7 Amazing Summer Destinations Near Guwahati You Must Explore

7 Amazing Summer Destinations Near Guwahati You Must Explore

Summer in Northeast India has its own beauty. If you are looking for serenity or want to try out something different from the usual cuisine, then Northeast India is the answer.

Are you thinking of a weekend holiday to some places around Guwahati? Well, you don’t have to go too far, as there are many wonderful destinations to visit within a few hours of travel. Situated in the Brahmaputra Valley and known as the gateway to Northeast India, Guwahati is surrounded by beautiful hill stations, waterfalls, national parks, and culturally important places to visit.

In this read, we bring to you the 7 best places to visit around Guwahati in summer, along with travel directions and approximate travel times.

1. Shillong – The Most Popular Hill Station Near Guwahati

Distance from Guwahati: 103 km

Travel Time: 3-3.5 hours

Directions: Drive from Guwahati via NH6 through Khanapara.

One of the most stunning and famous tourist attractions near Guwahati, Shillong is often called the “Scotland of the East.” The capital of Meghalaya is full of nature's wonders due to its pleasant climate, rolling hills, pine forests, and gorgeous landscapes.

The view of sunrise from Shillong Peak is like standing on a sea of clouds. The city’s vibrant music culture, in which concerts and live performances are a common sight, adds beauty to the city along with authentic Khasi dishes.

Summer is the ideal season to visit Shillong as the weather is pleasant and the surroundings look green. All adventure and nature lovers like to visit this place.

Things to do in Shillong

• Visit Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, and Lady Hydari Park.

• Shop and dine at Police Bazaar

• Take in panoramic views at Laitlum Canyon

2. Cherrapunji – The Land of Clouds

Distance: 150 km

Travel Time: 4.5-5 hours

Directions: Pass through Shillong via SH5.

Located in Meghalaya, Cherrapunji (Sohra) is one of the most breathtaking nature destinations near Guwahati where raindrops write poetry. It provides tourists with a refreshing and unforgettable nature experience.

Famous for its rainfall records, deep valleys, root bridges, and some of India's tallest waterfalls, Cherrapunji is known as one of the wettest places in the world. It's also perfect for trekking and enjoying the scenic beauty, making it a must-visit place.

Cherrapunji has one of the highest annual precipitation levels in the world. It's advised not to visit Cherrapunji during the peak monsoon due to landslides.

Top attractions in Cherrapunji

• Nohkalikai Falls

• Seven Sisters Falls

• Mawsmai Caves

• Double Decker Living Root Bridge

3. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – Rhino Safari Near Guwahati

Distance: 48 km

Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours

Direction: Drive from Guwahati towards Morigaon district via NH27.

If you are searching for wildlife sanctuaries to visit near Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent choice.

Apart from the famous one-horned Rhinoceros, it is also home to the Asiatic buffalo, wild water buffalo, leopard, and wild cats. The marshy land of Pobitora is also a heaven to 200 species of migratory birds, thus a paradise for bird lovers and photographers.

Things to do in Pobitora

Jeep safari through grasslands

Elephant ride to watch wildlife at quarters

Birdwatching in wetlands

4. Chandubi Lake – Nature's Perfect Canvas

Distance: 64 km

Travel Time: 2 hours

Direction: Drive from Guwahati via NH37 to Kamrup district.

Chandubi Lake is one of the most tranquil weekend getaways from Guwahati. Lying at the foot of the Garo Hills, this picturesque lake stands as a serene natural wonder.

Chandubi Lake is a natural lagoon that came into existence after the 1897 earthquake. It is covered with dense forests, tea gardens, and villages.

Things to do

Boating on the lake

Village walks in Rabha communities

Birdwatching and photography

5. Kaziranga National Park – UNESCO Wildlife Destination

Distance: 200 km

Travel Time: 4.5-5 hours

Direction: Drive east from Guwahati via NH27 through Nagaon and Golaghat.

Kaziranga National Park is one of the popular tourist spots around Guwahati, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park is home to two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinos. It is also home to elephants, wild water buffalo, deer, and birds. It is thus considered to be a top summer tourist destination in Northeast India.

Top experiences

Jeep safari in the Central and Western ranges

Elephant safari in the morning

Visit Kaziranga Orchid Park

6. Sualkuchi – Assam’s Famous Silk Village

Distance: 35 km

Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours

Direction: Drive from Guwahati across Saraighat Bridge towards the north bank villages.

Sualkuchi is known as the “Silk Village of Assam.” This small village is well known for Muga, Eri, and Pat Silk weaving.

In this place, tradition and heritage are not just handed down through generations of ancestors; it's a way of life. Visiting Sualkuchi gives visitors the opportunity to see talented weavers giving birth to intricate patterns of silk.

Things to experience

Visit traditional silk weaving houses

Shop for authentic Assamese sarees

Learn about local textile culture

7. Hajo – A Spiritual Heritage Town

Distance: 35 km

Travel Time: 1 hour

Direction: Drive from Guwahati towards the north bank of the Brahmaputra via NH27.

Hajo is a wonderful spiritual and heritage town near Guwahati where Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu traditions and cultures exist together.

It is situated along the banks of the Brahmaputra River and is home to a number of temples and historical sites, such as the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir, which is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

Major Attractions in Hajo

Hayagriva Madhava Temple

Powa Mecca Mosque

Panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River

Planning Where to Stay While Exploring Areas Around Guwahati This Summer

While exploring these tourist attractions near Guwahati, it's always recommended that you plan to stay at a place that can make your journey comfortable.

Most tourists prefer to visit Guwahati and then explore other nearby areas like Shillong, Pobitora, Cherrapunji, etc.

So, when you plan your visit to the Northeast, your starting point is Guwahati, and accommodation is of utmost priority. So, why not let it begin with AAOStays? They offer clean and safe spaces with flexible check-ins at budget-friendly prices across 20+ locations.

Whether you're looking to stay near the airport to catch an early morning flight, or you are looking to stay near a highway, they have a place that suits you.

Unlike hotels, AAOSTAYS provides you with an opportunity to stay in authentic and peaceful homestays across Northeast India to escape the summer heat.

By staying in a homestay, you can enjoy:

• Comfort, convenience, and luxury

• Local hospitality and culture

• Traditional meals

• Local travel advice

Whether you're planning a short trip to Shillong, an adventurous trip to Kaziranga, or a peaceful holiday at Chandubi Lake, it's always best to start your journey from Guwahati. Select AAOSTAYS, the fastest-growing homestay chain, for a safe and relaxing stay like home.