Tezpur and Majuli Island with its Vaishnavite satras

Tezpur and Majuli Island are two of Assam’s most historic and culturally rich destinations, each reflecting a distinct aspect of the Brahmaputra Valley’s rich heritage. Tezpur, on the river’s northern bank, is one of Assam’s oldest towns, steeped in legend. Known in mythology as Sonitpur, it was ruled by the demon king Banasura and associated with the tale of his daughter Usha’s love for Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna. Historically, it became an important seat of power during the Kamarupa Kingdom and later under the Ahoms. The town’s ruins, ancient temples, and colonial architecture blend myth with history amid beautiful hill and river scenery.

Downstream lies Majuli, the world’s largest river island and the spiritual heart of Assam. Formed by the Brahmaputra, it became the centre of Neo-Vaishnavism in the 15th–16th centuries under the saint Srimanta Sankardeva, who founded its famous satras (monastic institutions). Majuli’s monasteries preserve art, dance, and traditional craft, making it a serene symbol of Assamese spirituality and culture.