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River Island Cruise (ABN Sukapha)

River Island Cruise (ABN Sukapha)

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Description

This cruise on the highest reaches of the Brahmaputra still navigable highlights the unique culture of the area, fusing Indian and S.E. Asian influences, with a visit to Sibsagar, the old capital of the Ahom kings, as well as to Majuli Island with its unique Hindu monastic communities famous for their dance drama. Wildlife is not forgotten, and the cruise also visits Kaziranga, where sightings of rhino are virtually guaranteed.

Trip Name
River Island Cruise (ABN Sukapha)
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: River Boat Passenger Capacity: 24 With a maximum group size of 24 guests, she was designed to closely resemble ABN Charaidew, both as a result of popular demand and reasons of practicality, retaining many of the features which make our original vessel so popular but adding a small spa. In an effort to conserve India’s forests, the interiors are bamboo-paneled, air-conditioned and roomy with en suite bathrooms. There is a spa and a saloon with a library. The dining room is on the main deck and a spacious sundeck at the very top. Fabrics on board have been handwoven by Bodo tribal villagers; the comfortable rattan chairs are locally sourced and made; and our gift shop stocks only arts and crafts made by local artisans. Onboard features * Spacious cabins with individual climate control * En suite shower/WC with Biotique toiletries * Generous cupboard space and under-bed storage * Hair drier in each cabin * High quality linens * Large sliding glass windows offering panoramic views of the river * ​Vast sundeck with sunloungers or steamer chairs * Spacious air-conditioned saloon with library and recorded entertainment * Spa with choice of treatments. Services * Shore excursion programme including all admissions * Naturalist onboard the vessel * Cold towel service after excursions * Welcome drink after excursions * Shoe-cleaning after excursions * Turndown service in all cabins * Expertly trained culinary staff * Single seating for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner * Acclaimed combination of Indian & Western cuisines * Wide choice of wines, spirits & beer * Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water throughout * Welcome reception * Farewell reception * Local on-board dance & song performances.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Jorhat
​Arrive at Jorhat airport and drive 2 ½ hrs to Silghat, a lovely beach below jungle-covered hills and close to Kaziranga National Park. Alternatively, arrive at Guwahati airport and drive 4 ½ hrs to Silghat.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Kaziranga National Park
Today after an early breakfast, drive to Kaziranga’s Central Range for a morning jeep safari.​Covering an area of approximately 430 sq kms, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros as well as the Indian Wild Water Buffalo. It has also earned the distinction of having the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers (one every five sq. km.) making this park an incredibly rich biodiversity hotspot. With its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass, this park supports large populations of Indian elephants, Indian bison, swamp deer, and Capped Langurs.​Besides wildlife, Kaziranga National Park is also a birding paradise. A few of the bird species found here are the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Himalayan Griffon and so on.​Kaziranga National Park also frequently draws comparisons to the Serengeti in Africa due to the park's abundance of wildlife and birds.​Returning to the ship, we cruise upstream with Kaziranga National Park on the right bank to anchor for the night at Vishnath.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Vishnath
This morning, visit Vishnath, known for an Ahom-period Shiva temple. Walk through the town before reboarding and setting off again, with Kaziranga still on the far bank. Wild elephants may sometimes be spotted and once, memorably, even a tiger.​Good chance of spotting the endangered Gangetic dolphin, as well as creating a sensation in bankside villages as we pass. Arrive in the evening at lonely Dhansiri Mukh.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Kaziranga National Park
​This morning, we land and take a jeep safari to Kaziranga’s little-visited Eastern Range, with grasslands much favoured by rhinos where you might also spot the rare Bengal Florican. Return to the boat and continue our cruise upstream.
Day 5 - DAY 5 River Sailing
​Another day spent cruising upstream. We shall take time to pause and walk through a bankside village, getting an insight into the life of rural India.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Majuli Island
​Around the time of breakfast, we should reach Majuli Island, one of the world’s largest river islands. A microcosm of Assamese culture, Majuli represents rural idyll in Assam. A stronghold of the peaceful religion of neo-Vaishnavism, the elegant island satras — some for celibate monks, some for families — showcase a unique way of life where the faithful live simply, offering worship through gayan-bayan (songs and musical instruments) and readings. We visit a monastery at Auniati with an eclectic museum, then attend a dance performance at Kamalabari monastery, before cruising across to Neamati Ghat on the opposite bank. In the afternoon, visit a nearby village.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Horu Charai tea estate
​We visit Horu Charai tea estate, in the outskirts of Jorhat, this morning and witness all the processes of tea production. (Note: the factory is inoperative between December and mid-March.) Later, drive for about an hour to Sibsagar, the one-time capital of the Ahom kings of Assam. Shan by origin but converts to Hinduism, the Ahoms ruled Assam for some 700 years until the 1820s. Their culture and architecture is a strange and delightful amalgam of India and Southeast Asia. We shall see temples with stupa-like profiles and palaces of distinctive form. For the record book, the temple tank here is believed to be the world’s largest hand-excavated reservoir. Return to your ship, which will have cruised up to Neamati Ghat, close to Jorhat.
Day 8 - DAY 8 Dibrugarh
​This morning, drive for 4 ½ hours to Dibrugarh airport, passing through this typical colonial town and major base for American flights over 'The Hump' to China in WWII. Alternatively, drive for around 1 ½ hours to Jorhat airport and depart.
Day 9 - Please Note:
This itinerary, including the cruise and approximate driving durations, is subject to river and weather conditions.​ Kaziranga National Park comprises low-lying grassland, which may not be visitable when the river is at or near flood level.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Discover Kaziranga National Park
    • Visit Vishnath, known for an Ahom-period Shiva temple
    • Travel to Majuli Island, one of the world’s largest river islands
    • Visit Horu Charai tea estate, in the outskirts of Jorhat

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