Guwahati is the largest city in the state of Assam and as well as the entire North East of India. It is the most important gateway to the land of the North East. Situated on the banks of the great Brahmaputra river; the city is one of the most important parts of the tourism circle of North East.
The history of Guwahati dates back to ancient times. One can find a reference in the epics as well as the Puranas. The city has always retained its importance throughout history. From the Medieval period to the British period it has always remained the most important city in the region. Today in spite of having Dispur as the state capital Guwahati remains the real capital of the state.
This age-old city has got everything to offer to the traveler. Tourist has below options to explore in Guwahati.
Guwahati is the most important city for any tour operator who wants to operate in the 7 sister states of North East of India. Its location is of prime importance at the center of the region. Guwahati is not only the main gateway to the region, but it is also a city that enjoys smooth connectivity with the rest of the country and holds a strategic advantage as being the most important destination in relation to connecting other attractive points of the Region.
Major Railway Station: Guwahati railway station
Most well-connected airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport of Guwahati.
Famous Tour Circuit among the tour operators: Guwahati – Kaziranga – Shillong
Connectivity Options |
Distance from Main City |
Domestic Connectivity |
International Connectivity |
Special Remark |
LGB international airport |
20 km |
Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore |
Bangkok, Paro |
Guwahati is the 13th busiest airport in the country |
Guwahati railway station |
0 km |
All the major cities of our country |
- |
- |
The city is also well connected by road with other major destinations in North East as well as West Bengal.
Guwahati - Shillong is just a 100 km (3 hours)
Guwahati - Kaziranga is 193 km (4 hours)
Guwahati - Manas National Park is 140 km from here (3 ½ hours).
Guwahati - Jorhat is 300kms (6 to 7 hours).
Guwahati - Bhalukpong is 250 km (5 hours)
Guwahati - Bomdila is 340 km (8 hours).
Guwahati - Tezpur is 195 km (4 hours)
Guwahati - Siliguri is 475 km (8 to 10 hours)
Important Note: Guwahati is an important point for other packages also. People who want to visit Arunachal Pradesh could use Guwahati as the major gateway and reach Bomdila through Tezpur overnight stay.
Kamakhya Temple:
This is one of the holiest Hindu temples in India. The visit to the city is incomplete without a visit to this ancient temple. Situated at the Nilachal hills close to the bank of river Brahmaputra, this holy shrine is just 7-8 km from the main city. It has been considered as the oldest “Shakti Peethas” among the 51 Shakti Peethas. When Sati's body was dissected into 108 pieces by Lord Shiva, her Yoni (Vagina) fell here. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for the Hindus. The temple is also a melting pot of different sects of tantra and tantric worshipers. The temple complex is well maintained. Apart from the main temple, there are few other temples in the complex. The view from the temple is scenic.
Umananda Temple:
Umananda is a famous Shiva Temple of great historical and architectural significance. It is one of the main destinations in the town. It is situated on an island on the Brahmaputra River. The journey to this temple will be done by boat. The boat journey to the temple amidst the serene and wide Brahmaputra River is itself an attraction for the tourists.
Navagraha Temple:
Built during the mid-18th-century Navagraha temple is located in the southeastern corner of the city atop Citracala hill.
Deepor Beel:
Beel in the local word means Lake. Situated in the south-western part of the city Deepor or Dipor Beel is one of the biggest freshwater lakes of Brahmaputra valley of lower Assam. It is half an hour's drive from the main town. This lake is also the habitat of different varieties of birds and it is truly a paradise for the bird watchers. The scenic beauty of this place is beautiful.
Nehru Park:
Amidst the hustle-bustle of the city locals and tourists may experience fresh air here. The park is located opposite the well-known Cotton College. The environment is tranquil and full of trees, flowers and a rock garden and an open theatre. From this park, one can easily visit the refreshing lake in the city called Digholi Pukhuri and the twin pond called Jor Pukhuri.
Assam State Museum:
It is a beautifully constructed museum in the city. The first thing one can notice here is the way the museum building was built. It is a colossal building with the very best essence of the colonial culture. The museum houses some phenomenal sculpture collection made of wood, metal, terracotta, and stone. Apart from this, the museum displays a wide collection of tribal life and culture. The museum covers other important areas such as natural history and arts and crafts work and it has also got a section that displays several ancient arms. There is also a good epigraphy section to the museum.
Accoland Amusement Park:
It is a newly built water entertainment park in close proximity to the city. It is just 20 km from the city.
River cruise in the Brahmaputra:
A cruise in the great river is a lifetime experience. As a B2B consolidator Tripsy can arrange this according to the needs and demands of your guests.
Assam State Zoo and Botanical garden:
The largest zoo in the northeastern side of the country. And home to more than 110 species of animals and birds.
Basistha Ashram:
According to the Hindu Purana, this ashram was founded by the sage Basistha. The ashram was built at the confluence of three small streams.
When you as a travel agent, make a tour program for North East, the tour mostly starts and ends at Guwahati. You can start the tour without an overnight stay at Guwahati if your guests are arriving early. They may travel directly to nearby destinations such as Shillong (3 hours) or Kaziranga (5 hours). But if your guests are arriving late, the first-night halt must be at Guwahati. While returning, the last night should be at Guwahati to avoid hassles of flight or train catching. Normally a full day sightseeing tour of Guwahati is necessary to visit the important destinations around the town. If your guests have a special interest such as a visit to Sualkuchi silk weaving area or religious sites around, or they want to visit the nearby Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to see some Rhino s, then two full days of sightseeing will be necessary.
The most popular and famous tour is Guwahati – Kaziranga – Shillong tour which is known as the Golden Triangle of North East India.
Kaziranga National Park:
One of the best-known wildlife destinations in the country. Kaziranga is the home of almost two-third of the population of the great one-horned Rhinoceros of the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws visitors from all over India and abroad.
Shillong:
Shillong is a beautiful hill station in the state of Meghalaya and is also the capital of Meghalaya and one of the most important cities in North East India. The town is called the ‘The Scotland of East’ because it resembles the highlands of the Scottish region. Being situated at an average altitude of 4900 feet, Shillong offers a stunning view of hills and the surroundings. It is the most popular hill station in North East India. Mountains, lakes, waterfalls and several natural wonders are the features of Shillong. More on Shillong
Majuli island:
It is the biggest river island in the world. The natural beauty of this place is magnificent. Located on the Brahmaputra River this place has become very popular among tourists. Being the epicenter of Vaishnavite philosophy the socio-cultural impotence of this place is immense. Jorhat offers regular boat services to Majuli. Guwahati to Jorhat is a 6 hrs drive. The distance is approximately 300 km.
People interested to visit further northeast can use Guwahati as the starting point. Guwahati to Kohima is 360 km, Imphal about 500 km and Aizwal is less than 480 km.
Tour Circuit |
Ideal Duration |
Guwahati – Kaziranga |
3 to 4 Nights |
Guwahati – Shillong |
3 to 4 Nights |
Guwahati – Kaziranga – Shillong |
5 to 7 Nights |
Guwahati – Kaziranga – Shillong – Arunachal |
10 to 12 Nights |
Best Time to Visit Guwahati - October to March.
The weather at Guwahati is mostly pleasant throughout the year. October to March weather remains more pleasant and it is the best time to visit this area. April and May are warmer, but people visiting Guwahati during these months spend less time at Guwahati as they mostly travel onwards to the hill stations in Meghalaya or Arunachal. June to August is the rainy season here.
Tour operators, who want to promote the region, may also take a look at the local festivals and combine their guests’ tour with the festival timing.
Bihu:
Bihu remains the most important festival in Assam. It is a non-religious festival. There are three Bihu festivals that take place and it is celebrated beyond the boundaries of caste creed or religion. The Bohag Bihu is celebrated in mid-April which marks the commencement of a new year. It is also known as Rangoli Bihu. It typifies fun and frolic. Then there is Magh Bihu which is known as Bhogali Bihu. It is a harvest festival and symbolizes feasting and merrymaking. It happens in Mid January. Another Bihu is Kati Bihu which is known as Kangali Bihu which takes place in mid-October.
Ambubachi Mela:
Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya temple – The most important religious festival in the region. A large number of people come from all over the country to participate in this festival which takes place at Kamakhya temple. This festival marks the annual menstruation period of Devi Kamakhya. The holy temple is closed for three days during this festival.
Brahmaputra Beach festival:
Brahmaputra beach festival is a 3-day festival that takes place at the bank of the river. Ideal for adventure water sports is something that draws a large number of people. It takes place in the month of January. The festival coincides with Magh Bihu that takes place in January.
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