Some places are real gems—so humble and underrated that you might almost overlook them. Even the locals might raise an eyebrow at your choice, asking, “Why here?” Some may even suggest, “Just cancel and go somewhere else—make better use of your time.” But it’s often in these quiet, unassuming corners of the world that you get to witness life in its most authentic, honest expression – away from all the noise yet something closer to real. Majuli is one such place.
I remember when I first mentioned Majuli as a destination I very much wanted to visit in Assam, an Assamese friend chuckled and said, “There’s nothing to do there, you'll be bored in a few hours. Better skip Majuli, and explore Kaziranga, go to Arunachal, Shillong or somewhere else.”
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| Majuli - Where Nature Meets Culture |
But something about the idea of an island in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra pulled me in. And not just any island - Majuli is the world’s largest inhabited river island, quietly sitting at the confluence of culture, nature, and time. (talk about modesty!)
As I stepped out of the ferry, onto the muddy roads of Majuli, it was as if the world here had slowed down to take a breather. There was a simplicity to the place, a rawness that instantly reminded me of Malgudi… untouched and timeless. And in that fleeting instant, I knew I had made the right choice.
Table of Contents
- Why Majuli Should Be on Your List of Places to Visit in Assam?
- Where is Majuli Located in Assam?
- How to Reach Majuli from Kaziranga, Guwahati, and Jorhat?
- Majuli Ferry Timings, Booking & Ticket Cost
- What is the Best Time to Visit Majuli?
- 24 Hours in Majuli: The Complete Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Majuli – Niri Bili Homestay
- How to Get Around in Majuli
- Final Thoughts: Is Majuli Worth Visiting?
- Travel Tips / FAQs on Majuli Island
WHY MAJULI SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIST OF PLACES TO VISIT IN ASSAM?
I didn’t expect to fall in love with Majuli. But I did.
To be honest, I only knew the basics—that it’s the largest inhabited river island in the world, cradled in the arms of the Brahmaputra.
This one reason was reason enough for me to pack my bags and go, but I wasn’t prepared for what came next!
It was only after reaching the island, talking with the locals and exploring a bit that I really got to know how truly rich Majuli really is - it’s a spiritual and cultural lighthouse!
Majuli, meaning "land between two parallel rivers," has long served as Assam’s cultural capital since the 16th Century and is the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture.
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| Majuli - The complete family destination |
A Living Legacy of Neo-Vaishnavism
It was incredibly moving to know that the island is actually intertwined with a powerful Bhakti movement of Assam - Neo-Vaishnavism - introduced by the saint-poet-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century. Our guide told us how the movement was a euphoric celebration of devotion over ritual and community over caste. It was interesting to learn that while the movement rejected certain traditional Hindu practices like idol worship and animal sacrifice, it introduced and emphasized devotion through Eka Sarana Naam Dharma—a call to surrender to the divine through name and song. Even today, this movement is alive in the many satras (you can think of satras as temples or monasteries) that dot the island. Visiting them forms a large part of the things to do in Majuli and yet, visiting the satras in Majuli isn’t just sightseeing—it’s a portal into a centuries-old ethos of love, inclusivity, and artistic expression.
Art that Breathes Devotion and Culture
Be prepared – Majuli will give you all the feels! The island has been awarded two GI (Geographical Indication) tags for its unique crafts—mask-making and manuscript painting—both deeply intertwined with its devotional heritage.
The ornate masks made at Samaguri Satra are used as puranic figures for Bhaona (a traditional Vaishnavite theatre). The delicate paintings on ancient sanchi bark manuscripts tell stories with such grace, you’d swear the ink still breathes. Add to this the humble beauty of Majuli’s pottery and handwoven textiles, and you’re in an artist’s paradise where tradition is very much still practiced in everyday life.
Raw, Rural, and Remarkably Peaceful
There’s something about Majuli that just pulls you in. For me, it was the unique geography, and the simplicity with which the Mishing and other tribal communities live. With no honking horns, no concrete jungle, and barely a whiff of urban chaos, Majuli immediately felt like the kind of quiet I so crave for but rarely find.
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| Birds in Majuli Wetlands |
A Haven for Birds and Birdwatchers Alike
Come winter, Majuli’s vast wetlands turn into a migratory carnival. Pelicans, storks, cranes—even the rare Siberian Crane—make the island their temporary home. We saw some of these birds while exploring the island too.
WHERE IS MAJULI LOCATED IN ASSAM?
Places in Assam are generally categorized into two regions — Upper Assam and Lower Assam.
While Lower Assam lies towards the west and includes bustling places like Guwahati (the largest city), Barpeta, Nalbari, Dhubri, and Kokrajhar, Upper Assam covers the eastern part of the state and is known for districts like Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Golaghat, Sivasagar and of course, the serene river island of Majuli.
Majuli lies at the center of the Brahmaputra River, about 20 km north of Jorhat. In 2016, it made history by becoming one of the first river islands to be granted its own district status, carved out from the Jorhat district.
Geographically, Majuli is beautifully positioned between the Brahmaputra and Subansiri (a secondary channel of Brahmaputra), surrounded by emerald-green paddy fields, glistening wetlands, and charming rural villages.
HOW TO REACH MAJULI FROM KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK, GUWAHATI and JORHAT? BY FERRY OR BY ROAD?
Despite its remote feel, Majuli is surprisingly accessible once you reach Jorhat. And trust me, with the boat ride included, the journey is every bit as scenic as the destination.
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| A ferry making its way across the Brahmaputra – the most scenic route to reach Majuli Island |
To give you some perspective on how to reach Majuli from various important destination points in Assam:
Guwahati to Majuli: ~350 km (approx. 8–9 hours by road and ferry)
Kaziranga National Park to Majuli: ~140 km (Take any Jorhat bound bus from the Kohora National Highway, after a 2 hour journey get down at Jorhat bypass and take a shared auto for Nimati Ghat (30 minutes) followed by a 1–1.5 hour ferry ride to Kamalabari Ghat in Majuli.
Jorhat to Majuli: ~14 km to Nimati Ghat (shared auto by road), followed by a 1–1.5 hour ferry ride to Kamalabari Ghat in Majuli.
State transport / Private luxury buses are pretty good and plentiful in Assam but alternatively, private taxis, cabs are available from all the above places to reach Majuli. But of course, this is a costlier option.
MAJULI FERRY TIMINGS – HOW TO BOOK MAJULI FERRY TICKETS- MAJULI FERRY TICKET COST?
It’s important to note that the ferry starts at 8 in the morning and the last ferry departs around 3 in the afternoon from Nimati Ghat. So, plan your schedule accordingly.
Here’s the ferry timing schedule from Nimati Ghat (Jorhat side) and Kalambari Ghat (Majuli).
| From | Departure Times |
|---|---|
| Nimati Ghat (Jorhat) | 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM |
| Kamalabari Ghat (Majuli) | 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM |
Booking ferry tickets to Majuli is simple and convenient, with both online and offline options available. You can book your ferry tickets to Majuli online in advance through the official Assam govt. portal here. Offline, you can purchase it from the ticket counter at Nimati Ghat, very near to the ferry boarding point.
Though we purchased our tickets from the ticket counter at Nimati Ghat, later, in the ferry, I saw a conductor handing out the tickets to the passengers. So, if you miss purchasing the tickets beforehand, don’t worry. A conductor on board also issues tickets once the ferry departs.
Ferries are run by the government so the cost is very reasonable – Rs. 25 per person. Ferries can accommodate your motorbikes and sometimes, cars too - at extra charges.
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| Ferries are huge here, so bikes and cars can be taken along |
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MAJULI?
The best time to explore Majuli are the winter months (just like Kaziranga National Park) - from October to March, when the skies are clear, the weather is pleasant, the Brahmaputra is still, and the island is full of life.
We visited in late February when the summer heat was just starting to kick in – the afternoons were hot but mornings and evenings were still on the cooler side.
Monsoon months of June to September are to be totally avoided because heavy rains cause flooding on the island and ferry transport disruptions, making travel risky and unpredictable.
If you can, time your visit around Raas Mahotsav (usually in November)—a grand cultural festival where Majuli’s spiritual and artistic heart comes alive through traditional dance-dramas (Bhaonas), devotional music, and storytelling.
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| Majuli’s bright and enchanting calm in February |
24 HOURS IN MAJULI: THE COMPLETE ITINERARY
First things first - my suggestion would be to hire a guide here. By doing this, not only will you do your bit to contribute to the local economy but also enrich your Majuli experience manifold! We booked a one-day Arts and Crafts Majuli Tour through Holiday Scout and were fortunate to be guided by the knowledgeable Mr. Mantu Saikia, who introduced us to hidden gems and gave us deep insights into Majuli’s rich cultural heritage. Start your day around 8:30 AM, and you can easily cover all the major attractions. Let’s dive into the perfect one-day itinerary for Majuli!
Start your day by immersing in Majuli’s Bhakti Movement by visiting their many Satras / Monsateries / Temples.
One of the things I loved learning and discovering about Majuli is it’s Bhakti movement – Neo Vaishnavism. Propagated by Saint Srimanta Sankardeva, the father of Assamese culture, this unique movement was such that along with spiritual devotion it also took Assamese arts, craft, music, dance and culture along to establish ‘Satras’ - monasteries that became vibrant centers of faith, culture, and community.
A visit to one (or more) of its many Satras is a must when in Majuli. We visited Kalmabari Satra first and the atmosphere was incredibly serene – almost meditative! One thing unique to Satras is that unlike typical temples, the sanctum here (Manikut) has no idol; instead, a sacred book is worshipped, emphasizing devotion over ritual through knowledge and scripture reading. We can look at this sacred book, in essence, as the Supreme Divine (Bhagavanta), who takes the form as Krishna or Vishnu. It also stands as a representation of the spiritual teacher (Guru), his teachings, and the Ultimate Truth he imparts. The walls in Kalmabari were lined with stunning motifs and paintings, each one rich with color, emotion, and storytelling.
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| Kamalabari's painted motifs |
Our guide enlightened us on how Majuli was once home to 62 Satras, the first established in the 15th century. The Ahom rulers actively supported the Satras and their spiritual philosophies, enabling them to flourish as centers of learning, devotion, and creativity. Over time, these institutions nurtured generations of monks and artists, becoming the spiritual and cultural anchors for the region. Sadly, due to centuries of flooding and erosion, only around 30 Satras remain active today, while others have been lost or relocated to safer places.
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| A historic pillar at Auniati Satra preserved from the 17th century |
Auniati Satra is one of Majuli’s oldest Satras, founded in 1653 CE by Ahom King Jayadhwaj Singha. What makes it historically significant is the distinction of being the first Satra to be officially patronised by the Ahom kingdom, marking a pivotal moment in the alliance between Neo-Vaishnavism and royal power. It falls under one of the four "Raj satras" or royal satras associated with the Ahom dynasty – the other three being Kamalabari Satra (1600-1625 A.D.), Dakshinpat Satra (1653 A.D.) and Gormur satra (1715 A.D).
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| Tranquil lush green interiors of Auniati Satra |
We visited Auniati Satra early in the morning and were fortunate to witness a prayer ceremony taking place. The atmosphere was peaceful, only broken by the thumping sound of drums echoing through the hall. Two monks in the center were playing the drums, while a few others sat to the side, chanting sacred prayers. Rays of sunlight pierced through the drum beats, illuminating the sacred space with a divine aura, making the entire experience even more enchanting. After the prayer, the monks offered rice in the center of the hall as part of the ritual. Within moments, the quiet was broken by the gentle sound of birds chirping, as a flock began to nibble at the offering, adding a touch of nature to the sacred moment.
One aspect that sets Auniati Satra apart from the other Satras is that here, the worship of idols is permitted. The primary deity here is Sri Sri Gobindo Mohaprobhu (Shri Krishna), whose idol was brought from Jagannath Puri, Orissa. Alongside Gobindo Mohaprobhu, several other idols of Bhagwan Shri Krishna are also revered, including Bansigopala, Madana Mohana, and Bhuvana Mohana.
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| Idol of Govinda, Bhagwan Shri Krishna originally brought from Jagannath Kshetra, Puri |
After offering our prayers, we took a walk through the Hatis—neat rows of simple dwellings inhabited by Udasin monks, who live a life of celibacy and deep devotion. It was truly humbling to get a glimpse into their world—one marked by simplicity, discipline, and quiet service to the Satra. One of the monks was also kind enough to invite us into his house and offered us black tea.
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| Bhakatas live in huts arranged in lines - known as Hati |
Interestingly, while the Vaishnava movement in Assam shares many similarities with the Bhakti movements that emerged across India during the same period - it kind of resembled and reminded me of ISKCON Temples - the expression and application of the principles and teachings came out unique to this land.
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| Peeping inside one of the monks house - a small temple |
Majuli Mask Making
As I mentioned earlier, what made the Bhakti Movement of Majuli really interesting was how it brought together art and devotion so beautifully – and powerfully!
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| Bringing art to life: A Majuli artisan at work |
Saint Srimanta Sankardev in his epic play called Cihna Yatra, introduced masks (Mukha Xilpo or Mukha Shilpa) and breathed mythological characters to life. Garuda, Brahma, or even Shiva all had a face now! The masks enhanced the power of storytelling, hence they were carried over to stories from the Ramayana too, with characters like Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Surpanakha, Jatayu, and even the ten avatars of Vishnu being brought to life through these detailed, expressive masks.
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| The mask of 10 faced Ravana |
Today, the Masks of Majuli are a piece of living history, a real source of pride. They’ve even earned a GI (Geographical Indication) tag, which basically means these masks are officially recognized for being one-of-a-kind and deeply tied to Majuli’s core identity. People travel from all over just to catch a glimpse of this incredible artistic tradition and the stories it tells.
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| The many stages of mask making |
We wanted to see and learn more about the Masks of Majuli, and so we reached The Samaguri Satra, the best place which has kept alive the tradition of mask-making. Entering in, we were welcomed by large eyes and expressive faces – masks of all shapes, sizes, colors were everywhere, lining the walls, staring down on us, almost as if waiting to speak up any moment! We settled into a cozy little room filled with these eye-catching creations, and our guide began walking us through their fascinating stories. He showed us photos of some of the most striking masks ever made — from fearsome demons to winding snakes — each one with its own story and place in Majuli’s rich cultural tapestry.
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| Our guide patiently guiding us through the mask making history |
Then came the highlight of our visit — Meeting Dr. Hem Chandra Goswami, a notable artist with a list of awards under his belt, including the prestigious Padma Shri. Despite his impressive accolades, he greeted us with a humble smile and a gentle voice. As we sat in that room surrounded by vibrant masks, he spoke passionately about his work, demonstrating how each mask is crafted. His dedication to preserving and innovating this traditional art form was truly inspiring.
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| Meeting the Padma Shri Award Winner Dr. Hem Chandra Goswami |
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| Masks of all shapes and sizes |
If I could have, I’d have loved to bring one of those beautiful masks home as a souvenir. But for now, I settled for a photo with Dr. Hem Chandra Goswami, which he graciously agreed to. Before leaving, we made a small donation to support the conservation of this incredible art form.
Traditional Home Cooked Meal in a local house in Majuli.
On our guide’s recommendation, we had lunch at a modest local home in Majuli. We had placed our orders a day in advance, so our vegetarian thalis were ready and waiting when we arrived. Each thali, priced at ₹200, was a delightful spread of traditional Assamese dishes – generous portions of dal, 3 sabzis, rice. For those who prefer non-vegetarian options, meals are available at ₹250.
It's worth noting that Majuli doesn't have dedicated pure vegetarian restaurants.
However, experiencing an authentic home-cooked meal in a local residence coupled with the warmth of the locals is a must when on the island.
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| Home cooked local meal at Majuli Kitchen |
Handmade Pottery making
After our hearty lunch, we set off to explore another of Majuli’s traditional arts and crafts—pottery making. Our first stop was by the roadside, where we saw a family preparing a traditional fire kiln, known locally as a Pogholi. This open-air kiln, made from mud and clay, is used to fire earthen pots, giving them their distinctive rustic charm.
We then visited the home of a local potter from the Kumar community, renowned for their unique hand-building pottery techniques. Interestingly, Majuli's potters don't use a wheel. Instead, they skilfully shape the clay by hand, using simple tools passed down through generations. The woman of the house graciously demonstrated the entire process—from moulding the clay to drying to giving it a shape and shine. It was fascinating to learn that in Majuli, pottery making is predominantly the domain of women, a tradition preserved and handed down in generations.
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| Pottery making in a local home in Majuli |
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| A woman gives shape to a pot |
These handcrafted pots serve various purposes, from cooking and storing water to being used in rituals and festivals. To see the level of precision, dedication and attention to detail that goes in making of each piece was truly remarkable!
Mishing Village: Handloom and Weaving Craft
I was amazed to just how much there was to Majuli than what meets the eye - it is also a hub for beautiful handloom weaving! The Mishing women here are amazing weavers, crafting colorful mekhela chadors, dupattas, shawls, and stoles right at home using traditional looms. The patterns are bold and often inspired by nature or tribal designs. It’s also the perfect place to grab a handwoven piece straight from the weavers and take a piece of Majuli’s spirit back with you.
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| Handloom weaving in a Mishing Village |
Sunset Point in Majuli
Last but not least, the best way to end a day in Majuli is by witnessing a beautiful sunset over the island. When we went, there were no crowds, no noise—just a handful of travelers scattered across the riverside. Time came to a halt for those few minutes, the golden hues of the setting sun painting the sky, also our hearts.
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| Golden hues of sunset casting a serene glow over Majuli’s landscape |
Oh, what pure joy it was! We took plenty of photos, of course, but also made sure to just sit still and soak it all in. The kind of stillness made me feel both full and free. It’s that kind of place, we didn’t want to leave. Don’t miss this experience at any cost.
WHERE TO STAY IN MAJULI – NIRI BILI HOMESTAY
When it comes to hotels and stay options in Majuli – don’t expect five-star hotels or polished resorts. Rather, accommodation here is simple, rustic, and full of character that matches the island’s quiet, laid-back vibe.
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| Niri Bili - The perfect eco resort in Majuli |
So, a quick search on google threw up a couple of traditional bamboo huts, a few no-frills guesthouses near the satras, but what I was looking for is comfort without killing the experience. That’s where the expertise of my travel agent, Sange Tsering from Holiday Scout came to the rescue!
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| Our room - spacious and comfy |
Our room was spacious, with a comfortable double bed, a dining table, a TV, and a clean attached bathroom. The homestay featured a patio and a small restaurant, both opening out to a wide green field—a peaceful view that instantly put us at ease. The food was simple, homely, and full of flavor. And at night, with all the lights on, the place looked especially beautiful.
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| Niri Bili - at night |
HOW TO GET AROUND IN MAJULI
Getting around Majuli is fairly simple and truly a joy. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town, first thing. Next, rent a scooty, bicycle, or even a car depending on your pace, budget and comfort level.
Scooty rentals are pretty popular as they give you the freedom to explore villages, satras, and fields at your own pace. Bicycles are also preferred for the same reason, plus they are on the slower, more immersive ride—ideal for quiet lanes and early morning trips.
Families or if you’re travelling in a group (like us) – renting a car is the best option. Most homestays can help arrange rentals, like ours did for us, or you can find rental shops near Kamalabari, the main town. Roads are quite basic here and you’ll hardly see anyone walking on the road – it’s not a hustling bustling town, so traffic is almost non-existent.
Hire a guide, if possible - it will surely enhance the entire experience!
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| That's us - with our knowledgeable guide, Mr. Mantu |
FINAL THOUGHTS: IS MAJULI WORTH VISITING?
The most astonishing – and heartbreaking - bittersweet truth about Majuli? It’s disappearing.
Year after year, relentless monsoon floods and the unceasing erosion of the Brahmaputra are slowly eating away at the island’s edges. I was surprised to know that Majuli remains off the tourist circuit grid during the rainy season. Locals estimate that Majuli has already lost more than a third of its land. Majuli shrunk from 1,300 Sq.Kms size in the late 18th century to 880 Sq.Kms in the early 20th century to a mere 340 Sq.Kms as of 2024. This fact itself makes a journey to this island special—of experiencing a culture, a landscape, and a way of life that may not remain the same for much longer.
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| Put Majuli on your places to visit in Assam |
TRAVEL TIPS / FAQS ON MAJULI ISLAND
1. Where is Majuli Island located?
Majuli is located in the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam. It’s the world's largest river island and is known for its arts and culture, monasteries (Satras), and natural beauty.
2. How do I reach Majuli from Jorhat?
From Jorhat, take a shared tempo or taxi to Nimatighat (approx. 30-45 minutes), then board a government ferry to Kamalabari Ghat in Majuli (ferry time: 1–1.5 hours). From Kamalabari, local transport or pre-booked vehicles are available to explore the island.
3. Is one day enough to explore Majuli?
I was here for one day – and yes it was enough. But, I would have loved to stay for one more day!
So, yes – though one day is enough to see the main attractions like Satras, mask making, pottery making, exploring the village and catching the sunset but if you have that luxury of extending for one more day – just go for it and thank me later!
4. What are the must-visit Satras in Majuli?
Dakhinpat Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, Garmur Satra and Samaguri Satra (famous for mask-making) are among the most popular and culturally significant ones.
5. Are there ATMs and internet connectivity in Majuli?
There are a few ATMs, but it’s good to carry enough cash with you. Mobile internet is available, I had absolutely no problems with it but the speed can be slow in some areas.
6. Is Majuli safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Majuli is pretty safe for solo travelers, including solo women. The locals are largely friendly and helpful.
7. What is Majuli famous for?
Majuli is famous for its Satras - Vaishnavite monasteries, traditional arts and culture, mask-making, tribal village, birdwatching, and peaceful rural life.
8. What should I pack for a trip to Majuli?
Keep it light and simple, in sync with the island. Pack light cotton clothes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a water bottle, cash, and a power bank. If visiting in monsoon, carry waterproof gear.
Special thanks to Holiday Scout for generously hosting my journey through Majuli. All thoughts and experiences shared are genuine, my own, and I look forward to visiting again!
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