10 Tourist Places To Visit In And Around Guwahati

Nestled amidst breathtaking natural beauty, Assam offers a plethora of enchanting destinations that can rejuvenate you from the weariness of your daily routine. The state's picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and the sun-kissed scenery evoke nostalgia reminiscent of classic Bollywood films with each passing moment.

In addition to its captivating vistas, Assam invites you to delve into its spiritual heritage. To enhance your travel experience, we have curated a list of the finest tourist spots in Assam for your upcoming holiday plans.

Below, you'll find a compilation of Assam's most renowned attractions, ensuring an unforgettable vacation. Continue reading to discover the top places to visit in Assam and the exciting activities to engage in for a memorable getaway!

Furthermore, every corner of Assam possesses its own distinct charm for travelers. Hence, be sure not to overlook your personal favorites. Enrich your travel wishlist with these exceptional Assam tourist destinations and set out on a memorable journey with your loved ones.

Guwahati, a rapidly growing Indian city situated along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, stands out as an exceptional destination. It not only serves as a fascinating city to explore but also serves as a gateway to numerous other destinations in the North East. Whether you're interested in cultural heritage, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient temples, historic museums, scenic promenades, or tranquil reservoirs, Guwahati has something to captivate every traveler. In ancient times, this city was a hub for the study of astrology. Scroll down to delve deeper into these remarkable places!

# Kaziranga National Park

One of the top tourist destinations in Assam undoubtedly has to be Kaziranga National Park. Situated in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaon districts of Assam, this national park consistently lures wildlife enthusiasts from all corners of the country, who come here year after year to catch a glimpse of the iconic one-horned rhinoceros. It's this very reason that has earned Kaziranga its global reputation.

Encompassing a sprawling expanse of approximately 430 square kilometers, this national park is a sanctuary for an astonishing array of wildlife. Among its diverse inhabitants are tigers, wild buffalo, gaur, leopards, various species of deer, hogs, wild boars, and an abundance of exquisite migratory birds. It's truly a paradise for nature enthusiasts and ranks among the top places to visit in Assam, perfect for both family outings and trips with friends.

# Manas National Park

Discover a distinct facet of Assam by venturing into Manas National Park, a site that has earned its rightful place on the esteemed UNESCO Natural World Heritage list.

Manas National Park holds the prestigious titles of being a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve within the heart of Assam, solidifying its status as one of the premier tourist destinations in the region. Within its borders, you'll have the opportunity to encounter some of the most extraordinary and rare species of flora and fauna.

This renowned national park is particularly celebrated for being the habitat of the elusive golden langur and the enchanting red pandas. It is also a sanctuary for unique creatures like the Assam roofed turtle, the hispid hare, and the pygmy hog. The captivating landscapes encompassing forested hills, alluvial grasslands, and lush tropical evergreen forests further enhance the park's allure, creating a truly mesmerizing natural panorama.

# Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden

Established in 1957, this botanical garden and zoo span a lush expanse of 1.75 square kilometers. The zoo boasts an impressive collection of over 900 species of animals, birds, and reptiles, making it a top-notch destination for both children and wildlife enthusiasts. Additionally, it serves as a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking pristine vistas during their visit to Assam.

The Assam State Zoo is the residence of a diverse range of wild creatures, including the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, majestic tigers, elusive clouded leopards, stately elephants, stealthy leopards, lively chimpanzees, noble white rhinos, bounding kangaroos, graceful giraffes, striking zebras, sleek pumas, swift ostriches, and captivating jaguars, among many others. It's a veritable paradise for anyone with a love for the wonders of the natural world.

# Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple stands as a revered pilgrimage destination and a distinctive sanctuary in Assam, garnering significant attention from devotees and tourists alike. Its allure is further enhanced by an intriguing legend rooted in Hindu mythology. According to this ancient tale, it is said that Lord Vishnu employed his chakra, a disc-like weapon, to sever 51 parts of Mata Sati's body in an attempt to dissuade Lord Shiva's affection for her. Subsequently, these distinct segments of Mata Sati fell to various locations, each of which evolved into a Shaktipeeth, a sacred site dedicated to the Mother Goddess.

The belief holds that the maternal womb of Mata Sati descended upon this particular site, thereby christening it as Kamakhya. Annually, in the month of June, a grand festival known as Ambubachi is celebrated here. During this event, the waters of the Brahmaputra River assume a crimson hue for three days, signifying a symbolic occurrence—it is believed that the goddess undergoes menstruation during this period.

# Hajo

Nestled along the Brahmaputra River, just a few hours' drive from Guwahati, lies Hajo—a venerable pilgrimage center revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims alike. This sacred locale stands as a shining testament to the spirit of religious harmony.

Moreover, Hajo is renowned across Asia for its bell metal industry and proudly holds the distinction of being the largest producer of silk garments in Assam. Attempting to capture the sheer beauty of Hajo in words would surely fall short. This historic gem of Assam is adorned with magnificent temples and sacred sites, making it one of the region's premier historical destinations.

# Sualkuchi

For those seeking an unconventional destination to explore in Assam, Sualkuchi beckons as a must-visit locale. Often referred to as the "weaver's village," Sualkuchi is renowned for producing the finest silk in the entire state. It graces the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River, approximately 35 kilometers away from Guwahati.

Upon arriving in this enchanting village, you'll encounter numerous homes crafted from bamboo and mud. Sualkuchi is particularly celebrated for its exceptional varieties of silk, including the coveted Muga silk, Pat silk, Eri silk, and Endi cloth, which enjoy high demand not only within Assam but also across other regions of India. Additionally, the Mekhela chadors and Gamosas fashioned from these indigenous materials are highly sought after. A visit to this village offers a chance to appreciate its rich cultural heritage and picturesque charm.

# Dispur

The capital city of Assam boasts a picturesque setting, a vibrant cultural heritage, and a dynamic way of life, rendering it one of Assam's premier destinations. Dispur ascended to its capital status following the separation of Meghalaya from Assam, when Shillong was the previous capital. Remarkably, it ranks among the world's smallest capitals. Dispur is widely recognized for its distinction as a major hub for tea production and the trading of tea garden products.

Given its close proximity to Guwahati, this capital city attracts a multitude of tourists who come to explore its offerings. The consistently pleasant climate year-round adds to its appeal. As the capital, Dispur boasts an array of local markets and bazaars, catering to a wide spectrum of needs, from everyday essentials to luxury goods.

# Bogamati

Bogamati is a relatively recent addition to the list of Assam's attractions, making it an emerging destination for travelers. This serene spot also ranks as an excellent summer retreat within Assam. The inauguration of this tourist gem was officiated by Emanuel Muchahary, the MLA of Tumulpu. Its captivating panoramic vistas of mountains and tranquil ambiance establish it as one of the finest picnic spots in Assam.

Nestled at the confluence of the Barnadi River, amid the foothills near the Indo-Bhutan border, Bogamati is located in the Baksa district of Assam. The name "Bogamati" originates from the Assamese language, where it signifies a white river, a reference to the abundant deposits of white sand and stones lining its banks. This locale actively promotes eco-tourism, with the local community primarily reliant on tourism for their livelihoods. Additionally, Bogamati is renowned for its thriving betel plantations and picturesque tea gardens.

# Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled along the border of Arunachal Pradesh, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary stands out among India's many wildlife sanctuaries, captivating the hearts of numerous wildlife enthusiasts and nature aficionados. This sanctuary boasts a unique charm, providing visitors with mesmerizing vistas of the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas and endless fields of blooming orchids. It is a definite must-visit destination among the array of beautiful places in Assam.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for some of the world's most elusive animal and bird species. Moreover, it serves as an elephant reserve, extending its nurturing care to orphaned and abandoned elephants. For birdwatchers, this wildlife sanctuary presents an unparalleled opportunity to revel in the delights of avian diversity.

# Umananda Island

Situated at the heart of the Brahmaputra River, as it flows through the midst of Guwahati, lies a sacred island that ranks among the finest destinations to explore in Assam during the months of May and June. This revered island is renowned for its Umananda Temple, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its distinct shape led British colonists to christen it "Peacock Island."

In accordance with Hindu mythology, this island served as the site where Lord Kamdev, also known as the Lord of Love, was reduced to ashes by the potent third eye of Lord Shiva when the former attempted to disrupt his meditation. Additionally, the island serves as a refuge for a remarkable and endangered species, the Golden Langur.