Majuli Island -One of the Must Visit Places In Assam

Majuli is considered to be one of the largest river islands in the world.
This scenic island is surrounded by Brahmaputra River in the south and to its north is Khrkutia Xuti which is merged by another river called Subansiri. The island is located in the state of Assam, covering over a distance of about 1,250 sq km. The meaning of the name ‘Majuli’ is the land between two parallel rivers. The island is under the UNESCO World Heritage status. Majuli is located at a distance of around 12 km from Jorhat town and around 310 km from the city of Guwahati.

Attractions

The Majul Island is one of the scenic destinations in Assam. As it is that Assam is known for its rich culture, which attracts thousands of tourists to this state around the year, the island is also known for its fascinating cultural celebrations. While on a tour on this island, you will witness many cultural exhibitions. These exhibitions will give you the information into to the cultural style of the state and will also offer you a unique opportunity to taste of the traditional dishes of Assam. Majuli hold a clean environment, which is well complimented by the beautiful art and the craftsmanship of the area.

One of the important celebrations of the place is the Majuli festival, which also includes a special event and the event is participated by several cultural troupes from different parts of Assam. Paal Naam celebrated at Auniati Satra, is one of the biggest fairs of the area. Another significant festival of the island is the Bathow Puja, which is celebrated by the Sonowal Kachari tribe, in honour of Lord Shiva. The Ali-ai-ligang festival is also very much popular among the natives of this region.

   

Majuli is also renowned for its 22 primeval Vaishnava Satras, which were founded by the renowned saint, Sankardeva. The saint is regarded as the father of Assamese culture.  During the 15^th century the saint resided in Majuli and established the initial Satra in the island. The Satras that are found around the state are managed by a guru and few sub-gurus who are elected through a formal process.

The locals of this island are very hospitable and some of the major attractions of the island are the places like Dakhinpat Satra, vaishanva Satra, Garamurh Satra etc.

Best Time to Visit

As most of the festivals and cultural events are witnessed during the months of October to March, the period during these months is regarded as the appropriate time to visit the Majuli island of Assam.

Accommodation

The place has very limited option for accommodation; still the ones that you will on this island are very much comfortable for staying. The Government Inspection Bungalow, Satras and the Circuit House are among the top options to be opted at this place. Note that the bookings of these places of accommodation are to be made in advance.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to this island is Rowriah airport in Jorhat. The airport is well connected with places like Shillong and Kolkata. Regular bus services and hired taxi services are available from the airport to Nimati Ghat, from where you got to board a ferry to Majuli Island. The jetty operates ferry services for five times in a day and it takes around 60-90 minutes to get to the place.

By Train: The nearest railway station to this place is in Jorhat, which is well connected with the station in Guwahati. Guwahati railway station operates regular trains to several major cities in India. Tourists can find regular taxi and bus services outside the Jorhat station to get to the Nimati Ghat.

By Road: The nearest major town to this island is Jorhat. The town is well connected through road with Guwahati and many other major parts within the state of Assam. One can opt for a ferry ride from the Jorhat town itself or even get to the Nimati Ghat from the town in order to get to the island. The distance between the town and the Ghat is around 12 km, by road.