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This is the travel newsletter of Untrails, a premium offbeat travel company. In this newsletter, I help you discover offbeat locations across India every week, forgotten cultures and offbeat travel hacks. So you can escape the crowds and create unforgettable experiences

I used to play Clash of Clans, every Indian child during 2012-2018 played the game heavily.

And by following my elder brother, I joined COC, and there I met someone who was from Assam. Back then, I wasn’t fond of travelling or didn’t think of it.

Also, I wasn’t much aware of Assam. But I researched the place and came to know why others envy India so much.

No matter where you go in India, every place is gold.

Well, let’s talk about Majuli today.

Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, located in the northeastern state of Assam.

Majuli used to be a part of mainland Assam until the Brahmaputra’s floods gradually eroded and separated it centuries ago, and it turned into the world’s largest river island.

Majuli is offbeat because it’s quiet and far from the usual tourist spots. It’s about 20 kilometres from Jorhat in Assam, and you can reach it only by a ferry that takes around one hour to cross the Brahmaputra River.

The island is full of small villages, green rice fields, and friendly locals. People visit to explore the old satras, watch traditional dance and mask-making, and enjoy the beauty of nature. There are no luxury hotels or big crowds, just bamboo cottages.

After office hours, take an evening flight or train to Jorhat. The flight takes about one hour, and trains take around six to eight hours. Stay overnight in Jorhat near Nimati Ghat, which is about 14 kilometres from the city. Have dinner at a local Assamese eatery. Try steamed rice, masor tenga (sour fish curry), and khar, a traditional alkaline dish. Sleep early to catch the morning ferry.

Leave early for Nimati Ghat around 6.30 AM to catch the first ferry to Majuli. The ferry ride takes about one hour across the Brahmaputra River and costs between 20 and 50 rupees. Enjoy the sunrise over the river during the journey. When you arrive, rent a bicycle or scooter from Garamur village to explore the island. Start your morning with a visit to Auniati Satra, one of the oldest monasteries known for its mask-making and cultural heritage. Stop for breakfast at a local tea stall for chira (flattened rice), gur (jaggery), and a cup of fresh Assam tea.

Head to Samaguri Satra, where artists make traditional masks used in Assamese plays. Continue to Kamalabari Satra, famous for its Vaishnavite traditions. For lunch, visit Ural’s Kitchen or a home-based eatery that serves Assamese thali with fish tenga, lentils, bamboo shoot pickle, and rice served on a banana leaf. After lunch, cycle or drive to a Mishing tribal village to see local hand-loom weaving and traditional stilt houses. Buy a gamocha or a handwoven shawl as a souvenir.

Before sunset, ride to the banks of the Brahmaputra River near Salmora. Watch the sunset and interact with local potters who create earthenware using age-old techniques. Have dinner at your homestay or a local eatery, where you can enjoy a quiet local meal of vegetable stew, rice, smoked fish, and pitha for dessert.

Wake up early and explore nearby Dakshinpat Satra, another historic monastery known for its architecture and cultural performances. Enjoy breakfast at a local stall with roti, aloo sabzi, and black tea. Spend the rest of the morning cycling through the countryside, meeting locals, and enjoying the peaceful rhythm of island life.

Have lunch at a simple local eatery near Garamur with rice, dal, fried fish, and bamboo shoot chutney. After lunch, take the return ferry from Kamalabari Ghat to Nimati Ghat. Reach Jorhat by 4.00 PM and catch your evening train or flight home. You’ll reach your city by night, ready to return to work the next day.

Thanks for reading.

Well, do let me know if you'd like me to find any particular state’s offbeat weekend travel spots.

I’ll see you on Sunday with another great spot.

See ya till then,

Anirban ‘helping you travel to Majuli’ Das.

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