Have you never imagined that you are in a place where the land is floating on a huge river, where the air is fresh with the smell of nature, and the pace of life is slow? Welcome to Majuli Island, a complete paradise surrounded by the Brahmaputra River in Assam. This magical island is not only the biggest river island in the world, but a living symbol of Assam with its rich culture, green fields, and monasteries, which are called Satras.
Be it the soulful customs, colourful festivals, or a simple sight of sitting by the river and enjoying the sunset being melted into golden waves, all these can be found in Majuli River Island. This guide is going to reveal all its secrets by answering all your questions to make your trip unforgettable.
Key Information About the Majuli Island
It is better to learn several facts and make your visit to the Majuli Island successful and unforgettable before going. This will enable you to plan more accurately and appreciate the true beauty of the island.
Majuli Island Location: Majuli Island, on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India.
Majuli Island Area: The island spans approximately 880 square kilometres, though in the past it had been over 1,200 square kilometres before erosion occurred.
Altitude: Approximately 85 feet above sea level.
District: It became the first island district in the world in 2016.
Closest Town: Jorhat, which is approximately 20 km distant.
Language Spoken: Assamese, Mishing and a little bit of Hindi and English.
Majuli Island Weather: Hot and humid in summer (25°C -35 °C), cool in winter (10 °C- 20°C), and showers during monsoon.
Best Time to Visit Majuli Island
A question that arises is when to go on a journey to seek the magic of the Majuli Island. The best time to visit Assam and this serene paradise would be during the fall of between October and March, when the climate is favourable with the blue skies and the greenery on the island is lush. The weather at the Majuli Island during these months is cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging between 15 °C and 25 °C, which is ideal for sightseeing, exploration of Satras, and taking pleasure in the scenic landscapes.
Winter (October to March): This is the best time to take walks in nature, ride bikes, as well as to enjoy local festivals such as Raas Leela, which is a good reflection of Assamese culture.
Summer (April- June): Heat is bearable but not humid, hence doing anything at the beginning of the morning or late in the evening is good enough.
Monsoon (July to September): It rains heavily in the island, and some areas are likely to be flooded, hence an unsuitable time of the year to visit.
How to Reach Majuli Island
An adventure in its own way, the process of reaching Majuli Island makes one feel as though he/she entered another world. If you’re wondering, “Majuli Island is situated on which river?” then this is a beautiful island, and it is in the middle of the Brahmaputra River. You cannot reach it by any other way but by a mix of road and ferry. But believe us, the ride is as spectacular as the place!
By Air
Jorhat Airport (Rowriah Airport) is the closest airport to the Majuli Island, located within a distance of 14km. On exiting the airport, you can take a cab, head to the Nimati Ghat, where the ferry to the island departs.
By Train
The closest railway station is the Jorhat Town Railway Station, which is approximately 20 km in distance to the ferry point. Jorhat is linked by regular trains with such cities as Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia. This place is connected with Nimati Ghat by means of an auto/taxi.
By Ferry
At Nimati Ghat, ferries are conducted daily by the government and privately to Majuli Island. The ferry voyage lasts approximately 1 hour and promises spectacular scenes on the Brahmaputra River and its calm environment.
By Road
Jorhat may also be approached by driving or taking a bus from Guwahati (320km) or Dibrugarh (130km). From there, take the ferry at Nimati Ghat.
Places to Visit in Majuli Island
Majuli Island is one of the best places to visit in Assam. Whether you are feeling your way around the ancient monasteries or savouring the serenity of the riverside, there is something enchanted about the island for every single person. These are the best places to see that reflect its soul.
1. Kamalabari Satra
The Kamalabari Satra, which is one of the oldest and most reputable monasteries on the Majuli Island, is a site that is worth visiting due to its profound spiritual and cultural significance. It is a school of classical art form, traditional education and Vaishnavite philosophy, based on Badala Ata. The serene atmosphere and the soft chants bring about a feeling of relaxation that is most likely to remain with you even after you leave.
Famous for: Vaishnavite religious instructions, Sattriya dance and religious art.
Address: Kamalabari, Majuli, Assam.
2. Auniati Satra
The Auniati Satra is a celebrated monastery on the Majuli Island. It was started in 1653. There are numerous ancient artefacts, books and historical objects inside. The monastery has a festival by the name Paal Naam every year, which gathers up numerous individuals across Assam.
Famous for: Historical records, Paal Naam festival.
Address: Auniata, Majuli, Assam.
3. Dakhinpat Satra
Big Raas Leela is a famous festival of Dakhinpat Satra. It was constructed with the help of Ahom kings and reflects the ways of connection of art and faith in Assamese culture. During the Raas festival, the Satra is crowded with music, dancing and coloured decorations.
Famous for: Raas leela festival, and cultural heritage.
Address: Dakhinpat, Majuli, Assam
4. Samaguri Satra
If you like traditional art, you must visit Samaguri Satra. It is the hub of mask-making in Majuli. Artisans make gigantic masks of legendary characters that are worn during Bhaona, or religious dramas. The Satra preserves the ancient Assamese arts and performance.
Famous for: Mask-making, Bhaonas performances.
Address: Samaguri, Majuli, Assam
5. Mishing Villages
The Mishing tribal villages in Majuli Island demonstrate the way the native population resides. They live in stilt houses, hand-weave their cloth in their handlooms, and welcome their guests warmly. It is a walk in the villages that makes one feel like reverting to a simpler and more sustainable era.
Famous for: Bamboo architecture, handloom work, and cultural warmth.
Address: Dispersed throughout the Majuli Island, which is reachable by means of local transport or bicycles.
Things to do in Majuli Island
The Majuli Island is something really special because it is not just a beautiful place, but also it is possible to experience the culture and life of Assam. Going to ancient monasteries or biking across green fields are the best things to do as they will make your trip unforgettable:
1. Visit the Satras (Vaishnavite Monasteries)
The core of Majuli Island itself is the Satras or spiritual monasteries, where the Vaishnavism ideology is still maintained. These monasteries have art and dance, and devotion schools that were founded by the saint Srimanta Sankardev. You can visit Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, and Dakhinpat Satra to view monks dancing in the traditional dances such as Sattriya Nritya and also go to see them make masks for cultural plays.
2. Visit the Mishing Tribal Village
Go on a walk or a bicycle ride to the Mishing tribal villages and be welcomed by the Assamese native culture. The Mishings are peaceful people who weave textiles by hand and also build houses made of bamboo. You will get a taste of their local rice beer and traditional foods prepared with herbs and fish of the river.
3. Observe Mask Making at Samaguri Satra
This is a must-visit for all those who adore art and culture. The mask-making tradition of the Samaguri Satra is known to the world, where the artisans produce elaborate sceneries of masks to be used in Bhaona, a classical drama that is rooted in Hindu mythology. It is interesting to see the mythological characters come to life using clay and bamboo.
4. River Excursion on the Brahmaputra River
The largest river Island in the world will not be complete without taking a boat ride on the great river Brahmaputra. Experience the soft breeze, see migrating birds, and see the golden sunset on the waters. It is among the most serene things to do at the Majuli River Island.
5. Attend the Majuli Raas Festival
To have the colourful feel of Majuli, go there during the Raas Festival in November. It is a spectacular occasion that portrays the life of Lord Krishna in terms of dancing, music and drama. Residents spend months planning it, and the entire island is filled with happiness and zeal, the celebration that is not to be forgotten and not to be missed, the celebration of art and spirituality, making it one of the best things to do in Assam.
Conclusion
Visiting Majuli Island is not only a nice destination to visit, but it is also an enriching experience that goes to the heart. You will never forget its peaceful monasteries, rippling festivals, or its hospitable residents: whatever attracts you, Majuli Island has memories that will always remain with you. Stress-free, cultural, and natural is what you need, then Majuli is the place you have to go. Bring your bags and leave this largest river island in the world to surprise you with its beauty, spiritualism and simplicity!
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