Majuli

Largest river island in the world

Majuli is the largest river island in the world and is located on the Brahmaputra River. Majuli is in the Jorhat district of Assam. The place is the nerve centre of Assamese Vaishnavite culture.

The attraction of seeing the largest inhabitant River Island in the world along with an opportunity to see the colourful and rich cultural tradition of the people is the chief attraction of Majuli Island.

Majuli island is located 20 km from Jorhat town and 330 km from Guwahati, the capital of Assam. The island connects to the rest of the country through Jorhat. The Rowriah Airport of Jorhat and the Jorhat rail station are the nearest airports and railheads. Jorhat is also well connected by road. Since Majuli is an island, the visitor has to use a ferry to reach the island. There are three main ferry routes – Nimatighat near Jorhat, Dhokuakhana from Dhemaji and Luit-Khabolughat from North Lakhimpur.

The Majuli island has one hundred and forty-four villages with a population of 150,000 and a population density of 300 individuals per square km. Locals on the island mostly comprise tribal.

The local economy is mainly dependent on agriculture. The rich soil produces a variety of rice such as Komal Saul, Bora Saul etc. Handloom is also a common occupation. Majuli is an ecological hotspot and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Apart from a large number of resident avifauna, many migratory birds from the Himalayas and beyond visit here during the winter months. Greater Adjutant Stork, Pelican, Siberian Crane, and the Whistling Teal are among some of the more common varieties of birds found here.

Majuli Island till the 16th century was a narrow strip till a number of earthquakes and floods gave it its present form. Majuli has played a critical role as the cultural centre of Assam. The Satras (monasteries) are set up to preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other items of cultural significance. The local handloom has received international fame due to its intricate design. Every year a three-day long Raas festival is organized at Majuli which depicts the life of Lord Krishna. People from all over Assam and beyond assemble here during the Raas festival.

Places Nearby

The Kaziranga National Park – Is located 120 km away from Majuli. A World Heritage Site acknowledged by UNESCO, the park hosts two-thirds of the world's great One-horned Rhinoceroses. It is one of the most famous reserves in India. The park is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer.

Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary – It is situated 95 km from Majuli, under the Karbi Anglong district, of Assam. The sanctuary is home to hoolock gibbons and golden langurs.

Sivasagar – Located 60 km away from Majuli. Sivasagar was the capital of the mighty Ahoms who ruled Assam for more than six hundred years till the arrival of the British.

Jorhat Town – 20 km away from Majuli, Jorhat is the centre of the tea industry. One can visit the lush green plantations and the Toklai Experimental Centre, where research is carried out on tea.