Mawryngkhang Trek
Sep 9th, 2022
The vibrant city of Guwahati
Our visit to Guwahati was for a short two day trip during the Christmas and New Year season of 2023, when the weather was much milder and pleasant than it is during other times. Here is a lowdown on our 48 hours in Guwahati.
The Journey :
Since we were headed for the city from my maternal home in Siliguri; we decided on a train journey rather than taking a 45 minute flight (and saving the planet in our little capacity !) or a tiring 10 hour overnight bus ride.
Our best choice for the trip was the smooth 5 hour Vande Baharat Express from NJP Junction to Guwahati Station. A one way ticket costs approximately Rs 1500/2500 in CC and EC class with meals included.
The train is very punctual and the comfort and cleanliness of the train including the washrooms are praiseworthy given the notorious standard for Indian Railways.
The journey starts early at six in the morning and reaches its destination by twelve noon,
giving you ample time for activities in the evening.
The Stays :
Having researched numerous stays in the area months in advance, we had finally zeroed in on two places - By The Lake Homestay and Gurham Sojourn Homestay for a day each. We first checked in at Gurham Sojourn Homestay in Guwahati which is located in the twin lakes area of Johrpukuri. The locality is a convenient residential area with wide lanes, numerous transport options and plenty of upscale restaurants and cafes within walking distance. The Guwahati Railway Station is a mere 5 minute rickshaw ride away at approximately 2 kms.
The homestay is located right off the main thoroughfare at the intersection of Lamb Road and Johrpukri Road next to Lush Cafe. The twin lakes are about 100 meters from the homestay and can be seen from the balcony rooms. The rooms are kept exceptionally neat and clean with basic requirements like toiletries, geyser and electric kettle provided for in the room.
Our stay for the second night was By The Lake Homestay, aptly named due to its location just besides Digholi Pukhuri. It is one of the most comfortable and homely places in Guwahati hosted by a lovely couple and in close proximity to Fancy Bazaar and other places of interest.
How To Commute in Guwahati :
Commuting in Guwahati offers a mix of options suited to various preferences and needs. The city’s transportation network includes buses, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis, providing a flexible choice for getting around. One can also make use of app-based ride services like Uber which is highly convenient. We used Uber cabs for the majority of our transport when travelling longer distances and the cycle rickshaws for nearby places.
What To Do in Guwahati:
Brahmaputra River Cruise - One of the most memorable ways to spend an evening in Guwahati, whether you are with family or friends, is to go for the Sunset River Cruise at Brahmaputra which is also offered by OurGuest
The most prominent among them is Alfresco Grand Cruise but, it being Christmas Eve, the tickets for that evening were all sold out although we had tried to pre-book it weeks in advance. However, we did manage to get tickets for Star Cruise which was luckily a brand new ship in comparison to Alfresco Grand Cruise. The ship was airy and spacious with large bay windows and on the upper deck there were arrangements for snacks and entertainment.
The cruise ride lasts for about 2 hours with gorgeous views of the setting sun; crossing through the Umananda Temple island with a brief stop at a sandbar - Love Island (full of mosquitoes in the evening. Do not get off the boat !)
Tickets prices start at Rs 900 per pax and can go higher as per the company and category of seats you choose.
Shop at Fancy Market - Fancy Market in Guwahati is a bustling commercial hub known for its vibrant and diverse shopping experience. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to electronics and household items.
The market is especially renowned for its affordable prices and a mix of traditional and modern goods, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Its lively atmosphere, with numerous stalls and shops, reflects the dynamic spirit of Guwahati, providing a rich cultural and shopping experience.
Fancy Market was a 10 minute rickshaw ride from our stay and was a fascinating experience to find local memorabilia at bargain prices.
Best Places To Eat in Guwahati :
Michinga - Our first destination for the day after freshening up was lunch at Michinga, a local restaurant that came highly recommended for its regional thalis. We ordered the Assamese Duck and Naga Fish thali each which was soul satisfying and presented in well decorated bronze and bell metal plates and crockery sets. The service though a tad slow was compensated by the flavor of the dishes and the ambience of the place.
The restaurant is located in the Uzan Bazar area and serves a variety of ethnic Naga, Assamese and Khasi cuisine.
Khorikaa - Khorikaa is an Assamese cuisine specialty restaurant and is the first ethnic restaurant in Guwahati founded by Late Mr Nirod Deka with the aim of bringing attention to the rich traditional cuisine of Assam. Khorikaa was founded in 2007 with 50 covers and ten employees and now has 130 covers and more than 25 employees working at two locations in the city.
If you are in Guwahati, then your visit will be incomplete without a meal at Khorikaa.
We highly recommend the Special Thali which comes with fish curry and your choice of meat - duck, chicken or pigeon.
Thoulgiri - One of the best finds on our Guwahati trip, was this compact little restaurant located discreetly on the upper floor of an unassuming building with just one tiny signboard. The menu consists of a variety of local food, snacks and drinks as well as produce from the region. Besides meals one can buy different types of rice, lentils, flours, local handmade sweets and pickles. The place is also full of shelves packed with books about the region and mostly in the local dialect.
We tried the Fish Tenga and Chicken Thali served in recyclable straw plates with a number of sides like khar and masoor dal with Otenga (elephant apple).
Qalaa - The Uzan Bazaar outlet of Qalaa is undeniably one of the best patisserie in town with its pink and purple eye-catching exterior and its equally delectable goodies. We were blessed to have it right within our homestay compound at Gurham Sojourn on Lamb Road. You can take your pick from both the sweet and savoury sections which are displayed attractively on the counters. Few items on the menu worth mentioning are the Tiramisu, Almond Praline, Banofee Pie and Chicken Puff.
Places To Visit in Guwahati :
Maa Kamakhya Temple - Maa Kamakhya Temple, located on Nilachal Hill is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, an embodiment of Shakti.
This ancient temple, dating back to the 8th century, is renowned for its unique and esoteric practices. It is one of the major Shakti Peethas, believed to be the site where the yoni of the goddess Sati fell, symbolizing female fertility and creative power.
The temple’s architecture features intricate carvings and a distinctive circular sanctum, and it is famous for its annual Ambubachi Mela, a festival celebrating the goddess's menstruation cycle, which attracts thousands of pilgrims and devotees. It is a good idea to leave early morning around 5 am for the temple as there will be a long queue for the entry tickets.
Umananda Temple - The Umananda Temple, perched on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to have been built by the Ahom king Gadadhar Singha in the 17th century, this temple is renowned for its picturesque location and serene atmosphere.
The temple's architecture reflects a blend of traditional and unique styles, and it is accessible only by ferry, adding to its charm and seclusion. Umananda Temple is particularly noted for its association with the legend of Shiva and Parvati, and it attracts many pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual solace and stunning river views. Guests generally visit the Umananda Temple before visiting Maa Kamakhya Temple, one day prior sometimes.
Brahmaputra River Heritage Center - is an initiative focused on preserving and showcasing the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the Brahmaputra River. The center is also a museum as well as an art gallery with a souvenir shop that aims to highlight the river’s importance to the communities that live along its banks and its role in the region’s history and environment. There is a also Starbucks cafe inside the Heritage Center. This atmospheric Starbucks has one of the nicest views in India as the view from the terrace of the Brahmaputra river is magnificent. Because of it’s location within the centre, you need to pay an entry fee of Rs 20 per person only to visit the Starbucks. If you’re visiting the centre, though, the entry fee of Rs 100 per person also allows you access to the Starbucks. The usual array of teas and coffees, both hot and cold, are available here, along with a range of savory and sweet snacks, like mini pies, sandwiches, wraps, muffins, cake slices, and so on.
A few other places that one can visit within close proximity to each other are the Northbrook Gate, Guwahati Ropeway, Nehru Park, War Memorial, Guwahati Planetarium, Assam State Museum, Maati Center etc all of which are within walking distance from each other.
What To Buy in Guwahati :
Besides the regular fridge magnets and keychains these are a few products that one can buy as souvenirs when in Guwahati.
Assamese Gamcha available at Fancy Market
Assamese Jaapi Hat and CTC Tea from Maati Center
Judima Local Rice Wine from any off shop
Wooden replica of Kamakhya Temple from the prasad shops leading to the temple
Local black/purple rice and pickles from Thoulgiri
Paintings and handicraft from Brahmaputra River Heritage Center
Pro Tip : Jalpan a local dessert available in a plastic box that need only hot water to be prepared
Guwahati is the gateway to visit North-East India. Travellers have to first visit Guwahati before they travel to other destinations like Kaziranga
Written by Prerna S:
Prerna, a seasoned travel & hospitality expert, isn't just a writer – she's a curator of experiences. Leading OurGuest's operations at The Barfung Retreat, she leverages her extensive background at Taj, Hyatt, ITC, and more. A Master's graduate in English Literature, Prerna's passion for storytelling is fueled by her childhood spent traversing India with her police officer father. Fluent in Bengali, Hindi, English, and Nepali, she fosters genuine connections across cultures. Join Prerna as she unveils the hidden gems and vibrant soul of Northeast India, one captivating story at a time.
For a customized NorthEast India tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in
