Guwahati – Gateway to the Eastern Himalaya

Set along the shimmering banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is where the pulse of Northeast India truly begins. The city blends spirituality, culture, and modern rhythm in a way few places in India can. With over a million residents, Guwahati is not only the largest city in Assam but also the gateway to the entire Northeast — a region of untamed beauty, rich ethnic traditions, and ancient lore. The state capital, Dispur, is part of Guwahati, making it the political and administrative heart of Assam.

The very name ‘Guwahati’ comes from two Assamese words — Guwa (betel nut) and Haat (market), signifying the region’s long-standing role as a vibrant trading centre. Today, this riverside city thrives as the cultural, economic, and spiritual hub of Assam, where ancient temples stand shoulder to shoulder with modern cafes, busy markets, and lush hill viewpoints. Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and English are widely spoken, so travellers find communication effortless and welcoming.

Getting to Guwahati – The True Gateway to Northeast India

Reaching Guwahati is easy from almost anywhere in India — and even internationally. The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI) connects the city to major Indian metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata, as well as to destinations such as Bangkok and Paro.

The Guwahati Railway Station, one of the busiest in the region, is linked with the rest of India through the broad-gauge network, offering direct trains to nearly every major city. Overland travellers will find Guwahati’s road connectivity excellent — the national highways radiate out toward Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and beyond.

The city sits strategically beside the narrow land passage called the Siliguri Corridor, or the Chicken’s Neck, which connects mainland India with the Northeast. (Incidentally, this is where the head office of NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. is located, serving as a vital link for travellers heading into the Eastern Himalaya.)

From Guwahati, one can easily continue journeys toward Kaziranga National Park, Shillong, Cherrapunjee, Tawang, or even the Brahmaputra River cruises — all within a few hours to a day’s travel.

Exploring Guwahati – Temples, Rivers, Culture, and Nature

Kamakhya Temple – The Power Centre of Shakti Worship

High atop Nilachal Hill, overlooking the Brahmaputra, stands one of India’s most revered shrines — the Kamakhya Temple. According to legend and the Kalika Purana, this is the sacred site where the Yoni (symbol of femininity) of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva carried her lifeless body across the cosmos. The temple thus became one of the most important Shakti Peethas in India.

The current structure, built in 1656 by the Koch Kings, combines classical and regional architectural styles. The temple draws thousands of pilgrims, especially during the annual Ambubachi Mela, when the goddess is believed to undergo her yearly menstrual cycle. Apart from the spiritual significance, the panoramic views of Guwahati city and the river from the hilltop are breathtaking.

Basistha Ashram – Where Mythology Meets Serenity

About 12 km from the city centre lies Basistha Ashram, believed to have been founded by the sage Rishi Basistha. Legend says the streams flowing through the area — Sandhya, Lalita, and Kanta — originate from the Brahmaputra. The tranquil setting makes it both a pilgrimage site and a popular picnic spot, especially among locals who seek a spiritual break amidst nature.

Umananda Temple – The Island of the Gods

In the middle of the vast Brahmaputra lies Peacock Island, home to the Umananda Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is believed to be the world’s smallest inhabited river island. Reached by ferries and local boats, a trip to Umananda is as much about the river as the temple — the soft wind, the rhythmic boat ride, and the views of the Guwahati skyline create an experience you won’t forget easily.

Deepor Beel – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Just 18 km southwest of the city centre lies Deepor Beel, a vast freshwater wetland and a Ramsar Site of international importance. Spread over more than 4 square kilometres, it is home to a wide variety of bird species — including spot-billed pelicans, adjutant storks, and migratory ducks that arrive in winter. The calm of the wetlands contrasts beautifully with the urban energy of Guwahati, making it an essential stop for nature lovers and photographers.

Assam State Museum – The Soul of the Northeast

Located near Dighali Pukhuri in the heart of the city, the Assam State Museum is one of the largest in the Northeast. It offers a deep dive into Assam’s tribal cultures, traditional crafts, sculptures, ancient manuscripts, and archaeological relics. If you want to understand the cultural layers of the region before exploring further, this is the place to start.

Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden – Assam State Zoo

Spread over 175 hectares inside the Hengrabari Reserve Forest, this zoo-and-botanical complex shelters several rare and endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros, golden langur, and white tiger. The botanical section features a beautiful orchid house and native plant collections, making it a family-friendly and educational excursion.

Pan Bazaar and Paltan Bazaar – The Pulse of the City

For visitors, the true essence of Guwahati lies in its bazaars. Pan Bazaar, located near the railway station, buzzes with life — filled with bookshops, Assamese silk stores, handloom outlets, and quaint eateries. Just next door, Paltan Bazaar houses most of the city’s hotels and transport hubs, making it the central artery of the traveller’s circuit.

Nearby attractions such as Cotton University, Dighali Pukhuri Lake, and the State Museum give the area a cultural vibrancy, while the ASTC Bus Terminus connects you to every corner of the region.

GS Road – The Modern Face of Guwahati

Running from Paltan Bazaar to Ganeshguri, the GS Road (Guwahati–Shillong Road) is lined with shopping malls, multiplexes, and business offices. It reflects the modern side of Guwahati, balancing out the city’s ancient and spiritual character.

Nearby Excursions from Guwahati

Guwahati’s location makes it the perfect base for wider exploration. Within a few hours’ drive, you can reach:

• Kaziranga National Park, home of the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros (approx. 4–5 hours)

• Shillong, the “Scotland of the East” (about 3 hours)

• Sualkuchi, famous for traditional silk weaving (1 hour)

• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its dense rhino population (1.5 hours)

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a pilgrim, a birdwatcher, or a nature explorer, Guwahati lets you experience all shades of the Northeast in one place.

Plan Your Guwahati Tour with NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd.

For travellers heading to Guwahati or beyond, NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. offers complete travel assistance — from customised Assam and Meghalaya tour packages to wildlife safaris, temple trails, and heritage walks. With over two decades of expertise and Ministry of Tourism recognition, NBTT ensures your trip through the Northeast is seamless, insightful, and deeply memorable.

Call / WhatsApp: +91 9733300696 / +91 9733000593
Let NBTT Travel Solution craft your perfect Northeast experience — from the riverbanks of Guwahati to the misty heights of Meghalaya.