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Majuli Island:

 

Majuli is the biggest river island in the world and is situated on the great Brahmaputra River, in Assam. Recently it has become a district and in the process, it has become the first island to be declared as a district in India. The island is considered one of the most important cultural hubs of the state. Majuli is the epicenter of the neo-vaishnavite philosophy. The natural beauty of Majuli is also mesmerizing. The ravishing beauty blended with cultural heritage has increased its attraction. Majuli is well connected with Jorhat which is one of the major cities in Assam. It is now a popular tourist destination in the North East.

 

Travel distances:

 

Guwahati to Majuli is 330 km

Tezpur to Majuli is 20 km

Kaziranga to Majuli is 83 km

 

How to reach:

 

It is nearly 330 km from the capital Guwahati. But Majuli could be best reached from Jorhat. Just 20 km and with regular ferry and boat services available.

Clubbing up with other destinations – Guwahati – Jorhat and Majuli island could be a potential circuit. Kaziranga is a 4-hour drive to another place which is easily clubbed up with Majuli island, day visit from Kaziranga is also possible. Shivsagar is 84 km so this could also be included with Majuli island.

 

Note: When you will be going to Majuli, the vehicle can go till Ferry Ghat i.e. NImati Ghat, Jorhat. After reaching Nimati Ghat, you have to take the ferry to cross the Bramhaputra river for Majuli Island. And take a local car for the Majuli island visit. After visiting Majuli island, you will come back to Nimati Ghat in the same way you went. While you reach Nimati Ghat the same cab will again take you back to the hotel.

 

Best time to visit:

 

Majuli is better avoided during monsoon as the mighty Brahmaputra causes serious damage and erosion and is risky to navigate during this time, flooding is also common. The rest of the year one can visit, the temperature and climate are soothing here throughout the year.

 

Accommodation option at Majuli Island:

 

Most people travel to the Majuli islands from Jorhat or Kaziranga and on the same day, people prefer to return back. You can opt to stay for a night there and explore more of the island. Since the places are not so much developed and hence you will not get any star rated accommodation there. Mostly you will get bamboo cottages which are quite decent and you will get a special experience of the same.

 

Majuli - A Tour operator’s perspective:

 

Indian tourists mostly visit Majuli as part of a day tour from Kaziranga, this can be part of a special interest tour. Leisure tourists enjoy the boat ride to Majuli which takes about an hour and a half one way. Overnight stay options on the island are limited with a few basic accommodations. Group accommodation overnight is not possible as yet. The ferry to Majuli can be booked for a day visit by a large group. For FITs public ferry is the only option, this can be crowded and a bit basic as a mode of transfer.

 

Orientation:

 

Being the epicenter of neo-vaishnavite philosophy, Majuli has got several Vaishnava monasteries locally referred to as Satras. The institution of Satra is quite an exceptional feature of Vaishnavism in Assam. Presently there are 22 Satras that exist here. Among these, the first one was built by Sankaradeva in the 15th century who is known as a prominent figure of Assamese culture. Visiting these Satras gives us a clear idea of the rich history and heritage of the land. These Satras are not just known for their spiritual activities but all these are deeply involved in different artwork and craftsmanship. Majuli is well known for its mask making. Masks are made from bamboo frames. They use clay and cow dung to give it a proper shape. Cloths mostly made from cotton are used to complete the product. These colorful masks are not only a visual treat but also makes us aware of their proud culture. While we talk about bamboo made masks, we should also mention that bamboo is an indispensable ingredient in the local craftsmanship. They make a lot of things from bamboo such as bamboo huts, musical instruments, etc. The song and dances initiated by Sankardeva are also taught and promoted here in these Satras.

 

Things to See:

 

The sunrise and the sunset over river Brahmaputra from the island make you oblivious of the mundane world. The entire island is also home to different species of birds especially the migratory ones. Thus it is ideal for the bird watching. Even just walking down through the roads in the island villages offers an enthralling experience.

Visiting the Satras:

 A trip to Majuli is surely incomplete without visiting the Satras which represents the spirit of the land. Some of the most important and commonly visited Satras are Auniati, Garmur, Dakhinpath, Kamalabari, Shamaguri.

Auniati Satra:

 Famous for Apsara Dances and Paalnaam which is another form of dance. They organize dramas depicting epics. Apart from perching religious work related to Vaishnavism these dances, songs and dramas are taught and practiced here. This Satra was established in the mid-seventeenth century. The idol is worshipped here is Lord Krishna, known as Govinda here. This Satra is also famous for its Ancient artifacts and traditional Assamese handicraft and jewelry items.

Garmur:

 Several cultural activities are organized here. The most famous is the Raslila festival.  Ancient weapons called Bortop (cannons) are preserved here. This Satra has some other important possessions also such as wheels for elephant carts, utensils of silver, ivory, etc and valuable ancient literary manuscripts.

Kamalabari:

 It has been regarded as a popular and famous center for art, culture, literature and classical studies. This Satra has produced some great names in Assam related to the cultural sector. This place is also famous for making boats and designing sculptures of mythological characters.

Dakhinpath:

 A very popular one and also famous for Raslila celebration. Raslila festival of this Satra is attended by a large number of devotees. This was established in the late 16th century and represents the art and culture of Majuli.

Shamaguri:

 Famous for mask making.

Tengapania:

 This outstanding site is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra river. Amidst nature, this site is mainly a place where tourists can relax and rejuvenate themselves. It is an ideal picnic spot also. There is a golden temple structure that exists here which represents the shom style of architecture.

 

 

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