Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Price starting from: US$ 1,369
Day 1
This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and brought to ABN Sukapha for embarkation by 11 am. Sail upstream past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Koran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. After the visit, reboard your cruise and start sailing, leaving urban sprawl behind.
Day 2
Sail upstream and, after breakfast, land at the country town of Kalna and take cycle rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples, as well as the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 shrinelets. Continue on through the countryside to Mayapur to visit the vast new ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple which dominates the skyline. As the headquarters of ISKCON or the Hare Krishna movement, the temple receives over a million singing and dancing devotees a year from around the world. Sail downstream as dusk falls to a mooring near Kalna.
Day 3
This morning, sail downstream and visit a saree-weaving village before continuing on to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950, to visit the 18th century church as well as Dupleix’s House, the erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Later, sail on down to Kolkata and moor for the night.
Day 4
After breakfast, disembark ABN Sukapha and transfer to Kolkata airport for your flight to Jorhat or Dibrugarh in the state of Assam.
On arrival at Jorhat or Dibrugarh airport, our representative will transfer you to Neemati Ghat. From this ferry point, you will be taken by private country boat to ABN Charaidew I, a heritage floating boutique accommodation on the Brahmaputra river.
This afternoon is at leisure - enjoy the views on the sundeck or sunset happy hour on the white sand banks of the river.
Day 5
Today, after breakfast, a dedicated country boat will take you across to Majuli island (approx 1.5 hrs by boat). Majuli is one of the world's largest inhabited river islands. Considered to be a microcosm of Assamese culture, the island is also the seat of Vaishnavite culture in the state. The great 15th century Assamese saint and reformer, Srimanta Sankardev had come to Majuli and set up satras or monasteries, preaching a monotheist branch of Hinduism called Vaishnavism, which motivated and established a socio-religious movement that ultimately shaped Assamese society and culture into what it is today. After reaching Majuli, go on a full day excursion within the island.
Start off with a visit to Samaguri, a Vaishnavite monastery which still practises its ancient tradition of making masks, generally worn during ‘Bhaona’ - a traditional form of theatre with a religious message. From here, drive on to Uttar Kamalabari Satri, a monastery known for its dance practice, and enjoy a special monastic performance as well as interactions with the monks.
After a humble lunch at a local joint, go for a walk into a Mishing tribal village, where you'll get to observe the everyday lives of this agrarian folk. Late afternoon, transfer to Kamalabari Ghat (approx. 40 mins) where your country boat will be waiting to take you back to ABN Charaidew I.
Day 6
After breakfast, your private country boat will transfer you to Neemati Ghat from where you will be transferred (approx. 1.5 hours one-way by boat, and 35 km/1 hour by car) to Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Gibbon Sanctuary is the only sanctuary where seven out of the 15 primate species found in India can be sighted. It covers an area of about 30 sq km and visitors are permitted to walk inside the park. There is a good possibility of spotting Hoolock Gibbons, Capped Langurs, Malayan Giant Squirrels, and birdlife.
On arrival, go for a walk inside the sanctuary and look out for the Hoolock gibbon and other wildlife. After the sanctuary, drive to Jorhat for lunch.
Post lunch, drive (approx. 5 km/0.5 hours) to visit Tocklai Tea Research Institute in Jorhat to learn about the history of tea cultivation in Assam, as well as indulge in tea-tasting. (Note: Tocklai Tea Experimental Station is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and there are fewer activities in the winter months). Afterwards, drive back to Neemati Ghat where your country boat will be waiting to take you back to ABN Charaidew I.
Day 7
After breakfast, your private country boat will transfer you to Neemati Ghat from where you will be transferred to Jorhat or Dibrugarh airport for your onward journey.
Offering Ganges-Brahamputra Cruise that includes recreational activities, folk theater experience, wildlife and much more.