Rhinos & more with Brahmaputra River Cruise
Price guide for this 11 day Rhinos & More with Brahmaputra River Cruise Tour is £3150 based on two people travelling.
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Discover magnificent wildlife including the one horned rhinoceros and elephants on jeep safaris at Kaziranga National Park, marvel at the expanse of the Brahmaputra River as you drift along on your luxury ship, relish the natural beauty of lush valleys and Assam's tea growing slopes, learn more about the culture with visits to local villages and historic monuments and enjoy the magic of Kolkata on this wonderful tour of North East India.
Highlights of Rhinos & more with Brahmaputra River Cruise Includes:
- Full day sightseeing tour of Kolkata including entrance fees and English speaking guide
- Luxury 7 day cruise along the Brahmaputra River
- Boat ride on the Hooghly River
- Walking tour through Sualkuchi to learn about Assam silk production
- Jeep safaris at Kaziranga National Park
- Tour of riverside village
- Cookery demonstration on-board ship
- Cycle rickshaw tour through Tezpur
- Visits to various historic monuments and temples
- Boat trip to Nameri National Park
- Luxury accommodation
- Airport meet and greet service. Chauffeur driven air-conditioned car throughout the tour
Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this Rhinos & more with Brahmaputra River Cruise Tour is just an example to help inspire you.
This tour can be combined with a range of options such as additional destinations in North India, a tour of South India or a beach extension.
Rhinos & more with Brahmaputra River Cruise - 11 Days / 10 Nights
Discover the best of Assam as you drift along the Brahmaputra River on board your boutique ship. With a wide ranging itinerary and an exciting programme of tours there's plenty to see and do as well relaxing and enjoying the facilities onboard either the ABN Charaidew II or ABN Sukapha
You'll explore Kaziranga National Park by jeep safari looking out for magnificent wildlife including the one horned rhinoceros and elephants, relish the natural beauty of lush valleys and Assam's tea growing slopes, learn more about the culture with visits to local villages and historic monuments and enjoy the magic of Kolkata on this wonderful tour of North East India.
Day
1
Day
1
Day 1: Arrive Kolkata
Upon arrival at Kolkata International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Authentic India Tours representatives who will transfer you to your hotel for a 2 night stay.
The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the wonderful facilities of your luxury hotel or explore the local area. Just a short walk away is the new Kolkata market.
Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
2
Day
2
Day 2: Kolkata
Today is an opportunity to discover this charming metropolis with a full day of sightseeing. It’s an early start to visit the colourful flower market, followed by a boat ride on the Hooghly River.
The afternoon’s sightseeing includes the Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Indian Museum, one of the largest museums in India.
Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Day
3
Day 3: Kolkata - Brahmaputra River Cruise
This morning you will be transferred to Kolkata Airport for the flight to Guwahati where you will be met and taken to the start of your cruise. Lunch will be served on-board while cruising downstream to Sualkuchi.
In the afternoon your walking tour will take you through the bustling little town of Sualkuchi, the centre of Assamese silk production, where you get the chance to visit a weaving workshop. Here you will witness the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon and spinning to dyeing and finally hand-weaving into exquisite mekhela chadars (a two-piece sari, the traditional attire of Assamese women). Later this afternoon we continue sailing and dock close to the great Saraighat Bridge.
Approximate travel time and distance: 1 hour 30 mins, 506 kms
Accommodation: Cruise Ship, ABN Charaidew II or ABN Sukapha
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day
4
Day
4
Day 4: Brahmaputra River Cruise
This morning’s drive to Nilachal Hill includes a visit to see the holy Kamakhya Temple. With its tantric rites and animal sacrifice, the more squeamish may prefer to just enjoy the exteriors.
This is followed by a stop at the poignant Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery before returning to the cruise at Uzan Bazaar.
We then set sail and cruise pass Kurua on the north bank.
Accommodation: Cruise Ship, ABN Charaidew II or ABN Sukapha
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day
5
Day
5
Day 5: Brahmaputra River Cruise
There’s a chance to learn more about local life and the crops that are grown with a visit to a riverside village this morning.
The rest of the day is free to relax and just enjoy the views of jungle-covered hills rising up on either side, as you cruise along the Brahmaputra River to reach Jotiabari. If you would like to improve your culinary skills an Indian cooking demonstration will be held on-board.
Accommodation: Cruise Ship, ABN Charaidew II or ABN Sukapha
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day
6
Day
6
Day 6: Brahmaputra River Cruise
Today we arrive at Tezpur where, after lunch, you will visit the 6th century Da Parbatia Temple ruins with its beautifully carved portal.
Later, a cycle rickshaw tour will enable you to explore the town, stopping at Cole Park with its medieval stone carvings which have been saved from sites all over the region.
There will also be some free time to enjoy the local market and maybe, pick up a bargain or two, before returning to the ship which will be waiting at Tezpur waterfront.
Accommodation: Cruise Ship, ABN Charaidew II or ABN Sukapha
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day
7
Day
7
Day 7: Brahmaputra River Cruise
After an early breakfast, the drive to the Nameri National Park will take about 2 hours. It is nestled at the foothills of the Blue Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the old North East Frontier Agency. Here, you will take a boat trip down the Jia-Bhoreli River through the National Park.
There are excellent bird watching opportunities within the park (look out for the Great Hornbills) and, if luck is on our side, you may even see wild elephants. After lunch, there is a village walk, before returning to the ship.
Back on board, we continue upstream, passing under a seemingly endless new bridge across the vast width of the river, before we moor at Silghat.
Accommodation: Cruise Ship, ABN Charaidew II or ABN Sukapha
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day
8
Day
8
Day 8: Brahmaputra River Cruise
Today’s adventure is a visit to Kaziranga’s National Park with a morning’s jeep safari in the Central Range. This is followed by lunch at the Diphlu River Lodge and an afternoon jeep safari in the little-visited Burapahar Range before returning to the boat.
Covering an area of approximately 430 sq km, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest population of Indian One Horned Rhinoceros as well as the Indian Wild Water Buffalo. It has also earned the distinction of having the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers, making this park an incredibly rich biodiversity hotspot. With its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass, the park supports large populations of elephants, bison, swamp deer, and Capped Langurs.
Besides wildlife, Kaziranga National Park is also a birding paradise. A few of the bird species found here are the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle and the Himalayan Griffon
Accommodation: Cruise Ship, ABN Charaidew II or ABN Sukapha
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day
9
Day
9
Day 9: Brahmaputra River Cruise
Another full day starts with a visit to a local tea garden followed by another shopping opportunity at the weekly market of Uloni.
In the afternoon, another jeep safari has been organised in Kaziranga National Park, this time to the Western Range (Bagori Range) where you will have a very good chance of sighting the famous One Horned Rhinoceros.
Accommodation: Cruise Ship, ABN Charaidew II or ABN Sukapha
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day
10
Day
10
Day 10: Guwahati - Kolkata
Unfortunately it’s an early start this morning for the 4 hour drive back to Guwahati Airport.
Here you will fly to Kolkata where you will be meet on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
11
Day
11
Day 11: Transfer to Kolkata Airport
In plenty of time you will be taken to Kolkata Airport to board your return flight.
Alternatively if you have time you could extend your holiday with a beach extension, a tour of South India or a trip to the Himalayas.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation
The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata
The 5-star Oberoi Grand is fondly referred to as the 'Grand Dame of Chowringhee' and has been an icon on Kolkata's landscape for more than a century. The hotel combines traditional features with modern amenities and has lovely open spaces for guests to enjoy fresh air and sunsets.
The international cuisine and specialist Thai dishes will tingle your tastebuds, and there is a multitude of delicious beverages to choose from in the bar. The Oberoi spa with its antique lamps and teak floors awaits you for an indulgent treatment.
ABN Charaidew II, Brahmaputra River Cruise
ABN Charaidew II, entered service on the Brahmaputra River in January 2019. Specially designed to cruise efficiently along the river she offers the perfect way to discover Assam.
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. All standard cabins on ABN Charaidew II have French balconies, while the two deluxe cabins have a private balcony.
ABN Sukapha
ABN Sukapha is a boutique cruise ship offering comfortable and contemporary accommodation while celebrating Assam and Bengal's rich regional heritage. The décor is fresh and stylish, featuring handlooms, bamboo panelling, and locally made cane and rattan furniture.
With only 12 cabins, all of which are located on the upper deck of the ship, it is ideal for those who prefer smaller group travel. All cabins have private bathrooms, French balconies, individual climate control and plenty of storage space.
Destinations
Kolkata
Kolkata is a thriving city famous for its culture, cuisine and historical monuments. Often referred to as the City of Joy, it is also known for its unique ‘adda’, a freestyle exchange of socio-political ideas and intellectual debate that is enthusiastically engaged in, in public spaces over a cup of steaming chai.
The charming metropolis is bursting with sights to see, including the colourful flower market, the stunning Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Indian Museum – one of the largest museums in India.
Sualkuchi, Assam
Known as the textile centre of Assam, the village of Sualkuchi is famous for its handloom industry that produces beautiful silks using techniques passed down through generations. These Muga, Pat and Eri silks are then sewn into the traditional Assamese dress Mekhela chador and Gamosas, a multipurpose white rectangle used as clothing, after bathing and in religious ceremonies.
Visit Aamar Sualkuchi to learn more about the weaving industry through a series of sculptures and the 400-year-old Hatisatra Monastery with its colourful statues dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Brahmaputra River
The Brahmaputra River is a major Asian river originating in the Himalayas in Tibet, and measuring 1,800 miles long, as it meanders its way through India and Bangladesh to the Bay of Bengal
Encompassing the state of Assam, the river is home to many beautiful islands like Majuli, that owe their rich diversity and fertile landscape to its generous bounty. Cruising along this vast waterway discovering the sights of Guwahati city, the dense and swampy expanse of Kaziranga National Park, the various ancient monuments and village life that line the banks, is a truly special experience.
Tezpur
Tezpur which is acclaimed to be the cultural city of Assam is also considered to be Assam's oldest city. Lush green tea gardens and endless paddy fields, the feisty Brahmaputra river and distant snow-clad Himalayas, all come together to make a beautiful city which hides a turbulent past.
It is also known as the City of Blood, thanks to the battle between Krishna's and Shiva's armies for the rescue of Aniruddha, grandson of Krishna. The rather gory legend has it that so much blood was shed that the place was stained red - hence the vibrant buildings dotted around.
Nameri National Park, Assam
A wildlife lover’s idea of heaven, Nameri National Park is nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and is home to a multitude of flora and fauna. The Park is inaccessible for most of the year, enabling its inhabitants to flourish and roam over 1,000 square kilometres of forests and grassland.
Elephants, leopards and tigers are amongst the menagerie of mammals you might catch a glimpse of, along with some beautiful feathered friends including the Himalayan pied Kingfisher, Ibis Bill, Large Whistling Teal and the White Winged Wood Duck.
Kaziranga
Set on the banks of the Brahmaputra, Kaziranga is home to the famous Kaziranga National Park, whose residents include the one-horned rhino, buffalo, swamp deer, hog deer, tiger and wild elephant.
Pricing and Inclusions
The price guide for this 11 day Rhinos & More with Brahmaputra River Cruise is £3150 based on two people travelling.
The prices do not include flights.
Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.
This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid December to mid January.
Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.
Included with this tour are the following:
- Meet and greet assistance on all arrivals and departures.
- All internal road travel by a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned large car.
- All scheduled sightseeing expenses including English speaking guides and entrance fees at monuments.
- Economy class flight tickets for Kolkata - Guwahati - Kolkata travel (Please note the luggage allowance on all domestic flights is only 15 kg per person. You have the option to by extra 5 kg or 10 kg as required).
- Accommodation for 10 nights on double/twin sharing basis.
- Meal Plan: Full Board on cruise; Bed & Breakfast in Kolkata.
- Mineral water on all days of travel
Price does not include:
- International flight tickets
- Travel insurance and visa
- Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages etc
- Meals other than mentioned in the above meal plan
- Camera and video fees at national parks, museums & monuments
The prices given above are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room. All prices were valid at the time of publication but they may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.
For further information or a quote based on your exact dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or a change to the itinerary, please call Authentic India Tours on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com