Is Kaziranga Worth Including in a 5–6 Day Assam–Meghalaya Trip?
This is a question we struggled with after our trip, not before. When planning a 5–6 day Assam–Meghalaya itinerary, Kaziranga often looks tempting. It’s iconic, it’s famous, and it’s one of the best wildlife destinations in India. But once you’re on the ground, reality hits differently.
Based on our actual experience, here’s a clear, honest answer — without romanticising it.
Why Kaziranga Looks Like a Must-Visit on Paper
On paper, Kaziranga ticks all the right boxes:
- World-famous national park
- One-horned rhinoceros sightings
- Jeep and elephant safaris
- Feels like a “once in a lifetime” add-on
When planning from home, it feels logical to “just include” Kaziranga along with Meghalaya.
But the real question isn’t whether Kaziranga is worth visiting.
The real question is:
Is Kaziranga worth including in a short 5–6 day Assam–Meghalaya trip?
The Ground Reality: Distance & Time Cost
Kaziranga is far from Meghalaya’s core circuit.
From Guwahati to Kaziranga:
- Long road journey
- Mostly highway driving
- Very limited sightseeing en route
From Kaziranga to Shillong:
- Another long day of travel
- Around 6–7 hours, depending on road and traffic
In our case we landed in Guwahati in the evening, and drove directly to Kaziranga. Hence, we reached very late at night for just one-night stay. Finally left soon after safari the next day. Effectively, two days were dominated by travel and recovery, not exploration.
What You Actually Get in a Short Kaziranga Stay
With just one night in Kaziranga, this is realistically what you’ll experience:
- One jeep safari (if timed well)
- Limited time to relax
- Early checkout
- Immediate long drive to Shillong
Yes, the safari itself is enjoyable.
- Rhinos are relatively easy to spot
- Elephants, deer, and birds are commonly seen
But the experience feels compressed, not immersive.
How Kaziranga Impacts the Rest of Your Trip
This is where the trade-off becomes clear.
By including Kaziranga in a 5–6 day trip:
- You lose flexibility in Meghalaya
- You reduce rest days
- You arrive in Shillong already tired
- Walking-heavy days feel harder later
In our case, fatigue from the Kaziranga leg affected:
- Shillong sightseeing pace
- Cherrapunji walking days
- Overall energy levels
Kaziranga didn’t ruin the trip — but it made the trip heavier.
When Kaziranga Does Make Sense
Kaziranga is absolutely worth visiting if:
- You have 7–8 days or more
- You can stay at least 2 nights in Kaziranga
- Wildlife is a top priority, not just an add-on
- You’re okay sacrificing one Meghalaya destination
In those cases, Kaziranga becomes a highlight, not a burden.
When You Should Skip Kaziranga
You should seriously consider skipping Kaziranga if:
- Your trip is limited to 5–6 days
- Meghalaya is your main focus
- You’re travelling with kids or elderly parents
- You want a relaxed, scenic trip rather than a packed one
In a short trip, Meghalaya alone offers:
- Scenic drives
- Waterfalls, caves, root bridges
- Less long-distance highway travel
Skipping Kaziranga can actually make your trip more enjoyable.
Our Honest Verdict
So, is Kaziranga worth including in a 5–6 day Assam–Meghalaya trip?
Honest answer:
👉 No, unless you are ready to compromise on rest and Meghalaya depth.
Kaziranga is not overrated — it’s just time-intensive.
In a short trip:
- It adds pressure
- It increases fatigue
- It reduces flexibility
If your priority is a smooth, scenic, and balanced experience, focus on Meghalaya and keep Kaziranga for a longer trip.