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Majuli, Assam | Largest River Island of the World
Spread over an area of 1250 square kilometers, Majuli is known to be the largest river island in the world and is located on the banks of Brahmaputra River. Once you reach Majuli you will be mesmerized by its beauty and you would love to visit this place over and again.
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Majuli is not only famous for its beautiful landscape but also for cultural celebration. The state of Assam notices a large number of footsteps every year because of its rich culture. When you are on a tour to Majuli, you can also have a look at the exhibitions in the area which also offers Tribal Assamese dishes, Artifacts, Handicrafts and other traditions of Assam.
Overview
North East India is full of amazing places and one such place is Majuli. Apart from the beauty of the place, you could not find a more peaceful place than Majuli in the nearby surroundings. Nature lovers will find this place a real paradise which will encourage you to extend your tour. North East India has a lot of hidden treasures out of which Majuli is also one such place.
The deltaic island of Majuli is a mid water river in Assam. As a matter of fact it is the largest fresh water river in that area. Majuli notices a large number of tourists from India and other foreign nations. There are 4 National Parks located near Majuli where you can see wide variety of animals including rhino, buffalo and elephants. Fish lovers might be amazed to know that you can also see fresh water dolphin at Majuli. Your visit to this magical island will be an experience of lifetime for sure.
People of Majuli
Local inhabitants of Majuli include Mishing, Assamese and Deuri. All of them are really helpful people and charming. There are a total of 23 villages in the area and the only mode of transport is by using ferry service. Life is a bit tough in Majuli but people of Majuli are full of life. Majuli experiences different moods of Brahmaputra river every year but the locals always find a way to fight with the situation.
Festivals of Majuli
Majuli has been the cultural capital of Assam for a long time. Every year Majuli notices a lot of tourists just to experience the festivals. There are a chain of festivals in Majuli each year. You would find people from other parts of North East India who come to take part in the festivals. Bihu is the assamese folk dance and a lot of tourists visit Majuli just to capture Bihu during the festivals. As a matter of fact, Bihu festivals happen thrice in a year in Majuli. There are different Bihu festivals in different months. In April, Rongali Bihu takes place and in January Magh Bihu takes place. In October, the Kati bahu happens in Majuli. Out of all the Bihu festivals, Rongali Bihu is the most colorful of all and is enjoyed by most people.
In these festivals people gather at the namghar and also offer cooked food. This is the unique way they celebrate the festivals. At the time of festivals you could also find different tribes and sub tribes of Assam. This makes it an amazing fusion of various cultures of the Assam State There are a few more festivals like Tea festival, Dehing Patkai festival, Elephant festival, Brahmaputra beach festival and Majuli festivals which are usually arranged by Assam tourism. You can become a part of these festivals to enjoy to the fullest.
Tourist Spots
Majuli has been declared as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. There is a lot in Majuli for the nature lovers including hundreds of migratory birds, various types of flora and fauna, culture, festivals and many other things. The tea gardens, flora, fauna, birds and greenery of this magical place will give you really wonderful feel.
Built in 16th Century, Vaishnava Satra is one the of the main places to visit in Majuli . You can find many other Satras (Monastries) in Majuli like Dakhinpat Satra, Garamurh Satra, Auniati Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Benegenaati Satra & Shamaguri Satra. If you visit these satras during the festivals you will find them extremely colorful. The total population of Majuli Island is about 1.6 lacs including all the tribes.
Garamur Sutra is a unique and a very holy place in Majuli. There is a lot of research work going on by the Archaeologists about Majuli. At Garamar Sutra you will also find some ancient and interesting weapons which are preserved from a long time. You can also visit Auniati Satra to have a look at a wide variety of flowers. Along with the beauty of flowers, you can also enjoy the lovely dance programs held here. However, the best place for cultural programs is Kamalabari Satra. There are many other unexplored places in Majuli which can make your trip unforgettable.
How to Reach
Location
Majuli is located in the Brahmaputra river and is 12 km north of Jorhat, Assam. This beautiful island is located 200 km away from the capital of Assam Guwahati.
How to Reach
By Road : Jorhat is well connected to Guwahati by road. You can get ASTC and private buses which leave early in the morning and evening. The bus ride towards Jorhat at night is fascinating, particularly on a moonlit night. The bus will take about 6½ to 7 hours to reach Jorhat. Nimatighat is only 14 km From Jorhat . You can take a bus or an autorickshaw.
By Train : The nearest railway station is at Jorhat.
By Air : The closest airport to Majuli is also at Jorhat. You can get daily flights to Jorhat from Guwahati, and four flights a week from Kolkata.
The Boat Ride
Whether you are travelling by Air, Train or by Road you will actually have to take a boat ride to reach Majuli. There are regular ferry services to get to Majuli which is operated by Government. You can get ferry service from Nimatighat every morning and afternoon. You can also opt for motorised private boats for a quicker journey.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Majuli is from October to March. If you are visiting Majuli to witness the dance, music and drama performances then this is the best period to visit. There is a week long celebration in Majuli during Janmashtami and Raas Leela. Ali-ai-ligang is also popular.
Where to stay
You can find small hotels in Garmur and Kamalabari. You do not require advance booking as this place is not much crowded with tourists. You can also opt for a stay at Circuit House which is operated by Assam Tourism. Also, most of the satras run guest houses with warm hospitality and strictly vegetarian food.
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