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Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and the main gateway to Northeast India. Expect a humid, riverine city with rich Assamese culture, temples, busy markets, and good links to hill stations and wildlife reserves.
Visa & entry requirements
- Foreign nationals: India requires a valid visa for most nationalities. Apply for an e-Visa (tourist) online if eligible; check processing times and print/keep digital copy. Some nationalities need a regular sticker visa from an Indian mission.
- Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months and usually have two blank pages.
- Internal travel: domestic flights require a photo ID (passport for foreigners). If you plan to visit restricted tribal/hills areas, check Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Inner Line Permit requirements.
Best time to visit
- October to March: best weather — cool, dry, pleasant (ideal for sightseeing and wildlife).
- April to June: hot and humid; pre-monsoon showers start.
- June to September: monsoon — heavy rain, possible flooding and travel disruptions; lush scenery but not ideal for road travel.
Safety tips
- Personal safety: Guwahati is generally safe for tourists; exercise normal precautions at night, avoid poorly lit lanes, and keep valuables secure.
- Scams: taxi/tuk‑tuk drivers may overcharge; agree on fares or insist on the meter/ride-hailing app (Ola/Uber available).
- Health: carry mosquito repellent and basic meds; drink bottled or boiled water. Hospitals and clinics available in the city.
- Civil disturbances: Northeast India can experience protests or strikes; monitor local news and avoid demonstrations.
Local customs & etiquette
- Greetings: a handshake is fine; avoid overly familiar physical contact with opposite gender in conservative settings.
- Dress: modest clothing is appreciated, especially when visiting temples (cover shoulders/knees).
- Religion: show respect at temples (remove shoes, ask before photography).
- Food etiquette: using right hand for eating is customary; tipping (5–10%) is customary in restaurants.
Currency & money
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR).
- Cash vs cards: cash widely used for markets, small shops, taxis. ATMs and card acceptance good in the city; carry some cash for smaller purchases.
- Currency exchange: available at airport, banks, and exchange counters; better rates in banks.
Transportation
- By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) — well connected to major Indian cities.
- Trains: Guwahati Railway Station links to the rest of India; book in advance for long-distance trains.
- Local transport: app taxis (Ola/Uber), prepaid taxis at airport, auto-rickshaws, city buses. For short trips, tuk‑tuks are common.
- Car travel: roads to nearby hills and parks can be narrow/windy; hire experienced local drivers for hill drives.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Top attractions: Kamakhya Temple (on Nilachal Hill), Brahmaputra river cruises, Umananda Island, Assam State Museum, Nehru Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (rhinos), and nearby Kaziranga National Park (3–4 hours by road).
- River experience: take a sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra for views and birdlife.
- Tea culture: sample Assam tea; visit a nearby tea estate if you have time.
- Markets & food: try local Assamese dishes (masor tenga, khar, pitha) and snacks at Fancy Bazaar and Pan Bazaar.
- Accommodation: options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels and a few international chains; book ahead during festivals.
- Festivals: Bihu (mid-April) is the major festival — vibrant culture but higher demand for rooms and transport.
- Connectivity: mobile networks and internet are generally reliable in city areas; roaming/international eSIMs work at airport.
Practical checklist
- Carry a printed/digital copy of visa, passport, and travel insurance.
- Keep some INR in small denominations.
- Pack insect repellent, rain jacket (if monsoon/shoulder season), comfortable shoes for temple walks.
- Download Ola/Uber and an offline map; keep contact numbers for your hotel and local emergency services.
Enjoy your trip to Guwahati — it’s an excellent base to explore Assam’s culture, wildlife and the wider Northeast region.