Brahmaputra River Cruise
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Overview
Go aboard on a journey along the mighty Brahmaputra River, originating in Tibet and flowing through India, sustaining life and trade in the villages along its banks. The Brahmaputra River Valley, adorned with seven national parks and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, entices wildlife enthusiasts with its diverse flora and fauna visible from the deck of your ship. This voyage offers a window into life in northeast India, where you can explore rustic villages, ancient temples, and thrilling jeep safaris to encounter the magnificent one-horned rhino. Along the riverbanks, discover riches aplenty, from vibrant wildlife to lush tea gardens, inviting walks through quaint villages, and exhilarating cycle rickshaw rides through bustling towns. With many hidden gems inaccessible by foot, a leisurely cruise promises a delightful immersion into the authentic essence of India’s north-eastern wonders.
Highlights
- A week long cruise on the vast Brahmaputra river
- Visit ancient temples and colourful markets
- Experience the lifeline of north-east India as you cruise villages and fields
- Jeep safari in search of rhinos at Kaziranga and forest walk through Nameri’s bird rich
Location
Itinerary
Meet at Guwahati airport and transfer to the cruise boat at Pandu port. Enjoy lunch while cruising downstream to Sualkuchi. An afternoon walk through Sualkuchi, a bustling little town that is the centre of Assamese silk production, offers a chance to visit weaving workshops. Witness the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon and spinning, then dyeing to hand-weaving into exquisite mekhela chadars (a two-piece sari, the traditional attire of an Assamese woman). After the Sualkuch visit, sail up to dock close to the great Saraighat bridge.
This morning you will drive up Nilachal Hill to see the holy Kamakhya temple. . Perched amidst serene surroundings and commanding panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River, the Kamakhya Temple stands as a symbol of faith and devotion in the heart of northeastern India. Dedicated to the powerful Hindu goddess Kamakhya, it draws pilgrims and tourists alike with its rich history and spiritual aura. The temple’s unique architecture, adorned with intricate carvings and colourful decorations, reflects Assamese culture and traditions. Devotees flock here seeking blessings and fulfilment of their desires.
Later visit the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery. The War cemetery was started during the Second World War for burials from the several military hospitals posted in the area There are now 486 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. In the evening return to the boat at Uzan Bazaar to set the sail for the next destination.
Morning cruise and visit to a riverside village with its lush green fields of vegetables. The day is spent mostly cruising upstream and presents an opportunity to catch up on reading, writing about your experiences so far, or simply watching life unfold on the riverbanks and jungle-covered hills that rise on either side. Enjoy an Indian cooking demonstration onboard.
This morning you cruise on to reach Tezpur where, after lunch, you’ll visit the 6th century Da Parbatia temple ruins with its beautifully carved portal. Later, explore the town by cycle rickshaw, stopping at Cole Park with its mediaeval stone carvings saved from sites all over the region. Enjoy free time in the local market. The ship will be waiting at the town’s waterfront for you to reboard.
After an early breakfast, drive for around two hours to the Nameri National Park at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the old North East Frontier Agency. Here, you take a float trip of around two hours down the Jia-Bhoreli River through the park. There are excellent bird-watching opportunities here (look out for the great Hornbills) and, perhaps, the chance of sighting wild elephants. After lunch, take a village walk before returning to the ship. Continue upstream, passing below a seemingly endless new bridge across the vast width of the riverbed, to moor at Silghat.
Today, you drive to Kaziranga’s Central Range for a morning jeep safari in serch of rhinos and other wildlife.
Covering an area of approximately 430 sq kms, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros as well as the Indian wild water buffalo. It has also has a thriving population of the Royal Bengal tiger, making this park an incredibly rich biodiversity hotspot. With its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass, the park supports large populations of Indian elephants, swamp deer, hog deer, capped langurs and gibbons.
Bird species found here include the grey-headed fish eagle, oriental and great Indian hornbill, black-necked stork, pelican, dollar bird to name a few.
Enjoy lunch at Diphlu River Lodge before taking another jeep safari in the little visited Burapahar Range before returning to the boat.
This morning, go on a visit to a local tea garden and the weekly market of Uloni. In the afternoon, drive to Kaziranga’s Western range (Bagori Range) for a jeep safari through the lush, biodiverse landscapes of the park.
This morning you bid farewell to the crew as you set off for the 4-hour drive to Guwahati airport. Alternatively, we can arrange a 40-minute transfer to Tezpur airport or a 2 ½ hr transfer to Jorhat airport.
About the Cruise
The cruise is offered in the Boutique & Active Expedition cruising styles. These ships are Charaidew II & Sukpha
Charaidew II has a length of 44.50 m and breadth is 11.00 m. She is powered by 2 engines. Her extra-shallow draught and a lower profile than conventional designs allow her to cruise faster. She has 18 cabins in total: 2 spacious deluxe cabins (350 sq. feet) and 12 spacious twin/double cabins (240 sq. feet.) are on the upper deck while 4 cabins with queen size bed (170 sq. feet) are on the main deck. All standard cabins have French balconies, while the two deluxe cabins have a private balcony.
The decor reflects a sense of homecoming to Assam, with touches of colonial elegance, brought to life by traditional Assamese designs on hand-woven cotton fabrics. There is a comfortable saloon and bar, dining room, a big open sundeck, gym, and a small spa onboard which offers a wide range of treatments.
Onboard features
- Spacious cabins with individual climate control
- En suite shower/WC with Kama Ayurveda toiletries
- Generous cupboard space and under-bed storage
- Hair drier in each cabin
- Minibar in each cabin
- In-room electronic safe
- Tea/coffee making facilities in cabins
- Intercommunication telephone in cabins
- High quality bathrobes and slippers in cabins
- Large sliding glass windows offering panoramic views of the river
- Vast sundeck both open and shaded, with sofas and sun loungers
- Spacious air-conditioned saloon
- Mini library
- Spa with choice of treatments
- In-house gym
With a maximum group size of 24 guests, Sukapha was designed to expertly navigate the mighty waters of the Brahmaputra river.
In an effort to conserve India’s forests, her 12 upper deck cabins are bamboo-panaled, air-conditioned and roomy with en suite bathrooms; these cabins also have large, sliding windows that offer panoramic views of the river. There is a spa and a saloon with a library. The dining room is on the main deck and a spacious sundeck at the very top. Cane furniture on board, objet d’arts and handlooms on the ship are all locally made by talented artisans from Assam.
Onboard features
- Spacious cabins with individual climate control
- En suite shower/WC with Kama Ayurveda toiletries
- Generous cupboard space and under-bed storage
- Hair drier in each cabin
- High quality linens
- Large sliding glass windows offering panoramic views of the river
Vast sundeck with sunloungers or steamer chairs - Spacious air-conditioned saloon with library and recorded entertainment
- Spa with choice of treatments.
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