Things To Do
in Howli

Howli is a small town in Assam, in northeastern India, known for its quiet residential neighborhoods and proximity to the agricultural plains and riverine landscapes of the Brahmaputra valley. The town offers a glimpse of rural Assamese life with local markets, tea shops, and temples dotting its lanes. Its location makes it a convenient base for visiting nearby nature reserves, traditional villages, and larger cities such as Guwahati.

Visitors will find a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and easy access to regional food specialties and cultural experiences.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Sacred Sites
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the ancient Kamakhya Temple, an important pilgrimage site. As the sun rises, the temple's intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance create a serene atmosphere. Spend time observing the rituals and offerings made by devotees, immersing yourself in the local culture.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional Assamese lunch at a nearby eatery, sampling local delicacies like fish tenga and pitha. Post-lunch, stroll through the lush green surroundings of the Nilachal Hills, where the temple is located, and take in the breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra River. Visit the nearby Ugratara Temple, known for its unique architecture and vibrant energy.

evening
:

As the day winds down, return to the Kamakhya Temple to witness the evening aarti, a mesmerizing ritual filled with chants and flickering lamps. The atmosphere is electrifying, with the sound of bells and the fragrance of incense filling the air. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk along the riverbank, reflecting on the day’s spiritual experiences.

day 2
Cultural Immersion at a Local Village
morning
:

Begin your day with an early morning drive to a nearby village, where you’ll get an authentic glimpse of rural life in Assam. Engage with local families as they prepare their morning meals and participate in traditional activities like weaving and rice cultivation. This immersive experience offers a rare insight into the customs and lifestyle of the Assamese people.

afternoon
:

Savor a homemade lunch prepared by your host family, featuring fresh vegetables and locally sourced ingredients. After lunch, join a village elder for a storytelling session, where you’ll learn about the history and folklore of the region. Spend the afternoon exploring the village, visiting local craftspeople and artisans to appreciate their skills.

evening
:

As the sun sets, gather with villagers for a traditional dance performance showcasing Assamese folk dances. Join in the festivities and learn a few dance steps, fostering a deeper connection with the local community. End your day with a bonfire under the stars, sharing stories and laughter with your new friends.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-5
Tea/coffee at a stall$0.30-1
🚕Local taxi or auto-rickshaw short ride$1-3
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$20-50
🚌Local bus fare$0.20-1

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Assamese experience and friendly local culture
  • Close to natural areas and wildlife for birdwatching and nature walks
  • Lower cost of travel and living compared to big cities
  • Good access to traditional Assamese food and tea
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options locally
  • Fewer modern amenities and money-handling services (ATMs, card acceptance)
  • Monsoon season can disrupt travel and outdoor plans
  • Limited English in some areas—basic local language helps
  • "Namaskar / নমস্কাৰ (Namaskar)" - Hello / respectful greeting
  • "Dhanyabad / ধন্যবাদ (Dhonyobaad)" - Thank you
  • "Kene aase? / কেনে আছে? (Kene ase?)" - How are you?
  • "Moi bhaal aasu / মই ভাল আছো (Moi bhal asu)" - I am fine
  • "Eta... dibo ne? / এটা... দিব নে? (Eta ... dibo ne?)" - Could you give me ...?

Places to Visit in Howli

Visit one of these nice places.

Howli Bazar at Dawn

Colorful market scenes, early-morning tea stalls and vendors preparing produce make for authentic street photography.

Riverbank Views

If accessible, the riverbanks near Howli provide calm water reflections, fishing boats, and sunset compositions.

Garbhanga Reserve Forest (nearby)

Dense forest trails, birds and forest light create opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography—especially for birders.

Village Scenes and Handloom Workshops

Portraits of artisans, handloom weaving, and rural daily life convey cultural textures and colors unique to Assam.

Culinary Guide

Food in Howli

Howli shares the flavors of greater Assamese cuisine: rice-centric meals, freshwater fish, mild sour and mustard-based sauces, and an emphasis on seasonal, locally-grown produce. Tea culture is strong—assam tea is a daily staple—and snacks and street bites are a great way to sample local tastes.

Howli Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Masor Tenga

A tangy fish curry made with tomatoes or elephant apple; a must-try freshwater fish preparation found in small local restaurants and homes.

Must-Try!

Khaar

A traditional Assamese alkaline dish made from dried banana peel ash and raw papaya or vegetables; unique to the region and available at traditional eateries.

Pitha

Rice-based sweet or savory cakes, made in many varieties—seasonal and often sold at markets and during festivals.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Howli Bazar

Local market where you can try fresh pitha, roasted corn, jhalmuri (spiced puffed rice), and seasonal fruits; vendors offer quick bites and homemade sweets.

Nearby Guwahati Markets (e.g., Fancy Bazaar)

A short drive away, these larger markets offer a broader street-food scene—kebabs, momos, thukpa, and more extensive tea stalls serving strong Assamese tea.

Climate Guide

Weather

Howli has a humid subtropical climate: hot, humid summers; a heavy monsoon season with significant rainfall; pleasant post-monsoon months; and mild winters. Temperatures generally range from around 10°C in winter nights to mid-30s°C in peak summer, with humidity peaking during the monsoon.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A respectful 'Namaskar' or a slight nod is common. Use polite language and address elders with respect.

Dress and Behavior

Modest dress is appreciated, especially at religious sites. Avoid public displays of affection and be mindful when photographing people—ask permission first.

Festivals and Religious Sites

Participate respectfully during festivals and follow local customs when entering temples or prayer spaces—remove shoes and follow guidance on dress.

Hospitality

If invited into a home, accept small offerings politely and reciprocate with thanks—bringing a small gift is a nice gesture.

Safety Guide

Safety

Howli is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates typical of small towns. Standard precautions apply: secure valuables, avoid remote areas after dark, be cautious about river currents and seasonal floods, and carry emergency contact numbers. Tap water may not be safe to drink—use bottled or filtered water.

Tipping in Howli

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in small towns. For restaurant service, rounding up or 5–10% is fine; for guides, drivers or porters a small tip (100–300 INR) is customary depending on service.

Payment Methods

Cash (Indian Rupees) is king in Howli—carry enough for markets, transport and small shops. Mobile payments (UPI) are growing but may not work everywhere; ATMs may be limited, so withdraw in nearby larger towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

March to June brings warm to hot temperatures (mid-20s to mid-30s °C). It's a good time for river views and markets, but afternoons can be humid—carry water and light clothing.

Monsoon

June to September sees heavy rainfall; travel can be disrupted by floods or muddy roads. Take waterproof gear, flexible plans, and check local weather before heading to nature areas.

Autumn

October to November is pleasant with clear skies, moderate temperatures and cultural festivals—ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Winter

December to February is mild to cool (10–20 °C). Early mornings can be chilly; layers are recommended and mornings offer clear, crisp visibility for photography.

Nightlife Guide

Howli at Night

Nightlife in Howli is low-key and centered on tea stalls, small local eateries and family gatherings. For bars, clubs and a livelier scene, travelers typically go to larger nearby cities such as Guwahati where there are pubs, lounges and cultural performances.

Hiking in Howli

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Garbhanga Reserve Forest Trails

Close to Guwahati, these forested areas offer short hikes, birdwatching opportunities and a chance to experience semi-wild forest near town.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (walking trails)

Famous for one-horned rhinos and wetlands; guided walks and short treks around the sanctuary can be arranged (vehicle access also common).

Khasi Hills Treks (Shillong area - day trip options)

A longer drive away but accessible for day trips or overnight stays—offers scenic hill treks, waterfalls and viewpoints in Meghalaya's Khasi hills.

Airports

How to reach Howli by plane.

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati)

The main international airport serving Assam (approx. 30–60 km depending on exact location); offers domestic and limited international connections. From the airport you can hire taxis or take bus services to reach Howli and surrounding areas.

Tezpur Airport (Salonibari)

A smaller regional airport northwest of Howli; has limited domestic flights and is useful if traveling from that region—ground transport required for final connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Howli is fairly walkable within the town center and markets; streets are compact and easy to navigate on foot. For excursions to reserves, villages or distant attractions, motorized transport is needed and some roads may be unpaved.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Assamese

The majority local group, speaking Assamese and practicing diverse cultural traditions, including many Hindus and followers of indigenous faiths.

Bengali and Bengali-speaking communities

Present in pockets, contributing to the linguistic and cultural mix of the region.

Indigenous tribes and communities

Northeastern India has many indigenous groups with distinct languages and customs; nearby districts may have significant tribal populations.

Muslim community

An important part of the local social fabric, contributing to cultural life and cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football is widely played across Assam at the grassroots level; local matches and school tournaments are common.

Cricket

Cricket is hugely popular throughout India, with informal street and village games and organized matches in nearby towns.

Traditional Indigenous Games

Traditional games and community sports occur during festivals and local gatherings, reflecting regional cultural practices.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Howli is light compared to urban centers; streets can be narrow and mixed with pedestrians, cycles and two-wheelers. For regional travel, roads to larger towns are the main arteries and can get congested near market hours or festival times. Public transportation includes buses, shared tempos and auto-rickshaws; for convenience and flexibility hire a private taxi for day trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Howli.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but less varied than in larger cities. Stick to vegetable curries, dal, rice-based dishes, and seasonal greens; mention 'no onion, no garlic' if needed and carry snacks when exploring remote areas.

Vegan

Veganism is manageable but requires clear communication—many dishes use ghee or milk; request oil-based preparations and avoid sweets/dishes made with dairy unless confirmed.

Halal / Muslim-friendly

Halal meat is commonly available in markets and eateries; if you require halal food, ask locally or choose vegetarian options.

Food Allergies

Be explicit about allergies—peanuts and mustard are common in Assamese cooking. Carry medication and a translated allergy card if possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare and clinics are available locally for minor ailments and first aid. For more serious medical needs, travelers should go to larger hospitals in nearby cities such as Guwahati where specialty care and diagnostic facilities exist. Carry necessary prescriptions and travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage if you have significant health concerns.

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