Majuli River Island: The World's largest river island in India
ETimes December 07, 2025 02:39 AM
Majuli is the largest river island in the world , spanning 352 square kilometres (136 square miles) and drawing visitors from all over the world. This unusual island, which is situated in Assam's powerful Brahmaputra River, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, dynamic culture, and profound spiritual legacy. Majuli cultural and geographical significance was further highlighted in 2016 when it was officially acknowledged as the largest river island in the world and the first island in India to be designated as a district. Majuli's unique shape is created by the Brahmaputra River in the south, the Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, and the Subansiri River in the north. Majuli is renowned for its rich biodiversity, traditional mask-making, and Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries). The island, which can be reached by ferry from the neighbouring city of Jorhat, provides visitors with a tranquil getaway into the natural and cultural core of Assam.
Geography of the Majuli River Island
This remarkable phenomenon is around 40 km from Jorhat, Majuli Island's nearest large city. Over millennia, the river's shifting channels sculpted Majuli into its current form, and it now occupies an area of around 880 square kilometres, though erosion has substantially diminished its size over time. The island is accessible via ferry from Jorhat, with many ferries operating throughout the day. Majuli is divided into multiple tiny villages and hamlets, and the Mising, Deori, and Assamese people make up the majority of the population.
The island's wetlands, riverine forests, and water bodies provide a haven for a variety of wildlife, particularly migratory birds. It is home to several endangered and rare species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
The island's terrain is defined by lush vegetation, bodies of water, and paddy fields, making it an attractive and calm destination. During the monsoon season, vast portions of Majuli are flooded, leaving behind fertile soil, making it an important agricultural location in Assam.
How to reach Majuli River Island
Majuli is located 20 kilometres from the district of Jorhat in Assam. Jorhat is well-connected by air, with daily flights from Guwahati and four flights a week from Calcutta. It takes seven hours by bus to get from Guwahati to Jorhat. Buses leave in the early morning and at night.
From Jorhat, Neemati Ghat is only fourteen kilometres away. Every day, at least two boat cruises to Majuli leave, one around 10 a.m. and the other around 3 p.m. Exact times can be obtained from the private bus stand in Jorhat, from which buses depart for Neemati.
The first ferry journey takes roughly an hour; after that, switch to a bus for a ten-minute ride across Major Sapori, another island heading to Majuli. Then a quick ferry trip followed by another bus ride to Kamalabari, the island's major town. You can also hire a taxi, either from Jorhat or Majuli. The taxi can cross the ferry.
What is there to see at the Majuli River Island
Majuli has 21 Satras, with several of them still actively practising and training in dance, drama, music, art, and craft. You can charter a boat and sail down the river in the early morning to see birds, as well as visit fields and residences to see farming and weaving for yourself.
When is the best time to visit Majuli River Island
The greatest time to visit Majuli is during Rasleela, which occurs around the full moon in Kartik (November). Majuli, on the other hand, is open year-round. It is best to avoid travelling during the rainy season because much of the island is flooded.
