Kolkata

Explore Kolkata – historically and architecturally significant as the onetime centrepiece of the British Raj. Discover the history of the British Empire at its peak inside the Queen Victoria Memorial, visit the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Center and see the Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a welcome dinner at the Oberoi Grand.

Overnight at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Kolkata

Delve deeper into Kolkata with a walking tour hosted by our expert resident guide. Confluence of Cultures – Journey from Bow Barracks to Burrabazar traces the origins of the varied communities that call this fascinating city home. Head out for some shopping in the afternoon or relax at the hotel.

Overnight at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Kolkata—Dibrugarh—Neamati

Fly to Dibrugarh and continue by vehicle to Neamati to embark the ABN Charaidew. Settle in and unpack on board the vessel that will be your floating home-away-from-home for the next ten nights. Head to the sundeck to witness the start of your river journey.

Overnight and following 9 nights on board ABN Charaidew

The ABN Charaidew is a character-filled vessel; her charm and heritage will welcome you on this voyage. Completely rebuilt in 2003, this 38-metre long twin-engine steel-hulled passenger boat comprises just 12 comfortable cabins with en suites. The polished brass engine room telegraph and enormous ship’s wheel bear witness to her heritage. All cabins are located on the upper deck – guaranteeing you a window with a view. A large top sundeck offers steam chairs and sun lounges in which to relax. Your crew include an expert naturalist and staff to turn down your bed each night.

Neamati—Sibsagar—Majuli

Enjoy breakfast on board: the dining room features glass doors on both sides, drawing your gaze to the soon to be discovered Brahmaputra River outside. Explore Sibsagar – the one-time capital of the Ahom Kings who ruled Assam for 700 years – during a land excursion today. Enjoy lunch at a typical Assamese tea estate before returning to your vessel. Relax for an afternoon of cruising.

One of Asia’s major rivers, the Brahmaputra flows about 3,000 kilometres from its source in the Himalayas, winding through Tibet, India and Bangladesh, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. This mighty waterway is the lifeblood of the North East – integral to the life and livelihoods of the people, wildlife and countryside that surrounds it. The river’s size is unexpected – its vastness will surprise you. The Brahmaputra is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Majuli

Discover Majuli Island: a large river island in the Brahmaputra that has been the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past 500 years. Explore the religious life of the local people and interact with local artisans on the island. Witness a traditional dance performance at Kamalabari monastery and visit the museum at the Auniati monastery. Cruise downstream in the afternoon

Majuli—Kaziranga

Enjoy a full day of cruising. From the vessel’s sundeck take in daily life along the Brahmaputra and absorb the details – big and small – your vantage point reveals to you. Discover one of the distinct North East tribes that live along this waterway with a short stop at a tribal village along the river. By afternoon, Kaziranga National Park will be on your left.

A full day of cruising will reveal to you the power and ever-changing nature of the Brahmaputra. The river channels shift and move continuously guaranteeing no two cruises are ever identical as your captain and crew navigate this changing riverine landscape.

Kaziranga

Cruise through Kaziranga and consider the park’s beauty and scenery from your vessel. Covering more than 40,000 hectares, this World Heritage-listed site is globally significant as a wildlife refuge, rich in ecological and natural wonders. Spot as many of the park’s abundant birdlife as you can and be watchful for the Gangetic Dolphin in the water as you travel. Visit the small temple town of Vishnath and stretch your legs with a walk onshore in the morning. Later, enjoy a jeep safari in the fringes of the park.

Indian river cruising is so exciting. It’s a new, intriguing destination, you see so much and are able to share your day’s activities with new friends in a magical environment. There are none of the hassles associated with travelling and different beds every night. River cruising frees you up to relax and immerse yourself in the leisurely pace of life on a river.
Chad

Kaziranga

Rise before dawn for an elephant ride bordering the national park. Observe the early morning daily rituals in this remote part of the world as your elephant meanders through the fields. Discover one of the largest tribes of the North East at a village of the Mising tribe and see its traditional stilted houses.

Kaziranga—Singri Hill

Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as the ABN Charaidew cruises downstream to dock at Tezpur. Discover the remains of the 6th century Da Parbatia temple and the medieval stone carving said to be ancient plans for a river bridge during a land excursion. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the local bazaars.

Singri Hill—Ganesh Pahar

Marvel at your surroundings today with a full day of cruising. Our vessel journeys through a particularly wide stretch of the Brahmaputra – with the river spanning as much as five kilometres in some parts – negotiating through the river’s large and small sandbanks as it goes. Travelling downstream, your vessel covers more territory than upstream travelling vessels, allowing you to discover more of this unique part of the world.

Ganesh Pahar—Guwahati

A morning of cruising that features views of the picturesque jungle-covered hills. Moor opposite Guwahati and discover the temples and ancient ruins of this port city and surrounding area. Climb the stone stairs to Aswaklasta temple on the river's bank, then venture by road to see for yourself the erotic carvings of Madan Kamdev.

Guwahati

Discover the hand-weavers and cottage industries of the town of Saulkuchi with a guided walk, stopping to visit local weaving workshops and see how the region’s prized hand-woven silk is made. Delve deeper into Guwahati’s history with a visit to the poignant Commonwealth War Memorial Graves and the museum.

Guwahati—Kolkata—Onward Destination

Disembark the ABN Charaidew and farewell your river expedition this morning. Fly to Kolkata for connecting international flight or continue to discover India with our suggested tour extensions.