Majuli or Majoli (Assamese: মাজুলী Majulī) is the largest island in the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Mājuli was once considered the largest River island in the world. It used to cover a total area of 1,250 km² (483 sq mi), but by 2014, erosion had reduced it to 352 km². Majuli is the home to satras - the traditional Vaishnavite monasteries, some dating back to the 16th century. The satras are not just monasteries, but centres of traditional performing arts. Majuli also has its share of natural beauty with meandering rivers and lush green paddy fields. Thus, Majuli is an interesting mix of tradition, folklore and nature. The nearest city is Jorhat town, connected by ferry across the Brahmaputra River.
Understand
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Majuli (mah-zoo-lih) has been the cultural capital of Assamese civilisation since the 16th century. Many Xatras (Satras) or monasteries constructed by the saints still survive and represent the colourful Assamese culture. Vaishnava Satra was founded by Sankardeva, the father of Assamese culture. The main surviving Xatras are Dakhinpat Xatra, Garamurh Xatra, Auniati Xatra, Kamalabari Xatra, Benegenaati Xatra and Shamaguri Xatra. Majuli also has its share of nature, complete with lush green paddy fields. Strategic points like Kamalabari Ghat provide a panoramic view of the meandering Bramhaputra River. Majuli can be explored on a day trip from Jorhat. For visitors looking for an in-depth experience, they can opt for a night stay at various homestays.
Get in
[edit]Being an island, Majuli is mostly approachable by ferry. However, there is a bridge connecting Majuli to the mainland at Lakhimpur district)
By ferry
[edit]- 1 Nimati Ferry Ghat (Jorhat). to 2 Kamalabari Ferry Terminal. and 3 Aphalamukh Ferry Terminal. These is the most popular route of reaching Majuli. The ferry takes 1 hour. Ferries operate at a gap of 1/2 to 1 hour. The first ferry starts at 8:30AM and the last ferry is at 4PM. However, schedules are likely to change without notice.
By road
[edit]Get around
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- Auto: For a day trip, book an auto from Kamalabari Ferry Terminal. A couple of hours' tour will cover several Satras and terminate at Kamalabari Ferry Terminal or Aphalamukh Ferry Terminal. For over night tourist, the hotel or the homestay can arrange for an auto. For both cases, the price needs to be fixed before the tour starts.
See
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Majuli used to house 65 satras, but the number has been reduced to 22. The others have been shifted or closed because of erosion and devastating floods. Out of the 22, about 6 are important and worth visiting.
- 1 Auniati Satra. It is famous for "Paalnaam" and Apsara dances. It also houses an extensive assortment of ancient artefacts. It includes Assamese old utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.
- 3 Kamalabari Satra. It is a centre of art, culture, literature and classical studies. The finest boats on the island are made here. Its branch2 Uttar Kamalabari Satra. showcase the Satria Art in several states of India and abroad.
- 4 Benegenaati Satra. It is a storehouse of antiques and an advanced centre of performing arts. The royal robes of the Ahom king, Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha, are preserved here. Also on display is the royal gold umbrella.
- 5 Garamurh Satra. Famous for Rassleela (celebrated in end autumn). The satara has a collection of large cannons (bartop)
- 6 Samaguri Satra. Famous for mask making.
- 7 Dakhinpat Satra. Dakhinpat Satra is located on the southern part of the Majuli island and is on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River. Famous for Raasleela festival.
- View of endless river from the front of Ferry
- The endless island view at Kamalabari Ghat
- Missing Village Life
- Slightly down the road from Garmur Sutra Market is a very nice spot to see the sunset.
Do
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- Enjoy a long ferry ride of 1½ hr from Neamati Ghat to Kamalabari Ghat.
- A group lunch on the island on the bank of Brahmaputra river. Take lunch from home due to less facilities available there.
- Watch the Ali-ai-ligang festival in February and March.
- Watch the Migratory birds at southeast, southwest and northern part of island.
- Watch Pottery making
- Watch Mask making
- Paal Namm festival in the end of winter
Buy
[edit]- Komal Saul. Komal saul is a unique type of rice from Assam that can be eaten without cooking. It is rendered fluffy and edible by being soaked in water for a short time. The rice may be eaten with milk or curd, jaggery, yogurt after being immersed in warm water for just 15-20 minutes.
- Bora saul. Bora saul is a variety of glutinous rice found in Assam. It has an important role in Assamese traditional occasions like Bihu. It is used in Jolpan (snacks) and Pitha (ricecake or pancake). Soaked and ground bora saul is used in preparing Pitha. Boiled bora saul is served as Jolpan with curd or milk, jaggery or sugar.
Eat
[edit]Normal food is available here but it is best to bring food from home to enjoy the one day picnic.
- 1 Joha Restaurant. Serves authentic Assamese food, including thalis.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]Many hotels, guest houses and homestays are available on the island at different costs.
- Circuit House Garamur, Garamur, ☏ +91 3775-274439. 8 two-bedded rooms and 2 VIP suites
- 1 Prashanti Eco Tourism Resort (Assam Tourism Development Corporation), Kamalabari, ☏ +91 9435734138. The lodge is operated by Department of Tourism and Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited.
- 2 La Maison de Ananda, Natun Kulamora Chapori N.C, ☏ +91 9957186356. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: noon. Traditional hut built in 2005 by a French architect that was then donated to the actual owner, Manjit Risang and his family. Not particularly comfortable but it is interesting to see how local people lived in the past (in more remote parts of Majuli many still live in such houses). Next to the hut there is a concrete building with more modern facilities. Other in-line huts were built later to accommodate extra guests. Breakfast is served in the morning and it possible to have dinner with the family that is still cooking in the traditional way. Moderate price for a great and unique experience. The owner is super friendly and knows the area very well, he can give you precious suggestions.
Connect
[edit]- Majuli Information Center (MIC), ☏ +91-9490069000.