Kalijai Temple is located on a small island in the Majuli River, Assam. It is a popular pilgrimage site and a serene spot for visitors exploring Majuli, the world's largest river island. Many travelers visit Kalijai Temple to experience its spiritual ambiance and scenic surroundings.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Kalijai Temple from nearby towns, including ferry and road options. You will learn about transport modes, travel times, and useful tips to plan your visit smoothly.

Getting from Jorhat to Kalijai Temple – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a common way to reach Jorhat, the nearest major railhead to Majuli Island. From Jorhat, you will need to use road and ferry transport to reach Kalijai Temple. Trains are suitable for long-distance travelers arriving from other parts of India.

• Jorhat Town Railway Station connects to major cities like Guwahati and Dibrugarh, with trains running daily and fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class.

• Train travel to Jorhat takes around 6 to 8 hours from Guwahati, offering a comfortable and affordable option for travelers.

• From Jorhat station, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Nimati Ghat, the ferry point to Majuli, which is about 20 km away and takes 40–50 minutes.

• Trains may be crowded during festival seasons like Bihu, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended.

Bus

Buses connect Jorhat and nearby towns to Nimati Ghat and Majuli Island. Bus travel is popular among budget travelers and locals. However, buses do not go directly to Kalijai Temple, so a ferry and local transport are necessary.

• State-run buses operated by ASTC and private buses run regularly between Jorhat and Nimati Ghat, covering 20 km in about 45 minutes with fares between ₹30 and ₹70.

• From Nimati Ghat, you must take a ferry to Majuli Island; ferry tickets cost around ₹20 to ₹50 per person depending on the boat type.

• Buses can be crowded during peak hours and monsoon season may cause delays due to slippery roads and waterlogging.

• Local shared jeeps or taxis are available from Majuli ferry points to Kalijai Temple, which is about 10 km away, taking 30–40 minutes.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Jorhat to Kalijai Temple offers flexibility and comfort. You can drive to Nimati Ghat, park your vehicle, and take the ferry to Majuli. Self-drive is ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace.

• The drive from Jorhat to Nimati Ghat is approximately 20 km via NH715, taking about 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

• There are parking facilities near Nimati Ghat, but space can be limited during festivals and weekends, so arrive early.

• After parking, you board a ferry to Majuli Island; ferry timings start early morning and run till evening, but check schedules in advance.

• On Majuli, roads to Kalijai Temple are mostly rural and may be rough; hiring a local taxi or using a two-wheeler is recommended for the last leg.

• Toll plazas are not common on this route, but be prepared for occasional road repairs during monsoon season affecting travel time.

Ferry

The ferry is the only way to reach Majuli Island and Kalijai Temple. It is a scenic and essential part of the journey. Ferries operate regularly but are subject to river conditions and seasonal changes.

• Ferries depart from Nimati Ghat and take about 45 minutes to reach Majuli Island, with ticket prices ranging from ₹20 to ₹50 depending on the boat type.

• During monsoon months (June to September), ferry services may be delayed or canceled due to high water levels and strong currents.

• It is best to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot on the ferry, especially during weekends and holidays when passenger numbers rise sharply.

• On arrival at Majuli, you can hire local transport such as shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, or taxis to reach Kalijai Temple, which is about 10 km away.

• Carry water and snacks for the ferry ride as facilities on board are limited, and the journey can be affected by weather conditions.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers visiting Kalijai Temple from Jorhat. It covers all key steps to ensure a smooth journey.

• Book your train or bus ticket to Jorhat in advance using IRCTC or local bus booking apps to avoid last-minute hassles and secure your preferred travel time.

• From Jorhat railway station or bus stand, hire a prepaid taxi or auto-rickshaw to Nimati Ghat; confirm the fare beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• Purchase your ferry ticket at Nimati Ghat and board the ferry to Majuli Island; check the ferry schedule online or locally to plan your departure.

• Upon reaching Majuli, use local shared taxis or rent a two-wheeler to travel to Kalijai Temple, which is about 10 km away on rural roads.

• Carry light luggage and water, and dress comfortably for the boat ride and temple visit; monsoon travelers should carry rain gear.

• Plan your return trip considering ferry timings and local transport availability to avoid being stranded after sunset.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid or app-based taxis from Jorhat to Nimati Ghat to ensure fair pricing and avoid scams common in tourist areas.

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during your trip to prevent stomach ailments common in riverine regions.

• Book ferry tickets early in the day, especially during festivals like Majuli Raas, to avoid long queues and overcrowding on boats.

• Local transport on Majuli can be irregular; confirm return timings with drivers and keep emergency contacts handy.

• Pack light and waterproof bags as the ferry ride can be wet, and roads on Majuli may be muddy during monsoon.

• Travel insurance is advisable for river journeys due to occasional weather disruptions and ferry cancellations.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kalijai Temple is during the dry months from October to April when river levels are low and ferry services run smoothly. Avoid monsoon months when heavy rains cause delays and slippery roads.

Festival periods like Bihu and Majuli Raas attract many visitors, leading to crowded transport and accommodation. Planning your trip outside these times will ensure a more peaceful experience.

• Avoid traveling during June to September due to monsoon rains causing ferry cancellations and road blockages.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid afternoon heat and secure ferry seats before peak crowds arrive.

• Festivals in April and January increase traffic; book transport and lodging well in advance during these times.

• Winter mornings can be foggy, so allow extra travel time when moving from Jorhat to Nimati Ghat.

Arrival at Kalijai Temple & What to Expect

When you arrive at Majuli Island by ferry, you will find local transport options like shared taxis and auto-rickshaws waiting near the jetty. The roads to Kalijai Temple are mostly unpaved but navigable by these vehicles.

Accommodation options are limited near the temple, so most visitors stay in nearby Majuli villages or in Jorhat town. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola or Uber are not available on Majuli, so plan local transport accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling to Kalijai Temple involves a combination of train or bus travel to Jorhat, followed by a road trip to Nimati Ghat and a ferry ride to Majuli Island. The ferry is the key transport mode and requires careful planning around schedules and weather.

For most travelers, taking a train to Jorhat and then using local taxis and ferries is the most efficient and comfortable way to reach Kalijai Temple. Booking tickets in advance, traveling during the dry season, and preparing for rural road conditions will help you enjoy a smooth and memorable visit to this spiritual destination.