Guwahati is a sprawling city in Assam and is situated beside the Brahmaputra River. Among all the places in Assam, Guwahati is one of the entertaining tourist destinations for visitors coming to Northeast India. Guwahati is popularly known for its temples, making it a popular pilgrimage destination, and river cruises.

Listed are a few places that are a must-visit on your trip to Guwahati, Assam.

1. Assam State Museum (Guwahati)

There is no better place to learn about a state’s history and cultural heritage than at a museum. Also known as Assam Rajyik State Museum, it is one of the biggest museums in India. Situated in the heart of Guwahati, the museum’s various sections exhibit crafts, sculptures, natural history, and folk art forms. The museum also houses a library. The museum is located close to the Guwahati railway station. You can visit the museum all days of the week except Monday.

Visit timings: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

2. Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden (Guwahati)

The largest in northeast India, Assam State Zoo cum botanical garden is spread over 432 acres in Guwahati. The picturesque place has landscaped gardens, water bodies, and large enclosures. Besides the animals, the zoo has a reptile house, a museum, and a herbarium collection. You can visit the zoo all days of the week except Friday.

Visit timings: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

3. Guwahati Planetarium (Guwahati)

Guwahati Planetarium is a centre of astronomical education and research in Assam. Guwahati Planetarium is also one of a kind in northeast India. Guwahati Planetarium is located in MG Road, Guwahati. Guwahati Planetarium holds regular sky-watching sessions. A highlight at Guwahati Planetarium is its special shows. These are projected on a dome-shaped overhead screen. You can visit the Guwahati Planetarium all days of the week except Sunday.

Visit timings: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

4. Nehru Park (Guwahati)

One of the oldest parks in Assam, Nehru Park is a public park in Guwahati. It is located opposite Cotton College in Panbazar area of Guwahati. This park is highly popular in Guwahati because of its scenic beauty and musical fountain. There are 45 sculptures made of concrete around the park each depicting the dance forms of Assam. It is closed on Thursdays. You can visit Nehru Park all days of the week except Thursday.

Visit timings: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

5. Maati Centre (Guwahati)

A social initiative started by a married couple, Maati Centre was set up to support the indigenous people of the Northeast through the sale of unique handicrafts such as saris, jewellery, ceramics, etc. It has evolved to become a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their crafts. You can visit this centre every day of the week except Sunday.

Visit timings: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

6. Kamakhya Temple (Guwahati)

Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered temples in Guwahati. It is dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. Of the 51 shakti pithas, Guwahati Temple is one of the oldest. Besides Guwahati Temple, there are other temples located in the complex. Guwahati Temple is the centre for tantra worship. Every year, thousands of tantra devotees flock to Guwahati to celebrate at the Ambubachi Mela festival.

Morning visit timings: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm; Afternoon visit timings: 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm

7. Umananda Temple (Guwahati)

In the Brahmaputra River, on the famous Peacock Island, lies the beautiful Umananda Temple. This is a Shiva temple in Guwahati. It is located on the opposite side of the famous Kachari Ghat in Guwahati. As it’s located on an island, visitors need to take a boat. You can visit this centre all days of the week.

Visit timings: 5:30 am – 6:00 pm

8. Navagraha Temple (Guwahati)

This ancient temple lies on top of Chitrachal Hill in South Guwahati. The temple of the nine celestial bodies is considered as the abode of the sun. Inside Navagraha Temple are 9 phallic emblems of Lord Shiva. A large part of the temple was destroyed by an earthquake but rebuilt. You can visit this centre every day of the week.

Morning visit timings: 6:00 am – 12:30 pm; Afternoon visit timings: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm