Oct 27, 2013 09:18 PM
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We had been to Guwahati-Hajoa-Siaulkuchi-Nameri-Kaziranga-Shillong-Guwahati trip very recently. This review is purely about Guwahati and nearby places.
What we loved? In general, people very warm, lovely, helpful and receptive atypical of old world charm of Indian hospitality at its best. Very simple, down to earth, quite genuinely helpful.
There are several places of important tourist spots: such as Umananda temple, Basishta temple, Kamakya temple, Balaji temple, Al Fresco Cruise on mighty Brahmaputra river, and nearby places such as Siualkuchi for silk weaving centers and authentic silks; Hajoa for Hayagriva temple.
Place is well connected by air, train. Local sight seeing can be performed by hiring a cab, from agency such as Assam on Wheels( very professional, which we have hired) .
It has very good veggie options such as Cream Center, Makhan Bhog( just OK) or ethnic restaurant for Assamese cuisine at Paradise Restaurant.
For shopping, undoubtedly we would recommend Konyak( in the premises of Fab India) for authentic, cost effective good range of ethnic handicrafts/cushion covers/reliable silks/runners etc., Or one can even reach out to National Award Winner for silk saree weaving: Ms.Anuradha Kuli Pegu( 9864075276) for reliable silks and authentic designs.
Kalakshetra is just an outing for greenery than for the culture or handicrafts. Its OK.
Accommodation Options: very good range of accommodation is available; we have stayed at Rains Inn; but I guess for budget traveller, neatly maintained Sagar Hotel on Paltan Bazar is great as well.
For south Indian dishes, Sagar Ratna is the best choice for the cleanliness, hygiene, tasteness of food and also professionalism in service.
Better one can even try out the City buses from point to point.
Autos: also do negotiate well in advance and for point to point at minimum is Rs.100/-
Do negotiate well for the offseason discounts or otherwise at the hotels. Normally they do provide 20% discounts from the published rack rates.
Do take the medicines; though they are well available in the main markets of Paltan Bazar, Fancy bazar or Pan Bazar.
What we should have tried?
Momos, at some of the choicest restaurants.
What we didnt like?
the nasty habit of Spittoning by the locals very routinely.
What is interesting?
Try to go to the local vegetable mandi, on the road, on Paltan Bazar and do shop few locally available veggies.
How cost effective?
If one were to hire, autos, it may be cost effective.
But in general, cabs for local hire is also as costly as in other cities or slightly higher.
How many days would it require all the important places in and around, leisurely?
3days.
