2.3 Majuli, One of the Ten Most Beautiful Villages of India

4/3/24 Monday

We had entered KZ from the west and are now going east towards Majuli, the world's largest river island. It also happens to be India's only island district. Prior to 2016 it was a subdivision of Jorhat. The land mass of 1250 square kilometers has reduced to 553 square kilometers at present due to erosion by the river. Multiple ethnic tribes and a  medley of Mishings, Deoris, Sonowol Kacharis, Naths, Koibartas, Kochs and a sprinkling of Nepalis, Bengalis, Marwaris and Muslims make up the population of about 2 lakhs.

Majuli is called “The Land of the Satras” The satras are Vaishnavite monasteries, some dating back to the 16th century. The Institution of Satra is a unique feature of Vaishnavism in Assam, founded by Sankardeva, the father of Assamese culture. The satras are not just monasteries, but centres of traditional performing arts. There are 33 satras at present and the monks who live in the satras are called “bhokots”. 

To reach Majuli is an adventure in itself – imagine our convoy, on three boats navigating the mighty Brahmaputra. With the wind in our hair, we cruised from Nimati ghat to Kamalbari point in a mere 50 minutes, splitting the river expanse like explorers of old.

The culinary journey unfolded in Bengena Ati Satra, where a rural home served up a tantalizing organic Assamese feast. Authentic locally grown vegetables, rice and lentils nurtured by the fertile soil were an ode to the region's bounty!

Our cultural odyssey continued as we explored the famous Samuguri Satra, where artisans molded tradition into intricate masks, each telling a silent story. Auniati Satra welcomed us into the monastic world, offering a glimpse of the monks' unique way of life.

Before retiring to our hotel, the world renowned JDSM group's Raas Leela performance was a spellbinding spectacle. Majuli, an artistic kaleidoscope, left us enchanted, weaving a basket of memories.

The figures:

9.00 am Borgos 42282

10.30 am Tea break at Numaligarh - 35 kms

11.30 am Diesel break at Jorhat 53.68 L - 52 kms

12.15 pm Nimati Ferry Ghat - 17 kms

2.30 pm Lunch break at Bengena Ati Satra, Majuli - 12 kms

4.30 pm Samuguri Satra - Mask making - 10 kms

5.00 pm Auniati Satra

6.15 pm Raas Leela cultural program at local theatre - 10 kms

8.15 pm Hotel Prashashti Log Huts - 7 kms

Tolls paid today : Rs. 0

Total Tolls paid : Rs. 3675

Traveled today : 153 kms

Total distance covered : 3089 kms