Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is the largest inhabited river island in the world. It was also the first island to be made a district in India. It is formed by the River Brahmaputra in the south and River Subansiri in the north. It is a lesser-known tourist destination in the country with a vibrant landscape and culture.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Majuli
- History & Geography of Majuli
- How to Plan a trip to Majuli
- Places to stay in Majuli Island
Things to Do in Majuli
Here are some things to do in Majuli Island to make your trip unforgettable:
- Explore the Satras and marvel at the architecture and design of the structures made years ago. The peace and serenity of the Satras will cleanse your mind and spirit.
- The island is home to some picturesque villages and hamlets that are home to aboriginals and tribals with rich culture and rituals. Ensure that you take time out to visit these places and create some amazing memories.
- Majuli Island offers one of the most beautiful sunsets in the East with the Brahmaputra cradling the golden-orange ball of fire with boatmen rowing their way back home in the foreground.
- The island is also popular for its mask makers who specialize in making masks for gods and deities. You can witness this art at the Samaguri Satra.
- Hire a country-made boat and take a sunset ride on the Brahmaputra.
- Savor the tribal food and locally-made rice beer.
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Places to Visit in Majuli
Here is a quick look at the places to see in the island:
- Kamalabari Satra – Founded by Bedulapadma Ata, this is one of the most famous Satras in the island. The Kamalabari Satra Majuli has been the center for classical studies, literature, art and culture for many years.
- Dakhinpat Satra – Established in 1584 by Vamshigopal – the disciple of Sri Vanamalidev, the Dakhinpat Satra Majuli offers a clear insight into the art and culture of Majuli. Beautiful paintings and sculptures, religious motifs, animal and flower forms, and preserved manuscripts and relics are the hallmarks of this Satra. The Raas Festival is celebrated with a lot of fanfare and is a must-see.
- Garmur Satra – This historic Satra was established in 1656 by Jayaharideva and is considered to be one of the Royal Satras of the island. The Garmur Satra houses numerous articles and artifacts that can offer you deeper insight into the beliefs and traditions of locals. During the Raas Festival, both men and women take part in the celebrations which is against the rules of the other Satras.
- Auniati Satra – The Ahom Ruler Sultanla established this Satra in 1653 AD. The Auniati Satra has an idol of Lord Krishna that is believed to have been brought from Jagannath Puri. This Satra is considered to be the epicenter of Satriaya and Vaishnavism culture in Assam and is one of the most famous places to visit.
- Tengapania – Located at the banks of the River Brahmaputra, Tengapania is a mesmerizing site. It houses a golden temple structure and is a great representation of the Ahom style of architecture.
Popular Places to visit near Majuli
Here are some places to visit nearby:
- Kaziranga National Park – Located at a distance of around 183 km via NH 715, the Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a wide range of flora and fauna. It is particularly famous for its one-horned Rhinocerous.
- Dibrugarh – Located at a distance of around 145 km via NH 15, Dibrugarh is known as the Tea City of India due to the presence of numerous tea gardens that date back to the British Era.
- Nameri National Park – Located at a distance of around 245 km via NH 15, the Nameri National Park is one of the most scenic of all national parks in Assam. It is also the last home to the white-winged wood duck.
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History & Geography of Majuli
The Majuli Island is a unique geographical occurrence and a mid-river deltaic island in Assam. While the island had a total area of around 880 square kilometers at the beginning of the twentieth century, it has shrunk over time and now the area is around 514 square kilometers. The river island was formed due to several changes in courses by the River Brahmaputra and its tributaries. There are many islets around the island called Chaporis.
History
Majuli is a pilgrimage island of Assam where Vaishnavism is believed to have prospered since the fifteenth century. It is home to numerous Satras or Vaishnavite institutions. Originally, the island was a narrow strip of land called Majoli which had the Brahmaputra on one side and Burhidihing on the other. However, a major flood during the 1750s led to the formation of Majuli Island. It is one of the leading centers of Vaishnavism around the world. According to records, the sixteenth-century social reformer Srimanta Sankardeva visited this island and established monasteries and Satras on it.
How to Plan a Trip to Majuli Island
How to Reach Majuli Island from Assam
Majuli Island is located at the heart of Assam and is accessible from all corners of the state. You can book a cab from anywhere in Assam to Majuli and reach there in no time. Here are some ways to reach Majuli from Assam:
- By Train – There is no railway station on the island. The nearest railway station is at Jorhat which is well connected to most parts of Assam. From Jorhat, you can take a ferry to reach the island.
- By Road – Being an island, there is no direct road to Majuli Island. If you are driving your own car or have hired an Assam to Majuli taxi, then you can take the vehicle with you on the ferry. You can get the ferry from Jorhat.
- By Flight – Majuli does not have an airport either. The nearest airport is the Rowriah Airport at Jorhat. You can take a flight from anywhere in Assam to reach Jorhat, book a cab in Jorhat and then take a ferry to Majuli.
Use Savaari car rental app to avail exclusive app only discounts on Guwahati to Majuli cabs.
How to Reach Majuli from Jorhat
Jorhat is the nearest city that has a well-connected railway network and airport. Also, the ferry to Majuli leaves from Neemati Ghat in Jorhat. Here are some ways to reach the island from Jorhat.
- By Train – There is no railway station in Majuli. You need to take a ferry from Jorhat to reach the island.
- By Road – Bring an island, there is no direct road to Majuli Island. If you are driving your own car or have hired a Majuli taxi, then you can take the vehicle with you on the ferry. You can get the ferry from Jorhat.
- By Flight – Majuli does not have an airport either. The ferry is the only way to travel from Jorhat to the island.
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Best Time to Visit Majuli Island
The best time to visit the island is during the Raas Festival of Lord Krishna in November. Majuli weather is perfect during the winter season (October to February) with temperatures dropping to around 15 degrees Celsius. Summers (March to June) are very hot and humid with temperatures crossing 30 degrees Celsius. Monsoon can also be a good time to visit the island as the atmosphere is fresh and weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging around 20 degrees Celsius.
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Places to Stay in Majuli
Here are some places to stay in the island:
- Dekasang Resort, Sitadar Chuk
- Circuit House (Government Guest House), Garamur
- Ayang Okum River Bank Bamboo Cottage, Sitadar Chuk
- Jonki Panoi Bamboo Cottages, Kamalabari
- La Maison de Ananda, Natun Kulamora Chapori N.C.
- Okegiga Homes, Garamur
- River View Bamboo Cottage, Kharjanpar
Last Updated on November 2, 2022 by blogadmin
