Mumbai is a bustling metropolis on India’s west coast, known as the financial capital of the country. Kamakhya Temple is a famous Hindu shrine located in Guwahati, Assam, in the northeast of India. This route connects two very different regions, making it a popular journey for pilgrims and travelers alike.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Kamakhya Temple. You will learn about trains, buses, flights, and driving options, along with practical tips to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Mumbai to Kamakhya Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular choice for those who want an economical and scenic journey. Trains connect Mumbai’s major stations to Guwahati, the nearest city to Kamakhya Temple.

• The main departure stations in Mumbai are Mumbai CST, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), and Mumbai Central, with trains running to Guwahati Junction, about 20 km from Kamakhya Temple.

• Travel time ranges from 36 to 48 hours depending on the train, with fares between ₹800 and ₹2,500 for sleeper and AC classes, making it budget-friendly for most travelers.

• Popular trains include the Kamakhya Express and Guwahati Mail, which run several times a week, but booking early on IRCTC is essential due to high demand, especially during festivals.

• Trains can be crowded, especially during monsoon and holiday seasons, so plan for delays and carry food or water, as station stops offer limited options.

• Once at Guwahati Junction, local buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis can take you to Kamakhya Temple in about 30 minutes, with fares around ₹100–₹200.

Bus

Bus travel from Mumbai to Guwahati is less common due to the long distance but possible for adventurous travelers. It is not a direct route and requires multiple changes.

• Buses depart from Mumbai’s major bus terminals like Dadar or Borivali and travel towards Assam via NH27 and NH37 highways, covering over 3,000 km.

• The journey can take 3 to 4 days with multiple stops and fare ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 depending on bus type and operator.

• State transport buses like MSRTC and Assam State Transport run segments of the route, but you will need to change buses in cities like Nagpur, Kolkata, or Siliguri.

• Bus travel is less comfortable for this long route, with limited sleeper options and crowded conditions during peak seasons, so it suits only experienced travelers.

• Food and rest stops are available along highways, but quality varies, so carry snacks and water for safety and comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Kamakhya Temple is an option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The route covers around 3,000 km across multiple states.

• The most common route follows NH48 to Nagpur, then NH27 through Assam, passing cities like Raipur, Kolkata, and Guwahati, taking approximately 50 to 60 hours of driving time.

• Expect toll plazas on highways, with toll fees totaling around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000, so budget accordingly for the trip.

• Plan for overnight stops in major cities such as Nagpur, Raipur, and Kolkata to rest and refuel, as continuous driving is not advisable.

• Road conditions vary; some stretches in the northeast may be narrow and winding, especially during monsoon, so drive carefully and avoid night driving in remote areas.

• Fuel stations are available on highways, but keep extra fuel or plan stops in advance, as some stretches have fewer options.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kamakhya Temple from Mumbai. Several airlines operate daily flights to Guwahati Airport.

• Flights depart from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, about 20 km from Kamakhya Temple.

• Flight duration is around 3.5 to 4 hours, with fares ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 depending on booking time and airline.

• Major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara operate direct and connecting flights, with multiple options daily for flexibility.

• From Guwahati Airport, prepaid taxis, Ola, and Uber cabs are available to reach Kamakhya Temple in 30 to 45 minutes, costing around ₹400 to ₹600.

• Booking flights early, especially during festival seasons like Ambubachi Mela, is important to secure seats and better prices.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Mumbai to Kamakhya Temple. It covers key steps to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

• Book your tickets early, whether train or flight, using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability, especially during peak seasons.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, as long journeys may have limited access to food and charging points.

• Reach your departure station or airport at least 2 hours before departure to complete security checks and avoid stress, especially in busy Mumbai terminals.

• If traveling by train, confirm your berth and coach details on the ticket and keep your ID handy for verification during the journey.

• On arrival in Guwahati, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach Kamakhya Temple safely and avoid overcharging.

• Carry some local currency (₹100 and ₹500 notes) for small expenses like auto-rickshaw fares or temple donations, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded trains and stations, as pickpocketing can occur in busy Indian travel hubs.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to avoid stomach issues, and carry your own reusable bottle to refill at safe water points.

• Book tickets well in advance on IRCTC or airline portals to get confirmed seats and avoid waiting lists, which are common on popular routes to Assam.

• Use local transport apps like Ola and Uber in Guwahati for safe and affordable travel, and avoid unmetered taxis or autos that may overcharge tourists.

• Pack light luggage with easy-to-carry bags, as last-mile transport to Kamakhya Temple may involve walking or small vehicles with limited space.

• During monsoon (June to September), expect delays due to heavy rains and slippery roads, so plan extra travel time and carry rain gear.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Kamakhya Temple depends on weather and festivals. Assam experiences heavy monsoon rains that can affect road and rail travel.

Winter months from October to March offer pleasant weather and clearer roads, making travel easier and more comfortable for visitors.

• Avoid traveling during Ambubachi Mela festival if you dislike crowds, as the temple and Guwahati get extremely busy and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall, causing delays in trains and slippery roads, so extra caution is needed if traveling then.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and allow better connections for flights or trains, improving overall travel experience.

• Winter mornings in Assam can be foggy, causing flight delays, so allow buffer time in your itinerary during November and December.

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 Guwahati city center and airport.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are the safest and most convenient ways to reach the temple. Auto-rickshaws are cheaper but may not be comfortable for long distances or with luggage.

Accommodation options near Kamakhya Temple include budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels in the Nilachal area and nearby localities like Paltan Bazaar. Staying closer to the temple helps you avoid daily travel hassles.

At the temple, expect crowds during weekends and festival days. It is best to visit early morning to avoid long queues and enjoy a peaceful experience.

Local eateries near the temple serve Assamese cuisine, but options may be limited, so carry some snacks if you plan a longer visit.

Ensure you have small change for temple donations and offerings, as digital payments are not widely accepted inside the temple premises.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Kamakhya Temple involves a long journey across India’s diverse landscapes. The most efficient option is flying to Guwahati and then taking a taxi to the temple, saving time and energy. However, train travel offers an economical and scenic alternative for those who enjoy rail journeys.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, packing smartly, and choosing the right travel season will make your trip comfortable and memorable. With the right preparation, you can confidently undertake this spiritual journey and experience the unique culture and beauty of Assam.