7 Guwahati Hacks That Will Make You Feel Like ATravel Genius

India.com

5 days ago

The city is often referred to as the gateway to Northeast India, so naturally Guwahati has a rich blend of ancient history, spirituality, and beautiful landscapes. However, having a low budget seems like it would make traveling to this city difficult. Don't worry! Traveling to Guwahati can be economical without compromising on the experience offered by the city, as long as the right preparation is made beforehand.
To start with, here's what expenses you can avoid:
1.Choosing Budget-Friendly Accommodation
You don't need to break the bank if you want to book a place to stay in Guwahati. Instead of going for luxury hotels, consider budget guesthouses, home stays or even hostels. There are also several budget hotels in Paltan and Fancy Bazaar which serve clean and comfortable rooms for a reasonable price. If you're a backpacker that is comfortable with dorms, hostels like Zostel and GoStops will help you save money while also providing great facilities. There are also affordable Airbnbs that can be found in different parts of the city.
Budget hostels: INR 300-600 per night
Guesthouses: INR 800-1500 per night
Home stays: INR 1000-2000 per night
Book in advance to get discounts on online platforms like Booking.com and MakeMyTrip.
2.Getting Around for Less
There are many ways to get around the city of Guwahati and picking the correct one will save you money. One of the gums get used taxis paired with private cabs because they are really pricey. Rather use local buses, shared auto-rickshaws, or app based ride services like Rapido and Ola Bike. For sightseeing, you can also explore the city by walking around central areas or renting a bicycle.
City buses charge between INR 10-30 on most routes.
Auto-rickshaw fares are not on meters so make a deal before getting in.
Local taxis don't have meters making Ola and Uber a more affordable option.
You can rent a two-wheeler for about INR 300-500 a day.
3. Eating Delicious Food on a Budget
Guwahati is a true gem when it comes to food, and you can indulge in authentic Assamese dishes without shelling out too much. Instead of fancy restaurants, opt for roadside food vendors, dhabas, and tiny cafes. Uzan Bazaar and Silpukhuri have excellent budget-friendly food joints serving pithas, masor tenga (sour fish curry) and thalis at unbelievable prices.
Street food like momos, puri-sabzi, and chowmein costs around INR 30-80 per plate.
Eating out, A full Assamese thali in a budget eatery costs 120-250 INR.
Notable mentions: Khorikaa, Ramu Dhaba, and JB's.
Lal cha or tea can be purchased at street vendors for as low as INR 10-20.
4.Exploring Attractions for Free or Cheap
Guwahati boasts of some of the best places to visit with no or minimal entry fees. Temples like Kamakhya, Umananda, and Navagraha are a must visit and don't cost much. You will also be able to enjoy the scenic views of Brahmaputra River for free! Assam State Museum and Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra offers great insights into the region's history and culture for a very small fee.
Kamakhya Temple- Free entry, INR 501 for VIP darshan
Assam State Museum- Entry fee INR 10-20
Umananda Island Ferry- INR 20-50 for per person
Sunset views at Brahmaputra Riverside- Free
5.Smart Shopping Without Overspending
Those with a taste for shopping can purchase colorful souvenirs, traditional Assam handicrafts, handloom shawls, and mehndi chadar silk sarees from the various local markets. As I suggest, do not bother with the malls. For economical shopping, Guwahati's Fancy bazaar, Paltan bazaar, and Pan bazaar are ideal locations too. And always remember, bargaining is an essential skill in shopping.
Assam silk mekhela chadors: Rs. 1000-5000 (Price highly depends on the quality)
Bamboo and cane handicrafts: Rs. 100-1000
Tea leaves from the Assam Tea shops: Rs. 200-500 per kg
Remember to bargain hard, you should be able to achieve 30-40% concession!
6.Planning Your Trip in the Right Season
Traveling to Guwahati between October to March when the tourist influx is high can become costly due to increased hotel prices and ticket fares. Plan your travels during the April to September timeframe to save on accommodation and traveling expenses. If you're not fond of rain, make sure not to travel in the monsoon season from June to July.
Best time for budget travel: April to early June, September
Off-season discounts on hotels: Up to 40%
Flights are cheaper during off-peak months
7.Making Use of Local Travel Passes & Offers
Both local operators and State Tourism Development Corporation sell discount guided tours with skip-the-line tickets for a budget-friendly price. Look for deals on group trips as they are usually cheaper than guided services on your own.
Guided tours provided by Assam Tourism at INR 500-1000.
See Travel Packages available by IRCTC to save on accommodations and tours.
RedBus travel apps offer discounts for buses traveling intercity and intrastate.
Final Thoughts
Traveling in Guwahati can be friendly to the pocket if approached with these ideas. You can cover the important sites, have good food, and appreciate the culture of Assam without spending too much. These ideas will maximize your trip regardless of whether you are solo or with friends.
Now it is time to pack your bags for an unforgettable travel experience. Guwahati is indeed a budget-friendly option that guarantees fun!