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Famous Landmarks in Guwahati

Famous Landmarks in Guwahati

Guwahati Northeast States, India Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

Certain sites in Guwahati hold special cultural and historical significance, making them prominent visits for any traveler.

Tickets for many attractions and experiences, including those in Guwahati, can be booked through GetYourGuide.

Kamakhya Temple

  • Context: A highly revered Shakti Peetha and significant tantric temple on Nilachal Hills. Unique for its worship of the yoni, a symbol of divine creative power. Associated with the annual Ambubachi Mela.
  • Hours: Generally 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Inner sanctum may close briefly for rituals.
  • Fees: Entry to the complex is free. Paid "fast-track" lines are available for quicker Darshan (viewing of the deity), ranging from ₹100 to ₹500 or more.
  • Tips: Dress modestly (covered shoulders/knees). Expect long queues during festivals or on Tuesdays/Saturdays. Avoid touts. Photography inside the inner sanctum is prohibited. Remove shoes.

Other Landmarks

Umananda Island Peacock Island

  • Context: A small river island in the Brahmaputra River, considered the smallest inhabited riverine island. Home to the Umananda Temple (Shiva temple, 1694).
  • Location: Brahmaputra River, accessible by ferry from Fancy Bazaar Ghat.
  • Hours: Ferries generally operate 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Fees: Nominal ferry fare (₹20-₹50 for shared boat). Temple entry is free.
  • Features: Picturesque setting and presence of rare Golden Langurs.
  • Tips: Visit morning or late afternoon for pleasant weather and good light. Look for Golden Langurs.

Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra

  • Context: A cultural complex preserving and demonstrating Assamese and Northeast Indian heritage. Features a museum, open-air theater, artists' village, and children's park.
  • Location: Panjabari, near Assam Assembly.
  • Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed Mondays).
  • Fees: Nominal entry fee.

Allocate 2-3 hours to explore. The museum gives a good overview of Assamese history. Check for cultural performances.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Assam State Museum: Archaeological artifacts, sculptures, ethnographical exhibits, textiles, weapons. Hours: 10 AM-5 PM (closed Mondays, 2nd & 4th Saturdays).
  • Regional Science Centre & Planetarium: Interactive exhibits, pre-historic park with dinosaur models, astronomy shows. Hours: 10 AM-5:30 PM (closed Mondays).
  • Art galleries: State Art Gallery (within Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra), Shraddhanjali Kanan Art Gallery (hosts exhibitions).
  • Cultural centers: Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra (performances), Rabindra Bhawan (plays, concerts, literary events).

Historical Sites

  • Archaeological Sites:

    Ambari Archeological Site: Remains of an ancient brick temple, indicating Guwahati's historical significance.

  • Historical Districts:

    North Guwahati (colonial structures, traditional temples) and Uzanbazar (old houses, fish market, historical urban fabric).

  • Religious Sites (beyond Kamakhya):

    Navagraha Temple (nine celestial bodies, astronomical research site), Basistha Ashram (ancient hermitage, serene), Balaji Temple (South Indian style, intricate carvings).

  • Memorial Sites:

    Guwahati War Cemetery: Honors Commonwealth soldiers from WWII, a reflective space.

Natural Attractions

Guwahati and its immediate surroundings have several natural attractions, from urban parks to significant wetlands.

Nature Spots in & Around Guwahati

  • Parks and Gardens:

    Dighalipukhuri Park (large artificial lake, boat rides) and Nehru Park (green urban park with musical fountains, children's play areas).

  • Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden:

    Home to rhinos, tigers, leopards, and diverse bird species. Botanical garden section has orchids and local flora.

  • Scenic Viewpoints:

    Saraighat Bridge (panoramic Brahmaputra views) and Guwahati Ropeway (aerial views of the river, Umananda Island, and city skyline).

  • Wildlife Viewing:

    Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (day trip, highest density of one-horned rhinos, elephant/jeep safaris). Deepor Beel (Ramsar site, important bird area for migratory birds).

  • Geological Features:

    City built on undulating terrain with several small hills (Nilachal Hills, Chitrachal Hills), extensions of the Shillong Plateau.

  • Lakes and Waterways:

    Brahmaputra River (dominant waterway, popular for cruises and ferries). Deepor Beel (significant freshwater lake and wetland).

Hidden Gems

Explore off-the-beaten-path attractions and local favorites for a cultural dive.

Local Insights

Beyond well-known sites, Guwahati and its immediate surroundings hold unique experiences.

Photo Opportunities

Discover unique photographic subjects and vantage points.

Discovering Unique Experiences

Off-the-beaten-path and local favorites can provide a more immersive experience.

  • Assam Silk Museum (Sualkuchi - day trip): Learn about Muga, Eri, and Pat silk making in this village, known as the "Manchester of the East."
  • Kamakhya Temple's Lesser-Known Shrines: Explore smaller, quieter temples in the Nilachal Hills for a more peaceful spiritual experience and views.
  • Fancy Bazaar's Inner Lanes: Wander the narrow, winding lanes beyond the main shopping streets to discover local life, traditional businesses, and hidden eateries.

Additional Insights

The Kaziranga University Museum on the Guwahati Campus features a collection of tribal artifacts, traditional tools, and cultural exhibits from Northeast India.

Chandubi Lake, a natural lake formed by an earthquake, offers boating and birdwatching (especially in winter). It is a tranquil day trip escape from the city.

Sunrise/Sunset over Brahmaputra

The vast Brahmaputra River provides stunning backdrops. Various ghats (riverbanks) or the Saraighat Bridge offer excellent vantage points.

Guwahati Ropeway

Capture excellent aerial shots of the river, Umananda Island, and the sprawling city below.

Dighalipukhuri Park & Umananda Island

Dighalipukhuri Park has serene reflections on the water. Umananda Island, with its temple amidst the river, offers an unique photographic subject, especially with the Golden Langurs.

Attraction Ticket Booking Resources

GetYourGuide

This platform allows booking tickets for attractions and tours. Review available options for Guwahati and nearby regions.

Visit GetYourGuide

Important Temple Etiquette

When visiting temples, respect devotees and avoid disrupting prayers.

  • Observe signs regarding photography inside religious structures. Many inner sanctums prohibit photos.
  • Always remove your shoes before entering temple complexes.
  • Be mindful of local customs and dress codes.

Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Highlights

This cultural complex is dedicated to preserving Assamese heritage.

Features

  • Cultural museum: Provides a comprehensive overview of Assamese history and ethnography.
  • Open-air theater: Regularly hosts cultural performances, traditional dance, and music shows.
  • Artists' village: A space for local artists.

Regional Science Centre & Planetarium

An engaging and educational destination.

Experiences Include

  • Interactive science exhibits.
  • Pre-historic park with dinosaur models.
  • Planetarium with shows on astronomy.

Additional Tip for Kamakhya Temple

Local guides are available at the entrance; negotiate rates beforehand if you wish for explanations.

Be prepared for long queues, especially during festivals (like Ambubachi Mela in June) or on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Planning Your Sightseeing

Consider geographical grouping of attractions to minimize travel time within Guwahati's traffic.

Western Guwahati

Home to the iconic Kamakhya Temple and areas connected to the Brahmaputra River.

Main attractions include:

  • Kamakhya Temple: A must-visit spiritual site.
  • Umananda Island: Accessed by ferry from Fancy Bazaar Ghat.
  • Guwahati Ropeway: For aerial views connecting the northern and southern banks.

Central Guwahati

A commercial hub with historical elements and cultural institutions.

Places to visit:

  • Assam State Museum: Explore regional history and ethnography.
  • Dighalipukhuri Park: Enjoy boating and leisurely walks.
  • Fancy Bazaar and Pan Bazaar: For shopping and local experiences.

Eastern Guwahati

Features modern institutions and natural escapes on the outskirts.

Attractions include:

  • Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra: For cultural heritage.
  • Regional Science Centre & Planetarium: An educational visit.
  • Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden: For wildlife and flora.

Khanapara and Lokhra are suburban areas here, suitable for bus travel.

Southern Outskirts

Tranquil spiritual sites and nature reserves outside the immediate city.

Noteworthy spots:

  • Basistha Ashram: A peaceful hermitage.
  • Balaji Temple: An architecturally impressive temple.

These areas offer a quiet retreat from city bustle.

Day Trips from Guwahati

Destinations outside the city offering unique natural and cultural experiences.

Popular excursions:

  • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its high rhino density.
  • Chandubi Lake: For boating and birdwatching.
  • Sualkuchi: The "Manchester of the East" for silk weaving.

These trips enrich your Guwahati visit.

Visitor Logistics

Transport within City

Ride-sharing apps like Ola/Uber are readily available for city travel. Auto-rickshaws also provide local transport.

Tour Operators

Consider hiring a local tour operator for day trips to places like Pobitora or Sualkuchi for organized transport and guides.

Best Travel Times

The winter months (October to March) generally offer pleasant weather for sightseeing.

General Sightseeing Tip

Consider grouping nearby attractions for efficiency. This helps make the most of your time in Guwahati.