Guwahati, northeast of the great Brahmaputra River, mixes modernity and ancient history. While the ancient temples transport you back in time, the vibrant nightlife and electric atmosphere of the area remain relevant to the present. With so many destinations and activities, you can easily indulge in some of the best things to do in Guwahati.
The enormous Brahmaputra river carries stories that date back thousands of years. Guwahati, a city that has changed over time, has a lot of fun things to do. Being the largest city in northeastern India, it serves as a gateway to the region. Also, it is home to Treebo hotels offering cozy settings at budget-friendly prices.
Top 12 Things to Do in Guwahati
1. Connect with Nature at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is 30 kilometers east of Guwahati and is home to a large population of elephants and one-horned rhinoceroses. It features lush tropical forests, swamps, marshes and elephants that can be ridden. Take a jungle jeep safari inside to amazing routes where you can take photos of Haduk Hanging Bridge.
Witnessing wildlife is one of the best things to do in Guwahati because of its unique experience, vegetation, marshes and lakes that make it there. The Great Indian one-horned rhino, an indigenous species that is in danger of extinction, can call Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary home.
Meet rhinos, elephants and a variety of exotic birds up close. In addition, the sanctuary offers boat rides to offer sightings of river dolphins, which live there in large numbers. Look for nearby hotels to make commuting easy for the journey.
2. Marvel at Assam State Zoo
One of the best things to do in Guwahati is visiting the magnificent Assam State Zoo to spot rhinos, monkeys and pelicans. The zoo is pretty big and it is situated in the stunning Madgharia Hills setting, alive with exotic plants and animals.
It features over 900 different species of birds, animals and reptiles. Being one of Asaam’s most popular tourist attractions, you can effortlessly enjoy nature and its magic in different species of wildlife. Covering an extensive 430 acres, you get to immerse in its vibrant connection to nature.
The zoo has beautifully landscaped gardens, a lot of wildlife and a peaceful setting. It is a wildlife lover’s paradise with a unique abundance of wildlife and it’s worth a visit! Make certain to remember to visit here for your rundown of activities in Guwahati.
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3. Boat Ride to the Umananda Temple
The late 17th-century regional king built the Umananda temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The traditional rock-cut representations of Lord Surya, Ganesh and Shiva can inspire you to admire the Assamese people’s artistic prowess and devotion to spiritual energy.
Sitting on the rocks and taking in the fresh air of the river can lift your spirits any time of the day. In addition, the sound of the Brahmaputra water and the view of the entire island from the island’s center is breathtaking and alone can serve as a source of meditation.
Umananda Island, the tiniest river island in the world, is the setting for numerous legends and the peaceful coexistence of humans and nature. One of the things to do in Guwahati is to take a leisurely boat ride here. The island is home to a very rare and endangered species known as Golden Langurs, revered by the Himalayan people.
4. Shopping Spree at Fancy Bazaar
Looking for crazy things to do in Guwahati? Get lost in the bustling bazaar then! Find everything you need right here, from antiques to handicrafts to silk sarees and garlands for your pocket. You can purchase clothing from a variety of ranges through street shopping and showrooms. Additionally, Fancy Bazar is renowned for its street food.
There are so many commodities lined up with people buying things on the street and you can buy anything you want here. It is a carefully selected area for shoppers who want to have fun not only buying things but also trying local food, drinking a few beers and chilling out at the end of the day.
It is also known as the “Chandni Chowk of Guwahati,” and is probably the best flea market in all of Guwahati. It’s confusing alleys and cheap prices draw you in. It is a tumultuous but charming mixture of disorganized shopkeepers, bustling shoppers and the smell of local street food.
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5. Witness the Majestic Beauty of the Brahmaputra River on a cruise
The ripples of the water can simply calm you down after a long day of visits and work. While relaxing on the cruise, these ripples could also be felt in the heart. On the Brahmaputra river, the well-known Alfresco cruise offers a variety of experiences, including a party cruise, dinner cruise, lunch cruise and sunset cruise.
If you’re in Guwahati, you must take this unforgettable journey. There is nothing more romantic than being on a cruise line, whether you want to eat dinner by candlelight or watch a beautiful sunset over the river. One of the best things to do in Guwahati is visiting the riverside dotted with buildings and lights. The cruise is well-appointed with staff members and restaurants serving delicious food and bars.
This is an experience of a lifetime because you can watch the river from decks on multiple levels and feel the cool breeze blow through your hair and face. Good music and lively tunes to dance and enjoy are another amazing addition to the waters. It can give you more time to unwind and get lost in the breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra.
6. Observe the Intricate Architecture of the Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya temple was built in the 10th century and is 7 km from Guwahati. One of the best things to do in Guwahati is to visit the powerful temple in the Nilachal hills, which is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. Every day, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to visit.
One of the most sacred and oldest Shakti Peeths in the world, Kamakhya Temple is visited daily by thousands of devotees. The devotees’ devotional shrine to Maa Kamakhya, or the Goddess of Desire, has historical and aesthetic significance for them. Check for hotels in Guwahati for a smooth stay experience near the temple.
In case you were unaware, it is the center of the Indian Tantrik Shaktism Cult. Even if you don’t believe it, the temple’s breathtaking views from the top of the Nilachal Hills are bound to blow your mind. The Ambubachi festival, which takes place in June and celebrates the annual mensuration of Goddess Kamakhya, is the main festival that draws a lot of tourists.
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7. Behold the Pattern of Stars at the Guwahati Planetarium
For “universe lovers,” the Guwahati Planetarium on MG Road is a great place to go. Despite being explained in such depth, the magic of the universe’s infinite expansion is beyond anyone’s comprehension. Special shows projected on a dome-shaped overhead screen are the planetarium’s main draw in addition to the regular Sky watching sessions led by experts.
These shows are available in Assamese, Hindi and English and the times are also flexible. The Planetarium is well-known as a popular center for astronomical research, so you can learn more about the solar system and the universe there.
You can also look forward to attending a number of seminars and exhibitions as well as closely watching celestial events like an eclipse or a meteor shower. So, do not miss one of the top-rated things to do in Guwahati!
8. Sharpen your Skills at the Shrimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra
Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra was designed as a grand display of the life and culture of the people of Assam and the North East of India. It includes various ethnic groups and subgroups that made up the cultural mosaic of the North East in general and of Assam in particular, with all of its splendor and beauty.
A cultural museum, a library and a children’s recreation park are among Kalakshetra’s various complexes. The central museum in the Kalakshetra houses some of the traditional items or artifacts of Assamese culture. This museum is Kalakshetra’s main draw. The open-air theater holds cultural events and has a capacity of 2000 people.
Visiting this place is one of the mandatory things to do in Guwahati as the Artists’ Village in the Kalakshetra also reflects authentic Assamese village life. The Kala kshetra’s library, the Sahitya Bhavan, houses an enormous collection of rare books and manuscripts. It is a repository for the region’s literature.
9. Witness Nature’s Magic at Dipor Bil
Dipor Bil (also spelled Deepor Beel) is a freshwater lake in the former Brahmaputra river channel 18 kilometers southwest of Guwahati. It is in the Kamrup district of Assam. Watching nature in its fullest is indeed one of the magical things to do in Guwahati.
The area, which is well-known for its unspoiled beauty and biodiversity, provides a stunning view of the fascinating wetlands and extensive forest ecosystem. Dipor Bil is known for its wide range of wildlife, rich biodiversity and incredible variety of plants and animals.
The location attracts hordes of tourists from all over the world because it offers daily access to as many as 19000 distinct species of rare and endangered birds. It goes without saying that Dipor Bil is the proud home of numerous extremely rare and endangered birds.
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10. Engage in Learning at Regional Science Centre
The depository, which is known locally as the Regional Science Centre, is a fantastic initiative by the science community to educate, inform and entertain visitors through the medium of science and technology. In addition, you can access non-formal science education as well as everyday activities.
Also, prehistoric exhibits in interactive displays are suitable for both children and adults. It has developed into an effective venue for disseminating the original concept, which was to raise awareness of the role that science plays in everyday life. You can visit the dynamic science park, a reenactment of a prehistoric park, a fantastic 3D animation theater, a large auditorium and an integrated aquarium.
In addition, you can also attend controlled science shows, workshops and lectures for adults who are interested in science. The experiments, both indoors and outdoors, fun mirrors and science games are a great way to learn and have fun with your loved ones.
11. Raft in Kameng River
Raft in the Kameng River’s powerful currents for an adrenaline-pumping experience amid the splendor of Mother Nature. It includes rich dense forests, an opulent riverine system and remarkable biodiversity, as well as a rich tribal culture.
You can enhance your thrill and rush of rafting on the Kameng River in the midst of a tranquil North-East habitat. The Bhareli River, formerly known as the Bhareli River, has a variety of rapid grades waiting to be explored. If you want to indulge in some of the best things to do in Guwahati, do not miss the adventure with the waters here!
White river rafting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the most remote of wilderness areas that will leave you completely awestruck. Gather your belongings and get ready for the most captivating experience of your life.
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12. Exercise and Play at Nehru Park
Nehru Park is a charming garden and is located in the center of the city of Guwahati, opposite Cotton College in the Panbazar area of Guwahati. The park has beautiful trees, soft grass and spectacular sculptures, making it one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.
Additionally, it has a charming lawn, a rock garden, an open-air theater and a few artificial ponds. Because of its vibrantly blooming flowers, well-kept lawns and overall vitality, the park attracts tourists every day. You can walk or run on the jogging track and a children’s garden with rides and wings are available at the park. There are many cultural shows at Nehru Park, enhanced by the open-air theater.
The Rock Garden is the main attraction because it has 45 well-carved concrete statues of Assamese art forms like Ojapali, Jhumur and Deodhani, among others. Watching the musical fountain play after dusk is breathtaking. It likewise has lavish green yards to sit, unwind and have a cookout with your friends and family.
Guwahati is indeed a marvelous destination blessed with beauty of temples and spirituality in its landscapes. For the soothing hearts and the adventure seekers, it is sure a place to be!