How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Guwāhāti, India
1. Food Markets of Fancy Bazaar
Authentic local food at reasonable prices, avoid overpriced tourist restaurants nearby.
- Local Prices: Prices are set by the vendors themselves, not inflated for tourists.
- Fresh Ingredients: Food is made fresh daily using locally-sourced ingredients.
- Wide Variety: A vast array of Assamese and North Eastern dishes to choose from.
2. Kaziranga National Park Jeep Safari
Experience wildlife up-close without overpaying for private jeeps or guides.
- Shared Jeeps: Travel in a shared open jeep to save on costs and share the experience.
- Official Rates: Adhere to official park rates for entry fees and safari rides.
- Early Bookings: Book your safari in advance to secure a spot and avoid last-minute tourist traps.
3. Umananda Temple Boat Ride
Avoid touts offering overpriced boat rides by arranging the ride at the ticket counter.
- Official Counter: Arrange your boat ride through the official ticket counter for a fair price.
- Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours (6 AM - 9 AM, 4 PM - 7 PM) to avoid crowds and overpriced rides.
- Negotiating Skills: Haggle with boatmen for a fair price before setting off on your ride.
4. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Experience one-horned rhinos in their natural habitat without being overcharged.
- Shared Jeeps: Travel in a shared open jeep to save on costs and share the experience.
- Official Rates: Adhere to official park rates for entry fees and safari rides.
- Local Guides: Hire a local guide who knows the area, can help you spot wildlife, and negotiate prices.
5. Sualkuchi Silk Weaving Villages
Buy authentic Assamese silk at fair prices directly from weavers instead of shops.
- Direct Purchase: Purchase silk products directly from the weaving villages.
- Skill Demonstrations: Watch skilled artisans demonstrate their silk weaving techniques.
- Variety of Designs: Choose from a vast array of traditional and modern designs.
6. Temenglong Wildlife Sanctuary
Avoid tourist traps by researching and planning your visit carefully.
- Research: Research the best entry points, times, and routes to explore the sanctuary.
- Official Rates: Adhere to official park rates for entry fees and guide services.
- Local Guides: Hire a local guide who knows the area, can help you spot wildlife, and negotiate prices.
7. Guwāhāti Planetarium
Learn about space and astronomy at a reasonable price without tourist markups.
- Affordable Tickets: Tickets are reasonably priced for all visitors.
- Interactive Shows: Experience engaging and educational planetarium shows.
- Educational Workshops: Participate in workshops to learn more about space and astronomy.
8. Kamakhya Temple
Avoid tourist traps by visiting outside peak hours and researching the temple rules.
- Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours (6 AM - 9 AM, 4 PM - 7 PM) to avoid crowds.
- Dress Code: Respect local customs by wearing modest clothing that covers shoulders and legs.
- Official Guides: Hire an official guide to learn about the temple's history and significance.
9. Nehru Park Boat Ride
Experience a peaceful boat ride without overpaying by arranging the ride at the ticket counter.
- Official Counter: Arrange your boat ride through the official ticket counter for a fair price.
- Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours (6 AM - 9 AM, 4 PM - 7 PM) to avoid crowds and overpriced rides.
- Negotiating Skills: Haggle with boatmen for a fair price before setting off on your ride.
10. Jagannath Cathedral
Avoid tourist traps by visiting outside peak hours and respecting the church's rules.
- Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours (9 AM - 12 PM, 4 PM - 7 PM) to avoid crowds.
- Dress Code: Respect local customs by wearing modest clothing that covers shoulders and legs.
- Donation Boxes: Make a donation if you wish, but do not feel obligated to overpay.
11. Ugratara Temple
Avoid tourist traps by visiting outside peak hours and researching the temple rules.
- Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours (6 AM - 9 AM, 4 PM - 7 PM) to avoid crowds.
- Dress Code: Respect local customs by wearing modest clothing that covers shoulders and legs.
- Official Guides: Hire an official guide to learn about the temple's history and significance.
12. Silchar Tea Garden Tour
Avoid tourist traps by researching and choosing a reputable tea garden for your tour.
- Reputable Gardens: Research the best tea gardens to visit, focusing on those with good reviews.
- Official Rates: Adhere to official garden rates for tea tasting and tours.
- Local Guides: Hire a local guide who knows the area, can explain the tea-making process, and negotiate prices.
13. Tezpur Synagogue
Avoid tourist traps by visiting outside peak hours and respecting the synagogue's rules.
- Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours (9 AM - 12 PM, 4 PM - 7 PM) to avoid crowds.
- Dress Code: Respect local customs by wearing modest clothing that covers shoulders and legs.
- Donation Boxes: Make a donation if you wish, but do not feel obligated to overpay.
14. North Guwāhāti Handloom Market
Buy authentic Assamese handlooms at fair prices directly from weavers instead of shops.
- Direct Purchase: Purchase handloom products directly from the market.
- Skill Demonstrations: Watch skilled artisans demonstrate their weaving techniques.
- Variety of Designs: Choose from a vast array of traditional and modern designs.
15. Kamakhya Dispensary
Avoid tourist traps by visiting outside peak hours and respecting the pharmacy's rules.
- Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours (10 AM - 2 PM, 5 PM - 8 PM) to avoid crowds.
- Drug Prices: Prices for prescription and over-the-counter drugs are regulated by the government.
- Pharmacist Consultations: Consult with a pharmacist for advice on medical concerns and proper usage of medications.