Fly from Kerala to Guwahati (most routes connect via Bengaluru/Delhi); transfer to a central hotel (Paltan Bazar/G.S. Road) and check in. Freshen up and leave luggage; aim for a mid-day check-in around noon.
Have a leisurely lunch at a reputable Guwahati spot serving Assamese cuisine (try fish tenga, khar, bora), or at your hotel restaurant if you prefer a quick check-in lunch; great way to sample the local palate.
One of the most important tantric Shakti shrines in India with panoramic city and Brahmaputra views; visit during the afternoon slot when the temple reopens to the public. Expect spiritual atmosphere and scenic lookout points.
Short ferry to Umananda Island temple or a riverside stroll — good for photos and to get a feel for the Brahmaputra. Ferries typically run in daylight; check timing at the jetty.
A 45–60 minute evening cruise on the Brahmaputra showcases sunset colors and city lights; confirm availability with your hotel or local operator as schedules vary seasonally.
Dine at a recommended Guwahati restaurant known for local dishes and tandoor grills; enjoy river fish or smoked meats with rice. Many good options are in Paltan Bazar and near G.S. Road.
Have an early breakfast and check out; you'll drive east to Kaziranga (Kohora area) — aim to leave by 7:00–7:30 to reach before lunch after a scenic drive.
A 200–240 km drive along NH27 takes ~4–5 hours depending on traffic. You'll pass tea gardens and river scenery; arrive to check in to your resort in Kohora which is the main tourist hub for safaris.
Jeep safaris run typically in the afternoon (approx 2:00–4:30pm) and cover grasslands and riverine forests — good chance to spot one-horned rhinos, deer, and birds. Book through your lodge or the park office the day before.
Elephant safaris offer the best close-up chance at the one-horned rhino and run early (typically 5:00–7:00am). Spots are limited and require advance booking through the park office or your lodge.
Short drive east to Jorhat; you'll reach Jorhat by late morning/early afternoon depending on stops. Jorhat is the main road/air gateway for Majuli island.
Transfer to Nimati/Nimatighat and take the state ferry to Majuli (ferry time ~1–1.5 hours depending on river conditions); ferry schedules can vary, so allow buffer time.
Settle into a homestay/guesthouse on Majuli, then take a short village walk to see local pottery, mask-making and riverside sunset views; Majuli evenings are peaceful and photogenic.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast prepared by your hosts; typical items include local rice, curd, fresh veggies and fish preparations depending on season.
Majuli is known for its satras—cultural-religious institutions preserving mask-making, dance, and crafts. Most are open from ~9:00am–5:00pm but staggered; check locally for exact visiting windows.
Walk or cycle between villages to watch artisans at work (mask-making, pottery, bamboo crafts) and visit small community museums; these demonstrations explain Majuli’s unique cultural heritage.
Some homestays or satras host an evening performance of classical Assamese dances or devotional songs — enquire locally and book in advance if interested.
Early breakfast, then catch the morning ferry to Jorhat to continue on toward Sivasagar; ferry timings vary so confirm the night before. Aim to depart Majuli by 8:30–9:00am.
Sivadol (a tall Shiva temple), Rang Ghar (historic amphitheatre) and Talatal Ghar (underground palace) are the major Ahom-era sites; they are generally open 9:00am–5:00pm and offer rich historical context and photo ops.
Enjoy a traditional Assamese thali at a local eatery — a great time to try regional staples such as mashed greens, fish curries and pithas if in season.
Begin the return journey to Guwahati; the drive takes roughly 5–6 hours (depending on traffic and stops). Alternatively, you can break the journey with an overnight at a midway town if you prefer less road time in a day.
If your flight is later, do a brief visit to a nearby market (Paltan Bazar) for tea, local spices and handicrafts; allow time for traffic and airport check-in.
Depart to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport with at least 90–120 minutes buffer for domestic flights; fly back to Kerala with connecting itinerary as booked.