwahati
- Things to do in Shillong: about three hours away
- Things to do in Kaziranga: rhinos and tigers, about five hours east
- Things to do in Majuli: the river island of satras
- Things to do in Tawang: Arunachal's monastery town
More things to do in Assam
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team Β· Last updated Β· How we research our guides
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