Guwahati

গুৱাহাটী

The largest city in Northeast India and gateway to the region, Guwahati sits on the Brahmaputra River with a blend of colonial history and modern development. It offers easy access to Assam's tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and serves as the main transport hub for exploring the entire northeast.

Things to do

• Kamakhya Temple — This ancient hilltop shrine dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in India, offering panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River.
• Brahmaputra River Cruise — Evening or morning boat rides along the mighty Brahmaputra River provide opportunities to spot dolphins, migratory birds, and experience the region's natural beauty.
• Assam State Museum — This museum houses a rich collection of artifacts including ancient sculptures, manuscripts, weapons, and cultural items representing Assam's history and heritage.
• Umananda Temple — Located on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River, this small but sacred temple is accessible by ferry and offers a serene spiritual experience.
• Navagraha Temple — This unique temple dedicated to the nine celestial bodies sits on a hilltop near the city and provides spiritual significance along with city views.
• Kaziranga National Park Day Trip — Located about 100 km away, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros and can be visited on a day excursion from Guwahati.
• Assam Tea Garden Tours — Guided tours of nearby tea gardens around Guwahati allow visitors to learn about tea production and sample authentic Assamese tea in its native landscape.

Food to try

• Assamese Fish Curry (Masor Tenga) — A tangy and mildly spiced curry made with river fish, tomatoes, and herbs that represents the essence of Assamese cooking.
• Pitha — These rice cake or crepe-like preparations can be sweet or savory and are a traditional Assamese food, especially popular during festivals.
• Luchi and Aloo — Deep-fried bread served with spiced potato curry is a beloved breakfast and lunch staple across Guwahati's local eateries.
• Bamboo Shoot Curry (Kahor Tenga) — A distinctive Assamese dish featuring tender bamboo shoots in a sour and spiced gravy that showcases the region's forest produce.
• Assamese Thali — A complete meal platter featuring rice, dal, vegetables, fish or meat curry, and local accompaniments that provides an authentic taste of regional cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Temple Customs — Remove shoes before entering temples, and avoid touching idols or sacred objects; women may be restricted from certain shrine areas during menstruation in traditional temples.
• Learn Basic Assamese Greetings — While English is widely spoken, locals appreciate visitors who use simple Assamese phrases like 'Xunobole' (excuse me) and 'Dhonnobad' (thank you).
• Dress Modestly — Especially when visiting religious sites, wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for local traditions and customs.
• Navigate Local Transport Wisely — Negotiate auto-rickshaw fares beforehand or use app-based services, as meters are often not used; expect crowded but colorful shared transport throughout the city.