Welcome to Majuli Island, a place where time seems to stand still. Known as the “Cultural Capital of Assam” and the world’s largest river island, Majuli is not just a destination; it is an experience of peace, spirituality, and vibrant tribal culture.
Located in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra River, this island is a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. If you have already visited Kaziranga National Park, your journey to Assam is incomplete without stepping foot on this mystic island.
In this detailed travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Majuli Island tourism in 2026—including updated ferry timings, the best Satras to visit, local cuisine, and where to stay.
Table of Contents
About Majuli: The Shrinking Island
Majuli was formed by the Brahmaputra river in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti joined by the Subansiri river in the north. However, due to constant soil erosion, the island is shrinking every year. Experts fear that in the next few decades, this beautiful island might disappear completely. This makes it even more important to visit Majuli Island now and witness its beauty before it changes forever.
The island is the hub of Neo-Vaishnavism initiated by the great saint Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century. It is home to the Mising tribe, Deori, and Sonowal Kachari communities, making it a melting pot of cultures.
Best Time to Visit Majuli
The weather in Majuli plays a big role in your travel experience. Here is a breakdown:
- Winter (October to March): This is the best time to visit Majuli. The weather is cool, pleasant, and perfect for cycling around the island. This is also the season for migratory birds and the famous Raas Mahotsav.
- Monsoon (July to September): Not recommended. The ferry services often get cancelled due to high water levels in the Brahmaputra, and parts of the island may be flooded.
- Summer (April to June): It gets quite humid and hot, but you can witness the Ali-Aye-Ligang festival if you visit in early spring.
How to Reach Majuli Island (2026 Update)
Since it is an island, there are no direct trains or flights to Majuli. You have to reach Jorhat first.
Step 1: Reach Jorhat
- By Air: The nearest airport is Rowriah Airport (JRH) in Jorhat. It has direct flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, and Delhi.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Jorhat Town Station. Alternatively, you can drop off at Mariani Junction (which has better connectivity) and take a taxi to Jorhat (40 mins).
Step 2: Jorhat to Nimatighat
Once you are in Jorhat, you need to take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Nimatighat. It is about 15 km from the town and takes 30-40 minutes.
Ferry Service & Timings
The lifeline of Majuli is the ferry service connecting Nimatighat (Jorhat side) to Kamalabari Ghat (Majuli side). In 2026, the Govt has introduced better Ro-Pax vessels.
| Ferry Type | Departure (From Nimatighat) | Departure (From Majuli) | Cost (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Govt Ro-Pax | 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM | 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM | ₹30/person |
| Private Boats | Every hour from 7:30 AM | Every hour from 7:00 AM | ₹50/person |
| Bike/Car Transport | Available on Ro-Pax | Available on Ro-Pax | Bike: ₹150 | Car: ₹700+ |
Top 5 Places to Visit in Majuli
1. Samaguri Satra (The Mask Making Art)
If you visit only one place in Majuli, make it Samaguri Satra. This Satra is famous worldwide for the traditional art of Mask Making (Mukha Shilpa). The monks here use bamboo, clay, cloth, and cow dung to create lifelike masks of mythological characters like Ravana, Hanuman, and Narasimha. You can even buy a small mask as a souvenir.
2. Auniati Satra
Founded in 1653 AD, Auniati is the most influential Satra in Majuli. It has a museum full of Ahom-era royal artifacts, jewelry, and swords. Don’t miss the evening prayer (Palnaam) where hundreds of monks chant in unison with traditional drums.
3. Garmur Satra
Located in the heart of the town, Garmur Satra is known for its open cultural atmosphere. During the Raas festival, this place becomes the center of attraction with grand plays and performances.
4. Dakhinpat Satra
This Satra is known for its serene environment and huge celebrations of Rasleela. The entrance is marked by a beautiful archway, and the monks here are very welcoming.
Where to Stay in Majuli?
Majuli doesn’t have 5-star hotels, and that’s the beauty of it. The best experience is staying in a Bamboo Cottage (Chang Ghar).
- Madhav Bamboo Cottage: A top-rated comfortable stay with traditional vibes and great hospitality.
- La Maison de Ananda: The first homestay in Majuli, very popular among foreigners.
- Yggdrasill Bamboo Cottage: Located right next to the river, offering great sunset views.
- Govt Circuit House: Good for budget travelers, but needs prior booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is internet available in Majuli?
A: Yes, Jio and Airtel 4G work well in most parts of the island (Kamalabari and Garmur areas).
Q: Can we take our personal car to Majuli?
A: Yes, the Ro-Pax ferry can carry cars and SUVs (Innova, Scorpio, etc.). The cost is around ₹700-₹1000 one way.
Q: Is Majuli safe for solo female travelers?
A: Absolutely. The people of Majuli are extremely warm, helpful, and respectful. It is one of the safest places in India.
Ready to explore Assam? Check out our latest Govt Job News or read more about Kaziranga Travel Guide.