Places to visit near Guwahati offer a heady mix of nature, culture, and history. At a readily accessible distance, you find yourself deep inside the green landscapes of the Kaziranga National Park, which shelters the grand one-horned rhinoceros. If spiritual salvation comes to your mind, serenity is in store in the Umananda Island, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Adventure seekers get drawn to this hill station of Shillong, with its waterfalls and colonial charm. Each of these places assures a different experience with its varied beauty.
Top 10 Places to Visit near Guwahati
Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, is a vibrant city surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here are the Top 10 places to visit near Guwahati:
1. Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is an attraction near Guwahati and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some spectacular biodiversity, particularly for the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. These are the floodplains and grasslands where the highest density in the world of these iconic rhinos lives. In addition to rhinos, it provides a key habitat for tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. It is also home to a large number of resident and migratory birdlife. Kaziranga is open to visitors via jeep safaris and elephant rides.
Distance From Guwahati: 162 km
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Guwahati For Every Traveller
2. Manas National Park
Photo: Ishani Nath / Wikimedia Commons
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site to see near Guwahati, Manas National Park, is a vast area of rich biodiversity coupled with exquisite landscapes. Located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, it encompasses dense forests, grasslands, and the Manas River. Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, wild water buffalo, and the endangered pygmy hog are only some of the many wild animal species residing in the park. It is also a haven for rare wildlife species and more than 450 species of birds.
Distance From Guwahati: 132 km
Best Time To Visit: November to April
3. Shillong
Photo: Bikash Jyoti Bora / Wikimedia Commons
The hills of Meghalaya state are Shillong, an irresistible attraction near Guwahati. Called the “Scotland of the East,” this city mesmerises visitors with emerald landscapes, falling waterfalls like Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak, panoramic views from its innumerable viewpoints, and a pulsating local culture soaked in hustling markets and an astonishing array of colonial-era architecture, not excluding the Don Bosco Museum. Shillong is undoubtedly a place that promises an unforgettable retreat into serene and picturesque surroundings, with its pleasant climate, friendly locals, and plenty of outdoor activities such as trekking and boating on Umiam Lake.
Distance From Guwahati: 98 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Dibrugarh To Witness The Surreal Beauty Of Assam
4. Cherrapunji, Sohra
Photo: Chirag1745 / Wikimedia Commons
Cherrapunji, or Sohra, embodies nature on a grandiose scale through the phenomenal landscapes and the legends of rain-soaked clouds, so deeply in love with the hills and their romance toward eternity. As one of the wettest places on Earth, it hosts great waterfalls, such as the great Nohkalikai, plunging from staggering heights into emerald pools below. Explore the living root bridges, and strategies that are designed by Khasi tribes using basic practices, and trek through thick rainforests alive with diverse flora and fauna.
Distance From Guwahati: 147 km
Best Time To Visit: October to February
5. Dawki
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
A small tourist attraction near Guwahati is Dawki in Meghalaya, which welcomes you to experience the transparency of the Umngot River. Famous for its clean waters, so much so that it looks transparent, once you’re at Dawki, you will feel as if you are boating over crystal. Dawki provides you with the most enthralling experience in boating. Travel over the crystal-clear water in its wooden boats and be surprised at the clear firmament it unfolds below as your boat drifts through the jewels that lay strewn on the bed of its river.
Distance From Guwahati: 205 km
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Tinsukia To Escape City Life
6. Mawlynnong
Photo: Palkyi / Wikimedia Commons
Mawlynnong, acclaimed as “Asia’s Cleanest Village,” is a tourist attraction near Guwahati. This pretty village, located in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, showcases well-maintained cleanliness and colourful gardens, complemented with bamboo dustbins. Stroll along the narrow pathways of this village, covered with traditional thatched-roof houses, and be amazed at the brilliant views of the living root bridges woven by the tribes. It’s time for a refreshing retreat to Mawlynnong’s sustainable life: warm hospitality and savouring indigenous Khasi cuisine.
Distance From Guwahati: 170 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June
7. Tezpur
Photo: Ankur Borah / Wikimedia Commons
Tezpur, lying on the bank of the river Brahmaputra, is a beautiful place to visit near Guwahati. Called the “City of Eternal Romance” from ancient legends, Tezpur combines this historical significance with modern charm. See the ruins of Agnigarh Hill, steeped in mythological tales, and visit ancient temples like Mahabhairab. Stroll along the beautiful riverside, lined with greenery and sunset views. The combination of serenity, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality makes Tezpur sure to give the visitor a rich and rewarding experience in the very heart of Assam.
Distance From Guwahati: 183 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Guwahati At Night
8. Hajo
Photo:Worachat Sodsri / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Hajo is an attraction near Guwahati with sacred sites and cultural diversity. On the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, Hajo forms a common platform sacred to Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists. The place of the ancient Hayagriva Madhava Temple, here, reverberates with legends of Guru Nanak’s visit. The calmness at Powa Mecca, with its architectural fusion of Indian and Mughal styles into a mosque, will leave you spellbound. It is a place of tranquillity in the environment and immersion in the vibrant tapestry of faith, history, and architectural richness.
Distance From Guwahati: 31 km
Best Time To Visit: June to September
9. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Ishan Jyoti Bora / Wikimedia Commons
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the floodplains of Assam, is an en masse of a wildlife expedition. Famous for the high density of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, it provides the best possible view from close quarters to wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Rich green grasslands and marshy land can be cruised through in jeep safaris, easily providing glimpses of the rhino, wild buffaloes, and a wide variety of birds. The compactness of this sanctuary, with its very intimate encounters with wildlife and calm, makes it the best getaway for any nature lover amidst the soul of Assam’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Distance From Guwahati: 56 km
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kaziranga On Your Wildlife Voyage To Assam
10. Sualkuchi
Photo: Jugal Bharali / Wikimedia Commons
Sualkuchi is the “Manchester” of Assam, with centuries of craftsmanship and culture intertwined into the textile tapestry. Situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, this is a small town with a great reputation for its fine silk-weaving industry. Workshops are abuzz with activity as deft hands work out intricate Assamese silk sarees known all over for their fine craftsmanship and bright, vibrant designs. Experience the rich cultural tapestry of this town, where tradition meets modernity in every thread, from witnessing the process of weaving first-hand to buying authentic silk products.
Distance From Guwahati: 30 km
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Places near Guwahati offer a blend of nature and culture. The surrounding region offers diverse experiences like wildlife safaris, spiritual retreats, and hill stations. Discover the unique charm of Assam, including Kaziranga’s one-horned rhinos and Shillong’s ethereal beauty. Choose your destination and embark on an unforgettable journey. Choose TripXL today to embark on an effortless and enriching journey to Guwahati!
Cover Photo: Navarun Baishya / Unsplash