Where to stay in Guwahati

Guwahati (Assamese: [ɡua.ɦa.ti]), formerly known as Gauhati, is the largest city of the Indian state of Assam, and also the largest metropolis in northeastern India. Dispur, the capital of Assam, is in the circuit city region located within Guwahati and is the seat of the Government of Assam.

Guwahati (GOO-wah-hah-tee) is the main centre for shopping, retail and business in the Northeast, attracting people from all over the region and even Bhutan. The slow, meandering Brahmaputra River is a focal point of the city while the lush hills of the Shillong Plateau provide a verdant backdrop for the suburbs. However, the city’s pleasant environment is somewhat offset by inadequate regional investment, evident in the lack of reliable drainage, which leads to frequent flooding during the monsoon season, as well as by low air quality.

There are many budget hotels around the station but only a few are licensed to accommodate foreigners.

Getting around

Buses are the cheapest way of travelling around the city. Guwahati is well connected to most of its city area with local service buses, and there is an air-conditioned bus service between the airport and the city. Compared to other cities in India, autos charge a hefty price for the ride. There is no meter system used by the autos, the auto driver will simply refuse to drive you if you insist on the meter, the best you can do is negotiate in advance (check with a local on what it should cost you). Small distance charges are high.

Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.