Guwahati

• You can reach Guwahati by air, train, and bus. The most ideal time to visit this city is between October to April, and avoid travelling here during monsoons.

• Opt for a rented car to travel around the city instead of a bus. Local buses are crowded and uncomfortable for a tourist to get around.

• Get warm clothes, trekking and hiking gear, torches, and mosquito repellents when travelling to this city.

• Do not wander alone in the adjoining forest areas in Guwahati as there are wild animals like leopards and bears that have attacked people in the past.

• Do not accept drinks or drinking water from strangers. Carry your own water bottle when you travel.

• Though, Guwahati has nightlife, it is not safe to wander out alone in the dark especially in isolated areas.

• Avoid wearing revealing or skimpy clothes in most of the places in Guwahati.

• Never travel alone and always move with tourist groups when travelling to Guwahati. This place should not be explored by solo travelers, as it is unsafe for solo backpackers.

• Check for your health and hygiene before you eat at any restaurant, as the cuisine may or may not suite your health.

• Keep all of your travel documents safe, and deposit them at the security box in the hotel.

• Tipping etiquette is followed in most of the places in Guwahati as well. It is good to tip 10 to 20 percent of the bill.

• At Guwahati you can stay at budget as well as luxury hotels.

Guwahati can be visited throughout the year, depending on your purpose to visit the place. To go on Jungle tours to spot animals, winters are the best, to enjoy the magical rains of the region, monsoon is the time and summer is the time when the region celebrates Bihu, so if photographing and enjoying the festival is your aim then try the hot months.

• Winter (October - March): Winters are best suited to enjoy the comfortable weather. From the jungle safari to the old galleries and temples, the beautiful misty winters are the perfect season to be in Guwahati.

• Summer (April-May): The unique and exuberating side of Assam is visible in the hot summers where the temperature ranges between 30- 40°C. The mornings are humid but the evenings are pleasant and the city celebrates its biggest festival Bihu during this season.

• Monsoon (June - September): The high rainfall in the region brings a moderate climate in Guwahati. People often land in Guwahati to visit Cherrapunji, which is said to experience the highest rainfall in the country. The forests and wildlife tours are closed in this season.

• By Flight: The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is located around 20 KM from the city centre; domestic flights are also available from the major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore etc.

• By Train: From almost all major railway station of the country, you can board a train to Guwahati. Guwahati Junction is the main railway station in the region, others are Kamakhya Junction, New Guwahati Junction and Azara Railway Station. If the distance between your city and Guwahati is quite long then do make a point of booking a seat or making a reservation at least a month prior to your travel date because it is one of the busiest station in the country.

• By Bus: Guwahati has the bus connectivity with the nearby states like Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal via NH 31. The Northeast cities like Dibrugarh, Bongaigaon and Jorhat are also interconnected by bus services. In case of sudden plans to visit Guwahati, a bus can serve you the best if the distance from your place to Guwahati can be travelled by a Bus.

• By Car/cab: The trip with your family or friends to Guwahati can be well cherished in a car journey. Car adds flexibility to stop for taking a picture or filling your stomach at your own convenience along the route. The highways NH 31 and NH 37 connect Guwahati with the major roadway network.

The city is endowed with the mighty river Brahmaputra which enables many watersports adventure, the east Himalayas make it a best place for mountain biking, mountaineering and trekking and parasailing.

• River Rafting: The turbulent tributaries of river Brahmaputra like Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas makes it a perfect destination to raft through the rapids.
• Mountaineering and Trekking: North Cachar hills, Karbi hills are some of the places which see a good number of trekkers each year. The topography of Northeast makes it an ideal destinations for Mountaineers and trekkers.
• Rock Climbing: The ample scope for rock climbing on the Elephant rocks in the Morigaon district and Simhasana hills of Karbi Anglong can be your best bet.
• Mountain Biking: The hilly terrain of Guwahati and Assam see several motorbike and Bicycle rallies and in and outside the state. The hilly slopes and terrains of the region can be quite a challenge for the bikers. The Assam Tourism Department in collaboration with the Assam Tourism Development Corporation organizes most of the rallies.
• Parasailing: North Guwahati is the best place for this heart pumping sport that has been introduced by the Assam Development Corporation to attract tourists.

There are ample number of resorts which are excellent and welcoming , listed are a few recommended places where people enjoy their Guwahati sojourn.

• Radisson Blu Hotel: The hotel is the finest property in Guwahati, loaded with ultra luxurious amenities that visitors boast of.
• Brahmaputra Resort: This resort is nestled in the lush green Jungles of Sonapur and is pet friendly resort. The perk of staying in the middle of the jungle is the close encounter with wildlife and activities that you will enjoy here.
• Ginger Hotel: It boasts of an inviting service and a grand welcome by the staff, and the excellent hospitality is the USP of the place.
• Vivanta By Taj: It is situated in the heart of the Guwahati city and offers exquisite view. The hotel has an impeccable decor, Interiors, and an inviting aura.

City buses run by ASTC ply through the city from early morning till late evening on a frequent basis. You can also get auto-rickshaws as well as cycle rickshaws within the cities, depending on the distance you want to cover.

Guwahati has quite a number of options for the shopping lovers, from street bazaar to opulent malls; it can be considered as the shopping hub of Northeast.

• Paltan Bazaar: It is famous for home decor and furniture shopping. One can shop a variety of tea, bamboo products and north eastern tribal garments.
• GS Road: This side of the city houses many shopping malls and branded show rooms.
• Paan Bazaar: This place is a paradise for the book and sari lovers, a hub where Assamese Saris are woven.
• Fancy Bazaar: This market is a street shoppers delight, one can buy soft toys, tribal jewelry, wooden stuffs and gift shops at a very cheap price. Assam local products like - Jaapi (a kind of round bamboo cap) , Assamese sari, Gamcha (thin towel) , and bamboo pickles can be picked for this market.

Some of the famous Assamese foods are as follows:

• Nga-Thongba- which is a fish and ginger curry.
• Masur Tenga- which is another fish dish.
• Erongba- jackfruit-kernel chutney.
• Laksa - a spicy noodles soup.
• Pithas - rice cakes.

Assembled below are few of the restaurants in Guwahati where you can enjoy the local food.

• Paradise: It is famous for its non-veg thali and is one of the oldest restaurant in guwahati that serves Assamese food.

• Korikaa: This place is famous for some of the best lip smacking Assamese dishes and is indeed a pocket friendly restaurant.