Majuli Island: A Travel Guide to the World's Largest River Island

There are numerous facts about the wonders of India’s northeastern states that we have all heard. Our imaginations are dreamed up a fantasy wonderland when we learn about their lush valleys, vivid meadows, rich forests, and hazy mountains. Majuli Island, which claims to be the largest river island in the world, is a magnificent treasure trove of the Indian state of Assam.

This beautiful island, which is home to an enormous variety of flora and fauna, is located close to the confluence of the massive Brahmaputra River. It has become one of the top destinations that any keen explorer wants to check off of their bucket list after capturing their attention. Learn more about Majuli Island and why travellers from all over the world rush to see it there.

The Location Of Majuli Island

The Brahmaputra River’s Majuli River Island is located there, and the entire island constitutes a district of the Assam state. Since 2004, it has been a leading candidate for a spot in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites because of its position as the largest river island in the world.

The 880 square km landmark is conveniently accessible by ferry from Jorhat, which is 20 km from the mainland. There are settlements by Misings, Sonowal Kacharis, Deoris, and other ethnic groups. Because of this mixture of communities, the island is well-known and incredibly vibrant due to its distinctive exhibition of cultures.

Top Majuli Island Attractions For Tourists

Travellers can visit a variety of tourist attractions on Majuli Island. These appealing attractions are a great way to spend a wonderful time on this island.

1. Garmur

It is one of the most sacred places in the Vaishnavite religion, which originates here. This location has literary works, artefacts, and several other items of religious and cultural significance to Vaishnavites.

Visitors to Garmur should do so if they want to understand more about the customs and ways of the neo-Vaishnavites. It also provides a calm setting for achieving inner satisfaction and genuine tranquilly.

2. Kamalabari Satra

The Vaishnavite is closely entwined with cultural practises and movements. Majuli’s intellectual, cultural, musical, and spiritual development centre is the Kamalabari Satra.

In addition, it contains numerous precious manuscripts and priceless works of art associated with the Vaishnavite culture.

3. Dakshinapat Satra

One of Majuli’s many majestic monuments, this Satra is renowned for its lavish celebrations of the regional Vaishnavite festival, the Rasotsava. Chanting the name of the lord is accompanied by singing and dancing.

The Ahom Dynasty emperors were patrons of this Satra. It is where Raasleela is organised on a lucky full moon day in November. All of Assam’s religious and cultural legacy is primarily housed in this Satra.

4. Auniati Satra

Who doesn’t enjoy admiring a distinctive collection of antiques, utensils, and jewellery, especially when it represents a long-standing Assamese tradition? Niranjan Pathakdeva created this Satra.

Over time, it developed into one of the most priceless treasures of the ancient Apsara and Paalnaam dance forms. Many people consider Satra’s stunning and elaborate yellow entryway to be an architectural marvel.

5. Tengapania

Tengapania, Assam’s Golden Temple, is located along the Brahmaputra River. Beautiful statues and pillars may be found around the temple’s grounds. In all its splendour, the Brahmaputra River may be seen from the temple in breathtaking views.

6. Benegenaati Satra

This Satra was founded by Murarideva, who is also the grandson of Sankaradeva’s stepmother. A golden umbrella and a royal regiment are both preserved in this Satra. Swargadeo Godadhar Singh, the Ahom King, was the owner of the golden regiment. This Satra is well known for its sophisticated cultural customs.

Best Activities To Do On Majuli Island

There are other things one can partake in for an outstanding vacation experience on Majuli Island in addition to the tourist attractions already listed.

1. Village Tour

Farming and indigenous communities make up the whole population of Majuli Island. Taking a village tour lets, you enjoy Majuli Island’s lovely culture and traditions. Down a roadside, one could expect to see locals doing the famed traditional technique of hand weaving.

2. Tour of Religion and Culture

22 Satras in all, which are exquisite representations of Assamese culture and traditions, may be found on the island. You can explore a number of them, if not all. Satras are places of worship for Vaishnavites where plays are performed, prayers are said, and instruction is delivered.

The 17th century is when some of Majuli Island’s earliest satras were built. In Majuli Island, Chamaguir is one of the most notable Satras you may visit. In this location, you may observe individuals create ancient masks based on Ramayana and Mahabharata figures.

3. River Activities

There are many opportunities to enjoy river life thanks to the great Brahmaputra. Downstream travel on the Brahmaputra is possible with a rented boat.

Thanks to the lovely air blowing in from the northern Himalayas, you will feel at ease. Who wouldn’t want to take a boat excursion with loved ones in such a setting?

4. Bird Watching

Unquestionably, bird watching is a must-do activity on Majuli Island. Both local residents and migrating birds can be spotted on the island during the winter.

Storks, pelicans, whistling teals, and Siberian cranes are among the feathered animals you might observe. Ducks and wild geese are the two types of birds most frequently spotted travelling along marshes and roadways.

Majuli’s People and Culture

The island is home to more than 150,000 people, most of whom are tribal people from various groups, including the Mishing tribe, the Kacharis, the Sonowal, the Ahoms, and the Deoris. The residents of Majuli are hospitable and frequently invite visitors to their houses for purang apin (a special meal of rice covered in special leaves) and a cup of apong (rice beer).

Bamboo structures half metres from the ground are used on this river island as houses. Around 100 distinct varieties of paddy are farmed on this island, making agriculture the primary source of income. Other means of generating cash for them include fishing, dairy farming, ceramics, boat building, manufacturing tribal face masks, and cotton and silk weaving.

With good reason, Majuli Island is referred to as the “Cultural Capital of Assam”. This island boasts a thriving cultural scene with captivating festivals, such as the three-day “Raas Leela” festival that takes place in the middle of November. It’s truly a show since this event uses dance and drama to depict Lord Krishna’s life.

A Few Facts Regarding Majuli Island

The Majuli Island may be a subject you already know a lot about, but these brief facts will keep you interested:

The second-largest river island in the world after Marajo in Brazil is Majuli Island in Assam.
Majuli is a name for the region between two parallel rivers. True enough, the Brahmaputra and its tributaries’ meeting point produced this island.
The island’s size has diminished due to widespread erosion, and experts predict it won’t last much longer. It poses a serious threat to this lovely island.
The island is home to a wide range of breathtaking cultural traditions.
A prominent Hindu saint named Srimanta Sankardeva founded Assamese Neo-Vaishnavite Satras on the island in the 15th century.
Birdwatchers will fall head over heels for this island. The island’s southern area attracts many pleasing vistas and diverse bird species to this region when November arrives.

How To Get There Majuli Island

Only ferries operating from Jorhat’s Neemati Ghat can take passengers to Majuli, which lacks an airport or railhead. Let’s check the route to Jorhat.

By Air:

Jorhat Airport, also known as Rowriah Airport, is situated 7 kilometres to the southwest of the city. It is well-connected to Guwahati and other states in the northeastern region by air. Neemati Ghat is 14 kilometres from the city centre and may be reached from the airport by bus or taxi. From Neemati Ghat, ferries transport passengers to Majuli.

By Rail:

There are no rail lines connecting the island of Majuli. As a result, Jorhat has the closest rail station. Train service from Guwahati to Jorhat is available. They can travel to Neemati Ghat by bus or cab before setting sail for Majuli.

By Road:

Guwahati and nearby cities and towns may be reached by road from Jorhat. Between these locations and Jorhat, long-distance buses run frequently. In order to get to Jorhat and subsequently take a ferry to Majuli, tourists can also use cabs from Guwahati.

Travelling Around Guwahati: In Majuli, you can find no taxis, buses, or cars. Tourists must use bicycles and tiny country boats to explore the island and its surroundings.

Climate And The Ideal Time To Visit

Summer Season (March to June):

Majuli experiences difficult, hot, and humid summers. Tourists are advised against visiting the island in the summer since moving about and sightseeing is made difficult by the heat and perspiration.

Monsoon season (July to September):

The monsoon brings a breath of fresh air after the oppressive heat, but the Brahmaputra floods every year as a result of the constant rain. Due to the difficulty of exploring the island, monsoon is also not recommended as a time to visit Majuli.

Winter Season (October to February):

Majuli experiences a pleasant and warm winter. It offers the ideal environment for appreciating the island’s splendour. The Lord Krishna’s Raas festival, observed here on the full moon day every November, falls during winter and is celebrated with great fanfare.

Where To Stay Majuli Island

Choosing to stay in Majuli in advance is recommended. Depending on your needs, you can pick from various government-run hotels, resorts, homestays, bamboo cottages, and other accommodations in this area. The hotels in this area are not particularly luxurious. Yet, all of these lodging options will only provide you with minimal comforts. Bamboo huts are the best option to maintain that genuine, rural vibe.

The Bottom Line

Take part in traditional village activities for a truly authentic experience. On this river island, activities include farming, paddy-field exploration, weaving and hand-pottery making, fishing, and many others. The inhabitants warmly welcome tourists. Bring handcrafted items, such as pottery and indigenous masks, home as gifts.

Related Articles:

Majuli Island: A Travel Guide to the World’s Largest River Island

The Location Of Majuli Island