Guwahati , Kaziranga & Majuli - 5N | 6D Itinerary

Kamakhya Temple, Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island

Published on 2021-10-29

Elephant Safari, Kaziranga

Elephant Safari, Kaziranga

Destination

nature

Best time to visit

October to March

  • Guwahati is the gateway to North-Eastern India.
  • The state of Assam charms travellers with its diverse culture, food, wildlife and religious hotspots.
  • Situated on the banks of Brahmaputra, the capital city of Guwahati is a cardinal destination for Hindu pilgrims. The Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered Shakti-Peeth.
  • Assam is also famous for its exclusive Tea, Silk and Archaeological heritage.
  • One of the biggest attractions of Assam is the Kaziranga National Park, famous for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. 70% of the world’s population of one-horned rhinos is in Assam.
  • Best time to Visit - October to March.
  • The distance between Guwahati to Kaziranga is appx 200 Km and Kaziranga to Majuli Island is 150 Km.

Highlights

  • Kamakhya Temple located in Guwahati is one of the most prominent destinations amongst 51 Shakti-Peeth.
  • Kaziranga National Park is the region’s principal tourist attraction, famous for the 2400-odd population of the Indian one-horned Rhinoceros. Spread across 430 square km, this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a smaller sanctuary spread across 38 square km, with high Rhino visibility.
  • Majuli Island the largest river island in the world, is another fascinating experience for travellers. It is spread across 553 square km. Majuli is accessible by ferries from the town of Jorhat, available every day between 7:30 and 4:00 pm.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Temple Visit and Evening Cruise

After Reaching Guwahati, kindly check into the hotel as per the below-mentioned options;

Hotels within 5 km from Fancy Bazaar

  • Hotel Atithi - 8 km from Kamakhya temple - Rs 3500 range starts
  • Gateway Grandeur - 11 km from Kamakhya temple - Rs 3700 range starts
  • Lilawati Grand - 8 km from Kamakhya temple - Rs 1800 range starts
  • BMG Residency - 12 km from Kamakhya temple - Rs 1800 range starts,
  • You can explore the Assam Tourism lodge for a night stay at Prashanti Tourist Lodge (approximately 1 km from the Kamakhya Temple @ Rs. 1600 per night).

Explore more options for staying in Guwahati

Prashaanti Tourist Lodge
See More

Prashaanti Tourist Lodge

Assuming that you are reaching in the noontime, You may have your lunch before proceeding further for the day.

  • Lunch Options:
    • Gopal Maharaj Restaurant - Vegetarian restaurant - 7 km from Kamakhya temple.
    • Paradise Restaurant - Assamese Food - 11 km from Kamakhya Temple, 5 km from Fancy bazaar, It serves both veg & non-veg.
    • Michinga Restaurant  - 3 km from Fancy Bazaar, 9 km from Kamakhya temple - serves authentic Assamese food
    • Heritage Khorikaa, Chandmari - Serves Veg & Non-Veg food, 4 km from Fancy Bazaar, 10 km from Kamakhya Temple. 
      Post lunch, head towards the Kamakhya Devi temple.
  • Kamakhya Devi Temple - Start your day visiting the holy temple of 51 Shakti-Peeth. Maa Kamakhya is the renowned goddess of desire and this temple is the centrepiece of a widely practiced, powerful Tantrik Shaktism cult in India.
  • Long queues would invariably take more than two hours for Darshan.
  • Entry into the sanctum is closed between 1 and 2 pm so plan a temple visit accordingly.
Kamakhya Temple
See More

Kamakhya Temple

Alfresco Grand Cruise - After the Darshan, you are recommended to head towards the MG Road, appx 7 Km from Kamakhya Devi Temple. You will experience a magnificent sunset over the Brahmaputra River or enjoy dinner on this majestic cruise.

Guests are also entertained with live musical performances and folk dances of Assam. Visiting Alfresco Grand Cruise is one of the most sought-after activities to do in Guwahati.

  • Timing - 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM 
  • Fees - INR 500 without food and INR 1500 with food (please check their website for updated rates & timings)
Alfresco Grand Cruise
See More

Alfresco Grand Cruise

Overnight stay in Guwahati.

Day 2 - Explore Local Food and Sightseeing around Guwahati

You can  start your day with breakfast at any of the below options

  • JB's, Fancy Bazaar - You may order Poori` - Dum Aloo at this restaurant.
  • Bipanan Khetra - If you want to explore Assamese food then Bipanan is one of the best. It is located 16 km from the Kamakhya Devi Temple, is famous for Assamese snacks. Doi-Chira, Sandah Guri or Pitha are must-have items.
  • Makhan Bhog Restaurant  - Serves Vegetarian Food - 5  km from Fancy Bazaar.
  • 11th Avenue Cafe Bistro - 9 km from Kamakhya Temple, 3 km from Fancy Bazaar - Luxurious breakfast.
Bipanan Khetra, Guwahati
See More

Bipanan Khetra, Guwahati

Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, which is a cultural institution in Assam that houses a museum and a library. An open-air theatre also hosts traditional dance and drama performances.
It is about 1 km from the above-mentioned breakfast location.

Umananda Temple is a Shiva temple, located at the Umananda Island (World's small inhabited Island) on the Brahmaputra River, about 12 Km from the previous location. This island can be accessed from Guwahati by ferries and steamers from Fancy Bazar Ghat or Uzan bazar Ferry Ghat.

  • Ferry timings are fixed, so check with locals before you reach there to board the ferry, You may do online ferry booking through this link.

ISKCON Temple - This is a Krishna Temple about 3 km from the Guwahati Railway Station area.. The white exterior of the marble-floored temple, the surrounding greenery and the spiritual ambiance attract lots of devotees to this place.

Lunch Options

  • Kalita Spectrum - 15 km from Kamakhya, 9 km from Fancy Bazaar
  • Raja Mircha - Authentic Assamese cuisine, serves veg & Non-Veg food - 10 km from Fancy bazaar

Fancy Bazaar, about 4 Km from ISKCON Temple. This is a flea market famous for a wide varieties of Local and Branded products at reasonable prices.
This is a crowded market, best way to spend time shopping is by walking down the streets.

After shopping, you may explore Dinner from below mentioned restaurants:

  • Uruka - An Assamese cuisine fine dining restaurant with beautiful interiors. Located 2 km from the ISKCON Temple.
  • Khorikaa - A casual dining restaurant in Guwahati famous for its Paneer and Vegetarian Thali. Located 3 km away from the main market.
  • The Spice Route - 8 km from Fancy Bazaar
  • 4 Seasons - 3 Km from Fancy Bazaar, 9 km from Kamakhya temple
  • Kesar - Vegetarian Restaurant,  2 km from Fancy Bazaar, 
Veg Thali at Khorikaa Restaurant
See More

Veg Thali at Khorikaa Restaurant

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3 - Guwahati to Pobitora National Park - 50 Km

You are recommended to have breakfast at your hotel and proceed for the day.

  • Pobitora National Park. This National Park is known for the highest density of One Horn Rhinos in the world.  It is home to several wildlife species like Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Leopard, Civet Cat etc. This wildlife is also popular for watching migratory and resident birds.
  • Jeep Safari - One hour Jeep safari costs Rs 1600 for 4 people, Timings – 7:00 AM -3:30 PM.
  • Elephant safari - Also available for tourists in the morning. The probability of animal sighting is way better as elephants walk deep into the forest.
    • Charges – Rs. 500 per person. Timings – Tourists need to reach by 15-20 minutes prior for the rides which start at 6:30 am and 7:30 am. The trip lasts for about an hour.
One Horned Rhino
See More

One Horned Rhino

You are recommended to start the journey towards Kaziranga National Park by 2 pm. Total Distance to be covered is around 175 km.

Overnight Stay at Kaziranga - You may stay in Government Guest House. Tariff is between 600 and  800 Rupees.

  • We stayed at Bonani Tourist lodge: You may contact Mr. Pradip Nath @ 9101519267.
  • There are other resorts too, which are maintained by the Forest department.

Day 4 - Kaziranga National Park Visit

You are recommended to wake up early and get ready for Elephant safari that starts at 6:00 AM. Safari may be booked online and on-spot.

Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one horned rhinoceros, as well as other mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of species of birds.

  • Kaziranga National Park is divided into 4 Ranges: Central (Kaziranga) Range, Western (Bagori) Range, Eastern (Agratoli) Range and Burapahar Range. Animal sighting is better at the Central Range.
Kaziranga National Park
See More

Kaziranga National Park

4 people may together ride an elephant. The slots begin at 5:30 AM. Few tourists feed bananas to the elephants after they return from the rides. Charges - Rs. 500 per person.

Alternatively, tourists may enjoy Jeep Safari accompanied by a guide. Safaris at 7:30 in the morning and 2 pm in the afternoon, generally take around two hours’ time.

  • Jeep Safari expenses range between Rs. 1750 and Rs. 2200, the cost is different in different routes. Additional charges are as follows:
    • Road Tax – Rs. 300
    • Staff Welfare – Rs. 100
    • Entry Ticket – Rs. 100 per person
    • Still Photography – Rs. 100 per camera
    • Video Camera – Rs. 1000 per camera
Jeep Safari - Kaziranga National Park
See More

Jeep Safari - Kaziranga National Park

Lunch option: You can either have your lunch before heading toward next destination or after reaching here

  • Restaurants options given below;
  • Hornbill Restaurant serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali, starting at 150 Rupees.
  • Orchid Biodiversity park, details below- they serve Assamese Thali.

 

Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park, located 2 km from the Central Range of Kaziranga. Spread across 6 acres, the park has over 500 varieties of wild orchids, vegetable plants and more. Ticket price is Rs. 200 per person.

  • The park also has provision for - 
    • Small Rides for toddlers
    • Stores for collecting souvenirs
    • Live cultural dance performance of different tribes of North-East India.
    • Cafeteria serving tea and Assamese dishes
Enjoying Veg Thali at  Bio-Diversity Park
See More

Enjoying Veg Thali at Bio-Diversity Park

Dinner option: 
Maihang Restaurant is a famous restaurant in Kaziranga. 3 km from the bio-diversity park, this restaurant serves local Assamese food.

Overnight stay at Kaziranga.

Day 5 - Travel to Majuli, Distance from Kaziranga 115 km

You are recommended to start your day little bit early and you may have your breakfast at hotel and start your journey towards Jorhar which is about 120 km.

Avail a ferry from the Nimati Ghat to Kamalabari Ghat in Majuli. Ferries have accommodation capacity for small and large vehicles as well.

Nimati Ghat to Majuli Ferry Timing – One way trip costs INR15 per person. Transporting a four-wheeler could cost INR700. The ride takes about an hour.

  • Departure from Nimati Ghat (Jorhat)       Arrival at Kamalabari Ghat (Majuli Island)
    • 10:30 am                                                                               11:15 am
    • 02:00 pm                                                                               03:15 pm
    • 03:00 pm                                                                               04:15 pm
    • 04:00 pm                                                                               05:15 pm

Majuli Island is formed by the Brahmaputra river and its branch called Kherkutia Xuti, joined by the Subansiri river in the north. It is home to important ethnic groups like the Misings and Deoris and their lifestyle, art, culture, cuisine and festivals can also be explored here.

  • Majuli is known as worlds largest inhabited island, The geography of the island has been changing through the centuries with changing course of the Brahmaputra river.
Majuli Island
See More

Majuli Island

Upon reaching Majuli buses and shared cabs may be availed for local transport.

Reach Hotel / Guest House. Majuli has many variety of accommodation options. With increasing tourism, homestays, resorts and hotels have come up in Majuli. They have a few aesthetically built bamboo cottages too.

Sankardev had founded the neo-vaishnavite movement around the 16th Century. Satra’s are institutional centers of this religious sect. Approximately 22 Satras are there in Majuli. You may visit any of the Satra to learn about the culture, details of popular Satra's given below:

  • Auniati Satra - This Satra has a prayer hall where prayer has been continuing without interruption for over 350 years now. Lord Vishnu is worshiped in the Satra Temple (Manikuta).  The idol was originally brought from Puri, Odisha. It also houses a museum, which has unique artifacts presented by Ahom King.
  • Uttar Kamalbari Satra – Gayan-Bayan is a popular religious dance performance. Tourists may be lucky to get to watch this exclusive art form live in this Satra. You may request any local person to help you regarding booking (Charges for the Gayan Bayan is around Rs 3000 for the Groups).
Gayan Bayan, Traditional dance
See More

Gayan Bayan, Traditional dance

Visit the Cooperative Societies, like the Rengam Women Weavers Cooperative. Women entrepreneurship is evident in Majuli. These societies sell hand woven clothes and other products.

Visit Samaguri Satra, which is the mask making hub of Majuli. Dr. Hem Chandra Goswami is a celebrated craftsman engaged with this activity since his childhood. These masks are used by actors representing mythological characters, in the Bhaonas, traditional dramas depicting mythological stories.

This Satra is located at a distance of  8-10 km from Kamalabari.

Mask making is a tradition in majuli
See More

Mask making is a tradition in majuli

Overnight stay at Majuli.

Day 6 - Majuli to Jorhat/ Guwahati - Return to your home destination.

Start the day with an early breakfast. Reach Kamalabari Ghat and board a ferry to Nimati Ghat, Jorhat.

Following are the Ferry Timings to Nimati Ghat, Jorhat: 

  • 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM.
  • 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM.
  • 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM.
  • 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM.
  • 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM.

Travel to Jorhat Airport which is 20 km from Nimati Ghat. The airport is served by a limited number of flights. If your destination does not have air or train connectivity with Jorhat, then travel back to Guwahati and return therefrom.

Suggestions & Recommendations

  • October to February is the best time to visit Majuli because water level around Majuli rises during Monsoon time.
  • Transporting a four-wheeler at Nimati-ghat could involve waiting time so keep buffer time there.
  • Besides Kaziranga, there are other options of wildlife trails in Assam:
  • Manas National Park - Approx 175 km from Guwahati is famous for Tigers, Elephants, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog and Hispid hare.
  • Nameri National Park - Approx 220 km from Guwahati is famous for Tiger, Elephant, Great Pied Hornbill and Golden Mahseer. 
  • Dibru-Saikhowa National Park - Located Approx 520 km from Guwahati. 
  • If you wish to book the Kaziranga safari online - This is a private agent, not a govt. website.

The major festivals celebrated in Assam are:

  • Bihu - Three Bihus are celebrated in a year: Bohag Bihu, Kaati Bihu and Magh Bihu. It showcases the best of folk music and dances.
  • Baishagu - This festival is commonly celebrated by the tribe of 'Boro Kacharis' of Assam, with much pomp and enthusiasm.
  • Ambubachi - It is the most important festival at Kamakhya temple. It is held every year during mid-June. It is a ritual of austerities celebrated with 'Tantric rites'. During Ambubachi, the doors of the temple remain closed for three days.

Nearby Destinations