Majuli is a place of unmatched beauty and peace in India. Step back in time where people lived off the land in tight agrarian communities. This is the world’s largest river island, nestled in the middle ofesthe mighty Brahmaputra River. From its sandy banks, Majuli Island is over 420 square kilometres in size, though it is shrinking in size due to erosion. During the monsoon season, the island shrinks to less than half its size. And, if the ecological reports are to be believed, in 20 years this farming community will have given way to the environment completely and cease to exist. So, there is no time to waste if you wish to see this highlight of the North East region. Majuli is currently listed as the world's largest river island in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Among one of the most surreal places in India, Majuli is also a strong contender for a place in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. It is mostly inhabited by Tribals, the culture of Majuli is unique and quite interesting and is one of the key reasons why people love this place so much. It is also called the cultural capital of Assam. The festivals celebrated here are all joyous and vibrant. The main festival in the town of Majuli is called Raas and witnessing it is an interesting spectacle.
Majuli Island is located in the state of Assam. Situated in the Brahmaputra River, it is 20 kilometers from the city of Jorhat and 326 kilometers from Guwahati. Majuli Island is accessible only via a one-hour ferry ride from the tiny town of Nimati Ghat (about 12 kilometers from Jorhat). There are two towns on the island, Kamalabari and Garamur, and many little villages dotted throughout the landscape. Kamalabari is the first town you’ll encounter, about 3 kilometers from the ferry and Garamur just a couple of kilometers further away. Both have basic provisions available.
From Jorhat, you'll need to proceed to the ferry departure point at Nimati Ghat, which is about 20 minutes from the center of town. To get there, it's cheapest (although not the most comfortable!) to take the bus or shared auto rickshaw. Otherwise, be prepared to pay 500-1,200 rupees for a private auto rickshaw or taxi.
Ferries leave Nimati Ghat numerous times a day. According to the most recent timetable, there are hourly departures at 8.30 a.m., 9.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 3.30 p.m. From Kamalabari Ghat on Majuli Island there are return departures at 7 a.m., 7.30 a.m., 8.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 1.30 p.m. and 3 p.m. The frequency is less during the monsoon season and if the weather is bad there won't be any services at all. A ferry ride costs 15 rupees per person, one way, and an additional 700 rupees if you want to take your car. It's a government-operated service, so don't expect anything luxurious (the ferry is just a big wooden boat with benches). A car is advisable as there is limited transport to get around the island, although renting a bicycle is a feasible option once you’re in town
Places to stay on Majuli Island are scarce. La Maison de Ananda (the House of Happiness) has a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from traditional bamboo huts on stilts to air-conditioned rooms in a new concrete block. It's quaint and peaceful. The amenities in the bamboo stilt huts are basic but very comfortable, and hot water is available by bucket 24 hours a day. The huts are priced at around 1,800 rupees per night for up to three people. It is possible to stay at some of the satras, but these are generally meant for pilgrims and the facilities are very basic.
Majuli Island can be visited all year round, weather permitting. The best time to go there is during the winter, between November and March, when water levels have receded and birds have migrated to its shores. During the wet season (from July to September) much of the island disappears under water, but it is still possible to visit, although getting around may be challenging in parts.
Tribal and farming communities inhabit the majority of Majuli Island. Hire a bike and enjoy the picturesque views of rice paddies, small villages and roads lined with bamboo archways. On the roadside watch villagers practicing the ancient craft of hand looming that the region is famous for. You can also purchase the brightly colored textiles at local road stalls. For many Hindus, Majuli Island is a pilgrimage site. Peppered with 22 satras, you can visit each of these on the island or select just a few. A satra is a Vishnu monastery where teachings, plays and prayers are conducted. The satras are centered around a large hall where the activities are held. Some of the oldest satras on Majuli Island were built in the 1600s and are still in use today, albeit a little worse for wear.The largest satras include Uttar Kamalabari (near the town of Kamalabari), Auni Ati (about 5 kilometers from Kamalabari) that is the oldest satra and Garmur. There is also a museum at Auni Ati that you can visit from 9.30 a.m. until 11 a.m., and noon until 4 p.m. (10 rupees Indian or 50 rupees for a foreigner).
Stop by the Chamaguri Satra, a small family satra, and watch them make traditional masks depicting characters from the Ramayana and Mahabharata that are used in the plays performed there.
While the plays and dances are performed at the satras, these are done at specific times for religious purposes and are not generally a daily event nor open for tourists. Majuli Island is also popular for bird watching. The wetlands house migratory birds during winter, with bird watching a popular past time between November and March. Birds that can be seen here include pelicans, storks, Siberian cranes and whistling teals. There are also plenty of wild geese and ducks traversing the roads and wetlands. There are three main areas for bird watching on the island; the southeast, the southwest and the northern tip of the island.
