How to Reach Kamakhya Temple

The Kamakhya Temple stands prominently on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati city of Assam as a sacred Shakti Peetha in India. Devotees travel to this temple most visibly during the holy Ambubachi Mela when the goddess is believed to experience her menstrual cycle. Inside the temple’s holy chamber, the worshippers find no idol but a stone shaped like a yoni because it symbolizes female power together with fertility.

Pilgrims and scholars visit this divine place because the temple combines tantric religion with spiritual worship. Shiva temple stands out through its historic structures alongside its colorful red domes and its traditional tantric religious heritage for feminine deity devotions.

How to Reach Kamakhya Temple

Check the below listed table showing the approximate distance between major Indian cities and Kamakhya Temple via the most common travel routes:

CityApprox DistanceTravel timeNearest mode of transport
Delhi1900 km30-36 hoursFlight (3 hrs), Train (33–38 hrs)
Mumbai2800 km40-45 hoursFlight (3.5 hrs), Train (45–50 hrs)
Kolkata980 km18-20 hoursFlight (1.5 hrs), Train (17–20 hrs)
Bangalore2900 km45-48 hoursFlight (3.5 hrs), Train (50+ hrs)
Hyderabad2400 km40-44 hoursFlight (3 hrs), Train (42–45 hrs)
Chennai2850 km45-48 hoursFlight (3.5 hrs), Train (50+ hrs)
Patna970 km18-20 hoursTrain (17–20 hrs), Flight (1.5 hrs via Kolkata)
Varanasi1250 km22-25 hoursTrain (22–26 hrs), Flight (via Delhi/Kolkata)
Lucknow1500 km26-30 hoursTrain (28–30 hrs), Flight (via Delhi)
Jaipur2000 km32-36 hoursFlight (via Delhi/Kolkata), Train (~40 hrs)
Bhubaneshwar1400 km24-28 hoursTrain (22–25 hrs), Flight (~2 hrs via Kolkata)
Shillong100 km3-4 hoursBy road (taxi or bus)
Siliguri470 km10-12 hoursTrain (9–10 hrs), Road (bus/car)

By Air

Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Guwahati

Flying remains the quickest travel method from distant places because it provides both speed and convenience.

Major Cities with Direct Flights:

  • Delhi
  • Mumbai
  • Kolkata
  • Bangalore
  • Hyderabad
  • Chennai

Airport to Kamakhya Temple:

Distance: Approx. 20 km

Kamakhya Temple has a journey duration between 40 to 60 minutes that depends on traffic conditions.

Transport Options:

Prepaid Taxis: Available at the airport; ₹500–₹700

App-based Cabs (Ola, Uber): Easily bookable; slightly cheaper than prepaid taxis

Buses and Shared Cabs have limited schedules so they should be avoided by pilgrims who have both limited time and large amounts of luggage.

Pro Tip: One should always go for advanced booking for flights specifically during major events such as Durga Puja and Ambubachi Mela because the ticket costs tend to dramatically increase.

By Train

To reach the Kamakhya Temple travelers should use trains which terminate at the Guwahati Railway Station.

Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station (GHY)

Travelers can access Guwahati Railway Station at 8 km from the temple because it operates as Northeast India’s principal railway junction. The temple is easily accessible by train because all major cities in India are connected through its network bringing numerous pilgrims to visit the site.

Some Common Trains to Guwahati:

  • Brahmaputra Mail (from Delhi)
  • Kamrup Express (from Howrah)
  • Saraighat Express (from Kolkata)
  • Guwahati Express (from Chennai, Bangalore)

Guwahati Station to Kamakhya Temple:

  • Distance: 8 km
  • Travel Time: 20–30 minutes

Modes of Transport:

  • Auto Rickshaws: Quick and cheap (₹150–₹200)
  • Local taxis or cabs: Comfortable for sightseeing activities
  • Online Ride Services: Most affordable
  • Affordable shared tempos operate as a budget travel solution even though they often become congested.

Pro Tip: Before summer holidays and religious occasions, you should book your railway tickets through IRCTC at least one month ahead.

By Road

Traveling to Kamakhya Temple can be achieved by using road transportation.

The national highways which connect to Guwahati provide inhabitants with simple access to neighboring states through well-developed roads.

By Bus:

Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and several local private bus operators provide smooth travel between Guwahati and various other cities of Assam.

  • Shillong
  • Siliguri
  • Kolkata
  • Itanagar
  • Dimapur

Types of Buses:

  • Volvo/AC Sleeper
  • Semi-Sleeper
  • Non-AC Buses

By Car or Taxi:

Devotees can either use cab services or drive themselves from adjacent cities to visit Kamakhya Temple. Also, you can either follow NH-27 or NH-17 as they both maintain good road quality amongst all routes.

Popular Routes:

One needs to travel a total distance of almost 1000 kilometers to reach the destination from Kolkata. Commence your journey on NH-27 route and takes between 18–20 hours.

  • From Shillong: 100 km, 3–4 hours by car
  • From Siliguri: 470 km, 10–11 hours by road

Pro Tip: Travelling at night should be avoided every time especially when you pass through hilly terrains. All citizens should have their ID proofs ready at all times for state border control checks.

How to Reach from Guwahati?

After reaching Guwahati, one can easily reach Kamakhya Temple by using proper transportation mode. Let’s have more clear and detailed information about the routes, timings, and more.

Local Transport Options:

Private Taxis/Cabs:

  • Comfortable and safe
  • Ideal for senior citizens or group pilgrims
  • Cost: ₹300–₹500 from railway station or city center

Auto Rickshaws:

  • Easily available
  • Economical for short distances

City Buses:

  • There are frequent regular buses to Maligaon, from where one can easily get a shared auto or taxi.
  • Budget-friendly but if you are traveling here for the first time then you should not consider this transportation mode.

Kamakhya Express Jeep:

  • Take shared transportations like jeeps from Maligaon or the city center.
  • Cost-effective but one needs to be ready to face the crowd.

Last-Mile to the Temple:

  • As stated above, the temple is situated atop Nilachal Hill. From the base, you can either:
  • Walk up the hill (around 800 meters; 20–30 minutes)
  • Take a private car up to the temple gate if you are not traveling with a tight budget.

Temple Timing:

Open: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Best time to visit: either early morning or during evening Aarti

Best Time to Plan your Trip

SeasonMonthsTravel Conditions
WinterNov-FebIdeal window for pilgrimage due to pleasant weather.
SummerMarch-JuneHot but can be easily managed but early morning visits are highly recommended.
MonsoonJuly-SeptemberRoads become slippery due to heavy rainfall. However, you get to enjoy Ambubachi Mela.

Guidelines to Follow During Ambubachi Mela

This special occasion is generally organized in the month of June and is the most crowded period at the temple. Hence, it is highly recommended to book all your travel and accommodations well in advance if you are planning to attend this spiritually charged event.

Travel Tips

Planning a trip here? If so, then keep scrolling down the page to check the never miss tips and tricks to make it a hassle-free journey.

  1. Carry essentials like water, snacks, sanitizer, and a scarf or Dupatta to cover your head.
  2. Remove your footwear at the designated spot before entering the temple.
  3. Always wear modest and traditional dresses at this religious site.
  4. If seeking the help of any priest then confirm their charges in advance to avoid last-minute argument.
  5. Selecting the right transport helps you enjoy your journey to the utmost level.
  6. Try booking hotels in Maligaon and near the railway station for proximity.
  7. Don’t take photographs in restricted areas and maintain the sanctity of the temple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q-1: During which months should one visit Kamakhya Temple for the best experience?
Ans: Winter season from November to February presents the most favorable conditions for visiting Kamakhya Temple. Early morning times are preferable for Darshan ceremonies because there are fewer queues.

Q-2: What are the transportation options from Guwahati Railway Station to reach Kamakhya Temple?
Ans: People traveling from Guwahati Railway Station can reach Kamakhya Temple in about 8 kilometers of distance. Travelers can get to the temple by riding an auto-rickshaw or taking a taxi or shared jeep service or an app-based cab.

Q-3: Can visitors obtain either entry fees or VIP Darshan passes in the temple premises?
Ans: The temple does not require any standard entry fee for visitors. Visitors can purchase special Darshan or VIP passes at the temple office for a fee between ₹500 and ₹1000 which allow them to avoid waiting in long queues.

Q-4: What daily hours of operation exist at the temple and when can visitors access it?
Ans: The Kamakhya Temple remains accessible to visitors throughout each day. Visitors can access Kamakhya Temple from 5:30 AM until 1:00 PM along with additional hours from 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM. For the Ambubachi Mela period the temple maintains closed operations over a span of three days.

Q-5: Can visitors find temporary accommodations close to Kamakhya Temple?
Ans: Budget hotels along with guesthouses and Dharamshalas can be found near Kamakhya Temple and in Maligaon and Pan Bazaar districts of Guwahati.

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