The gateway to Northeast India is Guwahati. Places to visit in 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 Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which shelters the grand one-horned rhinoceros. If spiritual salvation comes to your mind, serenity is in store in the Umananda Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Each of these places assures a different experience with its varied beauty, sure to captivate your senses.
Top 9 Places to Visit In Guwahati
Let’s explore the top places to visit in Guwahati that showcase the city’s diverse and captivating beauty.
1. Kamakhya Devi Temple
Photo: Hrishikeskashyap / Wikimedia Commons
Kamakhya Devi Temple is one of the most ancient shrines dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, revered as the ultimate source of feminine power and fertility. Beyond the charm of its physical beauty, Kamakhya Temple has very high spiritual value, which attracts pilgrims and seekers from across the world. Feel the spiritual resonance and cultural heritage that makes Kamakhya Temple a must-visit spot near Guwahati.
Best Time To Visit: October to February or June
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 Hours
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kamakhya Railway Station
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Assam
2. Umananda Temple
Photo: AYON TALUKDAR / Wikimedia Commons
Umananda Temple is one of the popular places to visit in Guwahati, located on Umananda Island. It was built in the 17th century when Swargadeo Rudra Singha constructed it. The temple represents a fusion of Assamese and Hindu styles of architecture with its exquisite carvings, pyramidal spire, and frontal entrance. A lingam enshrined in its sanctum, signifying Lord Shiva, forms the main deity of this temple. In contrast, other deities are either enshrined in smaller shrines within the temple complex or installed as statues.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 Hours
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
3. Assam State Museum
Photo: ComparingQuantities / Wikimedia Commons
Assam State Museum is a tourist attraction in Guwahati and is a real treasure trove of rich Assamese culture. With intricate pieces dating back many centuries ago, it gives insight into the state’s fascinating history, art, and traditions. It also includes a comprehensive display of sculptures, manuscripts, tribal crafts, and rare archaeological finds. With its sombre atmosphere and artistic display, this museum offers an enriching experience for visitors, whether history buffs or curious tourists. A visit here holds out the promise of unrolling the carpet of Assam’s past.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the Year
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 Hours
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
Suggested Read: Dehing Patkai National Park
4. Brahmaputra River Front
Photo: অজয় দাস / Wikimedia Commons
Brahmaputra Riverfront presents one of the alluring views of one of the mightiest rivers in the country. This scenic beauty runs along the edge of the city, offering an escape serenely amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. Tourists will find it to be the perfect spot for leisurely walks along the banks of the river, witnessing beautiful sunsets on the water. It is also the venue for vivid festivals and cultural activities, which add dynamic charm to its natural beauty.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 Hours
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
5. Guwahati Zoo
Photo: GK Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Guwahati Zoo, also known as the Assam State Zoo, is a tourist attraction in Guwahati. It offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of wildlife. It was established in 1957, and since then, the zoo has undergone numerous upgrades to improve animal living conditions and visitor experience. It houses a variety of mammal species, including Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, tigers, leopards, lions, elephants, bears, deer, wild boar, and primates, as well as bird species like peafowls, vultures, eagles, and exotic species like flamingos and parrots.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 Hours
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Dibrugarh To Witness The Surreal Beauty Of Assam
6. Sualkuchi
Photo: Jugal Bharali / Wikimedia Commons
Sualkuchi is the “Manchester of Assam,” with centuries of craftsmanship and culture intertwined into the textile tapestry, making it a must-visit place in Guwahati. Situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, this is a small town with an excellent 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.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 Hours
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kamakhya Railway Station
7. Navagraha Temple
Photo: অজয় দাস / Wikimedia Commons
The Navagraha Temple is a tourist place in Guwahati, dedicated to the nine celestial bodies, otherwise known as the Navagrahas, that are integral to Hindu astrology and mythology. The temple dates back to the 18th century and is integral to the spiritual and cultural entity of the region. The architectural style of the temple depicts the traditional Assamese temple, which is influenced by the Ahom architectural style. Being located on Chitrachal Hill, the temple offers breathtaking views of the panoramic beauty of Guwahati and the Brahmaputra River.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 Hours
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Guwahati Within 100 Kms
8. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: ঈশান জ্যোতি বৰা / Wikimedia Commons
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Assam known for its high density of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Established in 1987, it covers an area of 38.81 square kilometres and is a critical habitat for this endangered species. The sanctuary is home to a variety of mammals, including the wild buffalo, deer, and smaller animals like the Indian leopard and civet cats. The sanctuary also features reptiles and amphibians, contributing to its rich biodiversity and making it a must-visit place in Guwahati.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 – 6 Hours
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Morigaon Railway Station
9. Shankardev Kalakshetra
Photo: GK Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Shankardev Kalakshetra is a major tourist attraction in Guwahati, and it was developed to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the northeast region of India. The institution was founded in 1990 to propagate the rich, diversified cultural heritage of Assam performing fine arts and traditional arts and crafts. The hall of Kalakshetra is fully equipped with an auditorium, art galleries, a museum, and sections for crafts and weaving. It hosts traditional dance forms, drama, music concerts, and theatricals.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 Hours
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Karbi Anglong
As you plan your adventure in the northeast, remember that these places to visit in Guwahati offer their unique charm and atmosphere. The surrounding region offers diverse experiences like wildlife safaris, spiritual retreats, and hill stations. Discover the unique charm of Assam, including Kamakhya Temple’s shrine and Pobitora’s ethereal beauty. Explore these places with TripXL to experience the best of what Guwahati has to offer after dark and create unforgettable memories in this gateway to Northeast India.
Cover Photo: Saurav022 / Shutterstock