Photo spot in Guwahati
Navagraha Temple
Guwahati, Assam
A hilltop 'temple of the nine planets' on Chitrachal hill, an old centre of astronomy and astrology with city views.
Best time
Late afternoon — warm light on the red dome and a calm, quiet hilltop; early morning for clear views over the city.
Best angle
Step back to the edge of the courtyard and photograph the red dome from below, with the trees framing it and the sky behind.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Navagraha Temple
Late afternoon — warm light on the red dome and a calm, quiet hilltop; early morning for clear views over the city. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Navagraha Temple
Step back to the edge of the courtyard and photograph the red dome from below, with the trees framing it and the sky behind. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the temple entrance
At the hilltop viewpoint
Outfit guide
What to wear at Navagraha Temple
For photos at Navagraha Temple, saffron, red and white work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Guwahati.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Navagraha Temple.
Eat nearby
Food near Navagraha Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for aloo pitika nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
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Good to know
Local tips
Keep snacks, sunglasses and plastic bags hidden, because the monkeys grab anything loose.
Visit in the late afternoon for a quiet temple and softer light over the city.
Ask a priest to show you which coloured cloth belongs to which planet.
Take a cab most of the way up, as the walk from the main road is steep.
Carry small change for offerings and the flower sellers at the entrance.
Wear slip-on shoes, since you remove them before the sanctum.
Pair the temple with lunch on Zoo Road, a short drive downhill.
The temple of the nine planets
The Navagraha Temple sits on Chitrachal Hill in the east of Guwahati. Its name means nine planets, and inside the dark sanctum nine lingams represent the sun, moon and the other celestial bodies of Hindu astrology. Each lingam is wrapped in a cloth of its own colour. People come here to pray for relief from planetary troubles in their horoscopes, and priests will explain which planet governs which part of life.
A long history
The hill was an old centre of astronomy and astrology, which is why Guwahati was once called Pragjyotishpura, the city of eastern light or astronomy. The present temple was rebuilt by the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha in the 1750s after the old one was damaged in an earthquake. The same king had a nine-sided tank, Silpukhuri, dug below the hill; the neighbourhood still carries its name.
What you will see
The temple has a red, beehive-shaped dome, similar in style to Kamakhya but smaller and simpler. Around it are a few smaller shrines and trees full of monkeys. From the edge of the hilltop you can look over the eastern half of the city and, on clear days, towards the river.
Visiting
The temple is open from early morning into the evening, and it is rarely crowded outside festivals. The road goes most of the way up the hill, followed by a short climb. The monkeys are bold, so keep food and loose bags out of sight. A visit takes about half an hour, which makes it easy to fit in after a museum morning or on the way to lunch at Gam's Delicacy on Zoo Road.
Etiquette
Remove your shoes before the sanctum, dress modestly, and ask a priest before taking photos near the shrine.
Questions
Navagraha Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Navagraha Temple?
Late afternoon — warm light on the red dome and a calm, quiet hilltop; early morning for clear views over the city. Step back to the edge of the courtyard and photograph the red dome from below, with the trees framing it and the sky behind.
Is there an entry fee at Navagraha Temple?
Entry to Navagraha Temple is free.
What are the opening hours of Navagraha Temple?
Navagraha Temple is open 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
What should I wear at Navagraha Temple?
Saffron, red and white photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Navagraha Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: late afternoon — warm light on the red dome and a calm, quiet hilltop; early morning for clear views over the city.
What food should I try near Navagraha Temple?
Try aloo pitika, available at nearby restaurants.
Why is Guwahati's Navagraha Temple famous?
It is one of the few temples dedicated to all nine planets of Hindu astrology, and the hill was an old centre of astronomy. Many people visit to pray for help with problems they link to their horoscope.
Who built the Navagraha Temple?
An older temple stood here, but the present structure was rebuilt by the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha in the 1750s after earthquake damage.
Is the Navagraha Temple worth visiting if I have already seen Kamakhya?
Yes, for a quieter experience and a different view of the city. It takes about half an hour and is far less crowded.
How do I get to the Navagraha Temple?
Take a cab or auto to Chitrachal Hill, off Zoo Road, in the east of the city. Vehicles can go most of the way up, followed by a short walk.