Guwahati is the heart of Assam, which beats loud and clear. It is a place that draws you there gently, the scent of tea leaves in the rain and the ringing of temple bells in the hills. The powerful Brahmaputra passes through its very heart, separating the old and the new. The one is full of old temples and small streets; the other with cafes, bridges and street lights.
Trees of betel nuts swing like dancers on the borders of the city and telling the stories of Assam of old. You can be running after the setting sun at Nilanchal Hills or enjoy a chai by the river; the tourism places in Guwahati will provide you with the kind of experience that will remain even after the trip is over.
1. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Located only 56 km from Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is among the most fascinating tourism places in Guwahati for nature lovers. Smaller in size than Kaziranga, it is nevertheless full of life and is believed to have the greatest concentration of one-horned rhinos in India. A pure magic it is when one sees these gentle giants lumbering over the misty grasslands.
The sanctuary is also endowed with over 375 species of birds, reptiles and mammals, making it prolific with the voices of nature. You are going to encounter pelicans sailing, turtles sunbathing, and rhinos passing through the wetlands quite well. It is peaceful, experimental and memorable- it is a dream holiday weekend, the travelers will never forget, and they desire to experience the proximity to nature in Assam.
Related 10 National Parks in Assam – A Journey Through the Wild
2. Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya Temple is a hill built on the top of the Nilachal Hills and is the soul of Guwahati. and it has become one of the most intriguing tourism places in Guwahati.
This ancient shrine is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, and it is replete with godly power, enigma and mystery. The view of the Brahmaputra that is beneath as you rise the hill is breathtaking. The temple, stone carvings, and flowered entrance are the reasons to give a look at the sight that can be regarded as holy and spectacular at the same time.
The goddess is internally worshipped in the form of a stone of yoni shape, symbolising creation and fertility. The strength of the goddess is also celebrated by the Ambubachi Mela each year in June, and it turns the whole hill into a sea of devotion.
Kamakhya is not just any temple of worship; it is a journey of the heart and soul of Assam.
Related 10 Famous Temples in Assam to Explore
3. Guwahati War Cemetery
The Guwahati war cemetery is one of the most significant tourism places in Guwahati since it is located in the middle of the city.
It was constructed in World War II and contains the graves of the soldiers who were attending military hospitals in the surrounding areas but never even came home. At present, there are 521 graves here, 316 of them Commonwealth soldiers, 136 known and seven unknown Indian soldiers, five foreigners and 24 Chinese army soldiers. It had even 11 Japanese soldiers who were subsequently repatriated to Japan to receive honorable burials.
This cemetery is quiet and well-kept, and not merely a memorial, but a very strong reminder of bravery, sacrifice, and the cost of war. The visit is humbling, relaxing, and profoundly human.
4. Umananda Temple
The beautiful Umananda Temple, which was one of the most serene tourism places in Guwahati, is located in the centre of the Brahmaputra River on Peacock Island. Going there is half the fun; the drive to Guwahati is only a short trip on a ferry, which lets you cross the still waters with the gorgeous scenery of the riverfront before you.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was constructed by King Gadadhar Singha of the Ahom dynasty. It is said that Lord Shiva once sat down to meditation here, but was disturbed by Kamadeva–and was burnt away, so that on this account the island is called Bhasmacala.
This temple is perched on a small hill, and it can be approached by a flight of steps. Peaceful, meditative and scenic, Umananda is the optimal combination of mythology and calmness on the holy river of Assam.
5. Chandubi Lake
Chandubi Lake is deemed one of the most tranquil tourism places in Guwahati, which is located at the base of the Garo Hills, formed due to an extremely powerful earthquake in the year 1897.
Its peaceful waters, in the middle of forests, tea gardens, and the small villages, welcome migratory birds at least once a year in winter. The name Chandubi is based on Khasi words; Chand means five and Dubi means sinking, five hills known as Chandubi sunk in the quake.
Another legend also associates it with a merchant called Chanda Sadasgar who used to trade along the lake. Visitors are able to do fishing, boating, or simply enjoy the view.
The Chandubi Festival illuminates the lake with folk songs, dances, local cuisine, and crafts in January every year, and this festival is a reflection of the real heart of Assam culture and eco-tourism.
6. Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary
Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is the place where the wild nature of Guwahati starts to thrive, and it is situated only a few kilometres from the city. It covers 78 sq km of hills, forests and rivers, making it one of the most adventurous tourism places in Guwahati among nature enthusiasts.
The sanctuary hosts leopards, flying foxes, slow lorises and more than 750 colour rich varieties of butterflies. The Khaleej Pheasant and Green Imperial Pigeon flying above the canopy will delight the birdwatchers.
Each of the corners is ringing with life – rustling leaves, and faint cries of the wild. Amchang is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area; it is not only about adventure but it is also a key site that supports the rich Assamese wildlife where with each visit to the site it feels like stepping into the heartbeat of nature.
7. Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre
The Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre is one of the most interesting tourism attractions in Guwahati, in case you are a history and culture lover.
It is located in a reconstructed bungalow of the British era, in Pan Bazaar, and it is a marvelous exhibition of Assam’s connection with the mighty Brahmaputra River. Interior interactive exhibitions, artefacts and photographs narrate the origin of the river, the culture and the impact it has had on the life of the Assamese.
The house itself is a historic treasure, and it used to be the house of the Deputy Commissioner. It is possible to walk through its green gardens, enjoy the river, and find out its art galleries showcasing the creativity of Assam.
There are also cultural events and workshops conducted at the centre. Your visit is not complete without trying other attractions around such as the Umananda Island, Deepor Beel or the Assam State Museum, which is all the wonderful part of Guwahati.
8. Navagraha Temple
The Navagraha Temple, sitting on Chitrasal hill, is also one of the most unique tourism places in Guwahati. It is the worship of the planets rather than the gods.
Navagraha is a term in Sanskrit that can be translated as nine heavenly bodies, which are said to determine human fate. The temple established by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in the 18 th century is tall, yet it has managed to survive one of the major earthquakes in 1897. It has a rustic appearance with corrugated iron sheets as its roof.
On the inside, there are nine Shivalingas, which are the planets, and they are lit under the light of the oil lamps and flower offerings. There are rituals such as Navagraha Puja and Homa in which chants and incense fill the air around. Overall, the perspective of the hill is spectacular, and it is a harmonious combination of spirituality, history, and cosmic marvel.
9. Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra
Assam is not all about greenery combined with wildlife. The Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra is the heart of Guwahati and here the art, music and the cultural spirit of the state are worshipped in one place, which is really one of the most inspiratory tourism places in Guwahati.
Inaugurated in 1988 and dedicated to the great saint-poet Srimanta Sankardeva, this 17.5-hectare cultural complex, located in Panjabari, is a combination of museums, galleries and theatres, and open parks.
Here the Purbajyoti Museum has in its possession more than 4000 artefacts, including ancient masks and musical instruments, handwoven fabrics and clay art. Children will be able to roam around the open park and adults attend the performances in the outdoor theatre.
The best time to visit would be between the times of October and April, when the weather is good and also during Bihu, when the Kalakashetra is filled with color, music, and Assamese spirit.
10. Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple
The beautiful Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple is just off the National Highway 37, and it is one of the peaceful tourism places in Guwahati.
It is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, and it is inspired by the popular Tirupati Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The white edifice is absolutely pure, with the gopuram rising 70 feet in the air and gleaming in the Assam sky. Enter and you will come to elaborate carvings, massive columns and the spectacular 4-tonne idol of lord Balaji, hewn out of one stone.
On his right, there is a goddess Padmavati and Garuda, his divine companion. At night, the temple becomes luminous as a fantasy, and its golden light reflects pure serenity and absolute calm. Be it peace that you want or it is just architecture that you love, this temple is a place that you must visit when exploring tourism places in Guwahati.
Also Read: 10 Iconic Assam Tourist Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss on Your Trip
