Kaziranga National Park is located in the northeastern state of Assam, famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses and rich wildlife. Mumbai, a bustling metropolis on the west coast, is a major starting point for travelers heading to this natural sanctuary.

This route is popular among nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to explore Kaziranga’s unique ecosystem. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Kaziranga, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights with practical advice for a smooth journey.

Getting from Mumbai to Kaziranga – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical way to reach Kaziranga from Mumbai, especially for those who enjoy scenic routes and want to experience Indian rail travel. The journey is long but offers several options with good connectivity.

• You can board trains from Mumbai CST or LTT to Guwahati Railway Station, the nearest major railhead to Kaziranga, covering about 2700 km in 40-45 hours with fares ranging from INR 800 to 2500 depending on class.

• From Guwahati, Kaziranga is around 220 km away; you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the park, which takes about 4-5 hours on NH27 and NH715.

• Popular trains include the Guwahati Express and the Kamrup Express, which run daily or multiple times a week, offering sleeper and AC coaches with varying comfort levels.

• Train travel can be crowded during festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is recommended to secure preferred classes.

• Rest stops at major stations like Nagpur and Howrah provide food stalls with local cuisine, but carrying your own water and snacks is advisable for long stretches.

Bus

Bus travel from Mumbai to Kaziranga is less common due to the long distance, but it is possible by combining multiple bus services and local transport. This option suits budget travelers who prefer road travel and flexibility.

• You can take a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus from Mumbai to Guwahati or nearby cities, though this involves multiple changes and can take over 50 hours.

• From Guwahati, Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) buses or private taxis operate regularly to Kaziranga, covering the 220 km journey in 4-6 hours.

• Bus fares from Mumbai to Guwahati vary widely, typically between INR 1500 and 3000 depending on the type of bus and operator.

• Long-distance buses may face delays during monsoon seasons due to road conditions on NH27 and NH715, so plan extra travel time during June to September.

• Food options on buses are limited; frequent stops at highway dhabas offer local snacks and tea, but carrying dry snacks is helpful for night travel.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Kaziranga is an adventurous choice for travelers who enjoy road trips and want to explore multiple places en route. The journey covers approximately 2800 km and takes around 48-50 hours of driving time.

• The most common route is via NH48, NH27, and NH715 passing through cities like Nagpur, Raipur, and Guwahati, with several toll plazas along the way requiring cash or FASTag payments.

• Driving allows flexibility to stop at tourist spots, rest areas, and local eateries, but be prepared for varied road conditions, especially in Assam where some stretches may be narrow or under repair.

• Fuel stations are frequent on national highways, but it is wise to fill up before entering remote areas near Kaziranga to avoid scarcity.

• Night driving is not recommended in Assam due to limited street lighting and wildlife crossings; plan to drive mostly during daylight hours for safety.

• Self-drive car rentals from Mumbai with GPS and roadside assistance are available, but ensure you have valid permits and check vehicle condition before starting the long trip.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kaziranga from Mumbai, especially for travelers with limited time. The nearest airport to Kaziranga is Jorhat Airport, with Guwahati Airport being a major hub.

• Direct flights from Mumbai to Guwahati operate daily with airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours and costing between INR 3500 and 7000 depending on booking time.

• From Guwahati Airport, Kaziranga is approximately 220 km away; you can hire prepaid taxis or book app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for a 4-5 hour drive to the park.

• Jorhat Airport is closer to Kaziranga (about 97 km) but has limited flights, mostly connecting from Guwahati or Kolkata, so it may require an additional flight or road travel.

• Flights can be affected by fog during winter months (December-January) causing delays or cancellations, so plan accordingly and check weather updates.

• Booking flights at least 2-3 weeks in advance helps secure better fares and seat availability, especially during peak tourist seasons like October to March.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Mumbai to Kaziranga, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early via IRCTC or airline websites to ensure availability and better prices, especially during holidays and weekends.

• If traveling by train, choose Guwahati as your destination station and plan your arrival during daylight to easily find onward transport to Kaziranga.

• Arrange local transport from Guwahati or Jorhat to Kaziranga in advance by contacting hotels or using trusted taxi services to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes for Kaziranga safaris and park visits.

• Carry a physical copy of your ID and booking confirmations, as some remote areas have limited internet connectivity and digital access may be unreliable.

• Plan your travel dates outside heavy monsoon months and major festivals to avoid overcrowding and travel delays on roads and trains.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber when arriving at Guwahati Airport or railway station to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Drink only bottled water and avoid street food in transit cities to prevent stomach issues during your journey to Kaziranga.

• Book train tickets via IRCTC well in advance, especially for sleeper and AC classes, as trains on this route fill quickly during tourist seasons.

• Local buses in Assam may not have fixed schedules; hiring a private taxi or sharing a cab is often more reliable for reaching Kaziranga from Guwahati or Jorhat.

• Pack your luggage in waterproof bags during monsoon season to protect your belongings from heavy rains and humidity common in northeastern India.

• Carry a basic first aid kit including medicines for motion sickness and allergies, as medical facilities near Kaziranga are limited and travel times can be long.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kaziranga is from October to April when the weather is pleasant and the park is open for safaris. Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains that can cause roadblocks and park closures.

Winter months can be foggy in Assam, causing flight delays and reduced visibility during safaris, so plan your travel accordingly for a comfortable experience.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Bihu when trains and flights are crowded and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon rains can cause landslides and waterlogging on NH27 and NH715, leading to travel delays and difficult road conditions.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai and Guwahati help avoid city traffic and ensure timely connections for onward travel.

• Plan your Kaziranga safari timings between 6 AM and 11 AM or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and increase chances of wildlife sightings.

Arrival at Kaziranga & What to Expect

When you arrive near Kaziranga, you will likely reach either the Kohora or Bagori entry gates, depending on your chosen safari zone. Local transport options include prepaid taxis, hotel shuttles, and shared jeeps arranged by tour operators.

Popular areas to stay include Kaziranga’s nearby towns like Bokakhat and Golaghat, which offer a range of lodges and resorts. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited inside the park, so it is best to arrange transport through your accommodation.

At Guwahati or Jorhat stations and airports, use official taxi counters or trusted app-based services to avoid scams. Exiting the station, you will find clear signage and tourist information centers to assist you with onward travel.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kaziranga from Mumbai is by flying to Guwahati and then taking a taxi or bus to the park. This option saves time and offers comfort, especially for travelers with limited days. Train travel is a good budget alternative but requires more planning and time.

Key planning tips include booking tickets early, avoiding monsoon months, and arranging local transport in advance. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey to Kaziranga and enjoy the rich wildlife and natural beauty this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers.