Majuli Island - The First Riverine Island District of India 

Majuli Island Travel Guide

Majuli Island, the world's largest river island, is a stunning and culturally rich destination located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. Spanning 352 square kilometers, this island is a haven of natural beauty and tranquility.

The island is home to two towns, Garamur and Kamalabari, and numerous small villages where life remains traditional. People live in bamboo huts, make things by hand, and cook on open fires, offering a glimpse into an archaic way of life. The landscape is marked by lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and serene surroundings.

Majuli Island holds significant cultural importance, having been a major center of neo-Vaishnavite culture since the 16th century. This is largely due to the influence of the Assamese Saint Srimanta Sankardeva, who established many monasteries, known as Satras, on the island. These Satras, including Dakhinpat Satra, Kamalabari Satra, and Garamurh Satra, are key attractions for visitors, preserving traditional art, music, dance, and theater.

The island is also an excellent spot for bird watching, with both domestic and migratory birds such as storks, kingfishers, egrets, purple moorhens, and white-breasted waterhens commonly seen. Additionally, the endangered Gangetic dolphin can be found in the waters surrounding Majuli.

Despite its beauty, Majuli faces significant challenges due to erosion caused by the Brahmaputra River's floods. Efforts are ongoing to protect the island through measures like building embankments, planting vegetation, and relocating vulnerable communities.

Majuli's festivals, like Raas Purnima, Paal Naam, and Bathow Puja, are vibrant and colorful, attracting tourists from across the country. These celebrations, along with the island's peaceful environment and the warm hospitality of its people, make Majuli a must-visit destination.

In summary, Majuli Island is a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. It offers a serene escape from modern life while showcasing the rich traditions and ecological diversity of Assam. Despite the ongoing threat of erosion, efforts to preserve Majuli's culture and environment continue, making it a cherished and inspiring destination.

How to Reach Majuli Island

The easiest way to reach Majuli Island is from Jorhat. From Nimihat Ghat in Jorhat, take a ferry ride to the island. The ferry ride takes about an hour. The most popular landing point on Majuli is Kamlabari Ghat, from where share cabs and buses can take you further into the island.

Majuli Island is well connected to Jorhat and Lakhimpur districts in Assam. Here's how you can get there:

By Ferry

To reach Majuli Island, you need to take a ferry from Jorhat town. The nearest port is Nimatighat, located in the Jorhat district. The ferry ride takes about an hour. Ferries operate from 7 am to 3:30 pm. Jorhat also has the nearest road connections to Majuli, with ASTC buses available daily. There are also day and night deluxe buses from Guwahati to Jorhat, taking around seven hours.

By Road

You can reach Majuli from Lakhimpur district by road through Dhakuakhana.

By Train

Majuli Island does not have a railway station. To reach Majuli by train, take a train from Guwahati to Jorhat, the nearest railhead. From Jorhat, buses and taxis can take you to Nimatighat, where you can catch a ferry to Majuli.

By Air

There are frequent flights to Jorhat from Guwahati and other parts of the country, especially from the eastern region. There are also four flights a week from Kolkata to Jorhat. From Jorhat, you can take a bus or taxi to Nimatighat for the ferry to Majuli. Another option is to fly to Lilabari Airport in North Lakhimpur and reach Majuli via Dhakuakhana.

Why Visit Majuli Island?

• Experience Vaishnava Satras: Visit the historic Vaishnava Satras established by Sankardeva.
• Celebrate Raas Mahotsav: Participate in the vibrant Raas Mahotsav festival.
• Festivals: Enjoy the Paal Naam and Ali-Aye-Ligang festivals.
• Explore Tribal Culture: Immerse yourself in the colorful culture of the local tribes.
• Attend Folgu Utsav and Porag Utsav: Witness the lively Folgu Utsav and Porag Utsav celebrations.
• Discover Traditional Arts: Explore the unique mask-making and pottery-making traditions of Majuli Island.

Top Things to Do on Majuli Island

Village Tour

Majuli Island is home to farming and tribal communities. A village tour allows visitors to experience the island's culture and traditions firsthand. Visitors can observe villagers practicing handloom weaving, a craft the region is known for.

Pilgrimage and Culture Tour

Majuli Island has 22 Satras that showcase Assamese culture and traditions. Visitors can explore these Vaishnavite centers where plays, prayers, and educational activities take place. One notable Satra is Chamaguri, where traditional masks from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are made.

Bird Watching

Majuli Island is a haven for bird watchers, especially in winter. The island hosts many local and migratory birds, including storks, pelicans, whistling teals, Siberian cranes, ducks, and wild geese.

Accommodation Options

Majuli Island has limited luxury accommodations. However, there are comfortable cottages, guest houses, and homestays that offer excellent hospitality. In Kamalabari, there are a few lodges and hotels providing a pleasant stay.

Weather on Majuli Island

Majuli Island has a sub-tropical monsoon climate, similar to the rest of Assam and the northeastern regions of India and Nepal. Here’s an overview of the weather throughout the year:

Summer

The summer season in Majuli Island lasts from March to July. It is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 34°C. Due to the intense heat and humidity, this is not the most popular time for tourists to visit.

Monsoon

Monsoon season on Majuli Island starts in July and continues through August, followed by a post-monsoon period. The island receives about 215 cm of rainfall annually, transforming it into a lush, green landscape.

Winter

Winter on Majuli Island runs from November to February. The temperatures during this season range from 7°C to 18°C, making it cool and pleasant. This is the best time to visit Majuli Island. Many cultural activities, festivals, and fairs take place during this season, offering visitors a rich cultural experience.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Majuli Island is during the winter season, from November to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Avoid visiting during the monsoon due to flooding and during the hot summer months.

Top Tourist Attractions to Visit on Majuli Island

Majuli Island offers many fascinating places for travelers to explore. Here are some top attractions:

Kamlabari Satra

Kamlabari Satra is a historic center of art, culture, and literature. Its beautiful architecture includes intricate designs on the walls and ceilings, with images of various deities that reflect Assam's rich culture. History enthusiasts and visitors can learn about Assam’s past here.

Dakhinpat Satra

Dakhinpat Satra, established in 1584 by Vamsi Gopal, is another must-visit site on Majuli Island. Known for its stunning architecture, this place features impressive paintings and sculptures. It is famous for celebrating the Rasotsava festival and offers a glimpse into Assam's cultural heritage.

Auniati Satra

Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, Auniati Satra houses a rich collection of Assamese artifacts, jewelry, and utensils. The architecture includes lion statues at the entrance. This Satra is a key center of Vaishnavism and Satriya culture, with regular performances of traditional dances and songs.

Tengapania

Tengapania, resembling a golden temple, showcases Ahom architecture with its statues and pointed pillars. Located near the Brahmaputra River, it's a great spot to enjoy nature and picnics surrounded by lush greenery.

Garmur

Garmur is a significant religious site for the Vaishnavite tradition. It features intricate pillars and houses artifacts and literature related to Vaishnavism. It’s a great place to learn about Assamese culture.

Natural Tourism on Majuli Island

Majuli Island, a wetland paradise, is a hotspot for flora and fauna. It is home to many rare and endangered bird species, including migratory birds that arrive in the winter. Notable birds found here include the greater adjutant stork, pelican, Siberian crane, and whistling teal. After dark, wild geese and ducks can be seen flying in flocks to distant destinations.

Majuli Island is almost pollution-free, thanks to the absence of polluting industries and factories, as well as the frequent rainfall. This pristine environment makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Ecology of Majuli Island

Majuli Island is a rich ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna. It is a haven for many rare and endangered bird species, including migratory birds that visit during the winter season. Notable birds seen on Majuli Island include the greater adjutant stork, pelican, Siberian crane, and whistling teal. At night, flocks of wild geese and ducks fly to distant destinations. The island remains almost pollution-free due to the absence of polluting industries and factories, along with frequent rainfall.

Threats to Majuli Island

Soil Erosion

Majuli Island faces significant threats from extensive soil erosion along its banks. The construction of large embankments in neighboring towns upriver to prevent erosion during the monsoon season has inadvertently increased erosion on Majuli Island. The forceful flow of the Brahmaputra River exacerbates the problem, eroding large portions of the island.

• In 1853, Majuli's total area was 1,150 km². Over 33% of this land has been eroded since the latter half of the 20th century.
• Since 1991, over 35 villages have been washed away.
• Surveys predict that in 15-20 years, Majuli could cease to exist.

Climate Change and Livelihood

The combined effects of soil erosion and changing climatic conditions pose severe challenges to agriculture and the livelihood of Majuli's inhabitants. The Brahmaputra River has consumed half of the island over the past six decades, threatening its existence and the sustainability of its communities.

Important FAQs about Majuli Island

Where is Majuli Island Located?

Majuli Island is a large river island in Assam, which was declared a separate district in 2016. It is located 342 km from Guwahati, 138 km from Dibrugarh, 151 km from Kaziranga, and 42 km from Jorhat.

How Can I Reach Majuli Island?

By Train: The nearest railway station to Majuli Island is in Jorhat. From Guwahati, you can take three trains to reach Jorhat:

• Jan Shatabdi Express (leaves at 6:10 AM, except Sundays, takes 7 hours)
• BG Express (leaves at 2:30 PM, takes 8-9 hours)
• Nagaland Express (leaves at 8:45 PM, takes 8-9 hours)

From Dibrugarh, you can take the Nagaland Express, which departs at 2:30 PM and takes less than 4 hours to reach Jorhat.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Jorhat. However, flight schedules can be irregular. It might be better to fly into Guwahati or Dibrugarh, both of which have multiple daily flights from Kolkata. From Jorhat, take a bus or taxi to Nimatighat for the ferry to Majuli.

By Road: Buses to Jorhat leave from Khanapara Bus Stand in Guwahati. Buses are also available from Dibrugarh to Jorhat.

How to Avail Ferry Services to Majuli Island?

From Jorhat, take a ferry from Nimatighat to reach Majuli Island. It takes 45 minutes to get from Jorhat town to Nimatighat. The ferry ride to Majuli takes about an hour. Ferries operate hourly from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Book tickets online from the Assam Inland Water Transport website or buy them at the ferry ghat. Tickets cost INR 30 per person. Vehicles like bikes and cars can also be transported for an additional charge.

The island has two main ghats: Kamalabari and Aphalamukh. It’s best to book tickets to Kamalabari, which is closer to the main attractions.

On arrival at Kamalabari Ghat, shared autos and jeeps are available. Private hires, like a Sumo car, cost around INR 300 to reach Garamur area.

Ferries from Kamalabari to Nimatighat start at 7 AM, with the last one at 3 PM. From Aphalamukh, the first ferry leaves at 7:30 AM, and the last one at 3:30 PM. The return journey takes 1.5 hours due to upstream travel.

What is the Best Time to Visit Majuli Island?

The best time to visit Majuli Island is from November to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season due to flooding and the hot summer months. For experiencing Raas Utsav, visit in the last week of November during Raas Purnima.

Where Can I Stay on Majuli Island?

Accommodation options on Majuli Island include:

• Prashanti Eco Tourism Resort at Kamalabari (Assam Government’s cottages)
• Homestays at Garamur, such as La Maison de Ananda and Risong Family Guest House (traditional Mising-style homes)
• Other options: Okegiga Homes, Dekasang Majuli, Ygdrasill Bamboo Cottage, Ayang Okum River Bank Bamboo Cottage, and River Wind Cottage

It’s recommended to contact homestays directly for rooms and prices as online rates may be exaggerated.

How Can I Travel Around Majuli Island?

Bike/Scooty: Renting a bike or scooty is the best way to explore Majuli Island, costing around INR 500 per day.

Cycling: Another option, though less practical due to distances between attractions. Cycles cost around INR 100 per day.

Car Hire: Cars can also be rented for convenience.

Where Can I Eat on Majuli Island?

For Mising food, try Rishong Family Kitchen. For Assamese cuisine, visit Pulu Restaurant and Joha Restaurant near Kamalabari.

What to Pack for Majuli Island?

Pack modest clothing suitable for the traditional environment of Majuli Island. Avoid shorts and mini skirts. When visiting Satras, wear clothes that cover shoulders, abs, and legs. Bring waterproof shoes, an umbrella, and a hat.