Backpacking in Guwahati, Assam, India

Backpacking in Guwahati, Assam, India with mr.hotsia

Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and the Northeast region of India. It is an important Brahmaputra river port and also the vibrant capital of the state. My first impression as mr.hotsia was that this city is full of lively energy mixed with the calmness of surrounding nature, including the river and mountain ranges that embrace the city, giving Guwahati a unique charm unlike any other city in India.

I traveled from Siliguri by domestic flight, arriving at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport located to the west of Guwahati city. From the airport, I chose to stay atHotel Ambarish Grand Residencywhich I booked through booking.com. This hotel is centrally located, convenient, safe, and has excellent service. There is also a local restaurant directly opposite, allowing me to experience authentic Assamese cuisine without traveling far.

Exploring Guwahati like a True Traveler

For getting around Guwahati, I recommend using Uber taxi services, which are more convenient and safer than local taxis that often overcharge. A simple way is to buy an Indian SIM card for your phone and register the Uber app. Then you can call taxis through the app at fair prices without worrying about bargaining, as I have experienced in many cities across India and Southeast Asia.

Guwahati itself is a blend of modernity and traditional culture. I strolled through local markets, meeting people living simple lives. There are many tea shops and local snack vendors worth trying. Not far from the city center is the important Kamakhya Temple, a spiritual center for Hindus in the area, where you can deeply experience the faith and significance of this temple.

Guwahati: Gateway to Assam and the Northeast Region

Guwahati is special not only as a river port city and the capital of Assam but also as a gateway to various towns and villages in the state, such as Tinsukia and Margherita, small towns I have visited and written about in articles.Backpacking to Find the Thai Community in Margherita, Assam, IndiaandBackpacking to Find the Thai Community in Tinsukia, Assam, IndiaBoth towns have lifestyles and cultures distinctly different from Guwahati.

From Guwahati, I traveled on to Dibrugarh, an industrial tea city and commercial hub in eastern Assam. Traveling between these cities is easy by road and train. Importantly, Dibrugarh also has direct flights to Bangkok and Singapore, which is very convenient for travelers wanting to extend their trips in the region.Read about my experience traveling in Dibrugarh with mr.hotsia

Local Food and Lifestyle in Guwahati

One of the charms of visiting Guwahati is the local cuisine full of unique flavors. I, mr.hotsia, tried various local dishes, from spicy curry to desserts made from natural ingredients around, such as sticky rice with banana, similar to the breakfast of the Tai Phake people in India (which I have explored and written about in the articleBackpacking with the Tai Phake, Assam, India)

The market atmosphere in Guwahati is lively, with vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and famous Assam tea. Most locals live simple, friendly lives. Walking through the market helped me better understand the culture and daily life of the local people.

Backpacking Travel Tips by mr.hotsia

If you plan to visit Guwahati, don’t forget to prepare by buying an Indian SIM card at the airport for convenience in using taxi apps like Uber and accessing information immediately. I recommend staying in the city center area, like I did at Hotel Ambarish Grand Residency, for safety and ease of getting around.

Additionally, traveling to other towns in Assam such as Tinsukia, Margherita, or Dibrugarh is easy and worthwhile, as each town has interesting stories and lifestyles. I have travel articles and backpacking experiences for each city that you can read more about atBackpacking in Assam, Indiawhich will help you plan a complete trip.

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

Guwahati is not just the capital of Assam but the starting point for adventures in a land rich with diverse cultures, unique indigenous communities, and beautiful nature. Visiting here allowed me, mr.hotsia, to gain new perspectives and truly experience the reality of life in Northeast India.

For anyone wanting to try backpacking, visit Guwahati and other towns in Assam at least once. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed by the diversity and experiences, just as I have experienced.