Rhino in Kazaringa - Cruising the Brahmaputra

Tea Plantation - Cruising the Brahmaputra

Deck of the ABM Charaidew II - Cruising the Brahmaputra

Cultural Show on the banks of the Brahmaputra

Wild India

Luxury Cruise on the Brahmaputra River

The Brahmaputra, the son of Brahma, the creator in the Hindu pantheon is both life-giver and destroyer, the grim reaper whose scythe year after year rips through the very crops that its waters would have nourished just months before, now turning seed to waste, an annual baptism that is the essence of life on the Brahmaputra.

Cruising the Brahmaputra celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Assam, as well as its array of unique wildlife. Spot Rhinos, elephants and maybe even India’s most famous resident, the Bengal Tiger from your cruise vessel. Enjoy a gin and tonic from a sun lounger on deck as you meander through one of India’s most remote national park and at night reap the rewards of unpacking once as you retire to your luxury cabin and your home away from home aboard the glorious ABN Charaidew II.

CRUISING THE BRAHMAPUTRA – HIGHLIGHTS

Spot wildlife both on included safaris and from the comfort of the deck of the ship, Gin and Tonic in hand
Spend time exploring temples, stone carvings, local markets and the tea gardens which make Assam famous
Walk the streets of Kolkata with an included tour that showcases the history of this city which is somehow both chaotic and charming
Travel aboard the luxury ABN Charaidew II a personal river boat experience with only 18-cabins.

The Basics

Start: Kolkata

Finish: Guwahati

Trip style: LUXE

Max group size: 36

10 Days

KOLKATA – GUWAHATI

$4655 AUD*

Departure Date: 18 January 2024

Main Deck Cabin

Upper Deck Twin/Double Cabin

Upper Deck Deluxe Double Deck Cabin

OR CONTACT US for more information

Trip code: WIKG *from

ITINERARY

On arrival, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy your luxury accommodation or to explore on your own.

Overnight: Oberoi Grand Kolkata

Today we will head out for a full-day tour of Kolkata that includes iconic landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, the Writers’ Building and other sites showcasing the history of this chaotic, yet charming city. Visit the workshops of the idol makers of Kumartuli, famous for their larger-than-life idols of gods and goddesses. Spend time at the Mother House, Mother Theresa’s home, and the centre of her Missionaries of Charity.

Overnight: Oberoi Grand Kolkata

Fly non-stop from Kolkata to Guwahati. On arrival transfer to the cruise vessel at Pandu port. Enjoy lunch while cruising downstream to Sualkuchi, a village known for its exquisite silk weaving. Visit the weaving workshops of Sualkuchi in the afternoon to witness the entire process of silk production. Today we will dock close to the iconic Saraighat Bridge named after the Battle of Saraighat, a naval battle fought here in 1671.

In the morning, drive up to Nilachal Hill to visit the Kamakhya Temple. Later head to the World War II cemetery before returning to the cruise vessel. We then return to cruising the Brahmaputra, passing Kurua on the north bank of the river.

In the morning, visit a riverside village. The day will be spend mostly cruising upstream with the jungle-covered hills rising on either side to reach Jotiabari. This is the perfect time to grab a Gin and Tonic and a sun lounger and enjoy some downtime.

In the afternoon there will a cooking demonstration.

This morning, we will continue cruising upstream to reach Tezpur where, after lunch, we will visit the ruins of the 6th century Da Parbatia Temple. Later, explore the town on cycle rickshaws stopping at Cole Park with its medieval stone carvings. Spend time at the local market before returning to the cruise vessel docked at the waterfront of Tezpur.

After an early breakfast, drive to Nameri National Park. Here, we take a float trip of around two hours down the Jia-Bhoroli River through the park. There are excellent bird-watching opportunities here (keep an eye out for Hornbills) and, perhaps, the chance of seeing wild elephants. After lunch, take a walk through a nearby village before returning to the cruise vessel. Continue upstream to moor at Silghat this evening.

Today, drive to Kaziranga National Park, the Serengeti of India, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a morning jeep safari in the central range. Enjoy lunch at Diphlu River Lodge and post lunch, another jeep safari in the little-visited Burapahar Range before returning to the cruise vessel.

In the morning, go on a visit to a local tea garden and the weekly market of Uloni. In the afternoon, drive to the western range of the Kaziranga National Park for another jeep safari before returning to the cruise vessel.

Transfer to Guwahati airport to board a flight to your onward destination.

Details

Duration: 10 Days

Trip style: Luxe

Group size: 36 (18-cabins)

Trip code: WIKG

Cost: From $4655.00 AUD twin share (Main Deck Cabin)

Single supplement: Enquire now

Inclusions

2-nights accommodation in luxury hotel & 7-night accomodation onboard the ABN Charaidew II
Domestic flight from Kolkata to Guwahati in economy class (7kg hand luggage & 15kg checked baggage)
Meals as specified in itinerary (B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner)
Services of local guides
Chauffeur driven Toyotal Innova Cars
Entry fees to sites listed
All applicable government taxes

Trip price does not include

International airfares airfares
Visa for India
Meals not included as per trip itinerary including drinks and mini bar
Additional accommodation before or after the tour
Items of a personal nature including but not limited to laundry, souvenirs, porterage etc.
Travel insurance – please note comprehensive travel insurance is a condition of travel with Inverted Atlas

Journey Rating – Wander

This tour, cruising the Brahmapurtra, travels to India, a country that is somewhat accustomed to tourists and travellers. On occasion, you will find that the local people are very curious about you and where you come from and at times you may even feel like a celebrity. This trip does involve some walking during the sightseeing, to get the most out of this trip you should be able to walk confidently across uneven surfaces. Women are strongly advised to either wear a floor length dress with sleeves or pants with a long kaftan over the top while on excisions from the ship and in Kolkata. While not mandatory, this will avoid causing offense culturally and prevent a lot of unwanted attention. To be culturally sensitive, men should wear trousers.

A note about fitness

Cruising the Brahmaputra requires a basic level of physical fitness. You should be able to walk up to 1km at times and manage uneven surfaces during sightseeing, which will sometimes be at an incline. In addition, you should be able to climb up to 25 stairs unassisted.

In addition, you should be in good health, with no major chronic conditions requiring frequent medical attention. While all our tour guides are required to have a valid first aid certificate, they are far from doctors and any assistance they are able to provide will be limited to basic first aid. For more information please see our booking conditions.

Single supplement

Traveling by yourself? No problem, we love single travellers! In this instance please enquire with us if you require a single cabin.

Itinerary disclaimer

This itinerary is correct at the time of upload to our website and we have composed it in good faith. From time to time we may elect to make changes before departure, if we are making a big change we will of course notify you, however if it is a small change this will be reflected in the final trip notes. So, make sure you download these prior to departure. Small changes prior to departure are usually made with the groups best interests in mind and come about due to liaising with our best resources – our past travelers and of course our local partners! The ability to change and evolve depending on what our travelers enjoy is what makes us such a great trip operator.

While we strive to operate our trips exactly to the letter of the itinerary, sometimes we may need to make changes on the ground while the group is on the road. This is all part of the adventure of traveling and we would ask that you come on your trip with an open mind and a good sense of humour because as much as we want it to, everything doesn’t always go to plan. In fact, these impromptu situations often make the best stories that you can have a laugh with your friends about later.

Cruising the Brahmaputra – Your Ship

ABN Charaidew II

The ABN Charaidew II has 18 cabins: two spacious double-bedded cabins and 12 twin/double-bedded cabins on the upper deck.

All cabins are en suite, with a writing desk and chair, mini-fridge and individual climate control. The standard cabins have a French balcony, while the two deluxe cabins have private balconies.

Cruising the Brahmaputra on the ABN Charaidew II

Cabins

UPPER DECK DELUXE DOUBLE-BEDDED CABIN – $5793 AUD per person twin share

This cabin (350 sq. ft.) is located on the upper deck. The spacious cabin opens out to a comfortable sit out, offering guests a better vantage point from which to watch Assam glide by.

UPPER DECK TWIN/DOUBLE CABIN – $5320 AUD per person twin share

This cabin (240 sq. ft.) is located on the upper deck, and can be converted into twin or double beds. This cabin has a French balcony from which you can watch the spectacular scenery.

MAIN DECK QUEEN BEDDED CABIN – $4665 AUD per person twin share

This cabin (170 sq.ft.) has a queen size bed, is located on the main deck and also has a French balcony.

ONBOARD FEATURES

Spacious cabins with individual climate control
En suite shower/WC with boutique toiletries and hair dryer
Generous cupboard space and underbed storage
Mini-bar
In-room safe
Tea/coffee making facilities in each room
Vast sundeck both open and shaded, with sofas and sunloungers
Spacious air-conditioned salon
Mini Library
Spa with choice of treatments
Onboard Gym

Age requirements

Minimum Age: 16 years

There is no shared accommodation on this trip, in this instance we would welcome everyone above the age of 16 years. Should you wish to bring younger children, please give us a call.

There is no upper age limit for this trip, but you should consider the above fitness requirements prior to booking. If you are 65 years or over, you will be asked to complete our Health Check Form and have your medical practitioner sign it to confirm you are in good health and able to participate safely on this trip.

Travel insurance

Please note that comprehensive travel insurance is a condition of travel with Inverted Atlas. Insurance must include provision for medical situations, emergency medical repatriation to your home country and personal liability at a minimum. Proof of valid travel insurance will be requested by your trip leader on arrival at the pre-departure meeting. Please have this paperwork available for them. If you are unable to provide proof of comprehensive travel insurance, you may not be allowed to join the trip and no refund will be payable.