There are several well-run institutions worth visiting here. The Assam State Museum, at Ambari, houses important artefacts. A visit to it is a must if one is to get an idea of the richness and diversity of the regions historical past. A visit to the State Zoo-cum-Botanical Gardens, in the south of the city, is also a happy experience. This sprawling, well-maintained zoo replicates, as far as possible, the natural habitats of many of its inmates. Animals here are not usually cooped up in confining cages, but are allowed to roam free in spacious, moated enclosures. Several species seen here are success stories in conservation, and have been bred in captivity. The Botanical Gardens are a source of interest, as is the Herbarium.

The city also boasts of a Planetarium and a Science Museum, in the Northern and Southern edges of the city respectively. Both are well-maintained and compare favourably with similar institutions in the metros. Lectures at these places are at fixed times, in either Enghsh or Assamese.

During the winter, autumn and spring months, an attractive Son et Lumiere show takes place in the evenings on an island on the Brahmaputra. This, too is an enriching experience. The visitor should also make it a point to take a boat or ferry ride on the river. A cruise up and down the Brahmaputra is an uplifting and peaceful experience.

Another tranquil spot to visit is the Vashishtha Ashram, situated in the southernmost rim of the city on the Sandhyachall hill. Thick forests loom around the area. It is said that the sage Vashishtha had established his "Ashram" here. Three gushing rivulets, charmingly named Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta, meet at this point. The temple here is also worth a trip.

Across the Brahmaputra is North Guwahati, a peaceful and historically rich place that is worth the ferry-ride across the river. Or, more prosaically, one may also go there by bus, across the Saraighat bridge. This little town is dotted with numerous temples, chief among them being the Vaishnavite shrine, Doul Gobinda. Nearby is Ashwakranta or Ashwaklanta, where a rock on the river bank holds an impression that devotees believe is the imprint of Lord Krishna's foot. The place reverberates with myths and legends dating back to ancient times. Any of the friendly locals will be happy to fill one in on the rich mythological lore of the place.

Guwahati and environs are dotted with numerous places of worship. Foremost among these is the Kamakhya temple, atop the Nilachal hill near the western rim of the city. Mention of this Important shrine is made in ancient treatises. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country, especially during the 'Ambubashi" that occurs at the height of the monsoons in June. At the very peak of the hill is the "Bhuwaneshwari" temple. The architecture of both these temples, the rites and rituals associated with Tantrism which have an important seat here, are of absorbing interest to the visitor. However, even those who are neither religiously inclined nor archaeologically minded, often drive up to the top of the hill for a breath taking view of the city below, the curve of the river ahead, and the blue hills stretching hazily away to the horizon beyond. The sunset on the river, seen from this vantage point, is simply glorious.

Another important temple is the Navagraha temple, also atop a hillock near the centre of the city. It is an ancient centre for the study of astrology and astronomy, and is dedicated to the nine planets. Besides, there are countless other smaller, yet historically-rich temples that dot the city, such as the Sukleswar temple on the banks of the river, the Ugratara temple in Uzanbazar and the Mangalchandi temple, again near the river. Besides, there is the beautiful Shyam Mandir, a newer structure at Noonmati in the east of the city. There is also Umananda, or the Peacock Island, a small island on the Brahmaputra that has an important Shiva Temple, and is a pilgrim centre.

Some distance away are two more religious centres. Hajo, 32 kms away, is a small town in which three important religious shrines from three different religions co-exist harmoniously. It is a centre of pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. Madan Kamdev (40 kms from Guwahati) is a historical spot, mention of which is made in the Yogini Tantra. Besides the temples, there are also images and icons scattered over a large area.