Places to Visit Near Guwahati | Weekend Getaways from Guwahati

Known For : Umiam Lake Elephant Falls Shillong Peak

A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights, trendy cafes and restaurants and live music. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. Also known as the 'Scotland of the East', the light drizzles and the cool gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this small town in the summers. Shillong can be reached from Guwahati by private vehicle or hired taxi.

Distance from Guwahati: 98 km

Best Time: September to May

33 Shillong Attractions

Umiam Lake, a mesmerizing man-made reservoir, is located on the way to Shillong from Guwahati. The scenic lake is encircled by lush green East Khasi hills that form one of the best panoramic sights for nature-lovers in the country. The sunset at the lake is a treat to watch and should be coupled along with a leisurely boat ride. Umiam Lake has a park adjoining it which is a hotspot for picnics and frequented by locals and tourists from Assam.

Distance from Guwahati: 82 km

Home to the largest population of the one-horned rhino on earth, Kaziranga National Park is one of India's national treasures in terms of flora and fauna. Located in the state of Assam in North-Eastern India, its total area is shared by the districts of Nagaon, Golaghat and Karbi Anglong placing it roughly at the centre of the state. Approximately around five hours by road from Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park stands tall as the epitome of successful wildlife conservation in India. In 1985, it was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Distance from Guwahati: 224 km

Best Time: October to June

Known For : Double Decker Living Root Bridge Nohkalikai Waterfalls Mawsmai Cave

Earlier the wettest place on the Earth, Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, also known as Sohra, is known for its double-decker living root bridge. Located around 50 Kms from Shillong, this sub-divisional town is famous for its rich flora and natural attractions. Apart from the famous living root bridge, other natural attractions include cave formations such as the Mawsmai Caves and Krem Phyllut. Cherraunji is best reached from Guwahati by car or by hired taxi.

Distance from Guwahati: 145 km

Best Time: October to February

22 Cherrapunji Attractions

Manas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam. The only tiger reserve in Assam and also famous for the rare golden langur and the red panda, Manas is one of the best-kept national parks in India. Manas is recognized not only for its rich biodiversity but also for its spectacular scenery and natural landscape which includes a range of forested hills, alluvial grasslands and tropical evergreen forests.

Home to the densest population of One-horned Rhinos in the world, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Assam, approximately 30 km away from Guwahati in the Morigaon District. The wildlife sanctuary also sees an astounding diversity of bird species. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is often visited as a stopover en route to Kaziranga National Park and offers fun safaris which children enjoy a lot. Pobitora can easily be reached from Guwahati by taxi or personal vehicle.

Distance from Guwahati: 49 km

Hidden deep in the lush, green forests of Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, one can find the magnificent Jingkieng Nongriat - Double Decker Living Root Bridge. It is more commonly known as the Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge or simply just the Double Decker Root Bridge. This area is famous for its root bridges made of Indian Rubber Tree, but the Double Decker Bridge is the most famous of all due to its large size. It is 3 kilometres long and placed at a height of 2400 feet! The Umshiang River flows beneath the bridge. To reach the bridge, one has to climb down a steep pathway from the parking area.

Distance from Guwahati: 163 km

Mawlynnong is a small village in the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya, the abode of changing clouds. Mawlynnong is famous for its matrilineal society as well as having been declared Asia's cleanest village which comes under the Pynursla community development block and legislative assembly constituency. Rich with bright green valleys, crystal clear rivers, an abundance of flowering orchids hanging from the trees and extremely clean roads, this small village is worth visiting.

Distance from Guwahati: 166 km

Known For : Outdoor activities Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary

Bordering Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Bhalukpong is a popular getaway among nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The Kameng River running in the forest surrounding it makes the town even more attractive. In Bhalukpong one can find activities such as hiking, trekking, camping and fishing on offer. The Pakhui Sanctuary can be visited to see birds as exotic as the place itself, along with tigers, elephants, barking dear and more. Bhalukpong can be reached from Guwahati by private vehicle or by hired taxi.

Distance from Guwahati: 233 km

Best Time: October to March

3 Bhalukpong Attractions

Known For : Hajo Powa Mecca Hayagriva Madhava Temple Kedareswar Temple

At a distance of about 24 km from the city of Guwahati, Hajo adores the banks of Brahmaputra. An ancient pilgrim centre, Hajo finds its uniqueness in being an attraction for three religions - Hindu, Muslims and Buddhists. Shrines dedicated to Durga, Shiva, Vishnu, Buddha and major Muslim saints are found all over this place, making it an important pilgrimage centre for people from all these three religions. The most famous temple is the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir which also attracts Buddhists as it is believed to be the site where Buddha attained Nirvana while the Powa Mecca Mosque finds popularity among Muslims.

Distance from Guwahati: 36 km

Best Time: July to March

5 Hajo Attractions

A small border town in the Jaintia Hills, Dawki and its famed river Umngot is a must-visit if in Meghalaya. Sandwiched between India and Bangladesh, Dawki is a major centre of trade between India and Bangladesh. The small city, besides being a trade hub is also famous for its tourism scene, with many people flocking to the city in order to experience a boat ride in its famed Umngot River whose riverbed can be seen clearly. Dawki can be reached from Guwahati by private vehicle or by hired taxi for cheap.

Distance from Guwahati: 174 km

Known For : Kamalabari Satra Dakhinpat Satra Garmur

Located 347 Kms from Guwahati, with a total area of 1250 sq. km, Majuli is the world's largest river island. Among one of the most surreal places in India, Majuli is also a strong contender for a place in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Mostly inhabited by Tribals, the culture of Majuli is unique and quite interesting, which is why it is also called the cultural capital of Assam. The festivals celebrated here are all joyous and vibrant. The main festival in the town of Majuli is called Raas and it is an exciting and interesting spectacle. To reach Majuli from Guwahati, one can take a train to Jorhat, continue by taxi to the jetty and ferry across to the island. Private vehicles can also be ferried across to the island.

Distance from Guwahati: 334 km

Best Time: October - April

5 Majuli Attractions

Known For : Tryshi Falls Nartiang Monoliths Krang Suri Falls

Located in the Jaintia Hills district, Jowai located at a distance of 66 Kms from Shillong, is famous for its bucolic setting and breathtaking views. Jowai, much like Cherrapunji prides itself in being a destination much loved for a scenic drive and boasting of lakes, vast open valleys and waterfalls. The Thadlaskein Lake and Lalong Park are the famous tourist hot spots while Syntu Ksiar is also a popular destination on the shores of river Myntdu. Jowai can easily be reached from Guwahati by private vehicle or hired taxi.

Distance from Guwahati: 157 km

Best Time: October to Mid May

12 Jowai Attractions

Known For : Bomdila Monastery Apple Orchards Bomdila View Point

With the majestic Himalayas overlooking the region, the beautiful town of Bomdila offers plenty in terms of scenery and wildlife. Both Buddhist and Hindu temples are to be found here. Some of the other places to be visited include a number apple orchards and The Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, which is just a little away. The visitors can also indulge into the arts and crafts popular in the area, as well as trekking and hiking. Bomdila can be reached by car from Guwahati. One can also take the train to Rangapara North and continue onwards by hired taxi.

Best Time: April to October

8 Bomdila Attractions

Located in the beautiful state of Assam, Orang National park is the oldest game reserve in the state, situated on banks of river Brahmaputra. Located at a distance of 110 Kms north of Guwahati, this national park is shared by the districts of Darrang and Sonitpur. It is officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park. Orang Park is known for its One-horned Rhinos and Royal Bengal Tigers. One can easily drive to Orang National Park or hire a taxi at affordable rates.

Distance from Guwahati: 148 km

Best Time: November to April

The fourth highest waterfalls in the world, Nohkalikai falls plunge some 335 meters from a verdant cliff to the ground giving the portrayal of immense and natural magnificence. The pride of the state of Meghalaya, the falls are one of the most beautiful and grand waterfalls in the country. Tucked in between evergreen rainforest of the Khasi Hill and flowing with all its majesty and might, the falls plunges into a lagoon which is as blue as the afternoon sky.

Distance from Guwahati: 147 km

Nameri national park is famous for its elephants and other animals including tigers, leopards, gaurs, wild pigs, sambars, etc. and also for being a bird watchers paradise. With many eco-resorts, tourists and nature photographers flock to this little national park from far and wide. River rafting on the Jia Bharali river is another activity which enthusiasts come down to Nameri for. Nameri national park ca be reached from Guwahati by private car or by hiring a taxi. The road connectivity is in great condition.

Distance from Guwahati: 148 km

Best Time: November to April

Meghalaya is home to some amazing and mysterious cave systems and Mawsmai Cave is by far the most popular of the lot. Located just 6 km away from the heart of Cherrapunji, Mawsmai cave is a breathtaking maze of caves in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The well lit caves are a view to behold when the glistening lights meet with the limestone to create countless hues and patterns of light. The caves can be reached by car from Guwahati on the way to Cherrapunji.

Distance from Guwahati: 151 km

One of the most breathtaking places in the Himalayan vista, Sela Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Sela Pass is the only way that connects Tawang district of the state to the rest of the country. Besides its geographical importance, Sela Pass is a breathtaking place always covered in snow providing some beautiful views of the eastern Himalayan range. The rocky pass is also home to one of Arunachal's most beautiful lakes - the Sela Lake. Being a sensitive region, one needs an inner line permit to visit Sela Pass.

Distance from Guwahati: 374 km

Being home to the Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh is home to many beautiful lakes but none as beautiful and enrapturing as the Madhuri Lake also known as Sangetsar Lake. One of the remotest lakes of the country and perhaps of the world as well, Sangetsar or Madhuri Lake is a breathtaking combination of rocky mountains and an ever-present lake whose beauty is beyond spellbinding. The lake was made popular due to its appearance in the Bollywood movie Koyla and is also known as Madhuri Lake named after the lead actress in the movie.

Distance from Guwahati: 512 km

Known For : Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Kohima Museum Touphema Village

Kohima is the hilly capital of Nagaland, which is one of the seven sister states of India. 'Kohima' is the anglicized name given by the British, the original name being 'Kewhira' derived from the Kewhi flowers found in the region. Situated at a height of 1500 metres above the sea level, it is endowed with quaint hills, emerald forests and a picturesque landscape. It is the go-to place for all you adventure enthusiasts as it is ideal for trekking, camping and hiking. Buses can be availed from Guwahati to reach Kohima.

Distance from Guwahati: 355 km

Best Time: October to June

11 Kohima Attractions

Situated close to the Indo-Bangladesh Border, the Garo hills are part of the Patkai hill range, which extends across the Indo-Myanmar border. The Hills, spanning across 8000 sq metres of area, offer magnificent viewpoints, densely populated with subtropical forests and rare endemic species of animals and birds.  The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important national parks with international importance, is located in this nature-rich area. The hills are also decked with splendid waterfalls, enriching the ecological coherence of the place.

Time Required : 1 - 2 days

Distance from Guwahati: 140 km

Nagaon holds the distinction of being Assam's most populous district and one of the largest district in the area. It is also famously known to be the 'Rice bowl of Assam' and is rich in paddy. This district happens to be rich in wildlife too, as a part of this area is covered by the world famous Kaziranga National Park, which makes Nagaon a tourist magnet that is flocked with tourists all year round. Apart from being rich in flora and fauna along with having strong agricultural roots, Nagaon also has a lot to offer to tourists with many other natural and human-made attractions.

Distance from Guwahati: 126 km

Part of the former Jaintia Kingdom, the Jaintia Hills is a land of majestic hills filled with rich natural vegetation and mineral deposits. It is situated in Meghalaya and is part of the Patkai hill range that extends across the Indo-Myanmar borders. A relatively smaller hill district as compared to the Khasi and Garo Hills, the Jaintia Hills still amazes travellers with its pristine lakes and lush greenery. The region can be reached from Guwahati easily by private vehicle or by hired taxi. 

Time Required : 1 - 2 days

Distance from Guwahati: 231 km

Some 78 km away from Shillong, a unique giant rock made out of red granite, Kyllang Rock is a giant dome placed in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The Rock which is 5400 ft above sea level and has a width of around 1000 ft is a mammoth block of granite which is part of the Khasi folklore and seems beautiful in its shape. A hike to the top of Kyllang Rock allows one to view a panoramic scenery.

Distance from Guwahati: 117 km

The Nohsngithiang Falls, located at a distance of about 4km from Cherrapunji, is one of the tallest waterfalls in India and a major tourist spot in Cherrapunji. Since it is situated in the Mawsmai village of the East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, it is also known as Mawsmai Falls. The Nohsngithiang Falls falls from a height of about 1033 feet, segmented into seven different sections, giving it the epithet of Seven Sister Waterfalls. The scintillating waterfall is seasonal and plunges over the limestone covered hills only during the rainy season.

Distance from Guwahati: 150 km

Known For : Salugara Monastery ISKCON Temple, Siliguri Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the Jalpaiguri and Siliguri districts of West Bengal, Siliguri is a city known as the Gateway to North-East India. Siliguri has its own international airport which serves mainly as a base for tourists to camp in before moving out to explore nearby tourist attractions such as Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Gangtok and Bhutan. However, Siliguri itself is a perfectly good holiday destination, with sufficient things to see and do.

Distance from Guwahati: 473 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

19 Siliguri Attractions

Known For : Mawlyngbna Mawjymbuin Cave Nohalikalai Falls

Acknowledged as the wettest place in the world, the mesmerizing village of Mawsynram, located 61 kms south of Shillong is a nature lover's delight and the perfect destination for a weekend trip. Mawsynram trounces Cherrapunjee by a slight margin in being the wettest place in India.

Distance from Guwahati: 154 km

Best Time: June - August; November - February

7 Mawsynram Attractions

Known For : Budha Subba Temple Namaste Falls Pindeshwor Temple

Dharan is a city located near the Southeastern border of India and is a replica of Indian culture and tradition. Dharan is the gateway to the Mahabharat hills and is one of the biggest pilgrimage locations in Nepal. This low-lying hilly region is extremely clean, colourful and culturally diverse as well as a centre for football in Nepal, hence it being called 'mini-Brazil'. Located in the Sunsari District of Eastern Nepal, the city does not have extreme climates, making it a pleasant destination for tourists throughout the year.

Distance from Guwahati: 608 km

Best Time: January to April; September to December

8 Dharan Attractions

Known For : Tura Peak Siju Caves Balpakram National Park

Located in the western part of Meghalaya, as the administrative headquarters of the West Garo Hills district, Tura is an eco-tourist hub of the state. It is located 311 Kms from Shillong and 219 Kms from Guwahati in Assam. As opposed to Shillong, which is growing highly multi-cultural, Tura is relatively deeply rooted in its native Garo roots. Tura and the other regions of the district boast of rich undisturbed biodiversity and natural attractions such as waterfalls, caves and rivulets. The primary languages spoken are Garo and English.

Distance from Guwahati: 216 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

9 Tura Attractions

Known For : Sitajakhala Sivakunda Kachasila Hill

The town of Morigaon, located 80 Kms east of Guwahati, is the administrative headquarters of the Morigaon district. Enriched with a strong regional history, fascinating legends and unique traditions and culture, the town and the surrounding regions are home to many religious and cultural sites. The River Brahmaputra marks the northern limits of the district and the west offers the sight of snow-capped Himalayas. The district of Morigaon is also an agricultural land where vegetables, jute, mustard, wheat and paddy are mainly grown and provide a steady source of income for the locals. Dotted with many attractions and enriched with flora and fauna, Morigaon is also known as Marigaon.

Distance from Guwahati: 78 km

Best Time: November to February

9 Marigaon Attractions

Known For : Tarin Fish Farm Kile Pakho Ziro Music Festival

The cradle to a unique tribal group and a balmy climate, Ziro is the peace seeker's paradise. Ziro is a quaint old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apa Tani tribe and famous for its pine hills and rice fields. The climate in Ziro is mild through the year, making it comfortable to travel all year round. The famous Ziro Music Festival is organised here every year and it attracts music lovers and camping enthusiasts from far and wide. Going to Ziro by road, preferably by car or by private taxi is the best way to reach from Guwahati.

Distance from Guwahati: 440 km

Best Time: September - November ; March - May

9 Ziro Attractions

Known For : Bagheswari Temple Kakoijana Wildlife Sanctuary Kachugaon Game Reserve

An important city of Assam, Bongaigaon was the last capital of the Kamatapur Kingdom and home to many historical monuments of Assamese culture. Centrally located within the state at around 180 Kms northwest of Guwahati, the city depicts a vibrant Assamese township and culture. The scenic beauty of Bongaigaon is well preserved.

Distance from Guwahati: 184 km

Best Time: October to May

13 Bongaigaon Attractions

Known For : Punakha Dzong Rafting and Kayaking in Mo Chhu River Punakha Suspension Bridge

Punakha is one of the 20 districts (dzongkhags) of Bhutan bordered by the Gasa, Wangdue Phodrang and Thimphu districts. Located at the height of 1200m above sea level, Punakha offers a mesmerising view of the Himalayas. Home to plenty of slopes, the valley is an excellent place for mountain biking and trekking. Apart from this, Bhutan's most popular adventure sport- river rafting is carried out in the Po Chhu River. Punakha is also famously known to house the second oldest dzong of Bhutan - the Punakha Dzong, and even hosting the first national assembly in the year 1953.

Distance from Guwahati: 409 km

Best Time: March to May

11 Punakha Attractions