How to Reach Kamakhya Temple from Lucknow – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Kamakhya Temple from Lucknow by train, bus, car, or flight with practical tips on travel time, routes, and local transport.
Kamakhya Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in Guwahati, Assam, known for its spiritual significance and unique architecture. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a major cultural and historical city in northern India. Many travelers journey from Lucknow to Kamakhya Temple for religious visits or tourism.
This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Lucknow to Kamakhya Temple. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.
Getting from Lucknow to Kamakhya Temple – Main Options
Train
Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for this long-distance journey. It offers a chance to see the Indian countryside and is suitable for budget travelers.
Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station is the main departure point, with several trains connecting to Guwahati Railway Station, approximately 1300 km away, taking around 30 to 36 hours depending on the train.
Popular trains include the Kamakhya Express and North East Express, which run 2-3 times a week, offering sleeper and AC coaches with fares ranging from ₹600 to ₹2000.
Trains can get crowded during festivals like Durga Puja and Navratri, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is essential to secure a confirmed seat.
Facilities on trains vary; AC coaches provide more comfort, while sleeper class is budget-friendly but less private. Carry snacks and water as food options may be limited during night travel.
Guwahati Railway Station is about 20 km from Kamakhya Temple; local buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available for last-mile connectivity.
Bus
Buses offer a direct and affordable way to travel, though the journey is long and can be tiring. This option suits travelers who prefer road travel and want to save on costs.
State-run buses like UPSRTC and Assam State Transport operate on this route, with departures from Lucknow’s main bus terminals such as Charbagh Bus Stand.
The distance by road is about 1300 km via NH27, and travel time ranges from 28 to 36 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Deluxe and semi-deluxe buses with sleeper seats are available but may not run daily, so checking schedules and booking tickets in advance is recommended.
Frequent stops at highway dhabas and toll plazas provide opportunities for meals and rest, but facilities can be basic; carrying your own water and snacks is advisable.
Upon reaching Guwahati bus stand, local transport options like shared autos and prepaid taxis can take you to Kamakhya Temple, which is well connected by city roads.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving from Lucknow to Kamakhya Temple offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for travelers who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route.
The route covers approximately 1300 km via NH27, passing through cities like Varanasi, Patna, and Siliguri, with an estimated driving time of 24 to 28 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Highways are mostly well-maintained but expect toll plazas and occasional traffic congestion near major cities; toll charges can add up, so carry cash or FASTag for smooth passage.
Plan overnight stops in cities like Patna or Siliguri to avoid fatigue; these cities offer decent hotels and eateries along the route.
Fuel stations are available regularly on NH27, but it is wise to refuel before entering remote stretches, especially in Assam where petrol pumps may be sparse.
Local driving in Guwahati can be busy; parking near Kamakhya Temple is limited, so use public parking areas and walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the temple.
Flight
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Guwahati from Lucknow, suitable for travelers with limited time or those seeking convenience.
Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport offers direct and connecting flights to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, with flight durations around 3 to 5 hours depending on connections.
Major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate on this route, with fares ranging from ₹3500 to ₹7000 depending on booking time and season.
Flights are frequent but can be expensive during peak travel seasons like Durga Puja and Assam’s Bihu festival, so booking tickets early is advisable.
From Guwahati airport, Kamakhya Temple is about 20 km away; prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are readily available outside the terminal for a 40 to 60-minute drive.
Airport facilities include food courts and luggage services; however, public transport options from the airport are limited, so pre-booking a cab is recommended.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Lucknow to Kamakhya Temple, helping you prepare and navigate the journey confidently.
Book your tickets early through IRCTC for trains or official bus websites to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure confirmed seats during busy seasons.
Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, a power bank, and comfortable clothing suitable for long travel and Assam’s humid climate.
Arrive at Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station or bus terminal at least one hour before departure to manage security checks and find your platform or bus easily.
If flying, check in online and reach the airport two hours before departure to handle security and boarding smoothly, especially during peak hours.
On arrival in Guwahati, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to reach Kamakhya Temple safely and avoid overcharging by local drivers.
Carry small change and keep your phone charged for booking cabs or using navigation apps during local travel in Guwahati.
Practical Travel Tips
Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items, especially in crowded train stations and bus stands, to prevent theft.
Drink only bottled water and eat at clean, popular eateries during stops to avoid stomach issues common in long Indian road or train journeys.
Use official websites or trusted travel agents for booking tickets to avoid scams or fake confirmations, particularly for buses and trains.
In Guwahati, use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safer and more reliable local transport instead of unmetered taxis or autos.
Pack a small first-aid kit with basic medicines for common travel ailments like motion sickness or cold, as pharmacies may not be easily accessible during travel.
During monsoon season, expect delays due to waterlogging or landslides on NH27; check weather updates and plan extra travel time.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to travel from Lucknow to Kamakhya Temple is during the cooler months from October to March, when weather conditions are pleasant and road travel is easier. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rains and possible delays.
Peak travel times include major festivals like Durga Puja and Navratri in Lucknow and Bihu in Assam, when trains and flights get crowded and prices rise. Planning your trip outside these periods ensures a smoother journey.
Avoid traveling during national holidays and festival rush to prevent overcrowding and last-minute ticket shortages on trains and buses.
Winter mornings in northern India can have dense fog, causing train and flight delays, so allow extra buffer time if traveling in December or January.
Depart early in the morning or late at night to avoid city traffic jams in Lucknow and Guwahati, making your journey quicker and less stressful.
Summer heat in Lucknow can be intense; if traveling by road, ensure your vehicle’s cooling system is working well and carry sufficient water.
Arrival at Kamakhya Temple & What to Expect
When you arrive in Guwahati, you will find several transport options to reach Kamakhya Temple, located on Nilachal Hill. The temple is about 20 km from the main railway station and airport, accessible by road through city buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs.
Most travelers prefer prepaid taxis or Ola/Uber cabs for convenience and safety. Local buses are cheaper but can be crowded and confusing for first-timers. Accommodation options near the temple include budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels in the Pan Bazaar and Fancy Bazaar areas, which are well connected to the temple and city center.
Conclusion
Traveling from Lucknow to Kamakhya Temple offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Trains provide an economical and scenic route, while flights save time and offer convenience. Road travel by bus or car is flexible but requires endurance for the long journey.
Plan your trip by booking tickets early, packing thoughtfully, and choosing local transport wisely upon arrival. With careful preparation and awareness of seasonal conditions, you can enjoy a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage or visit to Kamakhya Temple from Lucknow.