Majuli Island

Majuli is one of the largest river islands in the world and, since 2016, India's first island district. It sits in the braided channels of the Brahmaputra opposite Jorhat, a flat, green world of rice fields, bamboo stilt houses, wetlands and slow village roads. Its true significance, though, is cultural: Majuli has been the centre of Assamese neo-Vaishnavism since the 16th century, when followers of Srimanta Sankardeva established satras (monasteries) here.

Around twenty satras remain active, each with its own speciality. Kamalabari is known for Sattriya dance and music, Auniati has a museum of old manuscripts and royal gifts, Dakhinpat hosts colourful Raas celebrations, and Samaguri is famous for the masks used in Bhaona theatre. Many Mising villages, with their stilted houses and handwoven textiles, welcome visitors too.

Erosion by the Brahmaputra has shrunk the island significantly over the past century, which makes a visit feel all the more precious. Stay at least one night in a bamboo homestay to see sunrise over the river, cycle between satras and watch an evening prayer service (naam-prasanga).