Easy Tourist Guide

Majuli, the largest freshwater river island of South Asia is on the Brahmaputra River, in the Indian state of Assam. With a population of 1.6 Lakh, majority being tribal, Majuli has a very rich cultural heritage and has been the abode of Assamese Vaishnavaite culture. With tremendous option for spiritual and eco-tourism, the island is a bio-diversity hotspot and has a rich ecology with rare breeds of flora and fauna.

Where is Majuli?

Majuli is a sub division of the Jorhat District in Assam. It is located 20 Km off Jorhat town and is located 1100 Km from the mouth of the river Brahmaputra in Tibet.

About Majuli

Majuli is a natural & cultural heritage site with water bodies covering most of the areas. The wetland of Majuli is a hotspot for flora and fauna, harbouring many rare and endangered avifauna species including migratory birds that arrive in the winter season. Among the birds seen here are the Greater Adjutant Stork, Pelican, Siberian Crane and the Whistling Teal. Dark wild geese and ducks fly in flocks to distant destinations.

The island of Majuli was formed due to the change of course by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit.
The island is bounded by the river Subanisri and her tributaries Ranganadi, Dikrong, Dubla, Chici and Tuni etc. on the North West, the kherkatia Suli (a spill channel of the river Brahmaputra) in the northeast and the main Brahmaputra River on the South and the South west.
Majuli being the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past five hundred years, is presently undergoing scrutiny and consideration for declaring it as World Heritage site as Cultural landscape by UNESCO.

In and around Majuli

The pollution free environment and the vastness of the island is perhaps the main attraction.

Satras or gurukuls are the famous Vaishnav monasteries in Assam and are favourite among tourist. There are twenty-two Satras in Majuli, with collections of Assamese pottery, handicrafts and prayer horns. They are very closely associated with Assamese culture, dance, art and music. One should try to visit as many Satras as possible as each one of them is unique in its design and all of them have very interesting tales from history to their credit.

Pottery made in Majuli from beaten clay and burnt in driftwood fired kilns in the same mode carried out by the peoples of the ancient Harrappan Civilisation is unique of its kind and admired by the tourists coming from around the world.

How to reach Majuli?

The island of Majuli is separated from the mainland of Assam by 2.5 Km. It is approached from Neemati Ghat in Jorhat district by ferry, which is on the south of the island, and Kamalabari in Majuli is where one lands. From Jorhat, Neemati Ghat is only 14 Km.
By Air - Jorhat is the nearest airport and is well connected with flights via Guwahati and Kolkata from different metros of the country.
By Train - Jorhat is the nearest railhead and is well connected by train from Guwahati via Mariani Jn.
By Road - From Guwahati Jorhat is seven hour bus ride. Night services are also available.

Where to stay at Majuli?

Majuli does not have a developed infrastructure for tourism. There is one hotel.
Some Satras have guestrooms. If you write in advance, they would certainly be available. The Satras that have such facilities are Natun Kamalabari, Uttar Kamalabari, Auniati, Bhogpur and Dakhinpat
In addition to the Satra facilities, there are Inspection Bungalows at some points on the island (the one at Kamalabari is well located), and a Circuit House at Garamur, which is the sub-divisional headquarters. For the Inspection Bungalows and Circuit House, you could write to the Sub-Divisional Officer, Garamur, Majuli, Assam.
For assistance one can contact at :-
1. Directorate Assam Tourism, Guwahati: (0361)- 2542748 2547102 Dy Dir 2544475 (Tourist information officer)
2. Assam Tourism Development Corporation, Guwahati: (0361)- 2454570, 2454421, 2457117, 2609182
3. Majuli: +91-3775-274440 (Jiten Deka, Secy, MIPADC Majuli Unit

Henry’s island is an offbeat tourist destination hugging the western boundary of the greater Sunderban region, and dotting the south-end corner of the ‘Mouths of the Ganges’. Kilometers of empty beach, placid sea, clear sky and excellent food are some of the attractions of this island. In recent years the place has gained prominence and is slowly making its mark as a budget friendly sought after destination. This ideal weekend destination is fast becoming popular, thanks to the initiative taken by the Fisheries department of West Bengal.

Where is Henry’s island?

Henry Island is near Bakkhali in South 24-Parganas of West Bengal. It is around 130 Km from Kolkata.

About Henry’s island

In the mid-Eighties, the Government Fisheries Department took over and turned Henry’s Island into a successful eco-tourism project, establishing a strong bond between man and nature. Henry’s island has an area of 600 hectares habitating wide varieties of plant and animal life.
The wide and flat beach, adorned with silvery sands is of prime attraction for the tourists.. It is difficult to find a body in sight, whether of a man, a machine, or any other mammal. The solitude of this remote place has such a unique soporific quality that it cajoles one to remain alone with nature. The experience of remaining alone with nature is an experience of a lifetime which will be cherished by every tourist visiting the place. Spending time away from the humdrum of city life rejuvenates the body and soul.
A dip in the sea is pleasant. Lazing on the sprawling and deserted beach is even more enjoyable. The sun setting in the evening presents a lovely sight. The red crabs roll out a red carpet on the beach. The crabs, however, scurry away at the slightest sound of feet.

Simply breathtaking is the panorama, when seen from the ‘view tower’ of Sundari Tourist Complex. Standing at an elevation of fifty feet, the viewing pavilion provides an opportunity to plunge on a riot of colours.
There are many rarely observed species of birds which occur regularly at Henry’s island. These include Greater Thick-knee, Ruddy Turnstones, Great Knots, Sanderling, Caspian, Gull-billed and Common Terns, vagrant Heuglin’s Gull, Mangrove Whistler, Back-capped and Collared Kingfishers, Eurasian Hobby, a good selection of plovers and other shorebirds. Moreover, it is the sort of place where a Spoon-billed Sandpiper or a Nordmann’s Greenshank is not impossible!

Sightseeing in and around Henry’s island

A country boat trip to the ‘Mohona’ (a place where river meets the sea), takes two hours and just Rupees Four Hundred is a wonderful experience. The slow movement of the boat enables one to seek, and see the rich marine and birdlife. And there are a variety of mangrove trees, on creeks so narrow, that the foliage has to be removed with bare hands to make way.

Jambudwip Island – A visit to this nearby island is a must in the tour of Henry’s island. Apart from the thrilling the journey, the beauty of the island gives the feeling of how lonely we are in this world. The island is rich in bird species including migratory birds as well.
For more adventure, motorised launches are available on hire to visit Bhagabatpur Crocodile Sanctuary, where one will be amazed to see large crocodiles and how they are being taken care of.

How to Reach Henry’s island?

By Air – Kolkata is the nearest airport of international repute. From the airport one can hire a car to reach Henry’s Island.
By Rail - There’s also a train connection to Namkhana. Take Lakshmikantapur local from Sealdah. Get down at Namkhana station and hire a van to reach Henry’s Island.
By Road – Take a bus from Esplanade to Namkhana. Cross the Hatania-Doania creek on a ferry. From the Jetty ghat, hire a van to reach Henry’s Island, about two kilometers away. Direct buses are also available.

Where to stay at Henry’s island?

There are two rest houses in Henry Island. One is named Mangrove and another one Sundari which is very close to the sea beach. These lodges belong to the Fisheries Department of West Bengal.
For booking, contact – State Fisheries Development, Bikash Bhavan (Phone – 033-23376470)

About Food

‘Fresh from the garden’ vegetables, with prawns and fishes netted from the surrounding ponds, radically better the taste of all preparations. Varieties of fishes netted from more than 50 ponds of fisheries department, like carp, lobster, shrimp, trout, tilapia, bele, parse and tangra adds to the gourmet.
Add-ons are the hospitable countrymen, unknown and unsung, working relentlessly to make India an incredible destination.