Rich in history and culture, Guwahati is a hustling gateway to Assam that brims with natural beauty and urban charm. Be it for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, or culture aficionados, Guwahati has so much to offer that will quench the thirst of every enthusiastic traveller. From ancient temples to busy markets, serendipitous riversides, and rich biodiversity, these are some of the best things to do in Guwahati. Here’s a list of a few places to visit in Guwahati and the things you can do there that’ll be etched in your memory for years to come.
10 Best Things To Do In Guwahati
Discover the things to do in Guwahati through these captivating attractions and activities, which are ideal for an enriching retreat in Assam, India.
1. Kamakhya Temple
Photo: Medhi jyoti / Wikimedia Commons
Going to the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most ancient and sacrosanct Shakti Peethas in India, is one of Guwahati’s extraordinary experiences. This sacred temple complex overlooks the city and the Brahmaputra River from atop Nilachal Hill. The Goddess Kamakhya, which is enshrined here, attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Visitors are also amazed by the temple’s unique architecture, with intricate carvings and a fusion of a few diverse styles. The festival Ambubachi Mela holds great significance and is visited by thousands of devotees.
Location: Nilachal Hill, Guwahati
Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Guwahati For An Extra Special Trip To Assam
2. Umananda Island
Photo: Ashwin Ganesh M / Wikimedia Commons
The Umananda Island on the Brahmaputra River is a peaceful escape from the noise of the city. The island’s local attraction is the Umananda Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A scenic ferry ride away from Uzan Bazar ghat, Umananda Island offers visitors picturesque views and a tranquil environment. Umananda Temple has attracted devotees and history lovers alike since the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha built it in the 17th century. .
Location: Brahmaputra River, Guwahati
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free (ferry charges apply)
3. Kaziranga National Park
Photo: Joli / Wikimedia Commons
For nature lovers, one of the top things to do in Guwahati would have to be spending a day in Kaziranga National Park. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a popular spot for history lovers. Tourists relish the opportunity to enjoy jeep and elephant safaris and spot its local wildlife. Kaziranga stretches across parts of Golaghat and Nagaon districts and is an absolute must for wildlife enthusiasts with its green landscapes and wide variety of fauna like tigers, elephants, and a lot of bird species.
Location: Golaghat and Nagaon districts
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM (closed during the monsoon season)
Entry Fee: Varies based on safari type and nationality
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Tinsukia To Escape City Life
4. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Biswarup Sen / Wikimedia Commons
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located about 50 km from the city, is usually included on the list of best places to visit in Guwahati. This sanctuary has the highest density of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Jeep safaris and elephant rides are available here. The lush green surroundings, rich in biodiversity with various types of birds, make it highly suitable for nature photography and an ideal place for birdwatching. The sanctuary is the most accessible getaway for tourists who want to get a taste of Assam’s wildlife without getting deep into the state. The conservation efforts undertaken at the sanctuary and the landscape’s scenic beauty make the place one of the regional attractions near Guwahati.
Location: Morigaon district
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Cost/Person: ₹50
5. Assam State Museum
Photo: Saumya.purkayastha / Wikimedia Commons
Situated at the heart of Guwahati, the Assam State Museum is a treasury of cultural heritage. Developed in 1940, this museum features a massive collection of sculptures, manuscripts, traditional handicrafts, and tribal art. The exhibits dip into the very roots of Assam’s history, culture, and traditions. The various galleries, among them the archaeological and numismatics sections, make it a site of interest for any history student. The museum is centrally located at Dighalipukhuri and is accessible for visitors to explore this cultural landmark.
Location: Dighalipukhuri, Guwahati
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹5 for adults, ₹2 for children
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Guwahati At Night
6. Fancy Bazaar
Photo: NIC LAW / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Fancy Bazaar, a busy and lively market within Pan Bazaar, offers a variety of products—Assamese traditional attires, handicrafts, and other modern goods. The bazaar has several local street food shops that provide a taste of Assamese cuisine. Tourists walking through its narrow lanes, bustling with shops and the crowd, indulge in the essence of Guwahati’s urban culture. It is precisely because of this eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary items that one can find souvenirs and gifts different from the usual at Fancy Bazaar and one of the best things to do in Guwahati.
Location: Pan Bazaar, Guwahati
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
7. Brahmaputra River Cruise
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The Brahmaputra River Cruise is one of the best activities to do in Guwahati due to its serene and picturesque experience. These cruises, ranging from short evening trips to longer ones, present a single striking view of the river and the landscapes around it. The ones taken at sunset are very popular as they offer a pictorial and peaceful relaxing environment. The cruise program also features folk cultural performances with Assamese songs and dances, while the food includes sumptuous local cuisine. Taking a cruise on one of India’s biggest rivers, the Brahmaputra, and getting an introduction to Guwahati’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage leaves a memorable mark on visitors.
Location: Brahmaputra River, Guwahati
Cost/Person: ₹1200 for Adults & ₹800 for Children
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Silchar Where The Nature’s Beauty Is At Its Peak
8. Nehru Park
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Nehru Park is ideal for a cool walk or even a family outing. It is dedicated to the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the garden is beautifully landscaped and covered with gardens, fountains, and statues depicting the local dance forms. Well-maintained pathways and green lawns make it an ideal place for leisurely strolls, picnics, and enjoying nature’s bounty. It is centrally located at Pan Bazaar and is easily accessible, thus providing a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Location: Pan Bazaar, Guwahati
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children
9. Guwahati Planetarium
Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons
One of the prime things to do in Guwahati, especially for those interested in astronomy, is visit the Guwahati Planetarium. Located on MG Road, it has regular shows and other interactive exhibits to entertain and inform about the cosmos. It is a great venue for families and school groups looking for digital sky theatres with special shows that educate with great insight into the universe. The planetarium is an asset in the science and astronomy education of the masses, particularly children. Its interactive exhibitions and informative shows make learning about space science fun and engaging. It adds a different kind of educational experience to your visit to Guwahati.
Location: MG Road, Guwahati
Timings: 11 AM – 4 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kaziranga On Your Wildlife Voyage To Assam
10. Saraighat Bridge
Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons
One of the biggest engineering marvels and landmarks, Saraighat Bridge, is the first rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River. The visitors often learn a detailed history of its construction and the beautiful views this place offers. Completed in 1962, the bridge proved vital in linking the northeastern region with the rest of India. The bridge is a great vantage point to view the might of the Brahmaputra, suitable for both photography and enjoying the scenery. It is considered the pride of connectivity and progress in Assam and adds a historical significance to its tourism value.
Location: Maligaon, Guwahati
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, offering a plethora of experiences that cater to all types of travellers. Whether you’re drawn to the things to do in Guwahati for its cultural treasures, natural beauty, or culinary delights, the city promises a memorable and enriching experience. Discover the hidden gem of Assam with TripXL—your gateway to the perfect Guwahati getaway.
Photo: Rituraj Bhuyan / Wikimedia Commons