- Where
- Beltola, south-east Guwahati, at the foot of the Meghalaya hills
- Distance
- About 13–14 km from Guwahati railway station
- Timings
- About 6–7 am to 9 pm
- Entry fee
- Free
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- October–April; Shivaratri for festival crowds
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
Book onlineGuwahati Sightseeing Day Tour₹2,999 / car (up to 4) · Car and driver for 8 hours, Umananda ferry and ropeway tickets includedBasistha Temple, often called Basistha Ashram, is a Shiva temple in Beltola on the south-eastern edge of Guwahati. Tradition links the site to the sage Vasistha, who is said to have meditated in a cave here, and the present brick temple dates from the Ahom period in the 18th century.
What it's like
The temple sits in a wooded campus at the foot of the hills, where small hill streams flow past the shrines. It is quieter than the temples in the city centre, and many Guwahati families come here for weddings and rituals, so weekends can be busy and festive.
How to reach
Basistha is about 13–14 km from Guwahati railway station, 30–45 minutes by cab depending on traffic through Beltola. City buses and shared autos run towards Basistha Chariali. It fits easily into a half-day with Kamakhya Temple or the riverfront.
Tips
- Dress modestly and leave footwear at the entrance.
- Go early in the morning on weekdays for a quiet visit; timings can change on festival days.
Basistha Temple: questions travellers ask
What are Basistha Temple timings?
Roughly 6–7 am to 9 pm. Timings change on festival days, so confirm locally.
How far is Basistha Temple from Guwahati?
About 13–14 km from Guwahati railway station, 30–45 minutes by cab.
Is there an entry fee at Basistha Temple?
No, entry is free.
Who built Basistha Temple?
The present temple is usually credited to the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha in the 18th century, on a site linked to the sage Vasistha.
Sources
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
