Explore Bharmaputra River Cruise

Itinerary

DAY 01 – FLY TO KOLKATA
Fly to Kolkata with Emirates Airlines via Dubai, other flights are available, check with us for other options.

DAY 02 – ARRIVE KOLKATA – The Astor Hotel
Arrive, meet & greet then transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 03 – KOLKATA
Today, embark on a full-day tour exploring the key attractions of the city. Delve into the grandeur of landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, National Library, Marble Palace, South Park Cemetery, and the tranquil banks of the Hooghly River. Pay homage to the legacy of compassion at Mother Teresa's home.

DAY 04 – KOLKATA TO GUWAHATI (D) – Assam Bengal Navigation
Depart for Kolkata airport to catch your flight to Guwahati. Upon arrival at Guwahati airport, embark on a scenic 4 ½-hour drive to Steemer Ghat, where the gracious team of ABN Charaidew awaits your arrival. The remainder of the day and evening is yours to unwind and discover the charms of the boat, indulging in leisurely dinners and soaking in the serene ambiance.

DAY 05 – KAZIRANGA NP & VISHNATH
Disembark before dawn and venture towards Kaziranga National Park's Central Range for an exhilarating early morning elephant ride—an unparalleled opportunity to intimately encounter rhinos and other wildlife. Upon return, savor a delightful breakfast on board as we cruise upstream with Kaziranga National Park adorning the right bank. By midday, we arrive at Vishnath, adorned with a remarkable Ahom-era Shiva temple. Stroll through the town, admiring other temples before reboarding and resuming our journey with Kaziranga still gracing the distant bank. Keep an eye out for wild elephants, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the majestic tiger, etching an unforgettable memory.

DAY 06 – CRUISING
The day is spent on the river, and you may be lucky to spot the Gangetic dolphin, as you pass the bankside villages. You’ll arrive in the evening at Dhansiri Mukh.

DAY 07 – KAZIRANGA EASTERN RANGE
This morning, you will touch down and embark on a jeep safari through the lesser-explored Eastern Range of Kaziranga, known for its sprawling grasslands highly favoured by rhinos. Here, you may also catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal Florican. After the safari, return to the boat and resume your journey upstream.

DAY 08 – CRUISING & LOCAL VILLAGE
Another day spent cruising upstream. Today you get to walk through a bankside village, getting an insight into the life of rural India.

DAY 09 – MAJULI ISLAND
As breakfast time approaches, we'll arrive at Majuli Island, renowned as the world's largest river island and celebrated for its distinctive Hindu monasteries, known for captivating dance-drama performances. The entire island is currently under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status. During your visit, you'll explore the Auniati monastery, featuring an eclectic museum, and later enjoy a mesmerizing dance performance at the Kamalbari monastery. Afterward, you will cruise across to Neamati Ghat on the opposite bank.

DAY 10 – TEA ESTATE & SIBSAGAR
This morning, embark on a visit to Horu Charai tea estate, where you'll witness the intricate processes of tea production (please note that the factory is inactive between December and mid-March). Following this enlightening experience, journey for approximately an hour to Sibsagar, the former capital of the Assamese kings. Originally of Shan descent (Assam and Siam share similar origins), they embraced Hinduism and reigned over Assam for nearly 700 years until the 1820s. Their culture and architecture offer a fascinating blend of Indian and Southeast Asian influences. Prepare to marvel at temples boasting stupa-like profiles and palaces adorned with distinctive features – take note of the crocodiles and intricately carved caryatids adorning the roof of the Rang Mahal. Noteworthy is the temple tank here, believed to be the world's largest hand-excavated reservoir. Later, return to the ship, which will have cruised up to Dikhou Mukh near Sibsagar, where you will spend your final night on board. (Please note that depending on river conditions, the last night may be spent at Neamati, close to Jorhat).

DAY 11 – DISEMBARK JORHAT TO KOLKATA – The Astor Hotel
Morning drive 1½ Hrs to Jorhat airport to board the flight for Kolkata. Arrive Kolkata and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 12 – KOLKATA HOMEBOUND
Today India bids you farewell.