The monsoon season turns Northeast India into a lush green paradise, making it worth a visit. The rain makes the hills disappear behind rolling clouds, waterfalls come alive, and winding roads offer some of the country’s most scenic drives. If you’re in Guwahati or planning to visit soon and craving a quick escape, you’re in luck. Here are five destinations near Guwahati that deserve a spot on your rainy-season travel list. Scroll down to learn more.
5 Destinations Near Guwahati To Visit During Monsoon Season
1. Shillong, Meghalaya
Known as the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is just a 3-hour drive from Guwahati and is one of the easiest monsoon getaways. The rain gives the city’s pine-covered hills an attractive glow, while tourist attractions like Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake and Shillong Peak look even more lovely.
Also Read: On Assam Visit, PM Modi Meets Female Tea Pluckers And Says, & Tea Is the Soul Of Assam”
2. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Few places celebrate the monsoon season like nothing else, and one such is Sohra in Cherrapunji, which is just 5 hours away from Guwahati. Popular for receiving some of the highest rainfall in the world, this place comes alive with lively waterfalls such as Nohkalikai Falls and the Seven Sisters Falls.
3. Umiam Lake, Meghalaya
Just before entering Shillong lies the breathtaking Umiam Lake, just 2 hours away from Guwahati. During monsoon, the reservoir fills up, showcasing the surrounding hills wrapped in mist. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful picnic, try kayaking or simply soak in the views, Umiam makes for a beautiful visit.
4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
While jeep safaris may remain suspended during parts of the monsoon due to flooding, a four-hour drive to Kaziranga itself is incredibly scenic. The rain-soaked grasslands, wetlands and villages along the route offer a different perspective of Assam’s natural beauty.
Also Read: New Gecko Species Found In Raimona National Park; Why It Matters For Assam’s Biodiversity
5. Mawsynram, Meghalaya
Often known as one of the wettest inhabited places on Earth, Mawsynram is five hours away from Guwahati and is a dream destination for rain lovers. Expect endless greenery, dramatic limestone caves, cascading streams and low-hanging clouds throughout the journey. The drive itself is unforgettable, making it one of the best monsoon road trips from Guwahati.
Monsoon makes these destinations magical, but it also brings challenges. Heavy rain can lead to landslides, reduced visibility and temporary road closures, especially in Meghalaya and parts of Assam. Check the latest weather forecast before planning any trip.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Kaushik Borah
FAQs
What is Guwahati famous for?
Guwahati is famous for being the Gateway to Northeast India, the holy Kamakhya Temple, and its location on the banks of the Brahmaputra River.
Is Guwahati a capital of any state?
Guwahati is not the official capital of any state, but it contains Dispur, the official capital of Assam.
What is Guwahati's famous food?
Guwahati's famous food centers around traditional Assamese cuisine, highlighted by Masor Tenga (a tangy fish curry), Khar (an alkaline vegetable dish), and the classic Assamese Thali.
