Guwahati, the largest city in North Eastern States:
UnderstandEdit
Excavations trace the origins of the city to around the 4th century and it was the capital of Assam until the 10th century. Today, the metropolitan city has a population of more than 1.8 million people, spread across an area of over 360 km2; making it the largest city in the state and the region. It is the main center for shopping and business, attracting people from all over the north east as well as from Eastern Bhutan. The slow, meandering Brahmaputra River is a focal point of the downtown while the lush hills of the Shillong Plateau provide a verdant backdrop for the suburbs. The pleasant environment, however, is somewhat tempered by the inadequate investment in the region, which is apparent from the low quality of roads. Still, despite the average infrastructure, private investors have been drawn to the city in recent years and there has been something of a boom in the construction of shopping malls and high quality condominiums, which has helped raise the economic profile of the city. The end of decades-long insurgence in the state has also facilitated an economic boom in the city.
Climate
Guwahati's climate is subtropical. Summers last here from April to May, monsoons from June to September and winters from October to March. Temperatures here approximately range between 19°C and 26°C. 161.3 cm is the average yearly precipitation level here. Humidity is more than 80/90% often.
Get inEdit
By plane
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (IATA: GAU, ICAO: VEGT) is also known as (Guwāhāti International Airport) and was formerly known as (Borjhar Airport).
Guwahati airport is a major hub for flights to North-East India. Druk air flies direct to Bangkok twice per week.
The hill resort cities of Shillong and Tura are connected by regular scheduled helicopter services run by Pawan Hans. Shillong (30 min), Tura (50 min), Naharlagun (Itanagar), Tawang (75 min).
By train
Guwahati is connected by train with major cities likeKolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore,Thiruvananthapuram,Chennai, Hyderabad,Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Vizag, Lucknow,Patna, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad andMumbai.
By car
By road - NH-31, NH-37 and NH-40 pass through Guwahati. It is a three hour drive to the Bhutaneseborder town of Samdrup Jongkhar.
By bus
It is connected to all major cities of North East India by bus. There are overnight bus services forKohima, Imphal, Itanagar, Siliguri.
By boat
Luxurious vessels with A/C upper deck connectGuwahati to Dibrugarh, passing through Kaziranga & Tezpur.
Get aroundEdit
By bus
Bus is the cheapest way of travelling around the city. Guwahati is well connected to most of its city area with local service buses, with air conditioned bus service having recently begun between the airport and the city.
Airport Bus Service, (Guwahati-Shillong Rd, Ulubari, Guwahati, about 250 meters from Guwahati railway station. Bus Route: Paltan Bazar - AT Road - Bharalumukh - Maligoan - Jalukbari - Borjhar Airport, Bus Timings 6:15 AM 6:45 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 (check for changes with office mobile number - +91 99540-77888).), [1]. edit
By Taxi
- Prime Cabs (Taxi Service), ☎ +91 361 2222233(support@primecabz.com), [2]. Inquiry: from 6am to 9pm. The best and most professional radio taxi in Guwahati. Always on time, excellent SMS service, english phone service Fares starting Rs.180 and Rs. 19 every km. edit
- Xcell... (Guwahati Car Rental Service), 44,A K Azad Road, Rehabari, Guwahati-8, ☎ +91 92070 21140/ +91 98541 21140/ +91 361 2734414(care@xcell.co.in), [3]. Inquiry: 24 X 7. Guwahati Car Rental Service on Xcell... Fares starting Rs. 800 for within city and Rs. 1000 for outstation. edit
By auto
Compared to other cities in India, autos charge a hefty price for the ride. There is no meter system used by the autos, the auto driver will simply refuse to drive you if you insist on the meter - the best you can do is negotiate in advance ( check with a local on what it should cost you). Small distance charges are high.
By motorbike
Rented motorbikes can be taken from some places at good price.
River crossing
If you can not go on the river cruise, at least cross the river on the ferry. Ferries provide transport to the local people - they leave the jetty at Fancy bazar every half an hour and the round trip will take around 45 minutes. Tickets are Rs 10, 1 way. It is a simple way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Brahmaputra river.
SeeEdit
- Uma Nanda Temple, A 17th century temple on a river island of the same name is dedicated to Shiva. It was built by Ahom king Gadapani on this picturesque Brahmaputra isle, also called Peacock island. You can hop into a shared ferry/motorboat for Rs10 and return on the same or another boat free of charge, or reserve the entire boat for yourself. All shuttle boats leave from the KachariGhat between the Deputy Commisioner's office and the lower courts. The island is also a sanctuary for an endangered population of Golden Langurs which you can see from very close quarters. They have thrived successfully on this uninhabited island chosen for their translocation from their last refuge in the Manas National Park. The island also has a Ganesh temple and is small enough to be explored on foot.
- Janardana Temple
- ISKCON Temple, Near Ulubari Chariali, Prasad time 9 AM and 3 PM (Lunch), to take prasad at 3 PM a coupon of Rs. 40/- should be taken within 1 PM.
- Ugro Tara Temple, Lotaxil. A temple dedicated to the deity Tara. The goddess in the sanctum sanctorum is not an idol but a pit of water.
- Assam State Museum, southern end of Dighalipukhuri tank. The museum is closed on Mondays.
- Guwahati Planetarium
- Regional Science Center at Khanapara
- Navagraha Temple, Chitrasal Hill. An 18th century temple dedicated to nine Celestial bodies is atop the second highest hill in Guwahati.
- Kamakhya Temple atop the Neelachal hill, the highest spot in the city draws pilgrims from all over India especially during the Ambubachi festival. A high seat of the shakti sect,it is associated with the legend of the mother goddess who slayed the legendary demon king Narakasur who ruled ancient Assam.
- Bhubaneswari Temple
- Pandu a river port on the south bank of Brahmaputra in West Guwahati was the entrepot to Guwaahati before construction of the Saraighat bridge in the early 1960s.
- Basistha Ashram a place of pilgrimage and a picnic spot near the Sandhychal hills south of Dispur, the seat of the State government lies at the confluence of the three streams Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta, names of the wives of legendary sage Vasistha who had set up this Ashram. It is near the Balaji temple which is near the ISBT-inter state bus terminus.
- Assam State Zoo And Botanical Gardens on RGB Road also known as Zoo Road.
- Shankardev Kalashetra, Panjabari Road
DoEdit
Accoland Amusement park
- Accoland, [4] Airport Rd. Amusement park.
- Nehru Park, in Guwahati is another famous attraction for both locals and tourists, and is a good place for children as well.
BuyEdit
- Ethnic handicrafts, of the north east and Assam are available in many shops in the city.
- Malls. The city boasts several shopping malls. These are the major ones: The Hub Mall, Bhangagarh; Dona Planet, G.S. Rd; Vishal MegaMart; The Cube Mall and Sohum Shoppe; Kolkata Bazaar; Salasar, Big Bazzar, Sohum Emporio, V2, Pantaloons and others in Fort Mall at Kachari Basti, G.S.Rd
- Handlooms & Handicrafts, The Assam Silk & Golden SIlk "Muga" is world famous. You will be fascinated to see the designs and colours of the etnic dress called "Mekhela - Chadar".
- Tea Bags, of the north east and Assam are available in many shops in the city.Assams Green tea is world famous.
EatEdit
If you have just exited the airport or have to wait sometime before boarding your flight, then you can head to the airport restaurant right opposite to the domestic terminal for some reasonably priced food.
Budget
There are many good dhabas on the main roads, highways and at the outskirts of the city.
- City Dhaba.
- JBs, M G Rd, Riverside.
- JBs, G S Rd, Christian Basti.
- Dispur Dhaba.
- U turn.
- Momo ghar, Veg, Chicken and Pork Dumplings only.
- Shaikh Brothers, Shaikh Building, 195 Hem Baruah Road,Panbazar (opp. United Bank), ☎ +91 36 1273 6615. Century old bakery. Well known throughout entire North East India for its delicious pastries, cakes, bread and cookies. Established by Golam Ibrahim in 1885, Shaikh Brothers is the oldest and largest bakery shop in North East India. Presently managed by its fourth generation partners namely Shaikh Sakhawat Hossain, Shaikh Azizul Hossain, Shaikh Khoda Nawaz and others. It is renowned for its tasty Birthday and Christmas cakes. edit
- China Town, A good ethnic Chinese restaurant.
- KFC, Kentucky's Fried Chicken.Location- Lachit Nagar and Zoo Road.
- Domino's, Pizza Specialist. Location- GS Road and Zoo Road( beside KFC).
- Pizza Hut, Pizza Specialist. Location- Dona Planet, GS Road.
Mid-range
- Nashraj Restaurant, S.S. Rd, Fancy Bazaar (inside Hotel Nova), ☎ +91 361-251-9465. This restaurant is popular with locals and foreigners, and serves tasty Indian, Chinese and selected Continental cuisine. edit
- Green Valley Resort.
- Makhonbhog.
- Gopal Maharaj, Kamrup Chamber Rd, Fancy Bazar.
- Delicacy, Ganeshguri. Famous for ethnic Assamese cuisine.
- Khorika, GS Road. Another famous ethnic Assamese restaurant.
- Sagar Ratna, Opp: Nepaly mandir, Palton Bazar. Vegetarian Restuarant
- Paradise, Opp: Goswami Service Petrol Pump, GNB Road, Silpukhuri.
Splurge
- GAM's Delicacy, Ganeshguri, (near the fly over'). ☎ +91 361 2233402, +919864434969.
DrinkEdit
Guwahati is said to have the highest number of wine shops. You don't need a list of Pub/Disco/Bar, if your only intention is to drink. Wine shops are available in every corners of the city. Just walk for a minute in any direction and you are likely to pass by a wine shop.
Pub/Disco/Bar
- Silver Streak, Hotel Bramhaputra Ashok.
- Terra Mayaa, Anil Plaza-2.
- Topaz, Ulubari.
- XS,GS Road.
- Cafe Copa,GS Road.
- Club Ozone,GS Road.
- The Lounge Bar,Christian Basti.
- Urban Mantra,Six Mile.
- Cafe Hendrix,Downtown.
- Mazbaan, Ganeshguri.
- Mainland China, 4th floor, Dona Planet,ABC, G S Road, ☎ +919864983761.
SleepEdit
Budget
- Brahmputra, Panjbari, Sixmile (Near Kalakshetra).Small family hotel. Clean rooms, simple food, nothing fancy but economical. edit
- Hotel Suradevi, M.L.N Road (Pan Bazaar), ☎ +91 361 254 5050. Slightly out of the action and an overcharged budget choice with a restaurant. Rooms and toilets desperately need a descent clean not to mention a well overdue refurbishment Rs 450 w/private bath, Rs 500 w/TV. edit
- Idyll Guest House (Idyll Guest House & Serviced Apartments), HN#6, Bye Lane 1, Lakhmi Nagar, Opp Shankardeva Netralaya, Beltola, Guwahati - 781028, Assam (Beltola), ☎ +91 9401160000, [6]. Idyll is a serene and homey service apartment / Guest House / Bed & Breakfast service in Guwahati, Assam. With fully furnished, spacious rooms with all the modern amenities, Idyll provides a comfortable stay in the heart of Guwahati city at an economical and affordable price. Rs 1500 w/private bath. edit
Mid-range
- Hotel Nova, S.S. Road (Fancy Bazaar), ☎ +91 361 251 9465, [7]. A decent mid-range choice, it is centrally located, reasonably clean and friendly, and has a good restaurant on site. Hot running water, TV with satellite connection, same-day laundry available. [8] . www.novahotel.in Rs 1190-1,790, A/C rooms Rs 1,570-2,170. edit
- Hotel Brindavan, [9] Rs 500-3,500 . www.hotelbrindavan.com , phone 0361-2912222/23
- Hotel Rhino, Building No. 211A (Shilpukhuri), ☎09508062131. Rs 700-2000. edit
Splurge
- Hotel Dynasty, S.S. Road (Lakhotia), ☎ +91 361 251 6021, [11]. Centrally located, warm and comfortable, and the staff are friendly. Tandoor is one of the two in-house restaurants, and a good place to splurge on food in the city, with live music in the evenings. Rooms Rs 3400-5000, Suites Rs 8000-15,000. edit
Contact
Volunteer
Get outEdit
- Deepor Beel - A wetland and a very picturesque picnic spot. A bird-watchers paradise, especially in winter when the migratory birds come down. Access is from the National Highway, Gorchuk Ali. The alternative road from the airport passes through Deepor Beel. Ask for Guddu of Uttam at the forest office who are local experts on the area, and can take you out for boat rides on the Beel. Deepor Beel is almost famous for the elephant population who descend from the nearby hills to frequent the water in the evening. It is best to avoid Deepor Beel on the weekends during the winter months due to the large number of picnic revelers who also descend on the spot (along with the migratory birds)
- Rani Garbhanga Reserve Forest - 15km inside this protected forest on the southern fringes of Guwahati, reside a number of Karbi communities scattered across the hilly region. These tribal communities continue to practice a "traditional" lifestyle, engaging in shifting cultivation and following other cultural and daily practices sometimes far removed from the urban landscape below. Life is simple here, without electricity and there are no paved roads, but for a glimpse of hill tribe lifestyle there is no better opportunity closer to Guwahati. Mr Nayan Das has travelled the hills extensively for 10 years now, and is an excellent guide if you would like to see how people live in the hilly forests. Nayan's number is +919864627726. Check out his Garbhanga facebook page for an ideahttps://www.facebook.com/groups/nayan08597/
- Resorts on Sonapur Road - The Sonapur Road(Guwahati-Nagaon Road, NH 37) has many dhabas that are within 10-15 km of the city outskirts (Khanapara). These resorts provide a good weekend break. Brahmaputra resort,Disang Dhaba in Tepesia are good for family outings.
- Balaji Temple - Balaji temple is on the National Highway By-pass easily reached by taking the National Highway from the city head towards Maligaon/Adabari and beyond till you reach the Jalukbari junction. It takes about 20 min from the junction to the temple. It is supposed to be a replica of the temple in Tirupati - the temple provides a nice place for solitary meditation, being in a peaceful setting.
- Hajo - Hajo is an interesting place to visit near Guwahati. The place has religious significance for Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. It takes about an hour and half from the city center to reach Hajo by own transport (buses are there from Adabari bus stand). Interesting places to visit are the Hayagrib Madhab temple and Pua Mecca. While at the temple, make sure to go down to the temple pond to see the resident turtle.
- Kamakhya Temple - A world famous Hindu Temple and Pilgrimage. Attracts visitors and devotees from all across the world and Country. A 25-30 minutes drive from the heart of the City.
1 comment:
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