Guwahati Northeast States, India Travel Guide
Approximately 30-50 kilometers (18-31 miles) east of Guwahati, about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Reach Pobitora by private taxi or a hired car with a driver. Organized tours for Pobitora safaris are available from Guwahati, bookable through local travel agencies or hotels.
Beyond the wildlife, local villages and spiritual sites invite cultural exploration.
Known as the "Manchester of the East," Sualkuchi is a famous silk weaving village. A visit is for anyone interested in Assam's renowned Muga (golden silk), Eri (endemic silk), and Pat silk.
Hajo is a pilgrimage center where Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam converge. It features the Hayagriva Madhava Temple (Hindu), Powa Mecca (Islamic shrine), and numerous Buddhist stupas.
The areas surrounding Guwahati hold lush natural beauty and important conservation sites, alongside historical and rural insights.
Located southwest of Guwahati, this freshwater lake is a Ramsar site and an important bird area. Great for birdwatching, especially in winter (Nov-Mar) when migratory birds arrive. A peaceful retreat into nature.
The route towards Shillong (Meghalaya) from Guwahati, as you ascend the hills, displays beautiful hilly landscapes, pine forests, and winding roads. A taste of the region's scenic beauty.
The monsoon season (June-September) transforms the landscape into intensely lush green, with waterfalls appearing and rivers swelling. A unique seasonal experience for those who appreciate dramatic natural beauty.
Approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Guwahati. This ancient archaeological site features intricately carved ruins of Shiva and Vishnu temples, dating back to the 9th-10th centuries.
Visit small tea gardens on the outskirts of Guwahati or en route to other destinations. A glimpse into Assam's main agricultural industry.
Guwahati is the perfect launchpad for longer explorations into the wider Northeast region. Adding a few days unlocks stunning, culturally rich destinations.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga holds two-thirds of the world's great Indian one-horned rhinoceros population. It is also home to tigers, Asian elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and a rich variety of bird species.
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, a 2.5-3 hour drive from Guwahati. Cherrapunji (now Sohra), one of the wettest places on Earth, is famous for dramatic living root bridges, waterfalls, and ancient limestone caves.
For stunning Himalayan landscapes, serene Buddhist monasteries (including the magnificent Tawang Monastery, India's largest), and an unique Tibetan-Buddhist culture. A distinctly different experience from the plains of Assam.
Beyond Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh displays untouched natural beauty, diverse tribal cultures, and adventure activities. Nagaland for unique tribal cultures, traditional villages, and the famous Hornbill Festival.
Guwahati airport connects to capitals and major towns in other Northeast Indian states, making Guwahati the main transit point.
Easily accessible by private taxi or car with a driver from Guwahati. Many tour operators facilitate packages including transport and safaris.
Regular shared taxis (sumos) and buses operate from Guwahati to Shillong. Private taxis are also available for direct travel.
Inter-state buses, shared sumos/jeeps, and domestic flights from Guwahati airport connect to other Northeast states.
Effective planning tailors your experiences and optimizes your time in and around Guwahati.
Pobitora: Plan for an early morning departure to catch the first safari, returning by lunchtime.
Sualkuchi & Hajo: These destinations combine easily into one full-day trip. Start with Sualkuchi in the morning.
Chandubi Lake: A leisurely full-day trip, allowing time for travel, boating, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural setting. Pack a picnic.
For Pobitora, an early morning departure from Guwahati is ideal to catch the first safari.
Sualkuchi and Hajo can easily be combined due to their proximity, forming a cohesive full-day cultural excursion.
A full day is ideal for Chandubi Lake, allowing ample time for the scenic drive, boating, and birdwatching.
