Guwahati (Assamese: গুৱাহাটী Guvāhāṭī), the largest city in the northeast Indian state of Assam, is the nerve centre of both the Assamese culture as well as the broader Northeast Indian culture. Once known as Gauhati in colonial times, the city hosts the state capital Dispur (দিছপুৰ Dichpur), and is one of the fastest-growing cities outside mainland India, with a population of over 2.4 million in 2020.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Guwahati (GOO-wah-hah-tee) is the main centre for shopping, retail and business in the Northeast, attracting people from all over the region and even Bhutan. The slow, meandering Brahmaputra River is a focal point of the city while the lush hills of the Shillong Plateau provide a verdant backdrop for the suburbs. However, the city’s pleasant environment is somewhat offset by inadequate regional investment, evident in the lack of reliable drainage, which leads to frequent flooding during the monsoon season, as well as by low air quality.
Buses are the cheapest way of travelling around the city. Guwahati is well connected to most of its city area with local service buses, and there is an air-conditioned bus service between the airport and the city. Compared to other cities in India, autos charge a hefty price for the ride. There is no meter system used by the autos, the auto driver will simply refuse to drive you if you insist on the meter, the best you can do is negotiate in advance (check with a local on what it should cost you). Small distance charges are high. If you can not go on the river cruise, at least cross the river on the ferry.
1 Kamakhya Temple (কামাখ্যা মন্দিৰ Kāmākhyā Mandir), Nilachal Hill (25-30 minute drive from city centre). Atop the Neelachal hill, the highest spot in the city draws pilgrims from all over India, especially during the Ambubachi festival. A high seat of Shaktism, one of the 51 Shakti Pithas of the Tantric cult, it is associated with the legend of the mother goddess who slayed the legendary demon king Narakasur who ruled ancient Assam. The Goddess Kamakhya is made of eight metal alloys, and seated on a throne with five jewels. To reach her statue pilgrims have to go down a dimly lit flight of steps.
1 Guwahati Planetarium, Uzan Bazar. A great place to visit for science geeks and also for lovers of entertainment. (updated May 2026) 2 Ropeway. The aerial lift across both banks of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati. The southern terminal (Kachari Ghat) is near Nehru Park, whereas the north terminal (Rajadwar) is behind Doul Govinda Temple. (updated May 2026) Assam Tea Festival. November. The annual festival caters to more than tea lovers. In addition to tea tasting and tours of the tea gardens, visitors can enjoy jungle safaris and river rafting. (updated Feb 2020) Bihu. A set of three Assamese festivals in April, October and January respectively, all of which celebrate the changing seasons.
There are many good dhabas on the main roads, highways and at the outskirts of the city. 1 City Dhaba, Bora Service, Ulubari. 2 Dispur Dhaba, Zoo Road, Ganeshguri. 3 Get Tagged, Zoo Road, ☏ +91 9401057578. 4 Hotel Shyama, AK Azad Road, Rehabari. 5 JBs, G S Rd, Christian Basti. Good bakery with sweets. 6 JBs, M G Rd, Riverside. 7 Momo Ghar, Bharalumukh, ☏ +91 9435019810. Chinese. 8 Shaikh Brothers, Shaikh Building, 195 Hem Baruah Road,Panbazar (opp. United Bank), ☏ +91 36 1273 6615. Century old bakery. Well known throughout entire North East India for its delicious pastries, cakes, bread and cookies.
Guwahati is said to have the most wine shops. 1 Club Ozone, GS Rd. 2 Ivory, Ulubari (below Hotel Amrit Regency). Bar/pub. 3 Terra Mayaa, Anil Plaza-2. 4 Urban Mantra, Namghar Path. 5 XS, GS Rd.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Guwahati typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 24 rainy days.
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