Guwahati serves as the main entry point to North East India and stands as the most sought-after tourist destination in the region. Approximately 9 out of 10 visitors to the Northeast pass through or pause in Guwahati to explore its myriad tourist attractions. If you are in Guwahati for a short duration of time (a day or less than that), searching for “What To Do In Guwahati For A day”, then you have a lot of options to spend your time and explore the Guwahati city. This blog aims to outline a comprehensive list of activities, tourist spots, dating venues, and hangout spots in Guwahati.
But, “What To Do In Guwahati For A Day” is a complex term and it depends on your priorities. Within the city, you can indulge in a variety of experiences including river cruises, outdoor trekking, nature trails, romantic date spots, temple visits, heritage museums, tea garden tours, eco-resorts, viewpoints overlooking the Brahmaputra River, river islands, lakes, and picnic areas. The list goes on. Here, we have curated the list of the most popular tourist places as per the review of the tourists.
Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre
It is a newly developed area under GMDA in the Panbazar area. It is located on a small hillock that overlooks the river Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra riverfront area has been developed to give you a majestic view of the river Brahmaputra. Besides, the place has a museum and an art gallery that will make you familiarize with the culture of Assam. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and romantic tourist places of Guwahati. You can explore this place within 2 hours.
Starbucks Coffee Store has been opened recently at this place. Visitors are supposed to pay a fee of Rs. 100 per person to visit this place or Rs. 120 if you visit Starbucks.
Inside this place, you can experience charming pedestrian paths, an art garden, and a historic Heritage Bungalow celebrating Assam’s heritage.
Major Attractions: Beautiful pedestrian walkways, an Art Garden, an old Heritage Bungalow with a Museum, a Brahmaputra viewpoint, music shows and exhibitions.
Activities to do:
- Live Music, Starbucks Coffee, Brahmaputra View Point,
- Art Exhibitions and Cultural Shows
- Outdoor programs like poetry, and dance on special occasions.
Best Time to Visit: Evening hours
Amsing Tea Estate
Amusing Tea Estate is the nearest and the most famous tea garden in Guwahati. It is just 15 km from Guwahati. There is a proper motorable road which takes you inside the tea plantations. The tea plantations are strategically placed along the slope of the hills to give a proper view to the visitors. Even though the area is located on the outskirts of Guwahati city, the area is undisturbed and unpolluted by the city environment. As the area is adjacent to Amsing Wildlife Sanctuary, various species of birds and reptiles often visit this place. However, please keep in mind of elephants in the area. Don’t trek into the forest area without a local guide.
In Addition, there is a waterfall nearby this place and good resorts. If you plan, you can also get trekking experience inside the forest area. There are a few good resorts (mentioned below) that are placed inside the gardens. You can also explore all these places in between 6 to 8 hours.
Best Time To Visit Amsing Tea Estate: Monsoon (June-August) is the best time to visit as the area becomes lush green during this period. However, the winter season attracts more people.
How To Reach: The area can be visited from the Narengi-Satgaon route. Google Maps works perfectly in this zone. So, you don’t worry. Could you just set the destination link provided below?
Main Attractions: Photography, Birdwatching, KM9 Nest and PK’s Eco Retreat
(resorts), Waterfalls, Trekking etc.
Tourist Rating: 9/10
Google Map Location: Click here
Brahmaputra Jungle Resort
This resort is an iconic place in Guwahati and the most visited resort of Guwahati. Located on the top of Sonapur hills, this place has many activities for tourists. The best among the all facilities is the stay at the Brahmaputra Jungle Resort. You can enjoy your stay amongst nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Even if you are on a business trip to Guwahati or you have a professional meeting the next day, you can choose to stay in this resort, because the distance of this resort is very near to Guwahati city. The cool surroundings can refresh your mind.
Best Time To Visit Brahmaputra Jungle Resort: Since it is a well-developed resort, you can visit this place any day and anytime. There are both indoor and outdoor spaces in the resort. However, if you are into exploring outdoor places, we would advise you against visiting the resort on hot sunny days. Otherwise, all days are fine.
Maa Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati, located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river above the Nilachal Hills, is a historic Shakti pith (shrine of divine power). Every year Kamakhya temple of Guwahati receives millions of footfalls of devotees across India and the world. It is said that Maa Kamakhya -the goddess fulfils the wishes of devotees if one truly worships her. It is the most visited tourist places of Guwahati.
The main gate of the shrine opens at 8:00 Am. After the morning hours, there is a break time from 1 to 3 pm. The main gate of the shrine is closed according to sunset. So, in general, the Shrine gate closed at 4:30 PM during winter or at 5:45 PM (during summer).
The Kamakhya Temple complex is expansive and includes various shrines and sacred places dedicated to different deities and aspects of the divine. Within the temple complex, there are Saptamatrukas, the seven mother goddesses, the Ten Mahavidyas, the Bhairavi temple, Amrut Kund and Soubhagya Kund.
Read this blog to know more about Maa Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati
Umananda Temple
Umananda Temple, situated on the picturesque Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River, is a sacred abode dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by the devout Shivaite Ahom King Gadhadhar Singha, this 300-year-old temple is nestled on the mountain known as Bhasmacala. The island itself is recognised as the smallest inhabited riverine island globally, offering a unique spiritual experience. Unlike other temples in Guwahati, this temple is not frequented by many tourists.
Best Time to Visit: It is said that a visit to Kamakhya should be followed by a visit to this temple in Guwahati. Maha Shivaratri is widely celebrated in Umananda. Monday is considered to be the holiest day in the temple. There is no rush in Umananda temple except during Maha Shivaratri in Guwahati.
To reach the Umananda Temple, one can embark on a ferry journey from Sukreswar Ghat, located near Panbazar in Guwahati. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes, and there are both private and government boats available. Additionally, a cable car offers a scenic view of the temple from above, providing a unique perspective for visitors.
Brahmaputra River Cruise By Alfresco Grand
Discover the charm of Guwahati alongside the Brahmaputra River with Alfresco Grand’s river cruise experiences. Departing from Bharalumukh, Guwahati, these cruises offer diverse options to suit every traveler’s preference:
Sundown Cruise: Unwind and soak in the tranquil beauty of the Brahmaputra River as day turns to dusk, providing a serene and scenic experience.
Sunset Cruise: Witness a breathtaking sunset over the Brahmaputra River, perfect for couples seeking a romantic and unforgettable journey.
Private Charter Cruise: Enjoy an exclusive and personalized river cruise experience, ideal for special occasions or group gatherings.
Enhancing the cruise experience is a well-equipped bar and restaurant onboard, offering a variety of drinks and cuisine. With a duration of approximately 1 hour, these cruises provide a convenient and enjoyable exploration of the river.
Passengers can choose between two seating options:
- Upper Deck: Adults: Rs. 750, Child (3-12 years): Rs. 600
- Lower Deck: Adults: Rs. 600, Child (3-12 years): Rs. 500
Deepor Beel : The Most Visited Picnic Place Near Guwahati
Deepor Beel is the largest riverine wetland near Guwahati spanning an area approx. 40 sq. km. It is the only ramsar site in Assam and is famous for diversity of avian species and tranquil atmosphere with a continuous calming breeze. Besides, it offers a panoramic view of Guwahati city and Nilachal hill.
How To Reach: It is 21 km from Dispur, Guwahati and can be reached via NH 27 in 45 minutes.
Main Attraction: Boating, Bird Watching, Lakeside View.
Tourist Rating: 8/10
If you have more than 12 hours to spare and are planning to explore the surrounding areas of Guwahati, here are some places you might consider visiting:
Chandubi Lake
Chandubi Lake of Assam also known as Chandubi Beel, which is 61 km from the city of Guwahati, is a picturesque destination if you want to escape the city lights and spend some quality family/friends time amidst nature.
The area surrounding Chandubi Lake is a natural paradise full of waterfalls, tea estates, and beautiful views of Garo hills. Besides, the area is full of eco-resort & homestays, camping, boating, trekking and other adventure activities. If you love eco-tourism and camping, then you must visit this tourist destination near Guwahati.
Major Attractions: Beautiful Lakeview and boating, Soloka Dare Waterfall in Baroigaon village, Ranikhamar Kafandonga Waterfall, Rani picnic spot etc.
Read this blog to learn more about Chandubi Lake and its nearby area.
Garbhanga Forest Trekking
The Garbhanga forest complex, now known as the Garbhanga Wildlife Sanctuary, lies in the southern part of Guwahati city, covering 117 km2 and bordered by the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary of Meghalaya and the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary of Assam. Offering diverse outdoor activities such as trekking, picnics, birdwatching, and photography, the sanctuary is accessible mainly from Guwahati through Basistha Chariali (20 km) and Lokhra Chariali (25 km).
Divided into eastern and western parts, visitors can explore different areas via Basistha Road or Lokhora-Garbhanga Road. Famous for its picnic spots, trekking trails, and waterfalls, Garbhanga also provides opportunities for outdoor cooking and wildlife observation, including elephants. However, visitors should exercise caution, especially regarding vehicle choice and timing due to forest regulations and the presence of elephants.
Read more about Garbhanga Forest in this blog
Chanaka Picnic Spot
Chanaka Picnic spot is located at Gamariguri, Chanaka village. The mighty river Brahmaputra flows near the village. The whole area is surrounded by beautiful hills. With hills in the background, Chanaka picnic spot offers the best view of the river Brahmaputra. Besides the riverview, Chanaka village is characterised by sandy beaches created by the river Brahmaputra. If you happen to visit the area during winter, it gives the vibes of Goa with people partying on the white sand beaches, families enjoying picnics and people participating in various outdoor games.
Best Time To Go For Picnic: October to March
How To Reach: Chanaka picnic spot is 40 km from Guwahati. It can be reached via State Highway 3 via Mayong.
Main Attraction: Boat Ride, Camping, Bonfire, Mayong Village, Dolphin View Point
Tourist Rating: 9/10 (It is considered the best picnic place near Guwahati, according to Google review)
Read more about Chanaka Picnic Spot in this blog
