Eco Stay at the World’s Largest River Island with the Mishing Tribes – Majuli River Island, Assam, India! – Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve ~ Tour Packages & Safari Bookings Official

Majuli Island, Majuli, Majuli Tours, Majuli Tourism, Majuli Hotels Homestays

The State of Assam, in addition to being bestowed with wonders of Nature is also rich in culture and heritage. From being the home to the fierce ‘Ahom Dynasty of Kings’ who were the only ones to beat the Mughals at the fierce ‘Battle of Saraighat’, it is also the land of the famous ‘Muga’ (Golden) and the ‘Eri’ (Ahimsa) silk. These silk are indigenous to Assam and the originals cannot be found anywhere in the world as the silk worms survive only in the climatic conditions of Assam. In addition, the World’s largest inhabited river island ‘Majuli’ and the World’s smallest inhabited river island ‘Umananda’ have made Assam their home.

The island of Majuli, has a very rich heritage and has been the abode of Assamese Vaishnavite culture with tremendous option for spiritual and eco-tourism. This island has been the cultural capital and cradle of Assamese civilization for the past five hundred years. The ‘Satras’ of Majuli preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other items of cultural significance. The handloom work of the tribal people of Majuli mostly the Mishings are renowned internationally. Although handloom is a major occupation of the people of Majuli it is mostly a non-commercial occupation. Weaving is exquisite and intricate with the use of a variety of colours and textures of cotton and silk, especially the Muga Silk. Fishing, dairying, pottery, boat making and mask making are the other important economic activities of this island.

The Raas Lila is an annual festival being performed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of November (Kati- Aghun) during the autumn season. It is not known for certain in which ‘Satra’ Rasa Lila was first introduced in Majuli as a performing festival. During this festival the ‘Satras’ draw a large number of people. The Raas Lila is the story of the life of Lord Krishna presented in the performing art form. Virtually everyone from this tinsel town participates in this festival like children acting in plays, teachers lending voice to the characters, business men and government employees reciting hymns and songs. The Raas Leela at Majuli is like an all night long extravaganza with no ad breaks where everybody’s eyes are glued to the performances of the talented artists in the World’s largest inhabited river island.

At Majuli, although there are many options of stay with the locals one noteworthy accommodation is that of La Maison de Ananda. Staying at the eco-friendly property of La Maison de Ananda is definitely the best way to experience local culture and hospitality. Constructed by a French couple, Jim Chauvin and Maka Korbaa in 2005, it is now looked after by the head caretaker Monjit Risong, who lives next door with his family, and a small, affable staff. The other half of the eco-friendly property across the lane, built a few years later and renovated last year, is the contribution of an Englishman, Ian McCarthy. The cottages and rooms (except for one concrete cottage) have all been built of bamboo and stand on stilts, replicating the traditional houses of the local Mishing community. The in-house restaurant serves some delicious Assamese and Mishing cuisine and even a glass of the local rice brew, apong, on request. While here, visit the Neo-Vaishnavite monasteries to learn about Assamese culture, opt for birdwatching or a boat ride in Luit Ghat or rent a cycle to make your way towards small streams that lie across paddy fields and make for perfect sunset spots. Monjit gladly guides guests to local festivals and around Mishing villages on request, showing you sides of the island that not many travellers have seen.

Jungleideas welcomes you to India’s North East to experience Eco Stay at the World’s Largest River Island with the Mishing Tribes at Majuli, the State of Assam, Incredible India!

Recommended Itinerary for your Visit: Visit Majuli Island