Backpacking India 94/129: Journey to Guwahati, Assam, India goto kuwahati Assam

Backpacking India 94/129: Journey to Guwahati, Assam, India

I, mr.hotsia, have just returned from a trip to India that few talk about much, which is Guwahati, an important city in the state of Assam in northeastern India. This destination was my choice to open a new experience and truly immerse myself in the diverse lifestyle of the Assamese people.

Guwahati is a city that blends many cultures, including Assamese, Bodo, and various ethnic groups, creating an amazing cultural diversity. The atmosphere here is not as hectic as other major Indian cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru, which I have visited before.Backpacking MumbaiandBackpacking BengaluruThe friendliness and simplicity of the locals impressed me from the moment I stepped off the plane at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

Travel and Atmosphere in Guwahati

Guwahati is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, a major river in the region. The vastness of the river makes the city’s riverside views grand and often made me stop to take photos. Although it is a medium-sized city, getting around is quite convenient. Local tuk-tuks and taxis are available at all times. I chose to travel by tuk-tuk, which is an easy way to get around and experience the street atmosphere up close.

Along the way, as I rode the tuk-tuk past fresh markets and communities, the scent of spices and local foods strongly hit my nose. This was a great opportunity to try local dishes such asclay pot dishesand fragrant steamed rice made from Assam’s native rice grown in wide fields.

Lifestyle and Culture in Guwahati

Guwahati is not only beautiful in nature but also full of temples and rituals that deeply reflect the beliefs of the Assamese people. I had the chance to visitKamakhya Templewhich is the spiritual center for Hindus in this region. The temple is situated on a hill with clear views of the city and the Brahmaputra River. The atmosphere inside the temple is sacred, with people continuously offering flour and flowers in worship.

There is also a lively morning market. I walked through the fresh market filled with organic vegetables, local herbs, and unique spices I had never seen before. It was a time to talk with vendors and truly learn about the daily lives of the people here.

Local Foods Not to Miss

Speaking of food, I must say Guwahati did not disappoint. Assamese cuisine is distinctive from central or southern India, where I have been before. Locals enjoy sticky rice with curries cooked with fresh spices and local herbs. I triedgrilled river fishwhich was fragrant with spices and had a balanced flavor. The biryani here also tastes different from the one in Bengaluru, which I have shared inBackpacking Bengaluruclearly.

Interestingly, there are shops selling traditional sweets made from sticky rice and various beans. I tried a dessert calledPayasmade from sticky rice and fresh milk, with a perfectly sweet and creamy taste. It is a dessert that suits the cool atmosphere of Assam.

Connections to Other Travels in Northeast India

Traveling to Guwahati is also a gateway to exploring the northeastern region of India. It is a great starting point for trips to other natural and cultural attractions such as Darjeeling, which I have shared inJourney to Darjeelingor visiting Namchi, which has important Buddhist statues and beautiful mountain views in Sikkim state.Traveling Namchiis another interesting option.

However, traveling in Assam and nearby areas requires preparation for diverse weather and road conditions. Sometimes, connecting with locals helps make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. I, mr.hotsia, recommend opening your heart and learning from the people here fully, as that is the true charm of backpacking in India.

Summary of Impressions from Guwahati

In my view, Guwahati is not just a transit city but a place full of vitality and diverse culture. Walking around, tasting local food, and talking with people here made me feel like I opened a new window to a less talked about side of India. If you enjoy travel that combines nature, culture, and delicious food, I encourage you to visit here once. You will understand that Northeast India has much more to offer than you think.

For the travel video of this trip, you can watch it on my YouTube channel under the titleBackpacking India 94/129: Journey to Guwahati, Assam, India goto kuwahati AssamAnd if you are interested in other India trips, you can follow my articles and videos here.