Majuli Travel Guide

Enchanting paradise Majuli Island Guide

Majuli is a pristine river island loved by everyone for its serenity and tranquillity. Located amidst mighty Brahmaputra river, it is acclaimed as the largest river island in the world. With river Subansiri on the north bank and river Brahmaputra covering most of the areas, Majuli attracts plenty of birds both local & migratory. The green paddy fields and scenic landscape of Majuli definitely make you spellbound. The area of the island is about 421 sq.km., but it is steadily decreasing due to strong erosion of the river Brahmaputra. There are small islands within islands in Majuli and the landmass keeps changing its shape after every summer.

Staying in a bamboo cottage and enjoy the tranquillity of the place and venture the natural surrounding of your cottage is the best way to start your day in Majuli. You can catch sight of various ducks and other birds from your cottage. Majuli also offered a pristine view of setting and the rising sun. In the evening or early morning, you can stroll to the nearest sunset point and bewitch the red hew of the setting sun on the horizon.

Majuli is the home to many ethnic groups having their own culture and tradition. The island is mostly rural and dotted with more than 150 villages with a rich mix of different tribes and communities. Most people of Majuli lives a very simple life based on farming and cultivation. Women generally hand woven their clothes at home. Colourful traditional attire of Mising tribe are must buy in Majuli.

Satras of Majuli

The magical landscape of Majuli is well known and acclaimed for its rich art and culture. If you plan to visit Majuli then don’t miss the opportunity to see the prime satras of the Majuli. Initially, more than 65 satras were established in Majuli but due to erosion and lack of proper maintenance only 44 satras left. Kamalabari satra, Auniati Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Garmur satra, Samaguri satra are best among them. Most of the stars in Majuli are established during 15th - 16th sanctuary by disciples of Saint Sankardeva during Ahom kingdom. The neo vaishnavite monasteries(Satras) preserve and spread unique culture and heritage of Assam and enlighten individuals through spiritual and religious practices. Garmur satra and Auniati Satra have a small museum where antique weapons, utensils, jewellery and other items of cultural significance are preserved.

Majuli is also the home to the world-famous MASK OF MAJULI, it is practised and prepared by a small family in Samaguri satra and Natun Samaguri satra. These masks of various characters from the mythologies are used in stage performances called Bhaona. You can enjoy Bhaona and other dance performance on the satras. Read more about Satras of Majuli island.

Bird watchers paradise Majuli

Majuli attracts numerous migratory birds every year. If you are lucky enough then you can encounter with a vulture or Greater Adjutant in the road near Potiori area in Majuli island. Numerous wetlands of the island are home to many avifaunas like White-backed Vulture, G. Bengalensis, Greater Adjutant-Stork, Leptoptilos Dubius and Lesser Adjutant-Stork, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Common Moorhen etc. Some of the best wetland in Majuli to watch birds are Chakoli Beel, Vereki Beel, Rambolia etc.

Majuli unfolds a variety of interesting traditional handicrafts, pottery, ethnic culture and dance forms, water sports and lots more. Art of unique Pottery making without potter wheel is a unique tradition practised by the villagers of Salmara village located in the right corner of the island.

Rasotsava, a prime festival of Assam, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and passion in Majuli which is the depiction of Lord Krishna's life through dancing and playing. Ras Mahotsav Festival, in celebration of the birth, life and feats of Krishna held in the mid of November every year. Another major festival celebrated here are Bihu, Ali-Ai-Ligang, Kali puja etc. Paal Naam festival another religios festival celebrated by Vaishnavism followers held in the in the month of November.

Best time to visit Majuli

October to April is the best period to visit Majuli. During these months, the internal road communication of Majuli is at its best. However except monsoon season when ferry service is completely closed you can visit Majuli any time of the year.

Most of the tourist visit this island in the mid of November during the time of Ras Mahotsav.

Bamboo cottages in Majuli

Majuli did not have high-end hotels or resorts but you can stay in a comfortable and cosy bamboo cottage for a different experience. The best resort and cottages in Majuli are La Maison de Anand, Ygdrasill Bamboo Cottage, Me Po Okum, Deksang resort, Prasanti cottage, Okegiga home etc. The bamboo cottages range from Rs 1500 - Rs 3500.

You can also stay in a hotel or guest house in various satras in Majuli island. Check here to find the best accommodation for you in Majuli. Check the review of best resort in Majuli at Tripadvisor.

How to reach Majuli

Majuli is connected with Jorhat and Lakhimpur district of Assam. You need to board a Ferry to reach Majuli island from Jorhat town. Nimatighat is the nearest port situated in Jorhat district, it takes 1.30 hrs to reach Majuli from Nimatighat. Ferry service is also available from Nimiti ghat to Afala mukh Ghat and kamalabari ghat in Majuli island.

Ro-Ro vessel ferry service is the best and convenient option to and fro from Majuli island to Jorhat. It can transfer 25 small vehicles and more than 100 passengers at a time. Find more details about how to reach majuli island.

Ferry service timings

Ro-Ro ferry service starts from Nimati ghat at 8:30 am and return from Majuli at 3:30 pm. Other ferry services are available from 8 am to 3:30 pm to reach Majuli and vice versa.

The nearest airport of Majuli island is located at Jorhat. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Nimatighat from the airport.
Another two major airports near Majuli are Guwahati(370km) and Dibrugarh(180km). You can hire a private car or board a bus for Jorhat town from both the airport. Another convenient way to reach Majuli is team up with Kaziranga National Park. it is only 155km ( 3.5 hrs) away from Kaziranga including 1/1.5 hrs ferry ride.

If you want to book a tour in Majuli island check our Majuli tour from Guwahati.