**Q:** Where is Guwahati located? **A:** Guwahati is located in the state of Assam, in northeastern India, situated along the south bank of the Brahmaputra River.
**Q:** What is the best time to visit Guwahati? **A:** The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is cool, dry, and pleasant.
**Q:** How do I reach Guwahati? **A:** Guwahati is well-connected by air (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport), rail (Guwahati Railway Station and Kamakhya Junction), and a vast network of national highways.
**Q:** What is the airport in Guwahati called? **A:** It is called Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI), located in Borjhar, about 20 km from the city centre.
**Q:** How far is Kamakhya Temple from the city centre? **A:** Kamakhya Temple is situated on the Nilachal Hill, roughly 8 to 10 kilometers from the main city centre and easily accessible by taxi or bus.
**Q:** What is the Ambubachi Mela? **A:** It is a major four-day Hindu festival held annually in June at the Kamakhya Temple, celebrating the fertility cult and the goddess's annual menstrual cycle.
**Q:** How can I visit Umananda Island? **A:** You can take a brief government-operated ferry or a private boat ride from the Uzanbazar or Fancy Bazaar river ghats in Guwahati.
**Q:** What local food should I try? **A:** You must try a traditional Assamese Thali (which includes khar, pitika, dal, and fish tenga), pitha (rice cakes), and local street foods like momos and jhalmuri.
**Q:** Is Guwahati safe for tourists? **A:** Yes, Guwahati is quite safe for tourists. However, as with any major city, exercise standard precautions regarding belongings and night travel.
**Q:** What languages are spoken in Guwahati? **A:** Assamese is the primary language. Bengali, Hindi, and English are also widely spoken and understood.
**Q:** Where are the best places to shop? **A:** Fancy Bazaar is the bustling commercial hub for everything from clothes to souvenirs. Pan Bazaar is known for books, and GS Road is packed with modern malls and boutiques.
**Q:** How far is Shillong from Guwahati? **A:** Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is about 100 kilometers away, taking roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by road via NH6.
**Q:** Can I visit Kaziranga National Park from Guwahati? **A:** Yes, Kaziranga is about 190 kilometers (4 to 5 hours by road) from Guwahati, making it a viable overnight or multi-day trip.
**Q:** Are there river cruises available on the Brahmaputra? **A:** Yes, there are several operators offering short sunset cruises as well as multi-day luxury cruises (like the MV Mahabaahu) departing from Guwahati.
**Q:** What is the weather like in summer? **A:** Summers (May to August) are hot, highly humid, and receive heavy monsoon rainfall. Temperatures can reach up to 35-38°C (95-100°F).
**Q:** What is the difference between Guwahati and Dispur? **A:** Dispur is not a separate city; it is a locality within the Guwahati municipal area that functions as the official capital complex of the Government of Assam.
**Q:** Are there really leopards in Guwahati? **A:** Yes, the city encompasses several forested hills, and urban leopards frequently inhabit these fringes, occasionally straying into residential areas.
**Q:** How is the public transport system? **A:** The city relies on ASTC city buses, private buses, shared auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs (Uber, Ola). There is no metro rail system currently.
**Q:** Can I buy authentic Assam tea in Guwahati? **A:** Absolutely. You can buy premium Assam tea in stores around Paltan Bazaar, Fancy Bazaar, and specialised tea boutiques across the city.
**Q:** What is Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra? **A:** It is a massive cultural complex in Panjabari, Guwahati, featuring museums, art galleries, and open-air theatres that showcase the heritage of Assam and the Northeast.
