Discover iconic wildlife, natural beauty and cultural heritage on a cruise along the Brahmaputra River
Iconic Brahmaputra River Cruise
Delhi, Assam
JOIN A GROUP OF MAXIMUM 16 GUESTS ON A LIMITED-EDITION SET-DEPARTURE CRUISE
PRIVATELY GUIDED & HOSTED BY LOCAL EXPERT & SKILLED GUIDE, TOBY SINCLAIR
VIEW ICONIC WILDLIFE INCLUDING TIGERS, RHINOS, HERDS OF ELEPHANTS & BUFFALO
ENCOUNTER THE ENDANGERED GANGES RIVER DOLPHIN IN THE BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER
MEANDER THROUGH BUSTLING TOWNS, EXPLORING HISTORICAL SITES & TEMPLES
TOBY SINCLAIR – SPECIALIST GUIDE
Born and educated in England, Toby Sinclair has lived and worked in South Asia since 1977, in the process gaining an extensive knowledge of the region. Beginning his career in Nepal, Toby soon moved to India, where he worked as a consultant on the establishment of a number of camps in the country’s national parks, also gaining valuable experience in the logistical aspects of travel.
For more than twenty-five years, Toby has been involved in the production of wildlife documentaries, as well as historical and cultural programmes, in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. During this time he has worked with film companies that include DisneyNature, BBC Discovery, Animal Planet and National Geographic.
Your journey at a glance
Venture off the beaten track on a life-changing river cruise in Assam; a mystical land of blue hills, tea fields, exotic wildlife and architectural masterpieces.
This 13-day Small Group Journey promises signature experiences and exclusive adventures that are guided by specialist guides and naturalists.
Your journey begins and ends in Delhi, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world with a history dating back over 3 000 years.
In between, you will spend 10 days cruising down the waterways of the impressive Brahmaputra River, discovering untouched, remote areas that remain hidden from the crowds. The Brahmaputra is one of the world’s great rivers, but surprisingly, also one of the least known. Brimming with life, the annual floods rejuvenate the landscapes, sustaining millions of people and some of India’s finest wilderness areas.
Encounter houses of worship, venerable temples, vast farming areas, rice paddies, as well as an array of tribal and riverside villages that dot the banks. Learn the art of tea cultivation at local tea gardens, visit the bustling 18th-century Ahom capital of Sibsagar, the river island of Majuli where inhabitants live a devout way of life, and follow the peaceful Hindu practice of neo-Vaishnavism.
2 nights Delhi | 10 nights ABN Charaidew II, Brahmaputra River, Assam
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What we love about this journey:
- Small Group Journeys offer the opportunity to explore extraordinary landscapes, whilst enjoying the company of a group of like-minded enthusiasts, on a uniquely curated itinerary.
- This journey is unrivalled in its ability to showcase a little-known part of India.
- Your journey is guided throughout by Toby Sinclair, expedition leader, and private specialist guide.
- Cruise along the Brahmaputra River and encounter the endangered Ganges river dolphin and the smooth-coated otter.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at Haroocharai Tea Estate, with a walk around the estate learning the intricate art of tea cultivation.
- Visit Majuli Island, home to a microcosm of Assamese culture, showcasing a unique way of life.
- Meander through bustling towns such as Tezpur and Vishnath, gaining insight into the everyday life of the Assamese.
- Visit the famed Kaziranga National Park and enjoy exclusive morning and afternoon safaris. View iconic wildlife, which includes 70% of the world’s one-horned rhino population, the rare hoolock gibbons, Asiatic elephant and Asiatic buffalo, eastern swamp deer, and tiger.
- Explore the 6th Century Da Parbatia Temple and Ashwaklanta Temple, as well as explore the archaeological site of the ancient ruins of Madan Kamdev.
What to expect
Day 1
Delhi | Arrival
- Upon your arrival at to Delhi International Airport in bustling Delhi, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from &Beyond who will personally assist you through customs, immigration and the baggage collection process. You will then be driven to your hotel.
- Delhi was established in 900 BCE and is today the capital of the largest democracy of the world. Crammed to bursting point, the heart of the nation thrives with tombs, temples, monuments and ruins, all of which exist side by side with modern suburbs, and glass and chrome skyscrapers.
- Spend the evening at a welcome dinner with your Private Guide and Expedition Leader, Toby Sinclair and fellow travellers discussing the exciting adventure that awaits.
- Stay the night at the five-star JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity, which features stylish rooms and suites, and personalised service – the ideal location for your short stay in Delhi.
Day 2
Jorhat | ABN Charaidew II
- Get an early start to the day, with a packed breakfast on the road to the airport to board your flight to Jorhat via Guwahati.
- Upon arrival at Jorhat Airport, you will be met and driven to Neamati Ghat (an approximately 45-minute drive) to board the impressive ABN Charaidew II on the Brahmaputra River for your 10-day cruise.
- ABN Charaidew II is the latest ship to join the Assam Bengal Navigation Company’s fleet. With its extra-shallow draught and lower profile, in comparison to other more conventional designs, the Charaidew is able to cruise at incredible speeds effortlessly and quietly making for an exceptionally intimate and immersive sailing experience.
- Responsibly designed, the vessel’s interior reflects a sense of homecoming to Assam, with touches of colonial elegance, brought to life by traditional Assamese designs on hand-woven cotton fabrics. Featuring a comfortable saloon and bar, dining room, a big open sundeck, a gym, and a small spa on-board which offers a wide range of treatments, the Charaidew is the epitome of luxury river cruising.
- Home to many magnificent freshwater residents, the Brahmaputra River is one of the key waterways in Asia, spanning 3 848 km (2 391 mi) in length. The river drains the Tibetan plateau and then flows through India and Bangladesh.
Day 3
Sibsagar | ABN Charaidew II
- After a hearty breakfast aboard the Charaidew, explore Sibsagar, the one-time capital of the Ahom kings of Assam during the 18th century. Here you can view distinctive buildings including the two-storey Rang Ghar used for watching sports, and the 18th-century Talatal Ghar.
- Tuck into lunch at Haroocharai, a nearby tea estate, where you will also learn the history and traditions of tea cultivation. Sample various blends and brews when you reboard the Charaidew.
- Return to the ship and cruise downstream for approximately three hours to Majuli Island, one of the world’s largest river islands.
Day 4
Majuli Island | ABN Charaidew II
- Explore villages and monasteries on Majuli Island. It is geologically a young island, carved on the flood plain, by a series of floods in the 18th century.
- A microcosm of Assamese culture, Majuli Island represents rural idyll in Assam. A stronghold of the peaceful religion of neo-Vaishnavism, the elegant island satras (communities), some for celibate monks, some for families, showcase a unique way of life where the faithful live simply, offering worship through gayan-bayan (songs and musical instruments) and readings.
Day 5
Kaziranga National Park | ABN Charaidew II
- Spend today aboard the Charaidew.
- Cruise past remote villages, and newly created river islands known as chars. Stop and walk through a bankside village, gaining an insight into the life of rural Assam. Some of the villages along the river are home to the Mishing tribe that moved to the plains from the Himalayan foothills a few centuries ago.
- By the afternoon, the Kaziranga National Park will be in sight.
- Gliding on the river, observe the banks where wild elephants sometimes are seen and even occasionally a tiger walking along the bank.
- There is also a good chance of spotting the endangered Gangetic dolphin, especially near confluences with smaller tributaries.
Day 6
Vishnath | ABN Charaidew II
- Meander around the small town of Vishnath, known for an Ahom-period Shiva temple.
- Take a walk ashore before continuing the voyage down to a delightful morning at Silghat, with butterflies abounding in the surrounding jungle.
- This afternoon you will go on your first safari game drive in the Kaziranga National Park. Enjoy a 4×4 Jeep ride through its Western Range, featuring picturesque woodlands as well as grasslands and wetlands.
Day 7
Kaziranga National Park | ABN Charaidew II
- Explore the Kaziranga National Park with morning and afternoon safari game drives.
- Offering a very different experience to other national parks in India, large parts of the park are made up of tall grasslands with patches of swampy water bodies covered with beautiful water lilies, and extensive riverine woodlands.
- The 4×4 Jeep safaris explore a variety of habitats, forest, riverine, wetland, riverbanks, and extensive grasslands. Our experienced guides will interpret what is seen, explain the background to how the park handles annual floods, and the impact on the wildlife.
- Home to some of India’s largest mammals, Kaziranga boasts a thriving population of one-horned rhino, Asian elephant, tiger, and Asiatic wild buffalo.
- Keep your binoculars handy as the reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with almost 500 species such as the oriental honey buzzard, black-shouldered kite, white-tailed eagle and Himalayan griffon.
- View swamp deer in the vast grasslands or as they take refuge in water.
- Marvel at the Assamese macaque, capped langur and the hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape.
- Between drives enjoy a delicious lunch at Diphlu River Lodge, overlooking the Diphlu river, and into the park.
Day 8
Tezpur | ABN Charaidew II
- Explore the town of Tezpur on a rickshaw and visit the Da Parbatia temple with its exquisitely carved portal and lintel that dates from the 5th & 6th century.
- Be captivated by thousand-year-old carved stones, and wander through the bustling market area. Time permitting, you will also visit the ruins of the 9th century Panchayatna Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the Bamuni Hills.
- Later, re-board your ship and cruise downstream to moor for the night near the isolated Singri Hill.
Day 9
Guwahati | ABN Charaidew II
- Spend the day on the river, traversing a seemingly barren landscape of sand islands that are actually nesting sites for birds, turtles and crocodiles.
- Gaze in awe at the range of hills beyond which lies Guwahati.
- Tonight the vessel will moor not far from Ganesh Pahar.
Day 10
Guwahati | ABN Charaidew II
- Enjoy the morning’s voyage taking in the picturesque jungle-covered hills that flank the river.
- Explore Guwahati, climbing up to the Aswaklanta temple before driving out to the temple ruins of Madan Kamdev, their erotic carvings being an indicator of the strong tantric traditions of the area.
Day 11
Guwahati | ABN Charaidew II
- Walk through Sualkuchi, a bustling little town that is the centre of Assamese silk production, to visit weaving workshops. Witness the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon and spinning to dyeing and hand-weaving into exquisite mekhela chadars (a two-piece sari, the traditional attire of an Assamese woman).
- Take a tour of Guwahati, driving up Nilachal Hill to the Kamakhya temple. With its tantric rites and animal sacrifices, the more squeamish may prefer to content themselves with its exteriors.
- Visit the poignant Commonwealth War Graves, the Assam museum and the local bazaars.
Day 12
Guwahati | Delhi | ABN Charaidew II
- This is your last breakfast aboard the ABN Charaidew II. After breakfast, you will disembark at Guwahati and be driven to Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, to board your flight to Delhi.
- Upon arrival, you will be met and driven to your hotel, JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity where you will stay for your last night.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with your host and fellow travellers at the hotel.
Day 13
Delhi | Departure
- After breakfast at the hotel, wave a fond farewell to India, your host, and fellow travellers as you are driven to New Delhi International Airport to board your flight back home or onto your next travel destination.
Rates
What's included
- Accommodation on twin share basis in hotels & vessel as per the meal plan mentioned above.
- All transfers as mentioned in 01 Air-Conditioned Coach in Delhi, and during the excursions and transfers while on the cruise it will be either by Coach / Tempo Traveller Van / Toyota Innova / Jeeps. [The transport will be used as per availability and as per logistic feasibility].
- Services of an in-house naturalist during the safaris in Kaziranga and during the cruise are included.
- Services of an inhouse guide during the cruise is included.
- Services of an &Beyond Leader.
- All entrance and monuments fees.
- Tipping for park guides and drivers is included.
- All current taxes as on date – subject to change as per hotel/airline/Government policy.
- Air fare as mentioned in the quote above.
What's not included
- RTPCR test [If mandated].
- Tipping to Expedition Leader.
- Any Insurance and rescue of any form.
- Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control.
- Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.
- Any international air fare/airport taxes not mentioned above
- Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.
- Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls and alchohol
- Any video/still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit
- Any other item not explicitly mentioned under “What’s Included”.
- Any airfare for domestic flights other than the quoted details.
- Any cost of the meals other than the ones indicated in room meal plan.
- Sightseeing and excursions other than those specified.
Conditions
- Hotel Check-In 1400 hours, Check-out time 1200 Noon
- The river itinerary and day-to-day travel is subject to the flow of the river and navigable channels. These channels are often changed by the previous monsoon and precipitation upstream.
- Prices are subject to change as per change in Government / Hotel / Airline policy without prior notice.
- Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.
- Please note, the names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels. It is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey the confirmations to you on receipt of your acceptance. However in the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not becoming available at the time of initiating the reservations, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.
- In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to adjust the tour price accordingly. The due increase or decrease will be communicated accordingly.
- The rates quoted are subject to change without prior warning, should there be any increases in Park Fees, Fuel, Sales Tax or VAT, third party services, or any other circumstances beyond our control in the regions featured in this quote/booking.
- All guests must take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellation and curtailment.
- In order to comply with international insurance requirements all airline tickets must clearly show the passenger’s title, surname, name and initial (as indicated in their passport). As this applies to both scheduled and charter flights we would be grateful if you could provide us with this information at the time of confirmation.
- Your internal flights have been organized by us. While we take the maximum care to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you &Beyond is not responsible for the fitness of the carriers or the safety standards of the carrier company.
- In order to comply with International Insurance requirements &Beyond can only reserve seats, be it on a provisional or confirmed basis, on both domestic/scheduled or charter flights.
- Please note that fares may increase between time of booking, time of payment and the ticket being issued. Any costs incurred due to amendments will not be borne by &Beyond.
- &Beyond cannot be held responsible should airlines discontinue flights on certain routings or change scheduled timetables, resulting in missed connections etc. Should an amendment in a routing or itinerary be necessary we will re-quote you accordingly.
- Dietary Requirements: All dietary requirements can be catered for. When making your reservation, please advise us of any specific dietary requirements that you may have and these will be communicated through to the respective establishment.
- Gratuities: Tipping is at your discretion. However management of the establishment will be able to assist with guidelines
- &Beyond reserves the right to modify program itineraries, including arranged sightseeing, and substitute accommodations, including vessels and trains, at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond &Beyond’s control. Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued.
- &Beyond strongly recommends that the guests insure themselves against loss of deposit, cancellation charges, medical expenses and loss of personal possessions, and any other foreseeable loss or expense.
- Photography During Travel
- A. &Beyond reserves the right to take photographs or video during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes during the program and thereafter. By booking a program with &Beyond, guests agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Guests who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to &Beyond representative at the beginning of their program.
- The use of DRONES are not allowed without permits in India.
- Guest Obligations:
- 1. Medical Conditions – the guest must notify &Beyond of any pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to affect the Travel Arrangements. The guest agrees and acknowledges that &Beyond will not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the guest as a result of any pre-existing medical condition or health issue of the Customer that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements.
- 2. Health Issues – It is the guests sole responsibility to
- a) obtain any vaccinations or take any other health precautions applicable to the country of travel;
- b) take all steps reasonably necessary (including, without limitation, the consultation of appropriate medical professionals) to identify whether they have any pre-existing medical conditions or health issues (whether known or unknown) that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements; and
- c) notify &Beyond if the guest has any pre-existing medical conditions or health issues that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements.
- Rates are subject to change.
- andBeyond Trading Terms apply.
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