Majuli Island

Introducing Majuli Island

The great grey Brahmaputra River’s ever-shifting puzzle of sandbanks includes Majuli, the world’s largest river island. Amid the gently contemplative landscapes of rice fields, water meadows and fish traps here, attractions include meeting the local Mising people and learning about neo-Vaishnavite philosophy at one of Majuli’s 22 ancient satras .

Ferries arrive 3km south of Kamalabari, from where the main village Garamur is 5km further north. The most interesting, accessible satras are the large, beautifully peaceful Uttar Kamalabari (1km north, then 600m east of Kamalabari) and Auniati (5km west of Kamalabari), where monks are keen to show you their little museum of Ahom royal artefacts. The best chances of observing chanting, dances or drama recitations are around dawn and dusk or during the big Ras Mahotsav Festival (third week of November).

Last updated: Sep 18, 2008