A visit to Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is unlike a conventional temple visit. The goddess is worshipped in the sanctum through a natural yoni-shaped stone formation associated with an underground spring, making the temple one of the most distinctive centres of Shakta and Tantric worship in India.
For pilgrims planning Kamakhya Temple darshan in 2026, one of the biggest practical changes is the Special Darshan booking system. The widely searched ₹501 Kamakhya VIP Darshan / Special Darshan pass is now handled online, replacing the older hill-counter process that many outdated guides still describe. This makes advance planning more important for visitors who want to use the Special Darshan facility.
There is also an important exception during Ambubachi Mela, when Special or VIP Darshan is suspended and pilgrims use the general darshan queue instead. Because of this, the right booking strategy depends heavily on your travel dates.
This guide explains the practical details pilgrims need most, including Kamakhya VIP Darshan ticket price, online booking, general darshan, temple timings, Ambubachi rules, defence booking, footwear arrangements, crowd planning, nearby temples, and how to reach Nilachal Hill.
Kamakhya Temple Darshan 2026: General, Special VIP and Ambubachi Entry Options
Pilgrims visiting Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati in 2026 can choose between different darshan arrangements depending on the day, crowd level, and type of visit. The most important distinction is between free General Darshan and the paid ₹501 Special Darshan, often searched online as Kamakhya VIP Darshan.
| Kamakhya Darshan Type | Current Cost | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free | Regular pilgrim queue |
| Special / VIP Darshan | ₹501 per person | Separate faster queue with advance online booking |
| Defence Personnel Darshan | Special / discounted category | Separate booking arrangement for eligible defence personnel |
| Ambubachi Mela Darshan | General queue only | Special/VIP Darshan remains suspended during the mela |
| Special Pujas | Varies | Depends on the ritual and booking arrangement |
For most visitors searching for Kamakhya VIP Darshan booking, Kamakhya Special Darshan ticket, Kamakhya VIP pass price, or Kamakhya fast darshan, the relevant option is the ₹501 Special Darshan pass.
The General Darshan queue remains free, so paying ₹501 is not compulsory for entering the temple. The Special Darshan facility is mainly useful for pilgrims who want a more structured and usually faster route through the queue.
Does Kamakhya ₹501 Special Darshan Mean Immediate Entry?
No. The ₹501 Kamakhya Special Darshan ticket gives access to a separate queue, but it should not be confused with guaranteed instant darshan.
On relatively normal days, the Special Darshan queue can save considerable time compared with the free General Darshan line. However, waiting can still increase on:
- Tuesdays
- Saturdays
- Major religious dates
- Festival periods
- School holidays and long weekends
- Other high-footfall days
So the practical benefit is reduced waiting compared with the regular queue, not a promise of zero waiting.
This distinction is important because some third-party pages use the term “VIP Darshan” as if the pilgrim can bypass all queues immediately. That is not how the official Special Darshan arrangement should be understood.
Kamakhya VIP Darshan Online Booking 2026: Major Change for Pilgrims
One of the most important updates for Kamakhya Temple visitors in 2026 is the change in how Special Darshan tickets are obtained.
Older travel guides often tell pilgrims to reach Nilachal Hill early in the morning and purchase the ₹501 Special Darshan pass from a physical counter near the temple.
That advice is no longer suitable for the current system described for 2026.
From 15 June 2026, the older offline Special Darshan counter arrangement was discontinued, and the Kamakhya Special Darshan booking process shifted online.
This means pilgrims planning to use the ₹501 faster-darshan facility should arrange the booking before depending on availability after reaching the temple.
The practical rule for 2026 is:
General Darshan → join the regular free queue
Special / VIP Darshan → complete the available online booking in advance
This change is especially important for visitors travelling from outside Guwahati, because reaching Nilachal Hill without a confirmed Special Darshan booking and expecting to buy a ticket at the old counter can disrupt the entire visit.
Official Kamakhya Special Darshan Booking Portal
For Kamakhya Special Darshan booking, use the official online portal:
Book Kamakhya Special Darshan Online
The current booking system may also provide separate arrangements for categories such as Defence personnel and, where applicable, general queue registration.
Because several unofficial websites appear around Kamakhya darshan searches, check the domain carefully before entering mobile number, identity details, or payment information.
How to Book Kamakhya Special Darshan Online
The Kamakhya Special Darshan online booking process is straightforward, but it is important to enter the correct pilgrim details and save the final e-ticket.
Step 1: Open the official booking portal.
Go directly to mkdonline.co.in. Avoid beginning the booking through advertisements, unofficial WhatsApp links, or third-party pages.
Step 2: Register or sign in with your mobile number.
Use the mobile number requested by the portal and keep the number accessible during booking, as OTP verification may be required.
Step 3: Select Maa Kamakhya Devalaya.
Choose Maa Kamakhya Devalaya from the available temple options and select the Special Darshan service.
Step 4: Choose your preferred darshan date.
Available dates depend on the current booking quota and temple operations. If a date is not available, it may mean the quota is full, booking for that date has not yet opened, Special Darshan is unavailable that day, or a festival arrangement has temporarily changed the normal system.
Step 5: Select an available darshan slot.
Choose from the slots shown by the portal. The selected slot should be treated as a reporting or booking window, not a guarantee that you will enter the sanctum at the exact first minute displayed.
Step 6: Enter pilgrim and KYC details carefully.
Fill in the required information exactly as requested. The pilgrim’s name should match the government-issued photo ID that will be carried during the visit.
Step 7: Complete the ₹501 payment.
Pay the ₹501 Special Darshan fee using the payment options available on the official portal. Wait for the booking confirmation before closing the page.
Step 8: Download and save the e-ticket.
Keep:
- Kamakhya Special Darshan e-ticket
- Booking confirmation
- Screenshot or offline copy
- Matching government photo ID
Saving an offline copy is useful in case mobile connectivity is weak near the temple.
What to Do If Kamakhya Special Darshan Slots Are Full
If your preferred Kamakhya Special Darshan slot is unavailable, do not immediately turn to an outside agent.
You can instead:
- Check another available date.
- Look for a different slot on the same day.
- Use the General Darshan queue.
- Consider reaching earlier if you plan to use General Darshan.
- Avoid especially crowded Tuesdays, Saturdays, and major festival days if your travel dates are flexible.
A full online slot simply means the available Special Darshan quota for that period may not be available. It does not make an unofficial “confirmed VIP ticket” a safer alternative.
Kamakhya Temple Darshan Timings 2026
Kamakhya Temple darshan timings are divided around daily rituals, so visitors should not expect the sanctum to remain continuously open from morning until evening.
A typical daily pattern is:
| Temple Activity | Approximate Timing |
|---|---|
| Temple opening rituals | Early morning |
| Morning Darshan | Around 5:30/6:00 AM–1:00 PM |
| Midday ritual closure | Around 1:00 PM–2:30 PM |
| Afternoon Darshan | Around 2:30 PM–5:30 PM |
| Special Darshan | Generally scheduled within daytime darshan periods |
These timings are useful for planning, but Kamakhya is a living temple where rituals inside the sanctum can affect the exact flow of darshan.
For practical planning, think of the day in three parts:
Morning Darshan → Midday Ritual Break → Afternoon Darshan
If you are travelling from outside Guwahati, avoid planning your arrival around the midday closure without leaving sufficient buffer.
Best Time to Visit Kamakhya Temple for Darshan
For visitors whose main priority is shorter queues and easier movement, an early morning visit on a normal weekday is generally the most practical choice.
Crowds tend to become heavier on:
- Tuesdays
- Saturdays
- Major festival days
- Public holidays
- Long weekends
The cooler months from roughly October to March are also more comfortable for walking around Nilachal Hill than the hotter and wetter parts of the year.
Best Strategy for Free Kamakhya Darshan
If you plan to use General Darshan instead of the ₹501 Special Darshan pass, reaching close to the morning opening can be more useful than arriving after the main crowd has built up.
However, there is no fixed General Darshan waiting time. The queue can change considerably depending on the day, season, festival calendar, and overall pilgrim turnout.
Is Tuesday or Saturday a Good Day to Visit Kamakhya Temple?
Tuesday and Saturday are commonly among the busier regular pilgrimage days at Kamakhya Temple.
Whether they are the best days depends on what you want from the visit.
If your priority is the religious atmosphere and a busier devotional environment, these days may appeal to you.
If your priority is shorter waiting time, easier movement, and a less crowded visit, a normal weekday morning is usually more practical.
There is therefore no single “best day” for every pilgrim. The right choice depends on whether you value the religious atmosphere or convenience more.
Kamakhya Temple During Ambubachi Mela: What Future Visitors Should Know
The 2026 Ambubachi Mela has already concluded, so visitors planning a future Kamakhya trip should not use the June 2026 dates as an upcoming travel schedule.
Instead, the important thing to understand is how Ambubachi Mela changes normal Kamakhya darshan arrangements so you can plan correctly when the next festival dates are officially announced.
Ambubachi is one of the most important annual religious events at Kamakhya Temple and is associated with the ritual period connected with the goddess’s menstruation. During this period, the normal temple routine changes substantially and pilgrim numbers increase dramatically.
Is Kamakhya Special Darshan Available During Ambubachi?
Normally, Special / VIP Darshan is suspended during the Ambubachi period.
This means pilgrims should not expect the regular ₹501 Special Darshan booking to operate in the same way during the mela.
Visitors attending a future Ambubachi should plan for:
- General-queue-based darshan arrangements
- Much heavier crowds
- Longer waiting periods
- Special crowd-control measures
- Traffic and vehicle restrictions
- Temporary changes to normal temple access
Before booking travel for a future Ambubachi, check the officially announced festival dates and visitor instructions rather than relying on a previous year’s schedule.
What Happens When Kamakhya Temple Reopens After Ambubachi?
The reopening after the ritual closure is one of the busiest periods of the entire festival.
Pilgrim queues can become extremely long, and movement around Nilachal Hill and the temple complex may be heavily controlled.
If your only objective is a relatively calm Kamakhya darshan, the reopening day after Ambubachi is generally not an ideal choice.
If your purpose is specifically to experience Ambubachi Mela and its religious significance, then the large gathering and extended waiting time are part of a very different kind of pilgrimage.
Rakt Vastra During Ambubachi Mela
Rakt Vastra is one of the distinctive sacred traditions associated with Ambubachi and is linked with the ritual period during which the temple remains closed.
It is distributed as prasad according to temple tradition after the reopening.
For visitors, the practical point is simple: do not treat Rakt Vastra like a standard product that can automatically be reserved through an unrelated website.
Be cautious with pages or sellers claiming to offer guaranteed online Rakt Vastra booking or advance reservation unless such a facility is specifically announced through an authorised temple system.
Nilachal Hill Transport During Ambubachi Mela
Normal access to Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill can change significantly during Ambubachi because of the exceptionally large number of pilgrims.
Private vehicles may face restrictions, and visitors may need to:
- Walk part of the uphill route
- Use authorised shuttle arrangements
- Follow temporary traffic diversions
- Use designated drop-off or parking areas
- Allow considerably more travel time
Anyone planning a future Kamakhya Ambubachi Mela visit should therefore treat transport, darshan, and queue planning very differently from an ordinary temple day.
The best approach is to wait for the next Ambubachi dates and traffic instructions to be officially announced, then plan accommodation, transport, and darshan around those arrangements rather than reusing the previous year’s schedule.
Kamakhya Temple Dress Code and Visitor Guidelines
Visitors to Kamakhya Temple should dress modestly and respectfully, keeping in mind that this is one of India’s most important Shakti shrines.
Traditional clothing is especially suitable, but general visitors do not need to assume that a specific outfit is compulsory unless temple staff gives a current instruction.
Suitable Clothing for Men
Good options include:
- Dhoti
- Kurta-pyjama
- Full-length trousers with a shirt
- Other modest traditional or everyday clothing
Suitable Clothing for Women
Suitable options include:
- Saree
- Salwar-kameez
- Kurta with full-length bottoms
- Other modest traditional clothing
Certain ritual arrangements or access close to the sanctum may have stricter expectations than general movement around the wider temple complex. Visitors should therefore follow any instructions given by temple staff on the day of the visit.
Kamakhya Temple Footwear Rules
Footwear should be deposited before joining the main darshan movement.
Designated footwear arrangements are available along the approach, and it is better to use them before moving too far toward the temple entrance.
This small step can save time, especially for first-time visitors who may otherwise reach the queue and then have to walk back to deposit their shoes.
A simple rule is:
Deposit footwear first, then join the darshan flow.
Photography and Mobile Use at Kamakhya Temple
Visitors should not expect photography to be permitted inside the Kamakhya sanctum.
The inner shrine is a highly sacred and controlled worship space, so restrictions may apply to:
- Cameras
- Mobile photography
- Videography
- Ritual areas
- The Garbhagriha and nearby restricted zones
Even if phones are allowed in parts of the wider temple complex, that does not mean photography is permitted everywhere.
Follow the instructions displayed at the temple and any directions given by security or temple staff.
Why Kamakhya Temple Is Different From Most Hindu Temples
The Kamakhya Temple sanctum is very different from temples centred around a conventional sculpted murti.
There is no anthropomorphic idol of the goddess in the main sanctum. According to Shakta tradition, the shrine is associated with the yoni of Goddess Sati, worshipped through the natural sacred formation inside the Garbhagriha.
This distinctive form of worship gives Kamakhya a religious identity closely connected with Shakta and Tantric traditions.
For many visitors, understanding this before entering the temple makes the darshan experience easier to appreciate, because the sanctum does not resemble the usual idol-based arrangement found in many other major temples.
Kamakhya Temple and the Ten Mahavidya Tradition
A visit to Kamakhya is not limited to the main shrine alone.
The wider sacred landscape of Nilachal Hill is strongly associated with the Dashamahavidyas, the ten great wisdom forms of the goddess.
Visitors exploring the broader temple area may come across shrines connected with forms such as:
- Kali
- Tara
- Bhuvaneshwari
- Bhairavi
- Chhinnamasta
- Bagalamukhi
This makes the Kamakhya complex much more than a single-shrine visit.
Pilgrims who are interested in the religious significance of Nilachal Hill may therefore want to keep additional time for the surrounding shrines rather than leaving immediately after the main darshan.
Animal Sacrifice at Kamakhya Temple: What Visitors Should Know
Kamakhya has a long-standing association with animal sacrifice in specific ritual contexts.
This can be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for visitors who have not encountered the practice before.
The important point is that animal sacrifice is connected with designated ritual activity and is not the central experience of every General or Special Darshan visitor.
A pilgrim coming only for ordinary darshan should not assume that witnessing a sacrifice is unavoidable.
Visitors who are uncomfortable with the practice can remain focused on the main darshan route and avoid areas associated with those rituals.
Kamakhya Darshan for Defence Personnel
The current Kamakhya booking system also provides a separate arrangement for serving and retired defence personnel.
This category is handled separately from the standard Special Darshan process.
Because eligibility conditions, concessions, and booking procedures can change, defence visitors should check the current category before travelling rather than depending on an older quoted fee or outdated guide.
Kamakhya Darshan for Senior Citizens, Children and Pilgrims With Mobility Issues
Visitors should be careful with older claims suggesting that senior citizens automatically receive free VIP entry at Kamakhya Temple.
Such arrangements should not be treated as a permanent guarantee because crowd-management and assistance procedures can change.
If you are travelling with:
- Very elderly pilgrims
- Infants or small children
- Someone with limited mobility
- A person who may struggle with long queues
ask at the official help point about the current assistance or priority arrangement available that day.
This becomes even more important during festivals and heavy-crowd periods, when normal entry procedures may be modified.
How Much Time Should You Keep for Kamakhya Temple Darshan?
Even with the ₹501 Special Darshan pass, it is better to keep around 2 to 3 hours for the complete Kamakhya Temple visit rather than planning around a very short “VIP darshan” estimate.
The total visit can include time for:
- Reaching Nilachal Hill
- Footwear deposit
- Security checks
- Queue movement
- Sanctum darshan
- Visiting nearby shrines
- Moving through the temple complex
- Exiting and returning to your vehicle or transport point
General Darshan can take considerably longer on crowded days, especially on Tuesdays, Saturdays, holidays, and major religious occasions.
The Special Darshan pass can make the queue more manageable, but it does not remove the need to allow enough time for the full temple experience.
Kamakhya Temple to Umananda Temple: Same-Day Pilgrimage Plan
A popular way to extend a Kamakhya Temple visit is to include Umananda Temple, located on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River.
Unlike a normal city temple visit, reaching Umananda involves a ferry or boat crossing, so the timing of the river journey matters.
If you want to visit both temples on the same day, a practical sequence is:
Kamakhya Temple early morning → rest or lunch → Guwahati riverfront → Umananda Temple according to ferry availability
Avoid leaving the Umananda visit too late in the day. Boat operations can depend on daylight, weather, river conditions, and local operating schedules.
Other Temples to Visit Around Nilachal Hill
Kamakhya is part of a much wider sacred landscape on Nilachal Hill, especially for visitors interested in Shakta traditions.
Depending on the time available, pilgrims may also explore shrines associated with forms such as:
- Bagalamukhi
- Bhuvaneshwari
- Bhairavi
- Chhinnamasta
- Kali
- Tara
If these shrines are important to your pilgrimage, allow additional time rather than trying to complete the entire hill complex immediately after the main Kamakhya darshan.
How to Reach Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati
Kamakhya Temple is located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam and can be reached conveniently from the city’s main railway stations and airport.
From Kamakhya Junction
Kamakhya Junction is one of the closest major railway stations for pilgrims visiting the temple.
From the station, you can continue toward Nilachal Hill by:
- Taxi
- Auto-rickshaw
- App-based cab
- Other available local transport
From Guwahati Railway Station
Guwahati Railway Station is another convenient arrival point, particularly for travellers whose trains do not stop at Kamakhya Junction.
From central Guwahati, continue by road toward Nilachal Hill and Kamakhya Temple.
From Guwahati Airport
The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
Kamakhya Temple is roughly around 20 km by road, although the actual travel time can vary significantly with Guwahati traffic.
A journey of around 45–60 minutes can be a reasonable planning estimate under normal conditions, but extra time should be kept during busy periods.
Avoid Taxi and Auto Overcharging Near Kamakhya
First-time visitors should agree on transport arrangements before starting the journey, particularly when hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw directly outside a railway station, airport, or major pilgrim point.
More predictable options can include:
- App-based taxis
- Hotel-arranged transport
- Prepaid transport where available
- Agreeing on the complete fare before entering an auto or taxi
During major religious events, demand can rise sharply, which may also affect local transport availability and travel time.
Where to Stay Near Kamakhya Temple
You do not necessarily need to stay directly beside Kamakhya Temple. Guwahati offers a much wider range of accommodation, restaurants, and transport options than the immediate Nilachal Hill area.
Stay Near Kamakhya or Nilachal Hill If:
- You want early morning darshan
- You are travelling with elderly family members
- Minimising morning travel is important
- Kamakhya is the main purpose of the trip
Stay in Central Guwahati If:
- You want a wider choice of hotels
- You also plan to visit Umananda Temple
- Railway access is important
- You want easier access to restaurants and city transport
- Kamakhya is part of a broader Guwahati itinerary
During major festival periods such as Ambubachi Mela, accommodation can fill much earlier than on normal temple days, so future festival visitors should plan their stay well in advance once dates are announced.
Common Kamakhya Temple Planning Mistakes
A well-planned visit becomes much easier if you avoid a few common mistakes.
Expecting the Old ₹501 Offline Counter
The Kamakhya Special Darshan system shifted to online booking, so visitors should not reach Nilachal Hill assuming that the older physical-counter process is still the normal way to obtain a ₹501 pass.
Expecting Special Darshan During Ambubachi
The normal Special / VIP Darshan arrangement is suspended during Ambubachi Mela.
Visitors planning a future Ambubachi pilgrimage should expect festival-specific crowd management and general-queue arrangements instead.
Paying Unauthorised Puja or VIP Websites
Avoid assuming that a third-party website offering an expensive puja package, priority access, or “guaranteed VIP darshan” is part of the official temple booking system.
Keep darshan booking and private puja arrangements separate unless the temple itself clearly connects them.
Assuming ₹501 Special Darshan Means No Waiting
The ₹501 Special Darshan pass gives access to a faster or separate queue, but waiting is still possible.
Crowds can remain heavy on Tuesdays, Saturdays, holidays, and important religious dates.
Arriving During the Midday Ritual Break
Kamakhya does not operate as one continuous darshan period throughout the day.
There is generally a midday ritual closure between the principal morning and afternoon darshan periods, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Assuming Tuesday Will Be Quiet
Tuesday may be a normal working day elsewhere, but it is traditionally one of the busier regular pilgrimage days at Kamakhya Temple.
If your priority is shorter waiting time, a quieter weekday morning may be more suitable.
Kamakhya Temple Darshan 2026 FAQs
What is the Kamakhya VIP Darshan ticket price in 2026?
The Kamakhya Special Darshan ticket costs ₹501 per person.
It provides access to a separate faster queue but does not guarantee immediate entry.
Can I Buy the ₹501 Kamakhya Special Darshan Ticket Offline?
Under the current 2026 arrangement, Special Darshan booking has moved online, replacing the older offline counter-based process.
Visitors should therefore plan the booking before reaching Nilachal Hill.
What Is the Official Kamakhya Special Darshan Booking Website?
The Special Darshan booking system is available through:
Kamakhya Special Darshan Online Booking
Is Free Darshan Available at Kamakhya Temple?
Yes. General Darshan is free.
Pilgrims who do not want to purchase Special Darshan can use the regular temple queue.
Is Kamakhya Special Darshan Available Every Day?
Special Darshan is generally available on normal operating days, subject to quota, temple rituals, and current booking arrangements.
It should not be assumed to operate during every festival or special event.
Is Special Darshan Available During Ambubachi Mela?
No. The regular Special / VIP Darshan system is suspended during Ambubachi Mela.
Future Ambubachi visitors should follow the festival-specific entry and crowd-control arrangements announced for that year.
How Long Does Kamakhya Special Darshan Take?
There is no guaranteed fixed duration.
Waiting time can range from relatively short periods to much longer queues depending on:
- Crowd size
- Day of the week
- Ritual activity
- Festival dates
- Temple operations
The ₹501 pass should therefore be viewed as a faster queue option, not a guaranteed time-slot experience.
Which Days Are Usually Busiest at Kamakhya Temple?
Tuesdays, Saturdays, major festivals, public holidays, and important religious dates can attract substantially larger crowds.
What Time Does Kamakhya Temple Open?
Darshan generally begins early in the morning, with the main morning period continuing until around midday before the ritual break.
Does Kamakhya Temple Close in the Afternoon?
Yes. A midday ritual closure generally separates the morning and afternoon darshan periods.
Visitors should keep this break in mind while planning arrival time.
Do Senior Citizens Get Free VIP Darshan?
Do not treat free VIP access for senior citizens as a permanent guaranteed rule.
Assistance and priority arrangements can depend on the current crowd-management system. Ask temple staff or the official help point on arrival.
Are Babies Allowed Through a Special or VIP Gate?
Families should check the current temple arrangement rather than relying on old blanket claims about infant priority access.
Crowd-control rules can change, particularly during busy periods.
Is Photography Allowed Inside Kamakhya Temple?
Photography is restricted inside the sanctum.
Follow the instructions displayed by the temple for mobile phones, cameras, videography, and restricted ritual areas.
Is Animal Sacrifice Practised at Kamakhya Temple?
Animal sacrifice forms part of certain traditional ritual practices at Kamakhya.
It takes place in designated ritual contexts and should not be assumed to be part of every visitor’s normal darshan experience.
What Is Rakt Vastra?
Rakt Vastra is a sacred prasad tradition associated with Ambubachi Mela and the reopening of the temple after the ritual closure.
Can Rakt Vastra Be Booked Online?
Be cautious with third-party websites claiming to guarantee or reserve Rakt Vastra in advance unless such a facility is specifically announced through an authorised temple system.
Which Railway Station Is Closest to Kamakhya Temple?
Kamakhya Junction is one of the closest major railway stations.
Guwahati Railway Station is also widely used and provides convenient road access to Nilachal Hill.
How Far Is Guwahati Airport From Kamakhya Temple?
Kamakhya Temple is roughly 20 km by road from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
Travel time depends heavily on traffic, so keep additional buffer if you have a darshan booking or onward train.
Plan Your Kamakhya Temple Visit Around the Darshan You Prefer
For a normal Kamakhya Temple visit in 2026, the planning decision is fairly simple.
If reducing queue time matters to you, complete the ₹501 Special Darshan booking online before travelling.
If you prefer free General Darshan, reaching early on a relatively normal weekday can make the visit easier, although waiting time can never be guaranteed.
For anyone planning a future Ambubachi Mela pilgrimage, treat it as a completely different type of visit. Normal Special Darshan arrangements are suspended, crowds become much heavier, and transport and entry systems can change substantially.
The most useful approach is therefore to first decide what type of Kamakhya experience you want, and then plan your booking, travel time, accommodation, and Nilachal Hill visit around that choice.