Guwahati is a hidden gem for budget travelers craving adventure without the hefty price tag. Whether you're into spiritual spots, river cruises, or flea market finds, there's something here for every thrifty explorer. At SavePlus India, we uncover desi shopping hacks, promo codes, and UPI cashback tricks so you can do more for less in this buzzing northeastern city.

Visit the Kamakhya Temple at Sunrise

Kamakhya Temple sits atop Nilachal Hill and is among India’s most powerful Shakti Peethas. Visiting at sunrise offers a serene experience away from the crowds. The temple also provides panoramic views of the Brahmaputra. Mornings are more peaceful and perfect for spiritual seekers and photographers alike.

• Shared autos from the city centre cost between ₹20–₹30 and take you straight to the base of the hill.
  
  
• Temple opens at 5:30 AM, so you can catch the spiritual aarti and avoid long queues.
  
  
• Nilachal Hill offers a breathtaking sunrise over Guwahati with fog-covered surroundings that add magic to your visit.

Cost: ₹20–₹30 (transport only)

Pro Tip: If you plan to visit during Ambubachi Mela in June, book OYO stays with Paytm cashback for early bird deals.

Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the Brahmaputra

The mighty Brahmaputra offers one of India's most peaceful river cruise experiences. Budget-friendly ferries and boats sail around sunset for unbeatable city views. With cool breezes and a golden horizon, it's a favorite among couples and solo travelers. Even basic ferry rides offer Instagram-worthy views.

• Government ferries charge only ₹15–₹30 and run frequently from Fancy Bazaar and Uzan Bazaar ghats.
  
  
• You can upgrade to private boats or musical cruises that cost ₹100–₹250 per person for extra comfort.
  
  
• Most ferries operate till dusk and offer perfect photo opportunities with the sun dipping into the river.

Cost: ₹30–₹250

Pro Tip: Book tickets through RedBus or local sites using PhonePe offers on travel bookings for weekend discounts.

Stroll Around Dighalipukhuri Lake

This centrally located lake is ideal for relaxing on a low budget. Surrounded by parks and shaded trees, it’s a favourite hangout for couples, families, and joggers. The lake also offers boat rides and is perfect for an unhurried walk. Its location near Cotton University adds to its youthful vibe.

• Entry costs just ₹10 and gives access to lakeside paths, benches, and shaded greenery all day long.
  
  
• Paddle boats are available at ₹40–₹50 for 30-minute rides, ideal for couples and small families.
  
  
• Food carts nearby sell samosas, momos, and tea under ₹30 for a quick snack after a walk.

Cost: ₹10–₹50

Pro Tip: Use GPay or Paytm QR codes at stalls to collect reward points or unlock scratch card cashback.

Explore Fancy Bazaar for Bargain Shopping

Fancy Bazaar is Guwahati's street-style shopping capital, packed with bargains on clothes, shoes, and accessories. You'll find everything from Assamese gamusas to Korean-style tops and juttis. It’s chaotic yet charming, and ideal for budget shoppers who love to haggle. Perfect for college-goers and fashionistas on a budget.

• Street stalls offer kurtis, shawls, and jackets starting at ₹100, and many mimic top Myntra trends.
  
  
• Vendors expect bargaining, so start by quoting 30–40% less than their first price and settle in the middle.
  
  
• The market operates from 10 AM to 8 PM and is closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping trip wisely.

Cost: ₹100–₹500

Pro Tip: Compare offline prices with Ajio or Flipkart offers on your phone to know if you’re actually saving.

Eat Assamese Thali at Khorika

Taste the essence of Assam through Khorika’s affordable thalis. This place serves simple, homestyle food with rice, dal, chutneys, and your choice of fish or meat. Meals are satisfying and served quickly, making it perfect for lunch breaks. The seating is humble, but the food is packed full of regional flavor.

• Veg thalis start at ₹160 and include rice, curry, sabzi, chutney, and sometimes a local green vegetable.
  
  
• Non-veg thalis at ₹200–₹250 feature Assam-style fish curry, duck, or pork along with traditional side dishes.
  
  
• Located on Zoo Road, Khorika is also close to many tourist spots like Guwahati Zoo and Nehru Park.

Cost: ₹160–₹250

Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays for quick seating and use Zomato Pro for up to ₹50 savings on dine-in or takeaway.

Trek to Nilachal Hills

Ideal for early risers and fitness lovers, this uphill walk offers unmatched city views. It’s not a commercial hike, so it’s free and peaceful. Along the way, you may spot monkeys, exotic birds, and locals doing yoga. It’s a hidden gem for anyone looking to enjoy Guwahati's natural beauty.

• Start your trek early morning around 6 AM to enjoy misty surroundings and avoid daytime heat.
  
  
• Trek is light to moderate and takes about 30–45 minutes from the base to the top viewpoint.
  
  
• Combine your trek with a Kamakhya Temple visit for a full day of spiritual and physical refreshment.

Cost: Free

Pro Tip: Carry light snacks bought via Amazon Pantry coupons and a refillable bottle to stay hydrated affordably.

Visit Assam State Museum

Dive into Assam’s rich culture, tribal heritage, and ancient manuscripts at this quiet gem in Pan Bazaar. The museum is well-maintained, air-conditioned, and rarely crowded. It’s an enriching indoor escape from the midday sun. A must for culture lovers, students, and photographers interested in local history.

• The entry fee is ₹10 for Indian citizens, and the ticket counter operates till 4 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.
  
  
• Sections include prehistoric tools, Ahom dynasty artifacts, textiles, and tribal musical instruments.
  
  
• Guided tours are not needed as each section includes descriptions in English, Hindi, and Assamese.

Cost: ₹10

Pro Tip: Students often get discounted rates, so carry your college ID and check before you pay.

Relax at Nehru Park with Folk Sculptures

Located in the heart of Guwahati, Nehru Park offers a peaceful spot to unwind with family or friends. What makes it unique is the folk dance sculptures spread throughout the park. It’s ideal for an afternoon stroll, light reading, or a budget-friendly picnic. Locals often visit in the evenings for calm and leisure.

• Entry fee is ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children, making it affordable for group or family outings.
  
  
• The park includes musical fountains, garden spaces, and shaded benches under large flowering trees.
  
  
• Life-sized sculptures depict traditional Assamese dances like Bihu, Jhumur, and Sattriya in vibrant detail.

Cost: ₹10–₹20

Pro Tip: Buy snacks or drinks from nearby vendors using PhonePe cashback offers for small savings on your outing.

Try Street Food at Uzan Bazaar

Uzan Bazaar is one of Guwahati’s oldest localities and a street food haven by evening. You’ll find steaming plates of momos, egg rolls, chana chaat, and more—perfect for filling your stomach without emptying your wallet. The area is safe, bustling, and loved by students and budget eaters alike.

• Momos cost as low as ₹30 for a plate of six, served with spicy chutney and soup.
  
  
• Try aloo chop, ghugni, and pakoras for under ₹25 at stalls that start rolling around 5 PM daily.
  
  
• Most vendors accept UPI and digital wallets, so you can skip cash and get instant cashback rewards.

Cost: ₹25–₹50

Pro Tip: Use Google Pay scratch cards when scanning UPI to earn up to ₹50 back on small transactions.

Visit Umananda Temple on Peacock Island

Located on the world’s smallest inhabited river island, Umananda Temple is a unique spiritual retreat. You need to take a short ferry ride across the Brahmaputra to reach it. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva offers peace, natural views, and a mild hike up a hill. Ideal for budget pilgrims and solo travelers.

• The ferry ride from Uzan Bazaar costs around ₹20–₹30 per person and runs throughout the day.
  
  
• Temple entry is free, but the path uphill involves stairs, so wear good walking shoes or sandals.
  
  
• The island is home to endangered golden langurs, adding to the rare and serene experience.

Cost: ₹30

Pro Tip: Plan your visit during Shivratri or Sawan Mondays and use IRCTC Wallet offers if you’re traveling by train.

Attend a Live Performance at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra

This cultural complex showcases Assam’s art, music, and folk performances in a well-kept auditorium. You’ll find Bihu dance shows, theatre acts, and puppet plays here on selected weekends. It’s a great place to experience local art for a fraction of the usual ticket price. Suitable for all age groups.

• Entry fee is ₹20, and performance tickets usually range from ₹50–₹100 depending on the event.
  
  
• The campus has museums, sculpture galleries, and a cable car ride, all open till 7 PM.
  
  
• Students and senior citizens often get discounted rates, especially during seasonal festivals or holidays.

Cost: ₹20–₹100

Pro Tip: Check the official website or Guwahati-based blogs for event calendars and apply BookMyShow coupons when booking.

Explore the Navagraha Temple and Viewpoint

Dedicated to the nine celestial bodies in Hindu astrology, Navagraha Temple offers religious insight and city-wide panoramic views. The climb up the hill is easy and free, and the surroundings are breezy and photogenic. Locals believe this place brings astrological blessings and good energy.

• The temple has nine shrines, each representing a graha (planet), attracting spiritual seekers and astrologers alike.
  
  
• Located on Chitrasal Hill, it provides an elevated viewpoint over Guwahati and parts of the Brahmaputra.
  
  
• Open from sunrise till 6 PM and easily accessible by local auto from Silpukhuri or Chandmari.

Cost: Free

Pro Tip: Pack prasad from local stores using Amazon India Pantry coupons if you plan a temple-hopping day.

Discover Regional Flavours at Maach Bhaat Counters

Throughout Guwahati’s residential areas and markets, small food stalls offer “Maach Bhaat” (fish curry with rice) combos. These no-frills eateries serve authentic Assamese food starting at ₹60. Locals grab lunch here daily, and the food is always hot, spicy, and straight from the hearth.

• You’ll usually get a full plate with mustard fish curry, plain rice, sabzi, and a chutney or pickle.
  
  
• Most counters are cash-only, but many are beginning to accept PhonePe or Paytm UPI for faster transactions.
  
  
• Located in areas like Chandmari, Ganeshguri, and Beltola, these stalls serve lunch from 12 PM to 3 PM.

Cost: ₹60–₹90

Pro Tip: Carry a reusable tiffin box and ask for takeaway—you’ll get ₹10 off at some eco-friendly stalls.

Shop Handmade Items at Emporiums on GNB Road

Government-run and private emporiums on GNB Road sell handloom, handicrafts, and tribal jewelry. Unlike tourist traps, these shops have fixed but fair prices. It’s a great way to support local artisans while bagging quality souvenirs. Most products reflect Assamese culture—ideal for gifting or home décor.

• Items like bamboo lamps, bell metal utensils, and eri silk stoles start from ₹150 upwards.
  
  
• Emporiums are open from 10:30 AM to 7 PM and offer printed bills for all purchases.
  
  
• Many accept digital payments and offer festive discounts around Bihu, Durga Puja, or Diwali.

Cost: ₹150–₹500

Pro Tip: Swipe your SBI card here during festivals to earn 5% value-back on handicraft categories.

Use Ola Bike Rides to Commute Cheaply

Public transport in Guwahati is affordable, but Ola Bike rides are even cheaper and quicker for solo travelers. It saves both time and money when hopping between spots. You can book through the Ola app and usually get drivers within 5 minutes. Ideal for college students and budget tourists.

• Ola Bike rides start at just ₹20 for 2 km, often cheaper than autos or cycle rickshaws.
  
  
• Surge pricing is rare in Guwahati, and you can apply Ola coupon codes from SavePlus India for ₹20–₹30 off.
  
  
• Helmets are provided, and the drivers are usually local youth familiar with shortcuts and scenic routes.

Cost: ₹20–₹50

Pro Tip: Collect Ola Money cashback when you reload your wallet via UPI during travel-heavy days.

Conclusion

Guwahati is a dream for travelers on a shoestring budget. With scenic views, street eats, and cultural depth, it offers countless affordable adventures. At SavePlus India, we believe travel and savings go hand in hand—be it with UPI cashback, shopping coupons, or local hacks. So pack light, travel smart, and unlock Guwahati’s hidden gems.

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Guwahati on a budget?
October to March is ideal as the weather is cool and local events like Rongali Bihu bring cultural flair without additional travel costs.

Are UPI payments widely accepted in Guwahati?
Yes, most vendors accept UPI through PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm, especially in urban areas like Fancy Bazaar and Uzan Bazaar.

Where can I find the cheapest local food in Guwahati?
Try Maach Bhaat counters in Beltola and street food at Uzan Bazaar. Meals start as low as ₹30.

How can I commute cheaply around Guwahati?
Use Ola Bike rides or shared autos, which start at ₹20. City buses also operate on major routes at very low fares.

Are there any online discounts for Guwahati hotels?
Yes, you can use MakeMyTrip promo codes, OYO offers, and Flipkart SuperCoins for hotel bookings under ₹700.