Experiencing the Fierce Wildlife of Assam

Day 1: Guwahati

Landing in Guwahati, welcome at the airport, and departure by private vehicle to the port of Pandu. Settle aboard your boutique hotel cruise ship. You will be greeted by the crew with a welcome drink and then invited for lunch. Begin your exceptional cruise across the Brahmaputra River, with a first stop at Sualkuchi, a bustling town and center of Assam silk production. Visit a weaving workshop and get an introduction to the silk making process, from cocooning to dyeing fabrics, such as the Mekhela chadars (a two-piece sari, traditional Assamese dress). You will then sail to moor near the big bridge of Saraighat. Meals and overnight on board.

Day 2: Kurua Pass

This morning, after your first wake-up call on board your prestige boat, you will be invited to climb Mount Nilachal to discover the sacred temple of Kamakhya, with its tantric rites and animal sacrifices. Visit the poignant cemetery of Commonwealth war graves, then set sail for Uzan Bazaar. We will set sail and navigate through the Kurua Pass along the northern shore. Meals and overnight on board.

Day 3 : Jotiabari

Today you will stay on board and sail past the villages, past the plantations and the jungle rising on either side, to reach the town of Jotiabari and moor there for the night. Enjoy a local Indian cooking class on board with your chef. Meals and overnight on board.

Day 4 : Tezpur

This morning depart for Tezpur and visit the ruins of the 6th century Da Parbatia temple with its beautifully carved doors. Later you will explore the city by cycle rickshaw, stopping at Cole Park and its medieval stone carvings. You will be able to stroll through the local market in this small town. Our boat will be waiting for us on the city’s waterfront for your onward journey. Meals and overnight on board.

Day 5 : Nameri National Park

After an early breakfast, sail to Nameri National Park at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Rafting session on the Jia-Bhoreli river through the park. You will be close to the nature to observe some endemic birds and why not wild elephants if you are lucky. After lunch, stroll through the village before returning to your cruise boat. Continue upriver, finally mooring at Silghat. Meals and overnight on board.

Day 6: Kaziranga National Park

Today, after an early breakfast, go for a jeep safari in the Kaziranga National Park Reserve to observe its unique wildlife. Covering an area of about 430 km2, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to endangered species such as the Indian rhino (the largest population in the world), a high density of Royal Bengal tigers, Indian elephants and buffaloes. In addition to wildlife, Kaziranga National Park is also a paradise for birds, including the Oriental Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, etc. Back to the boat, we sail along the shores of the park, to set sail at night to Vishnath. Meals and overnight on board.

Day 7: Tea Plantation

This morning, visit a local tea garden and the local market of Uloni. In the afternoon, drive to the western part of the Kaziranga (Bagori) park for a jeep safari. Meals and overnight on board.

Day 8 : Departure

Early disembarkation, welcome at the port and departure by private vehicle to Guwahati airport for your return flight or extension of your stay in India.

Bateau : ABN Charaidew II

Bateau : ABN Sukapha

Boat : ABN Charaidew II

Ship : ABN Sukapha

Accommodation on board the Sukapha, commissioned in October 2016. Maximum capacity of 24 passengers. Interiors are mostly made of bamboo and rattan, and fabrics made by Bodo ethnic people. Individual air-conditioning in cabins, library, small spa, large deck for lounging while watching the scenery go by.

Included: All transportation, accommodation, full board during the cruise, all transfers, mentioned visits, entrance fees to the sites, two jeep safaris in the national parks, services of an English-speaking guide, services of a naturalist guide during the safaris and excursions.