India, Wildlife Tours

India Brahmaputra Cruise – Dibrugarh to Guwahati

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Wildlife Cruise
11 Days
From 1995
Culture and Archaeology
Off The Beaten Track

Tour Introduction

11 Days from  1995 per adult. Some departure dates travel in reverse, making all the same stops

This ten night cruise in a comfortable air-conditioned riverboat covers most of the highlights of Assam, with elephant and jeep safaris looking for rhino in Kaziranga National Park, a visit to the old capital of the Ahom kings and to the Hindu monasteries on Majuli Island, walks in tea gardens and through tribal villages.

Both the ABN Charaidew II and ABN Sukapha conduct this voyage.

Full Itinerary

Price from  1995 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms
Day 1
Dibrugarh

Arrive Dibrugarh and transfer to Dikhhou Mukh and embark.

Staying at Charaidew. Includes Breakfast.

Day 2
Sibsagar

Excursion by road to Sibsagar, the one-time capital of the Ahom kings of Assam. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise down river to Majuli Island, one of the world's largest river islands.

Staying at Charaidew. Includes All Meals.

Day 3
Majuli Island

Majuli Island possesses unique Hindu monasteries famous for their dance drama performances. Visit the museum at Auniati monastery, enjoy a typical Mising tribal lunch and attend a dance performance at Kamalabari monastery. Return to the ship and cruise downstream.

Staying at Charaidew. Includes All Meals.

Day 4
Jamuguri

Spend most of the day cruising on the river, possibly visiting the tribal village of Jamuguri if time permits.

Staying at Charaidew. Includes All Meals.

Day 5
Kaziranga National Park

Arrive at the small temple town of Vishnath with its fine Ahom-period temple. After a short shore excursion continue down to Silghat and take a jeep ride through the Western Range of Kaziranga National Park.

Staying at Charaidew. Includes All Meals.

Day 6
Kaziranga National Park

Disembark pre-dawn and drive to Kaziranga's Central Range for an early morning elephant ride. Karizanga has a population of well over 1000 rhinoceros and also has good populations of tiger, wild elephant, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer, wild pig and many other species. In the afternoon drive to Kaziranga's little visited Eastern Range for a further jeep safari before returning to the boat.

Staying at Charaidew. Includes All Meals.

Day 7
Tezpur

Cruise downstream to Tezpur. After lunch on board visit the remains of the 6th century Da Parbatia temple then explore the town by cycle rickshaw.

Staying at Charaidew. Includes All Meals.

Day 8
Ganesh Pahar

The day is spent on the river, traversing a lunar landscape of sand islands, before arriving at the idyllic isolated village of Ganesh Pahar.

Staying at Charaidew. Includes All Meals.

Day 9
Ganesh Pahar

Continue downstream, passing jungle-covered hills on the south bank, reaching Guwahati at midday. Visit Aswaklanta temple before driving out to the temple ruins of Madan Kamdev.

Staying at Charaidew. Includes All Meals.

Day 10
Guwahati

Walk through Sualkuchi to visit weaving workshops and see the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon to spinning to dyeing and finally to handweaving into exquisite saris and dress lengths. Then sail up to dock close to the great Saraighat bridge and take a tour of Guwahati, driving up Nilachal Hill to the Kamakhya temple. Visit the poignant Commonwealth War Graves, the museum and the bazaars.

Staying at Charaidew. Includes All Meals.

Day 11
Guwahati

Transfer to the airport.

Includes Breakfast.

Tour Accommodation

India Northern India

ABN Charaidew II

Overview

The ABN Charaidew II is the latest ship to join the Assam Bengal Navigation’s fleet. She is based on the original Charaidew, a passenger ship built in the 1970’s for long distance voyages for the wealthy including the President of India. With 18 elegantly appointed cabins, the Charaidew is well-suited to the challenging conditions of the River Brahmaputra for which she was designed. Extensive use has been made of eco-friendly laminated bamboo panelling, while most fabrics are hand-woven by tribal people in remote villages.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
Yes
Capacity
24 passengers
Length
125 feet
Class
Riverboat
Cabins

18 cabins in total including two spacious deluxe cabins, 12 double cabins and four single cabins.

Facilities

Lounge/bar; dining room; semi-shaded sundeck with seating and sun loungers; spa treatment room, small gym room.

All standard cabins have French balconies, and the two deluxe cabins have private balconies.

India Eastern India

ABN Sukapha

Overview

The ABN Sukapha is a boutique river cruise vessel designed to navigate the mighty Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. With a maximum capacity of 24 guests, this 40-metre-long ship offers an intimate and immersive experience. Its bamboo-panelled cabins, crafted to support sustainable tourism, are air-conditioned and feature large sliding windows for panoramic river views.

Guests can unwind in the spa, browse the library, or relax on the spacious sundeck. The dining room, located on the main deck, serves a blend of Indian and Western cuisine, complemented by a selection of wines, spirits, and beers. Locally sourced cane furniture and handcrafted textiles add an authentic Assamese touch to the interiors. A carefully curated shore excursion programme allows travellers to explore tea gardens, tribal villages, temples, and wildlife reserves, enhancing the experience with cultural and natural discoveries.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
12
Capacity
24
Length
40 metres
Class
River boat
Cabins

12

Facilities

Air-conditioning; saloon with library; spa with choice of treatments; sundeck with sun loungers; complimentary coffee, tea and water. An onboard naturalist will be present throughout each cruise.

There are twelve upper deck cabins.

Cabins each have an en suite shower/WC with complimentary toiletries and hair dryer, high quality linens, cupboard space, and underbed storage. Additionally, cabins have large sliding glass windows that provide panoramic views of the river.

Local Wildlife

Mammals: Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, Asiatic water buffalo, swamp deer, wild boar, Hoolock gibbon.

Hornbills, Pelicans, Storks, and Eagles. Migratory birds that visit during winter, include bar-headed goose, greylag goose, northern pintail, and mallard.

Optional Activities

Shore excursion programme which includes all actvities.

Route Map

Departure Dates

Weekly departures depart throughout the year, sometimes two per week, so please contact us for details of departures for your desired time of year.

Travel Information

Are International Flights Included?

No. Please contact us for a quote if required.

Flight Info:

No flights included.

Best Visited:

April to May

Are you ATOL Registered?

Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.

Jonathan Morris

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

Perfection as always. Thank you for a well thought out, prepared and an excellent holiday.

Dr F W - Buckinghamshire