Things to Do in Majuli: Satras, Mask-Making & River Island Life

Visit the Kamalabari satras

Uttar Kamalabari and Dakhin Kamalabari satras are known for their tradition of Sattriya dance, performed by celibate monks, and for their calm courtyards and prayer halls (namghar). Visitors may be able to watch rehearsals or evening prayers; ask politely.

Time needed

1–2 hours

Good for

Culture seekers

See Auniati and Dakhinpat

Auniati Satra has a small museum with old utensils, jewellery and manuscripts. Dakhinpat Satra, one of the oldest, is known for its carved and painted namghar and for the Raas Leela celebrations.

Watch mask-making at Samaguri

Samaguri Satra is famous for its masks, made from bamboo, clay, cloth and cow dung and painted in bright colours for bhaona performances of the epics. Craftsmen here make everything from small face masks to large full-body figures, and some sell pieces to visitors.

Good for

Art lovers, families

See Garamur Satra

Garamur Satra, near the main town, keeps ancient weapons and hosts important festivals. It is close to the island's main market and easy to include.

See pottery at Salmora

In Salmora village, potters shape clay by hand and by beating, without using a wheel, and fire the pots in open kilns. This style of pottery has been traced back a very long way. The village is also known for boat-building.

Good for

Craft lovers

Visit a Mising village

The Mising community lives in bamboo stilt houses (chang ghar) that protect against floods. Village visits show weaving on backstrap and floor looms, rice beer (apong) and daily life. Several homestays are run by Mising families.

Good for

Culture seekers

Cycle around the island

Majuli is flat, and hiring a bicycle is one of the best ways to explore paddy fields, wetlands and villages at your own pace. Many homestays rent cycles.

Best time

Morning or late afternoon

See handloom weaving

Mising and Assamese women on Majuli weave on looms under their houses, making mekhela chadors, gamosas and Mising textiles with bold geometric patterns. Buying directly supports island families.

Good for

Shoppers

Cross by ferry

Ferries cross from Nimati Ghat near Jorhat to Kamalabari Ghat on Majuli in about an hour, carrying people, bikes and cars. The crossing itself, over the wide braided Brahmaputra, is part of the experience. Timings are limited and change with the season; check the last ferry back.

Good to know

Check ferry timings

Watch birds and sunsets

Majuli's wetlands attract migratory birds in winter, including storks and ducks. Sunsets over the river from the ghats and embankments are memorable.

Best time

Winter; sunset

Attend the Raas festival

The Raas festival, held around the full moon of Kartik (usually November), celebrates the life of Krishna with performances in the satras and villages. It is Majuli's biggest event and accommodation fills up quickly.

Best time

November

Winter (October to March)

The best time to visit: dry roads, reliable ferries, migratory birds and the Raas festival. Mornings can be foggy on the river.

Summer and monsoon (April to September)

Rising water and floods affect large parts of the island. Ferries can be suspended, and some roads and villages are cut off. Travel only with local advice.

Good to know

Floods can disrupt travel

What are the best things to do in Majuli?

Visit the Kamalabari, Auniati, Dakhinpat and Samaguri satras, watch mask-making, see pottery at Salmora, visit a Mising village, cycle and watch river sunsets.

How do I reach Majuli?

By ferry from Nimati Ghat near Jorhat, about an hour's crossing.

How many days are enough for Majuli?

One to two days.

What is the best time to visit Majuli?

October to March. November is especially lively during the Raas festival.

Is Majuli shrinking?

Yes. River erosion has reduced its area considerably over the past century, and protecting the island is an ongoing concern for its residents and the government.