Sailing the Brahmaputra: A Cruise Through Assam’s Heartland

Duration
13 days
Price from
£4,815 pp.
Location
Tribal North East India Holidays, India
Mv Mahabaahu On The Brahmaputra

Trip Highlights

  • Luxury 7-night Brahmaputra River cruise
  • Experience Assamese tea plantations
  • Visit Majuli Island’s monasteries

What's Included

  • All meals onboard luxury cruise
  • All transfers
  • Tea plantation tour

Our experts say

A slice of luxury in a remote part of India, this cruise is an amazing way to explore Assam and meet the people who live on the banks of the giant Brahmaputra river.

It may surprise you that one of India’s least visited regions is home to one of the most luxurious river cruises in the country. The MV Mahabaahu glides lazily up and down the mighty Brahmaputra River, past forests, paddy fields and villages.

On board there are talks from expert naturalists, yoga sessions, and the opportunity to get to know fellow passengers over dinner and drinks. There’s also a spa and swimming pool, and of course spotting some of Assam’s most exotic wildlife right from the deck. Known as the Serengeti of India, Assam is home to wild buffalo, huge tuskers, golden langurs, over 450 species of bird, and the majestic Bengal tiger. There’s also a chance to stop and meet the one horned-rhino in Kaziranga National Park.

Rural Assam is home to several indigenous tribal groups with whom guests can interact during village visits, and discover how traditional handicrafts are made. Other shore excursions include temples, national parks and tea estates, where you can share a meal with a tea planter’s family and learn about the origins of English Breakfast Tea. In the evening, stop on an uninhabited island and enjoy sundowners around a blazing bonfire whilst looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.

Remember, this is just a suggested itinerary - your own holiday can be tailored to your preference of budget, duration, locations and experiences. Get in touch to chat over some plans with us.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to India!

Kolkata City

We will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Kolkata – check in, put your feet up, and get ready for the upcoming adventure.

Day 2 Explore Kolkata

The  Victora  Memorial In  Kolkata

Before setting off on your cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra river, it’s a good idea to spend a little time exploring the historic and unexpectedly charming city of Kolkata. This morning we will show you around some of the main sites like the Victoria Memorial, and in the afternoon go for a walking tour to discover the diverse communities who have made Kolkata their home.

Day 3 Fly to Assam and board your ship

Day 4 Cruise the Brahmaputra – river island

Day 5 Cruise the Brahmaputra – tea and jute

Day 6 Cruise the Brahmaputra – rhinos at Kaziranga

Day 7 Cruise the Brahmaputra – life on the river

Day 8 Cruise the Brahmaputra – Mishing villages

Day 9 Cruise the Brahmaputra – Majuli River Island

Day 10 Disembark & continue to Dibrugarh

Day 11 Dibrugarh

Day 12 Dibrugarh

Day 13 Fly to Delhi & fly home

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When to go to India

Find out the best time to visit India with our month by month guide.

  • Best
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  • Mixed
  • Jan
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  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
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January

January is a great option for sightseeing in the north, days are clear and warm with minimal fog in the mornings. During this month, southern India provides a warm, sunny escape - properties in Kerala can fill quickly. If all that wasn't enough, visitors can experience some of the best mountain views in the Himalaya's - but you'll need to wrap up warm!

  • Kite Festival in Gujarat
  • Bikanar Camel Festival in Rajasthan
  • Republic Day 26th January

February

February sees all the fog clearing in Northern states and it is regarded as one of the best months to travel as the whole country is warm and sunny. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle are amazing during February and March, October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.

March

One of the more popular months to travel, March is great for both weather conditions and cultural experiences, including Holi celebrating the victory of good over evil. If you're looking to go hiking, March is perfect in the Western Ghats. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing during February and March, October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.

  • Holi Festival - world famous paint throwing celebration.

April

April sees temperatures sore country-wide, making it one of the driest and best months to go elephant and tiger spotting. As daytime temperatures can reach over 40 degrees we recommend excursions based in the mornings and evenings.

May

Temperatures and humidity continue to rise in May, reaching 45 degrees, which can make it uncomfortable. But wildlife viewings continue to be at their best as animals search for water sources.

June

From June, Ladakh is accessible offering incredible scenery and a complete contrast to the rest of India. Days are warm and bright, but you will need to pack layers for added warmth.

We recommend not travelling to Southern India and the Himalayas as humidity is high and thunderstorms are frequent as the country awaits the monsoon season.

July

Much like June, July offers incredible views across Ladakh whilst elsewhere monsoon season rains are imminent.

August

August is the perfect time to cruise along the Ganges thanks to the monsoon and its increased water levels.

September

September marks the end of the monsoon season and weather can still be unsettled across the country. If you're looking for good value travel, there can be some good deals in Rajasthan. Travel to Ladakh comes to a close as the season ends.

October

October is peak travel season, the rains end and the north of the country is warm. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing during October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.

  • Mahatma Ghandi's birthday is celebrated on the 2nd October and is a national holiday.
  • Diwali, the ancient Hindu festival of lights dazzles and illuminates the sky.

November

November is one of the best months to travel anywhere in India. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing in November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.

December

Southern India is sunny and warm in December, making it a popular option for yuletide celebrations. If you want to delve into northern culture, daytime temperatures as beautiful, however mornings and evenings can be cold and sometimes foggy.

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