Assam

Kiranshree Portico is ideal for busy businessmen who have to move around Guwahati fast. Taxis from the airport stop just opposite the hotel, which is also situated close to the railway station. And behind the hotel is the local Shillong taxi stand, a convenience that makes for hassle-free commuting around the city. You can also request the hotel to organize taxis (receipts provided if asked for).

Kiranshree has all the facilities to suit the business traveller. Computers with internet (and printers) are available in the lobby; Wi-Fi is provided at no extra charge. Rooms have the regular amenities like central air-conditioning, LCD TVs, a tea- and coffee-maker, and a few extras (including a fruit basket and cookies).

For the businessman, no expense is spared; the hotel can make available conferencing facilities. The conference halls can cater to as little as 15, and as many as 500 people; the halls come equipped with whiteboard, flipchart and LCD projectors. Audio systems, a DVD―and even a butler service―are also available (provided one makes a request in advance).

As for meals, guests can either venture into the bazaar or enjoy the hotel’s restaurant, ‘White Pearl’, which offers local delicacies and live music. There is also a coffee shop and a lounge bar on the hotel premises. Do make it a point to order morning tea here, as it may well be the highlight of your trip.

Location:

21km from Guwahati airport, 1km from the railway station

Facilities:

Fruit basket on arrival; Digital safe; Minibar (fully stocked); Computers in lobby; Wi-Fi internet connectivity

Situated in the village of Tapesia on the outskirts of Guwahati, the idyllic Brahmaputra Jungle Resort is (as the name suggests) a wild retreat. Set on the top of a hill, this three-star resort has an impressive designed complete with a waterfall, a mini-lake, tea gardens at the front, and the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary at its back. It really is the perfect getaway.

You’ll be well looked after here: guests booking in will find the owner Rajendra Tripathi’s name and contact number displayed prominently in the room. There are a number of lodging options available for travellers; they can either plump for the eco-friendly cottages (some of which have ACs) or camp out in the open. (A special tip: It is advisable to stay in tents in the winter, to avoid the insects.) When it comes to dining, the resort serves an array of local dishes that are not easily get elsewhere, for instance, the popular duck curry, and an assortment of pork dishes.

The resort is spread over a large area, and besides the mini-lake and a swimming pool, guests can enjoy complimentary elephant, pony and boat rides. Birdwatchers can set off on a small trek (accompanied by a naturalist); while for those who want to experience the wild, the resort organizes half-day trips to the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (you’re more than likely to spot rhinos here).

Make the most of early morning here: wander around, sit back, have a cup of tea and enjoy the sight of beautiful birds. Once you have finished your cuppa, enjoy a good leisurely breakfast (complimentary with your stay).

Another tip:

Paying by credit card might be a problem, so be prepared to settle your bills in cash.

Location:

36km from Guwahati airport; 26km from Guwahati railway station

Facilities:

Complimentary breakfast; elephant, pony and boat rides onsite; bird watching treks; half-day trip to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (deer, among other animals, can be spotted in the resort campus)

For more information: www.brahmaputraresort.in

If you are looking for comfort while visiting Guwahati, this is quite the place to check in. Located in the business area of the city, SS Road in Lakhtokia, Hotel Dynasty is a four-star property that guarantees a homely-yet professionally-run-hotel feel of a place. A touch of art work, fresh flowers, pleasing upholstery make all the 76-rooms add to the décor. There are also provisions for opting non-smoking room.

Located within a km range from the Guwahati Railway Station and 24 km from the airport, it is within a close range of shops and local markets.

What’s adds to the guests experience are the F&B outlets that are emphasizing more and more on local dining experience. Therefore, expect the chef to cook up a meal with freshly-caught fish from the Brahmaputra, greens from local garden adding up to quite a unique experience.

At the Palms, for instance, one can savour Continental treats in this 24-hour dining restaurant. At Tandoor, it’s all about North Indian flavour. At the Roof Top, the seasonal rooftop barbeque restaurant that opens only from October till March, it’s the ultimate experience to sip the in-house signature cocktail and watch the stillness of the mighty Brahmaputra River.

And what with a spa, the property is truly gearing up to welcome more and more discerning guests from all over.

Location: 25 kms from Guwahati airport, 1km from railway station

Address:
Hotel Dynasty
SS Road , Lakhtokia
Guwahati - 781 001

Hotel Millennium, set in the heart of the city, offers spacious accommodation and good service. Located in the heart of Guwahati, a km from the railway station and 21 km from Guwahati, it is within close range o shops and local market. This three-start property pegs itself as a luxury hotel. However, it may not be luxury in that sense but it attempts to provide all that a traveler would require. A 24-hour room service, functional workstation, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee maker, an indoor swimming pool and a fairly descent multi-cuisine restaurant, a bar and of course, a spacious banquet hall, The Grand, equipped with private lobbies, entrances and bridal rooms, that could come handy for those wanting to organize a party or an event.

Small details like an express laundry and dry cleaning services make it convenient for guests looking out for that kind of attention.

The hotel also gives importance to the size of its rooms which come in three categories: deluxe, super deluxe and family deluxe room. Vitrified-tile flooring, big and spacious windows that overlook the nearby market, curtains matching the bedcovers add to the décor of the room which are nonetheless spic and span. Each room comes with an LCD TV. Guests find it convenient walk around the nearby local market to sample a little of the local culture.

In the evening, guests can call it a day at the very in-house bar, Infinity that stocks a decent wine list.

Email: hotelmillennium@hotmail.com

From your room, watch tea planters plucking tea leaves in unison. The sight of an endless stretch of tea garden is a visual delight. At Iora The Retreat, get real and be at one with nature. The 20-acre resort located just off the National Highway 37 on the Guwahati Dibrugarh Sector is surrounded by tea gardens from all sides.

The 42-rooms are spacious and come with a balcony each that overlooks the lush greenery. Blending comfort and style, the luxury resort offers genuine Assamese hospitality without being intrusive. If you make this your home, there are plenty of things to do. Go on a safari, ride an elephant or simply lounge around the property by being in the pool side, or play billiards, rent a DVD with endless cups of fresh tea leaves.

The Assamese thali prepared by the in-house chef is a must-try.

Are you are looking for a hidden paradise? Head here and soak yourself in the natural setting of Wild Mahseer. Set amid lush and sprawling 22-acre tea garden on the north bank of the Brahmaputra (220 kms from Guwahati) in Sonitpur district, Wild Mahseer is one of Assam’s best-kept getaway secrets. And old Colonial plantation bungalow of Addabarie tea Estate established by the British Assam Tea company in 1864, Wild Mahseer is steeped in history. The Victorian architecture combines with spacious rooms, manicured lawns, and well-maintained garden accentuate an old-world charm. While the resort itself is named after one of the toughest game fish in the world, the bungalows are named after different tea leaves. There are three-bedroom Heritage bungalows, four other independent bungalows and an additional 11-double room each with its own independent bathroom.

Its breathe-taking view, historic setting and attentive staff have drawn many discerning travellers from different parts of the world. Guests can delight in the homely and casual atmosphere and look forward to sumptuous local food lovingly prepared by the in-house chef who can also rustle up an Anglo-Indian meal. At the First Flush, a spacious dining pavilion, tea tasting is a regular affair where guests get to sample freshly-brewed tea. 

Located among the lush greenery of Kaziranga National Park, Diphlu River Lodge is ideally situated to cater to wildlife enthusiasts. It is for those who love to wake up to the chirping of birds and nature. A sought-after lodge for its location, there are  four individual cottages and four semi-detached cottages that open up to wide balconies. The rustic appeal acentuated by thatched roof only adds to the charm. Emphasizing on comfort for guests, all cottages come with modern amenities and guests can expect tea/coffee machines, mini-bar and a small fridge in every cottage.

The beauty of nature comes into your doorstep as you get to watch otters and water buffaloes in their natural habitat from the comfort of your cottage. At Machan, (jungle platform) the lodge’s restaurant, swap interesting jungle stories with fellow guests over delectable Assamese fare and international treats prepared by the in-house chef who can pamper you all through your stay. After an early morning safari, watch for birds or scan the opposite bank for wild animals, or simply pour over the many books that are netly stocked in the spacious verandah. As for wildlife, the lodge offers two drives every day in to the Kaziranga, where sightings of elephant, water buffalo, the famous one-horned rhino, are a possibility, along with the elusive tiger. Elephant rides can be arranged here, and for those of you who prefer the water, the lodge also arranges leisurely cruises along the Brahmaputra, at an additional cost. By evening, enjoy the magic of cozy campfires with pre-arranged barbeques as you watch the sun go down.

Located outside Kaziranga National Park, 200 kilometres from Guwahati, the Wild Grass Lodge is a haven for those who want to experience the jungle. Built in rural style architecture, with the grounds housing over 40 species of trees, 200 species of shrubs, there is nature everyone around the visitor. In fact, so insistent are the visitors upon enjoying the outdoors, that some of the amenities one associates with hotels are not there. For instance, the owners make it a point to discourage room service and more importantly there are no televisions. The idea is that visitors spend their time outside and be at one with nature.

Coming to food, the tariff includes breakfast along with complimentary tea and snacks when you return from your safari. Lunch and dinner are offered with Indian and continental options, however, a must have is the local Assamese fare.  Word of caution: Do remember to order in advance, ideally a few hours before leaving for your safari, so that the staff, get time to prepare. The reason is because they get the produce absolutely fresh!   

Accommodation is basic but pleasant. The Wild Grass Jungle Lodge offers 18 double rooms in two jungle lodges and in addition, and there is a Wild Grass Tented Camp which offers three tents pegged under a high thatched roof amidst an ambience of ruins. All rooms and tented camp are attached with bathroom and showers, running with hot and cold water facilities. All rooms have been made in colonial style, which adds to the romance of the place.  A top tip: bear in mind that the resort also offers rooms, which have three to four beds in them – ideal for a large group. However, while staying there, make sure that the time is allocated responsibly as otherwise, the hot water will tend to run out.    

Coming to transport, the lodge provides local transport which visitors would be well advised to use. For instance, the lodge arranges for a half-day visit to the gibbon sanctuary at Hoollongappar.  A tip: Do take one of the lodge’s staff to be the guide on a wildlife trip, as they are local, passionate about wildlife, increasingly knowledgeable about the right places for animal spotting, and the local flora and fauna.  Do note that the jeeps here are on the smaller side, which may be a factor to consider is the group is large. The lodge also provides transfers to Guwahati airport. However, do remember to book an AC cab, as the road to the airport is very dusty.                       

How to get there

Travel by air or rail to Guwahati and then take a car. The lodge is 225km - approximately a five and half hour drive from Guwahati. Visitors can hire AC Tata Sumos or can rrage for the lodge to pick them up. This costs extra.    

What to do

Tour visit to tribal village.
Village visit; tea garden visit with prior permission.

Jeep Safari for see wild animals in Kaziranga National Park.

Trekking in the nearby forest.

Located on the edge of a tea estate, Mancotta Chang is a 157-year-old bungalow situated just outside the town of Dibrugarh. The bungalow, owned by Manoj and Vineeta Jalan through their company Purvi Discovery, was built by the British, offers visitors a taste of a bygone era of the British Raj. It has a rather nostalgic setting with all six rooms named after the famous tributaries of the Brahmaputra. The rooms are spacious and come with dressing area, a bathroom-toilet (western style), two large sunrooms, a sitting room, dining room and a balcony. A tip: ask for the master bedroom on the first floor, it is simply breathtaking. In the evenings, visitors can sip the famous Assamese tea as they watch the sun go down.As a retreat, Mancotta Chang is perfect for those looking to explore the heritage and culture of Assam. For instance, the bungalow is built in true Assamese style and raised on stilts. Why stilts? Because that it makes it easier to mount your elephant - the traditional and perhaps most efficient mode of transport here. What else? Visitors can go exploring the nearby tea gardens and villages, where they can interact with the locals, and experience an India of a bygone era.The place does offer some basic amenities like laundry, shoe shining, and a complimentary newspaper. The cuisine which varies from Indian to Continental to Oriental is simple but flavourful. Only don’t go looking for the traditional hotel frills here, as the place is retreat and should be treated as such. Enjoy Mancotta Chang for what it is and you will have a wonderful holiday.

Location: 4 kms away from Dibrugarh railway station; 20 kms from Dibrugarh airport.Accommodation: 4 AC rooms in the main bungalow; 2 Single Non AC rooms in the annexure buildingEnjoy: Elephant rides as the bungalow is on stiltsFacilities: Laundry, shoe shining, complimentary newspaper.Meals: Are offered onsite

Set in the heart of the business centre, this hotel offers modern amenities with traditional decor. Built in the traditional Assamese style with bamboo and cane furnishing, the hotel is one of the best places to soak in the culture and ambience of Assam. Indeed, guests here at the hotel are welcomed in true Assamese style with a traditional hat and shawl. A tip: the hotel offers excellent views of the river Brahmaputra, but that is provided to visitors who stay on the second floor and insist on a river facing room. Otherwise, they can find themselves staring at a temporary structure which is coming up. Another thing to note while checking in, is to ask if all credit cards are accepted, as the hotel does not accept American Express. 

The USP of the hotel is the location. It takes approximately half an hour to reach here from the airport and the hotel provides transfers which are efficient and cost effective. Do be sure to check that parking charges are included in the transfer before you book. Those on the lookout for alternatives will find plenty of local cabs, which the hotel can arrange. Skin friendly toiletries are available in all the rooms, and since it is located so close to the Brahmaputra river; guests will enjoy taking a morning stroll along the riverside early in the morning. For those who prefer to relax, there is a bar and a disco on the first floor, which becomes active only on Saturdays. For food, there is a restaurant which offers decent local fare. Do be sure to try the teas, as the hotel provides wonderful local variants, which are the highlight of this place. 

Location 
21 kms from Guwahati Airport, 1 km from Railway Station/city centre.

Facilities 
Credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Diners) money changer, beauty parlour, room service, safe deposit, laundry, travel agency. There is an ATM in close proximity and the hotel also offers conferencing and banqueting facilities. 

Address
Hotel Brahmaputra AshokMG Road, Guwahati 781001Tel No 0361-2602281-84/87/88 E-mail sales@hotelbrahmaputraashok.com Website www.hotelbrahmaputraashok.com

Located far away from the madding crowds, noise and pollution Ginger Guwahati is one of the best known budget hotels in Assam. The warm and magic of the hotel is thanks to its picturesque views from the room and its friendly staff, who make it a point to uphold the standards the Ginger group is well known for throughout India. From scrumptious buffet breakfasts, to a gymnasium, to Wi-fi passwords that provide internet access to the busy business traveller, this hotel has something to offer everyone, whether it be a business traveller or a family. For those of you who want to indulge in a little local sightseeing, the hotel provides a special pick-up and drop facility to Six Mile, a local market which houses some of the best eating areas in Guwahati. This is a must do for those who want to experience the local charm of the city. Clean, efficient and far from the hustle bustle of the main city, Ginger Guwahati provides the guest with modern amenities, while taking the stress away.How to get there

From the Railway station
Travel towards the six mile crossing. Turn left towards the VIP road. You will see the Tennis Association of Assam on your right. Ginger Guwahati is located behind it.

From the bus station (ISBT – Interstate Bus Terminus)
Take the ASTC bus to Paltan Bazaar. Take and auto or a city bus and travel towards the six mile crossing. Turn left towards the VIP road. You will see the Tennis Association Of Assam on your right. Ginger Guwahati is located behind it.

From the Airport
Travel towards the six mile crossing via the bypass. Turn left towards the VIP road. You will see the Tennis Association of Assam on your right. Ginger Guwahati is located behind it

Address
Ginger Guwahati,
IHM Campus,
VIP Road, Upper Hengrabari, Borbari
Guwahati - 781036
Assam
Phone: +91 0361-6113333
Fax: +91 361 233 6336
Email: reservations.guwahati@gingerhotels.com

The first thing that strikes you about Aarian Aatithya is its swanky appeal. Just 35-km from the airport, it is designed by noted architect couple Ritul and Alpana Sharma who conceptualized the property along the lines of contemporary service apartments with a touch of luxury. It’s intimate and cozy. The use of bright colours exudes warmth and comfort. Aarian Aatithya has everything a long-stay guest would need. All the 18 rooms are spacious and come with a kitchenette and has a round-the-clock service. Owned and promoted by Shyamkanu Mahanta under the banner Trend MMS which has numerous hotels and resort projects in the region under their banner, guests can be rest assured of efficient service by its trained staff.

One of the best things about the property is the location which is in band on the popular Six Mile marketplace, accessible from every point in the city. With a multi-cuisine restaurant, roof top bar, Wi-Fi connectivity, gymnasium, guests can shut themselves from the noisy world and lounge around the property for as long as they stay.

The warmth of Prabhakar instantly makes one feel at home. The owners Sheila and Mahesh Bora, who converted their ancestral family home into a homestay, have played hosts to many travellers from across the globe. What makes it so special at Prabhakar is the unwavering commitment of Sheila, a retired professor who dishes out delicious homely Assamese meals and Mahesh, a retired mining engineer who never tires of gardening. No wonder, the property is awashed in natural beauty. There are more than 250 varieties of orchids that Mahesh has lovingly nurtured. The compound is dotted with seasonal flowers. Whether you sit out in the balcony or in the garden, you will always have birds and birdsongs for company.

The four rooms in the property are well-furnished and tastefully decorated in bright colours. Perched on a hill above the busy town of Guwahati, Prabhakar is where you can look forward to wholesome meals and a good night's sleep.

Facilities

• Flat-screen TV with 24-hour cable beam
• International newspapers and varied magazines
• 24-hour laundry service
• Home-cooked meals
• Provision for babysitting
• Airport transfer
• Car Parking
• Local sightseeing