Guwahati is a city that touches your soul with stunning landscapes, rich culture and spiritual essence. Guwahati serves as the entrance to the enchanting North East India, having an incredible compromise between a city like life and serene natural traditions. It is here in the state of Assam, where the mighty Brahmaputra River flows through, where you can see that this vibrant city is not just a stopover for travelers, but rather a destination that calls out with its ancient temples, lush tea gardens and the wildlife of Kaziranga National Park that sits just outside this city.
So, grab your bags, and let’s go on an adventure in Guwahati!
Getting to Guwahati: An Adventure Awaits!
By Air
If you come from the far-flung cities, flying is the quickest way to Guwahati. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) well-connected to all major Indian cities. Here’s a quick guide:
– From Delhi: Around 2 hours direct flight. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet all operate daily, so booking via platforms like MakeMyTrip or ClearTrip is a snap!
— Mumbai: Direct flights are approximately 2.5 hours. Look for flights very early in the morning or late in the evening for a less crowded trip when possible.
From Bangalore: The flight time is around 3 hours with a handful of non stop options. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, try a layover in Kolkata!
– For Chennai: Flight time is 4 hr, mostly with a stopover. They are worth every minute for the beautiful views up there!
- From Trivandrum: There are flights which connect (layover) and they take around 5–6 hours
- From Kolkata: You will be in Guwahati in a jiffy with a 1-hour hop. This is a very popular route, so tickets are fairly easy to obtain.
— From Bhubaneswar : Direct flights are approximately 1½ hours. If you want to visit Odisha before heading off to Assam, this is an amazing option.
By Train
For the more adventurous kind, travelling via train to Guwahati is the ideal way to soak the lush landscapes of India. The city is well linked with the Indian Railways.
– From Delhi: The journey can last around 24 hours via several daily trains. Popular options include the North-East Express and the Brahmaputra Mail.
– Long journey (Mumbai): Take around 32-34 hours Konkan route is very scenic, so be ready to have good views on the way!
– From Kolkata: This is the most common route, which takes 12–15 hours. The Kamrup Express and the Kanchanjunga Express serve dependable routes.
– From Bhubaneswar: Roughly a 20-22 hour train ride. The Durgapur and Bhubaneswar Express are handy options.
Rail travel has the added benefit of getting you up close and personal with locals, taste-testing regional cuisine and soaking up the spirit of the journey.
By Road
If you’re one of those who live for the thrill of a road trip, Guwahati is a great destination that can also be reached by luxury buses. It is located at the junction of several national highways.
– From Shillong: A drive of 100 km takes around 3 hrs with beautiful views of the Khasi hills and charming countryside. The roads are in good condition so it’s a nice drive.
- From Tezpur — about 180 km; 4-5 h drive The stunning scenery will be worth every second.
- From Silchar: 200 km, 5-6 hours drive through scenic Assam countryside.
– From Dimapur (Nagaland): You will take an approx 200 kms drive of about 5 hrs; the roads are generally okay.
Getting the Most Out of Your Guwahati Trip
Now that you know how you will reach Guwahati, let us explore the city! Here are some tips to make sure you have an unforgettable experience:
- Transportation within the city: Auto-rickshaws and local taxis. They are easy and inexpensive to do.
- Visit Kamakhya Temple: An ancient temple located on top of the Nilachal Hills and one of the holiest Shakti Peethas in India, Kamakhya, is a must-visit.
- Brahmaputra River Cruise: Witness a picturesque sunset on a cruise by the Brahmaputra.
- Visit Assam’s Tea Gardens: No visit to Guwahati is complete without seeing the tea plantations nearby. Rejuvenate with fresh Assam tea as you immerse yourself in the greenery.
- Wilderness Extravaganza: Take a day trip to Kaziranga National Park, known for its famous one-horned rhinoceros.
For best tips and recommendations visit travel guides at: TripAdvisor and Thrillophilia
With Guwahati’s warmth just around the corner, kickstart your memorable journey with the experiences you collect on the way. So whether you are soaring in the air, riding the rails or cruising down the highway, each method of transport has its own brand of magic. Pack your bags and experience this off-beat destination of North East India as you read!
For more Travel Guides, Stay Updated with Pathbeat.in
To explore audio tour guides and stories, visit the Pathbeat app
