Start with a hotel breakfast or sample Assamese pitha and chai at a local stall to get a taste of the region; it’s light and perfect before sightseeing.
One of Northeast India’s most important and historic tantric Hindu temples on Nilachal Hill; visit the complex for views over the city and spiritual atmosphere. Typical open hours: early morning and late afternoon — check current darshan timing and dress modestly.
Take a short ferry to the small Umananda Island temple on the Brahmaputra — peaceful riverside views and local mythology; ferries generally run mid‑morning to late afternoon but confirm ferry schedules.
Visit the Assam State Museum for Assamese history and tribal artifacts (usually open ~10:00–17:00) or choose the planetarium if traveling with kids; verify opening hours ahead.
Take an evening boat/cruise on the Brahmaputra for sunset views of the river and city skyline; many cruises run late afternoon to early evening (book ahead).
Enjoy a relaxed dinner — try fish tenga (tangy fish curry) or bamboo shoot dishes at a reputable restaurant or your hotel; ask for local recommendations near Paltan Bazaar or the riverfront.
Stroll the charming Ward’s Lake and explore Police Bazaar shops and cafés for handicrafts, sweaters and local snacks; most shops open till evening but check individual timings.
Head to Shillong Peak or Laitlum for panoramic hilltop views at sunset — great for photos and a sense of the Khasi Hills (accessible until early evening; verify seasonal closing time).
A top museum for Northeastern tribal art, crafts and ethnography with well‑curated exhibits — normally open ~9:30–17:00 (closed Mondays); plan 1–2 hours.
Visit the tiered Elephant Falls viewpoint and nearby Lady Hydari Park for scenic walking and photographs; visitor hours usually daytime — check seasonal access.
Walk the tidy village, see living root structures, and climb the bamboo Sky View tower for broad rural vistas; village is open all day (small donation sometimes requested).
Short drive to Dawki for the crystal‑clear Umngot River; take a wooden boat ride (generally available 8:00–16:00) and enjoy the outstanding water clarity and border views.
On the return trip you can stop at a viewpoint or the sacred forest at Mawphlang (if time permits) or head back to Shillong; allow 2.5–3 hours driving back.
This is a long travel day (approx 7–8 hours total driving depending on route and stops) — depart early. You’ll likely pass back through Guwahati en route to Kaziranga.
Arrive at your lodge or resort near the park, freshen up and get paperwork ready for the safari (park permits and guide bookings should be pre‑booked).
Join an afternoon jeep safari in Kaziranga (afternoon sessions typically 14:00–18:00 in season) for a chance to see one‑horned rhinos, deer and birds — book in advance and confirm exact time with the park.
Elephant safaris (limited numbers) run early morning for close sightings of rhinos in the grasslands; alternatively take the morning jeep safari (typically 05:30–09:00). Book permits well ahead as slots fill quickly.
Drive back to Guwahati for your onward flight or train; allow 4–5 hours and plan arrival at least 2–3 hours before flight departure from Guwahati airport.
If your flight is later in the evening enjoy a light dinner in Guwahati or at the airport; otherwise proceed to airport check‑in and departure. Confirm flight time and leave buffer for traffic.