guwahati
Being the main cultural, political, educational, transportation, and commercial centre of Northeast India, Guwahati is known as the Gateway to the Northeast. Guwahati is renowned for its international character, cuisine, people, festivals, and rich culture and heritage.
Guwahati, the biggest city in Assam and the Northeast, is one of the Indian cities with the most rapid growth. Due to the abundance of historic temples in this area, Guwahati is sometimes referred to as the "city of temples".
Things To Do
- Offer prayers at kamakhaya temple :
One of the most respected shakti temples in India is the Kamakhya temple, which is situated on the Nilanchal Hill in the western section of Guwahati, Assam. The temple, together with the Vimala Temple, Sthana Khanda, and Dakhina Kalika in Kolkata, West Bengal, are the four most significant Shakti Peethas out of the 51 in the nation. The Kamakhya Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Tantrik sect's goddess of lust, is a festive place. Tantra Sect adherents worship Kamakshi or Kamakhya, hence this shrine is extremely important from a religious, historical, and archaeological standpoint. One of the greatest things to do in Guwahati is to pay a visit here.
- Spot wildlife at Guwahati zoo :
The Guwahati Zoo, as it is well called, is a natural paradise sprawled across a vast area of 430 acres and has earned a reputation as one of the best zoos in the nation. In spite of this, the protected area, which is located in the heavily wooded Hengrabari forest reserve in the heart of Guwahati, retains a strong connection to nature. The zoo features beautiful landscape gardens, a wide variety of fauna, and a tranquil setting. This place is a wildlife admirer's heaven and is well worth the trip because of the unusual profusion of species there! Including this visit among your Guwahati must-do activities.
- Natural retreat at dipor bil :
A freshwater lake called Dipor Bil (sometimes spelled Deepor Beel) is situated in the old Brahmaputra river channel in the Assamese Kamrup region, 18 kilometres southwest of Guwahati. The lake's 40 sq. km. size and rich biodiversity led to its 1989 designation as a bird sanctuary. Dipor Bil is one of Assam's top tourist destinations since it is home to a wide diversity of unusual bird species. It offers a beautiful perspective of the different woodland and wetland habitats and is widely known for its untouched beauty and biodiversity. Visits to this region, which is popular with visitors, are among the best things to do in Guwahati.
- Shop at fancy bazaar :
Fancy Bazar, which is charmingly referred to as the "Chandni Chowk of Guwahati," is arguably the greatest flea market in the entire city. You'll be drawn in by Fancy Bazaar's confusing lanes, low prices, and countless small stores, stragglers, and roadside stands. The market is a shopping destination for all obsessive shoppers out there, and buying here is one of the most important things to do in Guwahati. It is a chaotic yet lovely mixture of the disorganised sellers, the hurrying consumers, and the smells of the local street cuisine.
- Cruising in the Bhramaputra :
Taking a trip on the Brahmaputra is among the top things to do in Guwahati. Choose from one of the city's most romantic activities, such as a candle-lit supper for two or a romantic sunset viewing with your special someone. You may also enjoy mouth delicious meals and great music.
- Rafting in kameng river :
River rafting on the Kameng River is one of the most popular activities to do in Guwahati. Raft along the powerful currents of the Kameng River for an exhilarating experience amidst the vibrant tribal culture, beauty of Mother Nature, dense woods, magnificent riverine system, and astounding bio variety. Improve your rafting experience while taking in the serene North-East surroundings on the Kameng River. White river rafting is a once-in-a-lifetime event that will fully inspire amazement in you. It is offered in the most distant of the regions packed with loads of wildness. So prepare for the most captivating event of your life by packing your bags.
- Revitalize at nehru park :
Nehru Park, a picturesque garden park created in 2000 and named in honour of the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, is situated in the centre of the city of Guwahati, just across from Cotton College in the Panbazar neighbourhood of Guwahati. The park area, which is near many institutions in Guwahati's old institutional district, was previously a chapel with numerous tombs. Then, the Assam government seized over and changed its mind. The park has been enhanced with a variety of trees, plush grass, and impressive sculptures to become one of the city's top tourist destinations today.
- Admire handicrafts at maati centre :
Pabitra Lama Sarmah, a former employee of the world bank, and her husband Rishi Raj Sarmah founded the maati center in uzan bazar, Guwahati. The centre has developed into a magnificent fusion of local culture and regional arts. It was founded with the goal of promoting the skills and handcrafted creations of local craftsmen from nonprofit organisations like Tihar Prison and Dastakar Ranthambore. Maati centre offers a stage to display new and independent artists and gives them a wider exposure with the intention of promoting handicrafts and heritage. The centre preserves, records, and maps oral, folk, and tribal arts in an effort to revive a long-lost civilization.
Places To Visit / Adventures If Any
- Umananda temple :
A Shiva temple called Umananda Temple is situated on peacock island in the Brahmaputra river. The tiniest populated riverine island in the world is called peacock island. Country boats are available all day to bring visitors to the island. The mountain where the temple is located is known by the name of Bhasmacala.
- Kamakhya temple :
One of India's most famous sanctuaries to Goddess Shakti is the Kamakhya Temple. Moreover, it is one of the four Shakti Peethas (Temples with highest powers of divinity). Also, this is among the most famous and historic locations for Tantric rituals. Especially during the Ambubachi Festival, the temple is decorated.
- Guwahati zoo :
The 130-acre Assam Zoo is a well-liked tourist attraction and is delighted to be home to a variety of rare and endangered animals. The one-horned rhinos, swamp tapirs, whiter tigers, and leopards, to name a few, are frequently guests favourites.
- Umnanda island :
Umananda Island, which is the world's smallest river island, is located in the middle of the Brahmaputra river. Golden langurs, a very uncommon and endangered species that is revered by the Himalayan people, may be found on the island. The island's umananda devi temple is its main draw.
- Assam state museum :
One of North-East India's most well-known museums, the Assam State Museum (also known as the Assam Rajyik State Museum), provides insights into the region's rich ancient and current history. The fifth through the twelfth centuries are represented by the artefacts and sculptures found there.
- Guwahati planetrium :
A great place to go for "universe enthusiasts" is the Guwahati Planetarium on MG Road. Special displays that are shown on an above dome-shaped screen are the main draw in addition to the usual Skywatching sessions.
- Chandubi lake :
A natural lake that was produced by an earthquake may be found at the foot of the Garo Hills, close to Assam and Meghalaya. It is known as Chandubi Lake. It is a lake that is incredibly serene and tranquil, encircled by tea plantations, dense forests, and little settlements. It is an essential picnic location.
- Hajo :
Three religious groups visit the historic Haajo pilgrimage site: Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists. All across this location, there are temples devoted to important muslim saints as well as Durga, Shiva, Vishnu, and Buddha.
- Dispur :
Assam's stunning capital, Dispur, is home to panoramic views, unusual customs, and a vibrant tribal culture. One can observe the state's unique culture thanks to the numerous Hindu temples that dot the landscape. Dispur is renowned for its market for tea auctions.
- Saraighat bridge :
The first railway-road bridge was built at Saraighat in Guwahati, across the Brahmaputra river. The bridge's construction began in 1958, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the country's then-prime minister, officially opened it to cargo vehicles in 1962.
- Ambubachi mela :
In the Maa Kamakhya Devi temple, the magnificent Ambubachi Mela takes place. The four-day Ambubachi Mela usually takes place in June and takes place in the month of Asaadh of the conventional Hindu calendar. The primary objective of the celebration is to celebrate the earth's rich fertility. On these four days, Kamakhya Temple celebrates the concept of Kamakhya Devi's yearly menstrual cycle.
- Pandu :
King Pandu serves as the inspiration for the name of the suburban community Pandu (father of the famous five Pandavas). There is a Pandu temple on the town's Tila Hills (the Pandunath temple).
- Vivanta by Taj :
One of Guwahati's finest five-star hotels, Vivanta by Taj is situated in the centre of the city's major districts on the Guwahati-Shillong highway. It is surrounded by lovely greenery, created with the utmost flair to provide luxury and comfort on a silver platter, and is situated in this setting. Each room has wooden floors, cosy mattresses, chic furnishings, and a number of contemporary conveniences. You may also take a tour of the grounds to take in their beauty. The hotel is widely recognised for offering its customers the best amenities and knowledgeable staff, which draws a lot of tourists.
- Radisson Blu :
The Radisson Blu Hotel is a five star hotel in Guwahati that welcomes all sorts of tourists, regardless of whether they are there on business, for pleasure with their family, for a vacation with their friends, or for an adventure alone. This hotel offers its customers the best value for their money as well as the maximum comfort and is situated in a peaceful neighbourhood of Assam. Aside from its amazing hospitality and first-rate services, what makes it so exceptional is its location, which provides access to nearby attractions like Deepor Beel and Hindu temples. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a garden, a bar, a 24-hour front desk, and a number of additional amenities to ensure that guests have a fantastic stay.
- Hotel Gateway Grandeur :
One of the best hotels in Guwahati, Hotel Gateway Grandeur is a local landmark and a good example of both cutting-edge amenities and kind hospitality. This hotel offers everything at a new level of luxury, whether travelling for work or pleasure. The bar, restaurant, and café are all included in the value in addition to the lodging. Any guest searching for a relaxed stay will find the ambiance at this hotel to be excellent. The ideal setting is one where standards are enhanced rather than lowered.
- Greenwood Resort :
One of the top hotels in Guwahati, The Greenwood Resort is little over a half-hour from the airport and a little over a quarter-hour from the railway station. The resort, which covers around 55 acres, is an excellent location for family reunions, business meetings, and corporate outings. The venue is gradually becoming into virtually everyone in Guwahati's first pick for any event thanks to its one auditorium/hall and five lawns on the property.
- Brahmaputra Jungle Resort :
This lovely resort is one of the best in Guwahati and is set on the beautiful beaches of the river Brahmaputra. It is surrounded by tropical modernism and features facilities like a pool, a restaurant, and a hip bar. Each cottage and room is a charming retreat with a kitchenette and views of the Assamese undulating hills and a sparkling lake. The Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, a paradise for animal safaris, is located behind this resort. Brahmaputra Jungle Resort is one of the resorts in Guwahati that offers breathtaking views and serene seclusion. The resort's advantageous location gives it the best place to explore the main local attractions on foot. The distance to the closest airport is likewise around a half-hour drive.
- Zizina Resorts :
In Guwahati, Zizina Resorts offers 4-star accomodation. This unique hotel offers several services, including room service, a tour desk, and a car hire desk. Visitors at Zizina Resorts can take use of the grounds. The motel offers accommodations with cable/satellite channels and all the comforts of home. A restaurant, which is a convenient location to dine, is one of the dining options on-site. The distance between it and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is 40 minutes by car. Those looking for a relaxing time away from the hotel can find fishing places around it.
- Terra Mayaa Restaurant And Lounge :
Chef Gitika Saikia's top recommendation for live music lovers is Terra Mayaa. When you visit for the first time, be sure to order the Tandoori New Zealand Lamb Chops, Tandoor Roast Pork, and Buckwheat Gnocchi in Pesto Sauce with Asparagus & Truffle Oil.
- Mising Kitchen :
Chef Saikia recommends a trip to Mising Kitchen if you want to treat your taste buds with authentic tribal cuisine. She has suggestions for the meal, right? The Mising Pork Thali and the Mising Chicken Thali, which include rice, yellow dal, black dal, khar, leafy fry, veg anja, homemade pickle, mising chutney, chicken curry, chicken boiled, chicken khorika, chicken aran, fish pitika, and fish patot diya, respectively (Rice, Yellow Dal, Black Dal, Khar, Leafy Fry, Veg Anja, Home Made Pickle, Mising Chutney,
- Naga Kitchen :
Naga Restaurant, which, as its name implies, provides genuine Naga food, is the next establishment on chef Saikia's list. If you enjoy dumplings, you'll adore the restaurant - the Pork steamed dumplings and chicken fried dumplings are both must-haves. For those who seek a true taste of tribal food, they also provide an authentic Naga Thali.
- King Chilly :
The traditional Assamese food served here is King Chilly's crowning achievement, yet everything about it promises a classic Assamese experience, from the woods décor with tonnes of bamboos to the cooking gear. Rahu Maas, Hahor Mangxo aru Aloo, and Gahoti Bhot Jolokia (pork Assamese style) are all highly recommended.
- 11th Avenue Cafe Baristo :
The Italiano frittatas and eggs benedict at 11th Avenue Cafe Bistro make it the ideal place for a morning date. If you're going for lunch, place an order for the spaghetti with basil pesto. Like pizza? You must try their pepperoni pizza and pork pizza.
How To Reach
- By Air: Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport manages all of the planes that land there each day. Guwahati International Airport is another name for the facility, which serves the city of Guwahati as well as other Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Flights are also run from other countries, including Bangkok and Paro.
- By Train: Guwahati junction would be your final stop if you were taking a train to Guwahati. It runs frequent trains to Guwahati from many locations in India. There are several trains that go to Guwahati, including the Rajdhani Express, Northeast Express, and Brahmaputra Mail from New Delhi, the Bangalore Express from Bangalore, the Kamrup Express from Kolkata, and the Dadar Express from Mumbai.
- By Road: West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar, three states that are close to Guwahati, provide connection through an excellent network of interstates that pass through them.
Best Time To Travel
Given that Guwahati enjoys a humid subtropical climate, october to april is the ideal time to travel there. For a special and pleasurable view of Assam, visitors may also wish to schedule their trip around the Bihu celebrations that take place in april, january, and september-october.
Language
Assamese, commonly known as asomiya, is the primary language used in Guwahati, but Hindi and English are also occasionally heard. Bodo, Rabha, Karbi, Dimaca, Mishing, and other commonly spoken regional languages are also listed among the top languages.
People in Guwahati practise a variety of religions, including Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity, and Islam, although the majority adhere to Hinduism.
Food & Street Foods
- Momos :
The adaptable Momo, enjoyed by many and by far the most well-known cuisine from the northeast, has tibetan roots. This traditional dumpling is a favourite snack of both locals and tourists in Guwahati and can be found on each street corner, either steamed or deep-fried. These delightful, gently flavoured morsels, which may be filled with anything from mushrooms, paneer, or veggies to chicken, shrimp, or pig, are typically served with a traditional assamese chilli dip.
- Jhal Muri :
Chaat is a dish that may be found in every region of India. Jhal muri, a dish from Guwahati that is comparable to bhel puri from Bombay, is a combination of puffed rice, nuts, herbs, and delectable sauces or chutney. It is sweet, sour, spicy, and salty.
Many more delectable flavours and combinations may be found in Guwahati, though. Jhal Muri in this region is a taste explosion, with some varieties prepared with mustard or a native star fruit called kodoi.
- Luchi :
The deep-fried, refined-flour flatbread known as luchi is nearly identical to the ubiquitous poori. Get this hot, fresh fried bread from roadside sellers who serve it with either vegetarian or meat-based gravies. It is surprisingly light and flavorful.
This is prepared in only a few seconds in heated oil and is gently crisp and deliciously simple, making it the star rather than the supporting act of a dinner.
- Assam Tea :
Assam's native product, tea, is grown here in the world's largest tea gardens, making it the best tea you can find. Assam tea may be made in a variety of methods, some of which are uniquely assamese, and is loved throughout the state, the nation, and even abroad.
In Guwahati, you can never go without a decent cup of tea. Wherever you look, tea is the preferred beverage from dawn till night, in every stall, restaurant, and house. You will be amazed and impressed by the distinctive and traditional manner in which it is cooked and presented, which are occasionally made salty rather than sweet in certain distant locations.
- Thupka :
This hearty traditional assamese meal will satiate not just your appetite but all of your senses. This noodle soup with tibetan influences is fragrant with lemongrass and ginger and has a hint of fish sauce. The flavours all combine nicely to create something umami. Thukpa is a complete meal in and of itself. Whether it is served vegetarian or with shredded chicken, pig, or prawns and garnished with spring onions and fresh herbs, the range of tastes and textures satisfies both the body and the spirit.
- Chowmein :
There are parallels between assamese and Tibetan food, which is not surprising given the proximity to and heavy Tibetan influences throughout the region. One such dish - famous around the world as a chinese staple shares names with foods from other countries.
Chow Mein is a delicate homemade noodle dish that is stir-fried with fresh, crisp veggies and shredded pork or seafood. Roadside carts provide this quick cuisine around the state.
- Khaar :
Khaar is a comforting assamese cuisine prepared with vegetables and lentils, with meat, fish, or even duck serving as the primary element.
This recipe includes an uncommon step that involves straining the water used for preparation through dried banana plant leaves. This step adds an unexpected blast of peculiar yet refreshing taste.
- Silkworms :
Assamese tribal people consume several odd dishes. The silkworm is one of them. If you had no idea what you were eating, you would enjoy this snack, which is soft and cheesy inside and crispy and spiced on the exterior.
Get a portion of this popular dish, which is quickly gaining popularity around the city, and prepare to be shocked and left wanting more.
- Masor Tenga :
As tourism is a significant sector throughout the northeast and tourists are eager to sample local cuisine, demand for high-quality products has increased. Due to this need, Assam has recently experienced tremendous development and breakthroughs in indigenous fish farming.
In this area, a particular fish called the rohu is widely farmed. Both residents and tourists enjoy the traditional fish curry called Masor Tenga, which is created with this freshwater species.
- Payash :
The fact that rice is also used to make one of Guwahati's most popular sweets is not surprising. Sticky rice pudding known as "Payash" or "Payas" is made with palm sugar, gently scented with cardamom and saffron, and topped with dried fruits and nuts. Try this surprisingly straightforward milk-based pudding, whether it's hot or cold.
Culture
One of the main cities in the Northeast is Guwahati, which is renowned for its extensive cultural history and traditions. The city serves as the major hub for cultural activities in Assam, and visitors will undoubtedly be enthralled by Guwahati's incredibly rich cultural past. The artistic and craft forms, music and dance, festivals, cuisine, and other aspects of Guwahati's vibrant culture may all be observed.
Guwahati's dance and music traditions, which are fundamental to the city's culture and that of its residents, provide a clear understanding of the city's cultural legacy.
In order to display the city's rich cultural legacy, the inhabitants actively participate in music and dance.
The most significant assamese traditional dance, the bihu dance, is presented during a number of Guwahati cultural festivals. The assamese vaishnava saint Srimanta Sankardeva established the satriya dance, another significant traditional dance genre. Now gaining recognition on a global scale, this dance is regarded as one of India's principal classical dance genres.