Guwahati

Guwahati (Assamese: গুৱাহাটী Guvāhāṭī guah-hah-tih), previously Gauhati, is the capital and the largest city in the Indian state of Assam. Guwahati is one of the fastest-growing cities in India.

Understand
Excavations trace the origins of the city to around the 4th century and it was the capital of Assam until the 10th century.

The rapidly-growing metropolis has a population of 2.4 million in 2020, and encompasses an area of over, making it the largest city in the state and the region. It is the main centre for shopping, retail and business; attracting people from all over North-Eastern India as well as from Eastern 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.

The pleasant environment, however, is somewhat tempered by the inadequate investment in the region, which is apparent from the low quality of roads. Still, despite the average infrastructure, private investors have been drawn to the city, and there has been something of a boom in the construction of shopping malls and high-quality condominiums, which has helped raise the economic profile of the city. The end of the decades-long insurgency in Assam has also helped in the economic boom of Guwahati.

This article also covers Dispur (দিছপুর Dichpur), Assam's seat of government. In 1973, Assam was reorganized to form the smaller states of Meghalaya, Manipur and Mizoram. Assam lost its capital, Shillong, to Meghalaya. A search for a new capital ensued and the choice settled on Dispur, then a suburb of Guwahati.

Climate
Guwahati's climate is subtropical. Summers last here from April to May, monsoons from June to September and winters from October to March. Temperatures here approximately range between 19°C and 26°C. 161.3 cm is the average yearly precipitation level here. Humidity is more than 80/90% often.

By train
Guwahati is well connected by train with all of India's major cities. It is served by two railway stations, and. The reservation office is 30 m north of Guwahati station, and at the third window, you can book a foreign tourist quota on trains originating from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) network. Tickets can also be booked on the Indian Railways website.

By car
NH-31, NH-37 and NH-40 pass through Guwahati. It is a 2- to 2½-hour drive via Rangia to the Bhutanese border town of Samdrup Jongkhar.

By bus
It is connected to all major cities of North-Eastern India by bus. There are overnight bus services for Dibrugarh, Kohima, Imphal, Itanagar, Siliguri.

By boat
Luxurious vessels with AC upper decks connect Guwahati to Dibrugarh, passing through Kaziranga and Tezpur.

By bus
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.

By auto
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.

By ferry
If you can not go on the river cruise, at least cross the river on the ferry. Ferries provide transport to the local people - they leave the jetty at Fancy Bazar every half an hour and the round trip will take around 45 minutes. Tickets are ₹10, 1 way. It is a simple way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Brahmaputra River.

Places of worship




Do



 * North Guwahati- Guwahati Ropeway, M. G. Road, Panbazar.
 * North Guwahati- Guwahati Ropeway, M. G. Road, Panbazar.
 * North Guwahati- Guwahati Ropeway, M. G. Road, Panbazar.
 * North Guwahati- Guwahati Ropeway, M. G. Road, Panbazar.
 * North Guwahati- Guwahati Ropeway, M. G. Road, Panbazar.
 * North Guwahati- Guwahati Ropeway, M. G. Road, Panbazar.

Buy

 * Handicrafts, of the north east and Assam are available in many shops in the city.
 * Handlooms & Handicrafts, the Assam Silk & Golden SIlk "Muga" is world famous. You will be fascinated to see the designs and colours of the local dress called "Mekhela - Chadar".
 * Malls. The city has several shopping malls. These are the major ones: Sohum Emporia, Sohum Shoppe, Guwahati Central, Central Mall, FBB, The Hub Mall, Vishal MegaMart, Big Bazaar, Pantaloons.
 * Tea Bags, of the north east and Assam are available in many shops in the city. Assams Green tea is world famous.
 * Tea Bags, of the north east and Assam are available in many shops in the city. Assams Green tea is world famous.

Budget
There are many good dhabas on the main roads, highways and at the outskirts of the city.



Drink


Guwahati is said to have the most wine shops.

Budget
There are many budget hotels around the station but only a few are licensed to accommodate foreigners.



Nearby

 * Resorts on Sonapur Road - The Sonapur Road (Guwahati-Nagaon Road, NH 37) has many dhabas that are within 10-15 km of the city outskirts (Khanapara). These resorts provide a good weekend break. Brahmaputra resort, Disang Dhaba in Tepesia are good for family outings.
 * Resorts on Sonapur Road - The Sonapur Road (Guwahati-Nagaon Road, NH 37) has many dhabas that are within 10-15 km of the city outskirts (Khanapara). These resorts provide a good weekend break. Brahmaputra resort, Disang Dhaba in Tepesia are good for family outings.
 * Resorts on Sonapur Road - The Sonapur Road (Guwahati-Nagaon Road, NH 37) has many dhabas that are within 10-15 km of the city outskirts (Khanapara). These resorts provide a good weekend break. Brahmaputra resort, Disang Dhaba in Tepesia are good for family outings.

Go next

 * Kaziranga National Park
 * Shillong — an old hill station established by the British and stepping point to Cherrapunji and further south. Meghalaya state transport provides several buses departing in the morning and also regular shared 7-passenger jeep service for ₹170 (more comfortable than the usual 10-pax Sumo) from the bus terminal south of the train station.
 * Tezpur