10-Day Guwahati Itinerary for First-Timers

Overview

This 10-day itinerary is tailored for first-time visitors to Guwahati, Assam, offering a perfect blend of urban exploration and countryside adventures. Starting in Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, the trip covers key attractions in Assam (Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island) and Meghalaya (Shillong, Dawki, Mawlynnong, Cherrapunjee). It’s designed for December, when the weather is pleasant, and includes the opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Cherrapunjee. The itinerary balances cultural immersion, wildlife experiences, and natural beauty, making it ideal for those new to the region.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Guwahati

• Activities:
  • Visit Kamakhya Temple (Kamakhya Temple), a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. Timings: 8 am-1 pm, 2:30 pm-5 pm; entry free, donations optional.
  • Explore Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located 30 km from Guwahati, known for its dense population of one-horned rhinos. Safari timings: 6:30 am-12 pm, 1 pm-3:30 pm; elephant safari Rs 800, car safari Rs 2050.
• Accommodation: Stay in Guwahati (e.g., Vivanta by Taj or budget-friendly Aditya’s B&B).
• Tip: Arrive early to visit Kamakhya Temple before crowds build up. Pobitora is a great introduction to Assam’s wildlife.

Day 2: Guwahati to Kaziranga (5 hours drive)

• Activities:
  • Drive to Kaziranga National Park (Kaziranga National Park), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its one-horned rhinos, elephants, and tigers.
  • Check into a resort or lodge (e.g., Iora Resort or Wild Grass Lodge).
  • Optional evening Jeep safari (2 pm-4 pm) if time permits.
• Accommodation: Stay in Kaziranga.
• Tip: Start the drive early to enjoy the scenic NH 37 route through rural Assam. Book safaris in advance.

Day 3: Kaziranga to Majuli

• Activities:
  • Morning elephant safari (Rs 800) or Jeep safari (Rs 2050) in Kaziranga for wildlife spotting.
  • Drive to Majuli (3 hours, including a ferry from Jorhat), the world’s largest river island and a cultural hub of Assam.
  • Check into a homestay (e.g., La Maison de Anand, contact: +91-99571-86356; or Prashanti Eco-tourism Resort, contact: 094357-34138).
• Accommodation: Stay in Majuli.
• Tip: The ferry ride to Majuli is a unique experience; carry light snacks for the journey.

Day 4: Majuli to Shillong

• Activities:
  • Explore Majuli’s Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) like Garamur Satra and Auniati Satra, showcasing Assam’s Neo-Vaishnavite culture.
  • Visit local villages to see traditional crafts such as mask-making and pottery.
  • Drive to Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital (9 hours, with an optional layover at Jorabat for a break).
• Accommodation: Stay in Shillong (e.g., Lakkhotaa Lodge, contact: 0364-259-0523; Royal Heritage, contact: +91-364-250-1111; or Hotel Pinewood, contact: 0364-222-3116).
• Tip: Majuli is a rural destination; plan for a relaxed morning before the long drive to Shillong.

Day 5: Shillong

• Activities:
  • Visit Lady Hydari Park, Shillong Peak (for panoramic views), and Ward’s Lake.
  • Explore Police Bazaar for shopping, local cuisine, and souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy Shillong’s vibrant nightlife or live music at a café like Café Hendrix or Terra Maya.
• Accommodation: Stay in Shillong.
• Tip: Shillong is a hill station with cooler temperatures (5°C-15°C in December); pack warm clothing.

Day 6: Shillong to Dawki to Mawlynnong (3-4 hours drive)

• Activities:
  • Drive to Dawki and take a boat ride on the Umngot River, known for its crystal-clear waters.
  • Continue to Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, and explore its bamboo skywalk and living root bridges.
• Accommodation: Stay in a homestay in Mawlynnong (e.g., Ila Jong Guest House, contact: +91-96150-43027; or Ha La Rympei, contact: +91-96158-23660).
• Tip: The drive offers stunning views of Meghalaya’s countryside; stop for photos along the way.

Day 7: Mawlynnong to Cherrapunjee (2 hours drive)

• Activities:
  • Morning: Explore more of Mawlynnong, including nearby living root bridges.
  • Drive to Cherrapunjee (Sohra), one of the wettest places on Earth, known for its waterfalls and caves.
  • Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve (if traveling on December 31) with local festivities or a quiet dinner at your resort.
• Accommodation: Stay in Cherrapunjee (e.g., Coniferous, contact: 03637-235537; or Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort, contact: 03637-244218).
• Tip: Carry rain gear, as Cherrapunjee can have light showers even in December.

Day 8: Cherrapunjee

• Activities:
  • Visit Nohkalikai Falls (one of India’s tallest plunge waterfalls), Mawsmai Caves, and Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Falls).
  • Relax at Sa-I-Mika Park for scenic views.
• Accommodation: Stay in Cherrapunjee.
• Tip: The waterfalls are less voluminous in December but still impressive; visit early to avoid crowds.

Day 9: Cherrapunjee

• Activities:
  • Trek to the double-decker living root bridges near Nongriat (3000 steps, moderately challenging).
  • Option to stay overnight in a Nongriat homestay (contact: +91-94363-33954) or return to Cherrapunjee.
• Accommodation: Stay in Nongriat or Cherrapunjee.
• Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and carry water for the trek. Start early to enjoy the serene environment.

Day 10: Cherrapunjee to Guwahati (3 hours drive)

• Activities:
  • Morning: Visit Elephant Falls en route to Guwahati.
  • Drive to Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport for departure.
• Accommodation: None (departure day).
• Tip: If your flight is late, spend time shopping at Fancy Bazaar in Guwahati for Assam tea and handicrafts.

Must-See Spots

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: October to April, with December offering pleasant weather (10°C-25°C in Guwahati, 5°C-15°C in Shillong/Cherrapunjee). Wildlife spotting in Kaziranga is excellent in December due to shorter grass.
• Permits: No permits are required for Assam or Meghalaya, unlike some other Northeast states like Arunachal Pradesh, which requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
• Transport:
  • Car Rental: Hire a car for the entire trip for flexibility (contact: North-east car rental, +91-89749-47599, approx. Rs 2500/day). Roads are generally good, but some rural stretches may be narrow.
  • Public Transport: Guwahati is well-connected by rail (Guwahati Railway Station) and air (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport). Shared taxis or buses are available to Shillong, but a private car is more convenient for this itinerary.
  • Local Travel: In Guwahati, use Uber/Ola or rickshaws (haggle for fares). In Shillong, taxis are common for local sightseeing.
• Accommodation:
  • Book in advance, especially during the December holiday season.
  • Budget options: Aditya’s B&B in Guwahati (Rs 1000/night, includes breakfast).
  • Luxury options: Vivanta by Taj in Guwahati or Royal Heritage in Shillong.
  • Homestays in Majuli and Mawlynnong offer authentic cultural experiences.
• Clothing:
  • Pack warm clothing (jackets, scarves) for Shillong and Cherrapunjee, where temperatures can drop to 5°C.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential for treks and rural exploration.
  • Carry rain gear for Cherrapunjee, even in December.
• Health:
  • Carry basic medications for colds, allergies, or motion sickness.
  • Stay hydrated, especially during treks or long drives.
  • Check for any health advisories before traveling to rural areas.
• Food:
  • In Guwahati, try Assamese Thali (Rs 60-200) with dishes like Khaar, Masor Tenga, and Pitha.
  • In Shillong, sample Khasi cuisine like Jadoh (rice with pork) or Dohneih (pork with black sesame).
  • Vegetarian options are widely available, but Northeast cuisine is meat-heavy.
• Connectivity: Mobile networks are reliable in Guwahati and Shillong but may be patchy in rural areas like Majuli or Cherrapunjee. Carry a local SIM or portable Wi-Fi for emergencies.
• Safety: The region is generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded markets and stick to well-traveled routes in rural areas.
• Budget Tips:
  • Opt for homestays in Majuli and Mawlynnong for affordable, authentic stays (Rs 1500-2000/night).
  • Government-run boats in Dawki or ferries to Majuli are cost-effective.
  • Bargain at markets like Police Bazaar or Fancy Bazaar for souvenirs.

Seasonal Highlights

• Weather: December is one of the best months to visit Northeast India. Guwahati enjoys mild temperatures (10°C-25°C), while Shillong and Cherrapunjee are cooler (5°C-15°C). Expect clear skies, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Wildlife: Kaziranga’s shorter grass in December improves visibility for spotting rhinos, elephants, and tigers during safaris.
• New Year’s Eve: If traveling around December 31, celebrate New Year’s Eve in Cherrapunjee (Day 7). Resorts like Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort may host events, or enjoy a quiet evening with scenic views.
• Festivals: No major festivals occur in Assam or Meghalaya in December, but the holiday season creates a festive atmosphere, especially in Shillong’s markets and cafés.
• Cultural Events: While not guaranteed, small cultural events or local performances may occur in Majuli’s Satras or Shillong’s cafés during the holiday season.

Additional Notes

• Guwahati as a Hub: Guwahati is the gateway to Northeast India, with excellent connectivity via Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and Guwahati Railway Station. It’s a bustling city with modern amenities, making it a comfortable starting point.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs, especially at religious sites like Kamakhya Temple or Majuli’s Satras. Dress modestly and ask for permission before photographing people.
• Environmental Awareness: Mawlynnong’s cleanliness is a point of pride; avoid littering and follow eco-friendly practices throughout the trip.
• Alternative Destinations: If time permits, consider adding a day trip to Hajo (30 km from Guwahati) for its religious diversity or Sualkuchi (16 km from Guwahati) for silk weaving.

This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Guwahati and its surroundings, ensuring first-timers experience the region’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines. Enjoy your journey through Northeast India!