Pulin's Guidebook
Spiritual
Temples and Holy places
A must visit place if you visit Guwahati. Situated atop the Nilanchal Hills, this is one of the most famous shakti peeths of India that practice the tantric rituals. Scenic panaromic views of the city through winding roads make the journey enjoyable. You can pay obeisance to Mother Kamakhya and bring back souvenirs from the rows of shops. I should mention that there are a couple of small temples that lead to the main temple as you walk up the steps.
During the Ambubasi mela(fair), for 3 days the temple is closed for the public. Many devotees and saints from all over India visit Maa Kamakhya during this period. Other than those few days, the temple is open on all days.
One word of caution though. Don't take the help of the pandas(preachers) to get a glimpse of the temple or dieties. They may offer you to usher you to the main temple but just ignore them. Right now in late 2021, due to Covid protocol, you might have to get a quick swab RAT test.
36 當地人推薦
卡瑪克亞寺廟
A must visit place if you visit Guwahati. Situated atop the Nilanchal Hills, this is one of the most famous shakti peeths of India that practice the tantric rituals. Scenic panaromic views of the city through winding roads make the journey enjoyable. You can pay obeisance to Mother Kamakhya and bring back souvenirs from the rows of shops. I should mention that there are a couple of small temples that lead to the main temple as you walk up the steps.
During the Ambubasi mela(fair), for 3 days the temple is closed for the public. Many devotees and saints from all over India visit Maa Kamakhya during this period. Other than those few days, the temple is open on all days.
One word of caution though. Don't take the help of the pandas(preachers) to get a glimpse of the temple or dieties. They may offer you to usher you to the main temple but just ignore them. Right now in late 2021, due to Covid protocol, you might have to get a quick swab RAT test.
This temple of Shri Sai Baba is located just 600metres away from the homestay. A few mins of walk would get you there. You dont need an entry ticket. But have to deposit your footwear outside the premises as footwear is prohibited inside.
You can light incense sticks and light earthen lamps ther and also offer roses and sweets to Baba's deity. Right after you enter the temple, you can feel the divine vibrations making you calm and relaxed.
The aarti(prayers meant to glorify God) is sung from time to time throughout the day. The best time to visit the place is on Thursdays when foods like khichdi and kheer is distributed to the devotees and visitors after the end of evening aarti at 5 pm.
There is also a new unit opened in Ganeshguri area but I'd recommend the old one.
Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir
Radha Nagar Path This temple of Shri Sai Baba is located just 600metres away from the homestay. A few mins of walk would get you there. You dont need an entry ticket. But have to deposit your footwear outside the premises as footwear is prohibited inside.
You can light incense sticks and light earthen lamps ther and also offer roses and sweets to Baba's deity. Right after you enter the temple, you can feel the divine vibrations making you calm and relaxed.
The aarti(prayers meant to glorify God) is sung from time to time throughout the day. The best time to visit the place is on Thursdays when foods like khichdi and kheer is distributed to the devotees and visitors after the end of evening aarti at 5 pm.
There is also a new unit opened in Ganeshguri area but I'd recommend the old one.
There are probably very few cities in the world that doesn't have an ISKCON temple. Guwahati's unit is called Sri Sri Rukmini Krishna temple. And like all other ISKCON temples, this one is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. Needless to say the beauty of the temple is exquisite, both in and out. Right after you climb the stairs that lead to the temple, you can feel some kind of positive vibrations. Kitans glorifying the name and pastimes of Lord Krishna are sung by the devotees in front of the deity.
It might feel like an exaggeration but the prasadam(food that's first offered to God) would taste like you have never had before. Unparalleled. On Sundays, they provide free lunch to all the devotees/visitors. There's a celebration every week of the month. Of all the celebrations, Janmasthami(birthday of Lord Krishna) is celebrated on a very grand scale.
The temple devotees stay in the monastery that's beside the temple. The temple committee also arranges mind management and spiritual classes for the youth called "Prerana" meaning motivation.
The temple is located on the top of Sarania Hills in the Ulubari area. It's 9.4kms from the homestay and 23kms away from the LGBI airport.
Temple timings: 4.30 AM - 12.30 PM & 4.30 PM - 8.30 PM
ISKCON古瓦哈蒂
Kasturba Ashram RoadThere are probably very few cities in the world that doesn't have an ISKCON temple. Guwahati's unit is called Sri Sri Rukmini Krishna temple. And like all other ISKCON temples, this one is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. Needless to say the beauty of the temple is exquisite, both in and out. Right after you climb the stairs that lead to the temple, you can feel some kind of positive vibrations. Kitans glorifying the name and pastimes of Lord Krishna are sung by the devotees in front of the deity.
It might feel like an exaggeration but the prasadam(food that's first offered to God) would taste like you have never had before. Unparalleled. On Sundays, they provide free lunch to all the devotees/visitors. There's a celebration every week of the month. Of all the celebrations, Janmasthami(birthday of Lord Krishna) is celebrated on a very grand scale.
The temple devotees stay in the monastery that's beside the temple. The temple committee also arranges mind management and spiritual classes for the youth called "Prerana" meaning motivation.
The temple is located on the top of Sarania Hills in the Ulubari area. It's 9.4kms from the homestay and 23kms away from the LGBI airport.
Temple timings: 4.30 AM - 12.30 PM & 4.30 PM - 8.30 PM
Neighbourhoods
If you are into museums and interested in culture, you don't want to skip this place. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Assam through art, artefacts, paintings and mannequins depicting the lifestyle and dresses of various tribes of Assam.
There is also a park inside the premises. After you are done with the museum you can have a leisurely walk around the park. It has statues related to Assam and the back side is filled with trees and plants to have a glimpse of nature.
It is situated in Panjabari area and just a 15mins walk from the homestay.
Sankardev Kalakshetra Art Gallery
If you are into museums and interested in culture, you don't want to skip this place. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Assam through art, artefacts, paintings and mannequins depicting the lifestyle and dresses of various tribes of Assam.
There is also a park inside the premises. After you are done with the museum you can have a leisurely walk around the park. It has statues related to Assam and the back side is filled with trees and plants to have a glimpse of nature.
It is situated in Panjabari area and just a 15mins walk from the homestay.
Neighbourhoods
This place is called the Mahabahu Brahmaputra Heritage Centre and is 14kms away from the homestay but since this place is new, so it is not listed in the auto suggestion of places at Airbnb yet. Had to mention this place because without it, your visit to Guwahati would be incomplete.
The premise was established during the British rule in India. It was the bungalow of the District Commissioner. The Govt. of Assam has done a commendable job in renovating and designing the entire complex. The views, arts, artifacts and the overall architecture of the place is very much appealing. Add to that the spectacular view of the river Brahmaputra, from which the place has derived its name. A restaurant will also be opening shortly, to give a complete experience.
Timings: 10am to 8pm (Only Mondays closed)
Ticket: Rs 100/ person
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Brahmaputra River
This place is called the Mahabahu Brahmaputra Heritage Centre and is 14kms away from the homestay but since this place is new, so it is not listed in the auto suggestion of places at Airbnb yet. Had to mention this place because without it, your visit to Guwahati would be incomplete.
The premise was established during the British rule in India. It was the bungalow of the District Commissioner. The Govt. of Assam has done a commendable job in renovating and designing the entire complex. The views, arts, artifacts and the overall architecture of the place is very much appealing. Add to that the spectacular view of the river Brahmaputra, from which the place has derived its name. A restaurant will also be opening shortly, to give a complete experience.
Timings: 10am to 8pm (Only Mondays closed)
Ticket: Rs 100/ person
Nature
Bil means wetland in Assamese. Definitely a haven for bird watchers and bird photography enthusiasts in winter. Winter in NE India mainly lasts from Nov-Feb. A popular hang-out place of couples and photographers. You can buy fresh fish from near the bil if you are into cooking your own meal.
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Deepor Beel Birds Sanctuary
Bil means wetland in Assamese. Definitely a haven for bird watchers and bird photography enthusiasts in winter. Winter in NE India mainly lasts from Nov-Feb. A popular hang-out place of couples and photographers. You can buy fresh fish from near the bil if you are into cooking your own meal.
Pobitora has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world. Other animals that reside the sanctuary are leopard, barking deer and macaque. Migratory birds also crowd the wetlands during winter. The vegetation consists of 15 species of grasses. You can go on a jeep safari or an elephant safari to see around the sanctuary.
It'll be a 1.5 hrs journey from the homestay via Chandrapur Road. Suggest you book a cab for the day, head our early and take the jeep safari. After the jeep safari, have lunch at Arya Eco Resort near the Sanctuary. Then come back to Guwahati city.
Timings:
6:30 am to 12 pm and
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Closed on Sundays
20 當地人推薦
Pobitora 野生動物保護區
Pobitora has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world. Other animals that reside the sanctuary are leopard, barking deer and macaque. Migratory birds also crowd the wetlands during winter. The vegetation consists of 15 species of grasses. You can go on a jeep safari or an elephant safari to see around the sanctuary.
It'll be a 1.5 hrs journey from the homestay via Chandrapur Road. Suggest you book a cab for the day, head our early and take the jeep safari. After the jeep safari, have lunch at Arya Eco Resort near the Sanctuary. Then come back to Guwahati city.
Timings:
6:30 am to 12 pm and
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Closed on Sundays
This is more for the adventurous kind since one has to hike through a trail which is also a home to wild elephants and buffaloes. But the good thing is elephants don't usually don't come out during the day. And what you get after the 1 hr hike is worth it. The waterfall is so rejuvenating. This place has not been commercialized but there are tour guides whom you can book and who would accompany you for your safety and give directions.
The waterfall comes under the Garbhanga Reserve Forest in Chattargaon, Rani and is 36kms away from the homestay. It is not an ideal tourist spot but if you are a traveler and have ample time, you can spend the whole day there. You can even bring food to cook beside the waterfall and enjoy with friends.
Best time to visit: August to October
Theopani waterfall
This is more for the adventurous kind since one has to hike through a trail which is also a home to wild elephants and buffaloes. But the good thing is elephants don't usually don't come out during the day. And what you get after the 1 hr hike is worth it. The waterfall is so rejuvenating. This place has not been commercialized but there are tour guides whom you can book and who would accompany you for your safety and give directions.
The waterfall comes under the Garbhanga Reserve Forest in Chattargaon, Rani and is 36kms away from the homestay. It is not an ideal tourist spot but if you are a traveler and have ample time, you can spend the whole day there. You can even bring food to cook beside the waterfall and enjoy with friends.
Best time to visit: August to October
Food scene
If you are a non-vegetarian and want to try tasty ethnic Assamese food, you can't miss Mising Kitchen. Pork, chicken, duck, fish and veggies cooked in traditional tribal way. Price is very reasonable for the quality of food they offer. Also, the staff is friendly. They also have vegetarian food by the way.
Timing:
11:30 am to 10 pm
(Sundays closed)
Mising Kitchen
Hengrabari RoadIf you are a non-vegetarian and want to try tasty ethnic Assamese food, you can't miss Mising Kitchen. Pork, chicken, duck, fish and veggies cooked in traditional tribal way. Price is very reasonable for the quality of food they offer. Also, the staff is friendly. They also have vegetarian food by the way.
Timing:
11:30 am to 10 pm
(Sundays closed)
Tasty South-Indian food available here. They have managed to maintain the quality since the beginning. Vada, dosa, idli, filter coffee, you name it. They have it all. Place is small but if you love dosa, they make one of the best in town.
Chennai Kitchen
GS RoadTasty South-Indian food available here. They have managed to maintain the quality since the beginning. Vada, dosa, idli, filter coffee, you name it. They have it all. Place is small but if you love dosa, they make one of the best in town.
One of the oldest and still the most popular pub cum restaurant in Guwahati. Music bands from various parts of India perform here almost every week. Place may be little cramped but you will feel good after the drinks and food and live music.
I am only recommending pocket-friendly places to eat and drink. If you are into spending more I'd recommend you go to the following places:
1. Dunkin Oza: Drinks, dance, food
2. Nuts and Brew: Microbrewery, food
3. Cafe Hard Rock: Live Music, food, drinks
4. Barbeque Nation: Seafood, buffet(unlimited)
5. Taj Vivanta: Continental, Chinese, Japanese, dance, drinks.
Of course you'll get normal Indian food in all listed above :)
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Café Hendrix
GS RoadOne of the oldest and still the most popular pub cum restaurant in Guwahati. Music bands from various parts of India perform here almost every week. Place may be little cramped but you will feel good after the drinks and food and live music.
I am only recommending pocket-friendly places to eat and drink. If you are into spending more I'd recommend you go to the following places:
1. Dunkin Oza: Drinks, dance, food
2. Nuts and Brew: Microbrewery, food
3. Cafe Hard Rock: Live Music, food, drinks
4. Barbeque Nation: Seafood, buffet(unlimited)
5. Taj Vivanta: Continental, Chinese, Japanese, dance, drinks.
Of course you'll get normal Indian food in all listed above :)
If you are into craft beer then this is the best place in Guwahati where they brew more than 5 kinds of beer in their own brewery.
Freemason’s Brewworks
GS RoadIf you are into craft beer then this is the best place in Guwahati where they brew more than 5 kinds of beer in their own brewery.
City/town information
People call it the Scotland of the East. Oh yeah, you should visit this hill station. Very pleasant weather and a beautiful city. There are a lot stunningly beautiful waterfalls and valleys and caves nearby Shillong. You have to make a week long itinerary to see them all.
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Shillong
People call it the Scotland of the East. Oh yeah, you should visit this hill station. Very pleasant weather and a beautiful city. There are a lot stunningly beautiful waterfalls and valleys and caves nearby Shillong. You have to make a week long itinerary to see them all.
城市觀光建議
周邊交通資訊
Cab services like Ola, Uber and PE Cabs would be preferable
Guwahati is not the most well planned city as far as traffic management is concerned. However, if you have the itinerary set, and know how to get around places without getting stuck in the traffic, you'll have good memories to share with your family and friends.
To visit temples, leave early in the morning to avoid traffic. I'd recommended booking a cab for the day to get around the city. If you are into motorcycling, you can also rent a motorcycle for the day.
不容錯過
Be safe
One has to be cautious of their surroundings even if they are in the safest of places. Keep track of your belongings like wallet and mobile. Pickpockets are there in very crowded areas like railway stations. Donot venture out past 9pm. Although it's not unsafe after 9 but unless you go to a bar or a night club, I won't recommend it.
省錢方式
Don't hesitate to bargain.
The sellers and vendors may ask for more if they sense you are from a different city. Bargain with them.
實用短句
Most of the people know Hindi and English here in Guwahati.
So, if you speak English or Hindi or even Bengali, people will understand you.