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Majuli Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Blog

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Ferries going to Majuli
This Majuli Travel Guide is designed for free-spirited travellers, and budget backpackers although everyone can use the information presented here. I have been to Majuli twice and I have noticed a vast improvement in terms of tourism infrastructure in a small span of three years. So, I think tourism is truly blooming in Majuli and it is also helping it come out of its older image of a flood-prone and remote region.

Majuli Travel Guide

Where or what exactly is Majuli? Understanding the Island.

Rote Map for Tourists in Majuli
Route Map for Tourists in Majuli
For the uninitiated, it is a river island on the Brahmaputra in Assam. As you can see from the map above, it can be reached from Jorhat on the southern bank and most major attractions are on the southern side. Actually, the name itself is actually a generic term that means the land between two rivers.
It is one of the largest in the world as per the records. However, it used to be even larger but incessant erosion caused by the mighty river has made it shrink gradually and lose two-third of its original area. The erosion still continues and the current area stands at around 352 square kms. But still, it remains big enough to house several small villages within it and it has been declared as a district on its own, making it the first island district of India. The Majuli Island is formed by the Brahmaputra river and its anabranch called Kherkutia Xuti, joined by the Subansiri River in the north.
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Simple joys of Majuli

 

There are many villages within Majuli Island. Some of the main areas such as Kamalabari and Garmur now look like towns. But they are pretty small and the “urban” feel disappears even if you walk for five minutes through them. The rest of it is just the villages surrounded by farmlands. The banks of the river are vast, white expanses that almost feel like beaches on the seashore.
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Sandy river banks have their own delight

Why should I visit Majuli?

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Garuda at Auniati Satra
There are many reasons to visit Majuli. To put it systematically,
  1. Reaching the Majuli itself is an adventure. You need to cross the river on a boat and due to its location, it has seen very limited urbanization. Thus making it a secluded, rustic, and peaceful entity far away from other towns and cities in the state.
  2. It is practically the cultural center of Assam. One of the primary centers of the neo-Vaishnavite culture that have been dominating the sociocultural life of most parts of Assam over the last 500 years.
  3. It is home to important ethnic groups like Misings and Deoris and their lifestyle, art, culture, cuisine, and festivals can also be explored here.
  4. It is also a good spot for nature lovers, especially bird watchers. I did not come across any dedicated bird-watching spot but many local water birds and some migratory birds were easily visible in the open fields and water bodies all over Majuli.

How to reach Majuli?

As mentioned, you do need to cross on a ferry. The most common path here is to reach the city of Jorhat, which is around 300 KMs from Guwahati and can be reached by an overnight bus or train. From the station, find an auto-rickshaw or other such cheap shared transport to Nimatighat (Nimati Ghat or Neemati Ghat). It is a river port from where the ferries or motorboats operate. From there it should take you around an hour to reach Majuli. There are multiple ports on the banks of Majuli but most probably you will end up in Kamalabari Ghat. Shared cars and a bus or two will be waiting there to take you to the interiors of the island. You can either sit inside or stand on the roof of the boat. The latter option is the best for getting good 360-degree views as you move along.

The Alternative route to reach Majuli from North Bank?

Yes, there is another route on the northern side connecting it to Lakhimpur and nearby areas of Northern Assam. It is so obscure that you are unlikely to find the proper route on any online map. But don’t get intimidated by the distance shown on google maps. It is actually much shorter. Just ask the locals. I wanted to try it while coming back but I wanted to visit Sivasagar in the south so I had to return using the conventional path.

But how can I take my bike or car to Majuli?

Don’t worry. Those boats are big ones and can also transport personal vehicles. You will, of course, have to pay extra for transporting the vehicle but your job will be done. This photograph taken from the roof of the boat should put your doubts to rest.

What are the prices of the ferry for reaching Majuli from Nimatighat?

A human being has to pay INR 15 ( less than $ .25) for a one-way trip on such boats. The rate list is fixed by the authorities and is displayed publicly. There are different rates for different things. Transporting two-wheelers is not that expensive. But four-wheelers can cost you around INR 700 or more. There are different rates for cows, horses, pigs, goats, chicken and ducks etc. in case you need to take them for reasons beyond my imagination. There is a rate for Elephants too but I never saw anyone doing it and I don’t think I will ever take a boat crossing a powerful river with an elephant on board.
For more details check this pic. Check the full-size image if you find it hard to read.
Majuli Ferry Toll Rate

What is the best season to visit Majuli?

Flood is a yearly event in Assam. The Brahmaputra and its various tributaries inundate most parts of the state during the rainy season. As Majuli is located in the middle of the river, it invariably gets flooded every year. This is why many traditional houses here are built at an elevation as you can see from the picture below. So, the monsoon season is a strict no no for tourists unless you are the really extreme type who wants to get into trouble. ย Also, I feel the heat will be too much during the summer unless it rains. So, the best option is to visit it in the winter, from November to early March.

What is the history of Majuli?

This land has been there since the ancient times but the nature of the geography has changed over centuries, as the Brahmaputra and its tributaries changed course. Nevertheless, it has been an inhabited land since the ancient times and it became what it is today in the 16th century with the arrival of Sankardevย who founded the neo-vaishnavite movement that was contemporary to the other Bhakti movements that took place all over India in the middle ages.

What are Satras?

So, Satras are the institutional centers of the aforementioned religious sect. The word is actually pronounced as “Xatra”. It can’t actually be written in this script. Ask a local how to pronounce it. They not only work as religious sites but also as cultural centers that have a huge influence on the social lives of the local people. Classical dance forms (Check this link:ย Sattriya), drama (Check this link: Bhaona), and music have also been developed through these institutions over five centuries. So, there are Satras in other places of Assam too but Majuli has a huge concentration of Satras and is the best place to visit them and learn about various aspects of their theology, culture, and arts. There are dozens of them in Majuli. Most famous ones include Garamur, Auniati, Kamalabari, Chamaguri, Dakhinpat, Bengena-ati etc. Chamaguri, as mentioned before, is the center of mask-making. Garamur has a museum showcasing items from the medieval era. Similarly, each of them have their own unique features.
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Dakhinpat Satra

How to commute within Majuli?

There are local transports, buses, and shared cars. I have even seen an electric rickshaw. But the best bet for me is the bicycle. The people from your hotel, or any local you make friends with, should be able to provide you one for INR 150 a day. Get that, follow the map, and go wherever you want. This was my best cycling experience after Hampi, and that happened more than 5 years ago!

 

Where to Rent Bicycles in Majuli?

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Many homestays and resorts may have their own cycles. Otherwise, just look for Majuli Cycle Cafe near Garamur or Chitra Partha Cycle Store, around 100 meters ahead of the cafe.ย  Both charge INR 150 per day and you need to deposit your ID that you can take back after returning the cycle.

Which tribes live in Majuli?

Majuli is home to various tribes. Most of them also are under the influence of the satras. While many tribes live here, Mishings are the predominant ones in Majuli while another major community is the Deoris.

Where to stay in Majuli? What are the accommodation options in Majuli?

Majuli has many different types of accommodation options. Recently, with increasing tourism, some new homestays, resorts, and hotels in Majuli have come up. They have aesthetically built bamboo cottages and an overall ethnic feel. I have not stayed in them but from what I have heard, cottages generally cost INR 1000 or more but solo backpackers can find something in 400-500 range.
On the other hand, there are a few old school lodges and hotels in the main town area of Kamalabari (this where you are likely to reach first from the port). I did end up in staying one of them but I don’t recommend them to anyone. They are generally terrible, relics from a not so glorious era that no one should revisit.
Finally, you can also stay on one of the Satras. While it may not be possible in all of them, but most of the major Satras have accommodation for devotees and other visitors at reasonable rates. This is also a great way to witness the practices and culture of the Satras and have interaction with the monks. Similarly, at Chamaguri Satra, one of the smaller Satras, people from all over the world come to learn the art of mask-making. You can read my post Masks of Majuli for more details regarding this.

Do you have any suggestions for Majuli hotels, homestays or resorts?

Majuli has various stay options nowadays. Let us have a look at them.

Assam Tourism Facilities

More conservative groups can go for Assam Tourism run Prashanti Cottages near Kamalabari. It is probably a bit more expensive than other options.

Satra Guesthouses

Also, most major Satras like Garamur, Auniati, etc have guesthouses where you can stay at minimal rates. However, since these are religious spots, you need to maintain decorum. Spiritually minded people will enjoy this option.

Bamboo Hut Homestays & Resorts

Typical bamboo resorts for tourists in Majuli
Typical bamboo resorts for tourists in Majuli

The most popular form of stay in Majuli are the homestays and resorts, most of them follow the traditional bamboo design of Mishing homes. The rates can be anything between 500-2500 and most of them have different facilities for different budgets. They have exotic names like La Maison de Ananda, OKgiga Homes, Me: Po Okum, Lohit Riverview Cottage, La Lolat Camp, Ygdrasill Bamboo Cottage etc, and the bulk of them are located in the villages around Garamur. If you search online you’ll easily find contact details. Some interior villages may have cheaper options but you will only find them if you roam around on your own.

Camping & Pitching Your own Tents

Many of these resorts also have tents for low-budget travellers and you can also pitch your own tent at a nominal amount.

Eating out in Majuli

When I visited in 2017 Majuli barely had any restaurants but things have changed drastically by 2020. Especially the 1 KM radius around Garamur is full of new eateries. You can locate traditional Mishing food, Assamese Thali, (Indo)Chinese food, and even a Pizza joint if you look around. This is how tourism changes a place.

Which birds can be seen in Majuli?

As mentioned before, Majuli can be a good place for birding. I noticed mostly water birds such as storks, egrets, and kingfishers of various kind. Many migratory birds from the distant north also end up here in the winters. Other noticeable birds included purple moorhen and white-breasted waterhen. I am sure a seasoned birder will be able to spot and name more of them.

What to shop for in Majuli?

You can buy miniature masks from Chamaguri Satra as souvenirs that cost around INR 500. New craft shops have come up due to the influx of tourists. One state-sponsored shop is located on the Kamalabari & Garamur road. There are handicrafts, traditional apparel, traditional food items (mostly stuff made of rice) on sale here.
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Innovative bamboo artifacts at the craft store…

Does Jadav Payeng live nearby?

Jadav Payeng, the Forest Man of India, does not exactly live in Majuli but his forest is nearby. So, it is possible to club a visit with the one to Majuli Island. I thought about it but could not manage my schedule properly. Nevertheless, the best way is the ask people around Nimatighat. The locals should be able to tell you where to find him or how to reach the “Molai Forest“. Check the map above, it is mentioned in the bottom.

Phone and data connectivity in Majuli

My airtel SIM had no issues. It is basically a plain area with no visible obstacles. So, I believe most of them will work without any serious issues, at least in the more populated areas near the port.

Should I take my Old Monk with me?

I think you should find a shop or two in the island, however, the good news is that there is no need for that. In Majuli you must try the homemade rice beer of your Mishing friends. One of them just randomly called me while I was cycling through a village and made that proverbially unrefusable offer.

So, overall, I can say that Majuli is only beginning to realize its tourism potential. I could see a lot of foreign tourists cycling around the island. I think it can only increase in the future. Occasionally, I hear talks about pushing it for a UNESCO Heritage tag for Majuli but so far the efforts have failed. Majuli also faces an existential crisis due to rapid erosions caused by the river. But, at the same time,ย the government is planning to build bridges and bring rail network to the island. Will that have the same charm as a ferry ride? I don’t think so. But the locals do deserve better connectivity.
PS: If you want a detailed day by day travel account read the five-day account and musings on sustainable tourism in Majuli Island.ย 
Jitaditya Narzary

26 thoughts on “Majuli Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Blog”

  1. You have penned down a comprehensive guide for the ‘World’s Largest River Island — Majuli’ Jitaditya. There are so many places to visit that my heart is all confused ….. jaayein to jaayein kahan ๐Ÿ˜€ ……. and as always beautiful photographs

  2. I have never heard of this place but your guide was so informative, it makes me want to go. There seems to be a lot to see and do. And your photos are beautiful! I’m sold!

  3. i love these hidden places, they are the gems of the world! great info i love adventure and it seems like it is worth the trek to get here. adding to my bucket list thank you!

  4. I love biking around the city, so that would definitely be my preferred mode of transportation! I’d never heard of satras before so I’m glad I read about it here! I would love to visit one and see it for myself one day ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. I’ve never heard of Majuli, but it seems like there is a lot to be discovered there. You’ve really created a comprehensive guide to the island, so much useful information. I’d love to bike around and explore ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Pingback: Explore Majuli - The Largest River Island In The World | Awara Diaries

  7. I must say this is quite a convincing post about Majuli. I was always excited about visiting it ever since I learnt that it is an Island district and one of the biggest. The whole idea of traveling by a boat and exploring its villages sounds great to me. The history and the part about Satras was very interesting. I have more reasons to looks forward to Majuli and recommend it to others..

  8. There are so many hidden treasures in the interiors of india. I have spent my whole life here and there is so much more to see, including Majuli. Loved the piece about the satras… how interesting!!

  9. I had been wanting to go to Majauli Island for a really long time. it’s a mecca for bird and nature lovers. You have written a really good detailed guide. I would definitely use it, whenever i plan to go.

  10. Majuli looks like a pretty special place, I’ve got to admit. The journey that you’ve described to get there seems a bit arduous, but it also seems like it was totally worth it. Nice job putting together a very informative post.

  11. Tales of travelling sisters

    Honestly, we had never heard about this place before, but after reading your post we know so much about it now! Thank you for sharing such an informative post on Majuli, it is definitely a piece of paradise as it looks like one from your captures…

  12. Not heard of this place before, but this guide is so comprehensive it makes it worth trying to find! i love the idea that the boats have a price for elephants! (must be a big boat). Great post, great photos!

  13. Majuli sounds absolutely amazing! I love that it’s such an adventurous destination too. Who doesn’t love a destination that you have to boat to? It looks so dreamy!

  14. Its so sad about the erosion on the area, but very interesting facts about the local tribes. Would love to visit and cycle around and meeting local people would be the highlight of the visit, and drinking locally brewed alcohol.

  15. That’s a quite complete guide for Majuli ๐Ÿ˜‰ Congrats for gathering all the info! Love that you have to pay for your eggs on the boat ๐Ÿ˜•

  16. I wonder how come I have not read about Majuli before. This looks so interesting. The white sand banks and all. Thank you for pointing this out. What a discovery. Hopefully it is still there, many, many more years because at the rate of the erosion it may disappear sometime in the future. Hope I can visit before though.

  17. I’ve never heard of Majuli before but it sounds fascinating. How fast is it eroding? As in, will it be gone in a few years or not for hundreds of years? The island does look very rustic and provincial, it seems like a photographer’s dream.

  18. Interesting, I donโ€™t think Iโ€™ve visited a river island before! I love that the villages and towns feel authentic, and not so urban. Weโ€™re big bird lovers, so I would love to dedicate some time to bird watching in this area, and catch sight of some migratory birds like you did. Thanks for the heads up on avoiding monsoon season โ€“ I canโ€™t imagine that would be any fun to be stuck in a flood!

    I would love to stay in a bamboo cottage while on the island โ€“ thanks for such a comprehensive DIY guide!

  19. I think that you have covered all questions that may arise during the planning process. I love that fact that a visit to Majuli combines adventure, nature and culture, three of my favorite things during trips. Cycling is also a big bonus for me too!

  20. Amazing! I haven’t heard of Majuli before, to be honest I haven’t visited any river island either. I like the fact that getting to the Island is adventure by itself. I am not fan of bird watching, but I love strolling around the nature

  21. Majuli is indeed a revelation. A gem of the North East. The North East is indeed replete with treasures like these. Your post is a complete guide to get to Majuli and is very helpful. It was fascinating to read about the Xatras. I did not know that India’s forest man lives in these parts.

  22. Pingback: Majuli Island: Tourism, Sustainability & Backpacking

  23. Pingback: Top 12 Things to Do in Majuli: How to Make the Most of Your Trip? - Periplus Northeast

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