MAJULI ISLAND- AN ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE

Well, if you are looking for an off-beat place with enriching values, Majuli island of Assam can be your ideal destination. People from different corners of the world come to witness the beauty and cultural enrichment of the place. This blog has all the relevant aspects you need to know before visiting the place.
It is located right in the middle of the river Brahmaputra. The Subansiri and Kherkutia Xuti cover the island in the northward region. It is roughly about 20 kms from the city of Jorhat, Assam. The island has a population of about 160000 and is now recognized as a district in Assam. However, the ever-popular floods occurring due to the Brahmaputra leaves a devastating impact on the local residents.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

Being an Island out of the mainland, the place is rich in traditions and upholds culture and value. The true Assamese tribal practices are reflected in this region. There is hardly any technological access that the people are entitled to. Nature, wildlife and serenity is at its peak devoid of the noise of the city.
Houses are made of bamboo rather than concrete structures, cooking is done on fire etc. The place reflects more of a natural life rather than technology driven advanced life. The people are friendly and you ought to be loving the vibe as a tourist. Monasteries, colorful traditional dresses, creatively hand-crafted masks are all that you can expect to see around.

MAJULI TOURISM

The tourist attraction of the place is high owing to the peaceful experience that it offers. Out of the hustle-bustle of life, if offers a soothing environment in all. Apart from that, there are a lot more things to do. From visiting the temples to various Satras and the mask making is all about Majuli tourism.

IDEAL TIME OF VISITING MAJULI ISLAND

September to March is considered the ideal time for planning visits. The weather tends to be soothing and is ideally suited for tourists. It is during this time that you get to witness the major number of tourists. The environment is safe during this time and you can enjoy every moment at its best. The monsoon witness heavy rainfalls accompanied by floods. Thus, it is recommended that you avoid visiting at that time.

HOW TO REACH MAJULI ISLAND?

Since it is an island, reaching via air, train or road ways is practically impossible. However, one can definitely reach the nearest airways i.e., Jorhat airport or even the railways, i.e., Guwahati railway station or Mariani Junction (Jorhat). From Jorhat, reaching Majuli is not much of a task. You need to reach Nimati Ghat which is about 10 miles from Jorhat. It is the point from where ferries leave for Kamalabari Ghat which is in Majuli. The ferries are available for six days a week when the tourism season is at its peak. However, the charges of the ferry vary for an individual as well as for different vehicles.
Timings: 8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
Charges: Passenger – 15 rupees Bicycle – 10 rupees Moped – 30 rupees Motorcycle – 45 rupees Light Vehicle – 706 rupees Small Truck (Empty) – 756 rupees Small Truck (Loaded) – 857 rupees.

THINGS TO DO AT MAJULI ISLAND

Trying local food: no matter where ever you go, food comes along. Similarly, when you reach Majuli island, do not miss out on the local food the place has to offer. The road side vendors to small little hut like restaurants, you have it all. The variation in the food ought to be leaving you delighted. Witnessing the local food also talks a lot about the lifestyle of locals. Fish delicacies and its variants are a must try.
Visiting the satras: satras are nothing but traditional and cultural monasteries of the place. Initially there used to be 65 satras which has now come down to 22 in number count. Owing to the natural calamities that take place, the satras have lost the existing number count with time. Some of its famous satras include the “Kamala Bari Satra” “Sri Sri Auniati Satra” “Garmur Satra” “Dakhinpat Satra ”. All of these were established in the years 1515, 1695, 1656 and 1584 respectively. Each of these places are rich in culture and values. Majuli island attracts tourists mostly because of the Satras that are not to be seen anywhere else. Thus, this is a true beauty of art and culture synchronized together.
Experiencing the biodiversity: it might not seem to you as a believable factor but, about 260 species of birds have been in sight till today. Both migratory and non-migratory birds take rescue on this island. Migratory birds that have been observed here are sometimes a rare species. They come all the way from Tibet, Siberia and various other places of the continent. Apart from birds, the wetlands that this island beholds are home for about 105 common varieties of fishes. This makes fishing a primary activity undertaken by the locals. Also, in terms of consumption, fish delicacies are available in different styles and tastes.
Enjoy the elegance of sunrise and sunset: experiencing the early morning sunrise and the after dawn is perhaps the most realistic thing to do. Nothing could match up to the level of serenity that nature has to offer. Similarly, waking up in the morning to have a majestic view of the sunrise is something you shouldn’t miss out on. Also, the sunset in Majuli island is famous owing to the appearance of the sky at that time. From 4 pm onwards, you get to witness the beautiful sunset.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MAJULI ISLAND

When it comes down to staying options, it is a bit differently available. Guesthouses are perhaps the best option and are budget friendly as well. Right from porch stays to authentic natural establishments, you have it all. In spite of being an island, it has a wide variety of accommodation facilities. Also, if you happen to physically book your stay, there is a chance of negotiation too. Some of the best stay recommendations are here for you:

  • ⦁ La Maison de Ananda
  • ⦁ Risong guest house
  • ⦁ Okegiga Homes

THINGS TO CARRY WHEN VISITING THE MAJULI ISLAND

Even though it is advisable not to visit during the monsoon season, wetlands are something that is seen irrespective of the season. However, rains may be unprecedented and the water body too that surrounds the island. Therefore, monsoon essentials are a must on your trip. Apart from that, do not forget to carry water resistant bags to save your gadgets from probable damage.

NEARBY MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Some of the nearby major attractions include:

  • ⦁ Kaziranga national park
  • ⦁ Peacock Island
  • ⦁ Jorhat city tour
  • ⦁ Kamakhya Temple
  • ⦁ Umananda Temple

GETTING BACK TO JORHAT

Well, every journey has a sad ending when it’s time for departure. Similarly, getting back to Jorhat city from Majuli island is available through ferry rides. From the Kamalabari ghat, ferries leave for Nimati ghat. The charges are the same you have borne to reach here. However, the timings do differ.
Timings: 7 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 3 p.m.

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS


Tourist Information Centre, Majuli- +918638687074
Office of the Tourist Information Officer, Jorhat- +91-376-2321579