Guwahati City Guide

Local dishes include Masor Tenga, Khar, and duck preparations. International cuisine is growing with Chinese and continental options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are common. Late night food is limited.

Nightlife includes pubs and lounges mainly around GS Road. Options range from casual to upscale but the scene is still developing.

Coffee culture is developing with local cafes and a few international chains. Specialty coffee is becoming more common.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. 5-10% tips in restaurants if no service charge. Taxi fares are rounded up.

SIM cards are sold at authorized stores for Jio, Airtel, and Vi. Jio and Airtel have the best coverage. Registration requires passport and visa copies plus a photo.

Street cleanliness varies. Main roads are cleaner; some markets and residential areas less so. Waste pickup is regular but recycling is limited.

A few pharmacies and stores open late but full 24/7 service is rare. Night food options limited mostly to hotels.

Supermarkets like Reliance Fresh, Big Bazaar, and More cover most needs. Local markets such as Fancy Bazaar are good for fresh produce. Shops mostly open 9:30 AM to 9 PM, with Sundays often off.

UPI payments work almost everywhere. Cards are accepted in bigger stores and hotels, but carry cash for markets and small shops.

ATMs from SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis Bank are common. Foreign cards may face withdrawal fees of around INR 200-250 per use.

Local schools like Delhi Public School use English and Assamese. Few international schools exist. Admissions open late winter or early spring.

Community is small but growing. Meetups are informal and not frequent. Some cafes offer good Wi-Fi. Facebook groups exist.

Parks like Shraddhanjali Kanan and Nehru Park provide green areas. Riverside spots are good for walks and running.

Riverside promenades and parks are popular running spots. Safety is good in busy areas but caution advised in isolated parts.

Many gyms spread across the city, suited for various fitness levels.

Tennis courts exist at clubs like All Assam Tennis Association. Booking varies by location.

Padel is not widely available.

Several yoga studios offer drop-in classes. English-speaking instructors can be found at established centers.

Training available in Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, and some BJJ or Muay Thai. English-speaking instructors mostly at larger schools.

No skiing as Guwahati has a tropical climate.

Boating and river cruises on the Brahmaputra are available. Kayaking and paddleboarding are rare and usually require private arrangements.

No surfing due to landlocked location.

No diving opportunities in this inland city.

Private hospitals like Apollo and GNRC offer good care and have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are numerous and often open late. Public hospitals are available but less convenient.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and cooking.

Parks like Shraddhanjali Kanan offer playgrounds. Malls have play areas. Family attractions include Assam State Zoo and Accoland amusement park.

Growing acceptance, especially among youth. Safe spaces are limited and discrimination can occur locally despite national protections.

Pet policies vary; some places allow pets. Veterinary care and supplies are available but pet parks are rare.