Majuli, the largest river island in the world, had been on my bucket list for Outdoers for a long time. My exploratory visit to Majuli was completely unplanned! The actual plan was to explore interesting unexplored destinations in Arunachal, but since the weather wasn’t cooperating there, I decided to make a trip to Kaziranga and Majuli, where the weather forecast was much better.
Getting to the island itself was an exciting adventure. As of February 2025, there’s no bridge from the south side, so one has to take a ferry from Nimati Ghat (about 25 km from Jorhat). The ferry carries not only passengers but also vehicles—both two-wheelers and four or five four-wheelers! The passenger deck itself wasn’t anything to write home about. For company, there was a boatload of people (pun intended!) whose pastime seemed to be chewing paan and periodically disgorging the remnants into the holy Brahmaputra! Nevertheless, it was an interesting 45-minute ride to Majuli.
The moment you land in Majuli, you feel like you have been transported to a different era! Miles and miles of flat land, adorned with verdant forests, paddy fields, quaint villages with traditional homes, and numerous streams, are more than your eyes can take in. Majuli, which happens to be the only island-district in India, is famous for a couple of things. First, the monasteries called satras, which propagate the neo-Vaishnavite traditions founded by Sankaradeva, who is considered the father of Assamese culture. These monasteries are not just safe havens for monks but are also centers of traditional performing arts and crafts. Second, the unique culture of the ‘river people’ – the Mising tribe, who are believed to have migrated from China.
So, what does one do while in Majuli? Well, for one, you can simply rent a bicycle or a scooter and criss-cross the island, stopping occasionally to admire the landscape, wildlife, and the satras, or to have a chat with the friendly Mising folk. If you are lucky, your visit may coincide with one of the many Mising festivals. The Misings are extremely friendly people and will welcome you to participate in their festivals – you will surely be invited to join in their lively dances, enjoy a meal, and sample some rice beer.
The other thing that you can do is satra-hopping. There are twenty-plus satras on the island and it’s definitely worthwhile visiting a few important ones – Auniati satra, the largest one, Samaguri satra which is famous for mask making, Dakhinapat and Kamalabari satras which are famous for performing arts.
Majuli is also famous for its birdlife, especially water birds. 300+ species of birds, including migratory ones have been recorded on the island. Some of the best places for birding are Soraichung, Dakhinapat and some of the wetlands that dot the island.
In conclusion, Majuli is a place that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and unique experiences. Whether you are cycling through its serene landscapes, immersing yourself in the vibrant Mising festivals, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings, Majuli leaves an indelible mark on anyone who visits. With its fascinating history, diverse wildlife, and warm-hearted people, the island is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Majuli truly is a hidden gem, waiting to be explored and cherished.
Reach out to us for customized guided tours to Majuli. As always, we will design a suitable exciting itinerary based on the number of days you have and your specific interests.