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India Expedition: Kolkata, Kaziranga and the Brahmaputra River

India Expedition: Kolkata, Kaziranga and the Brahmaputra River

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Description

Discover a rare side of India as you navigate the Brahmaputra River region aboard the intimate Charaidew II. Begin this exceptional journey in Kolkata, once the second largest city in all the English empire, and delve into the past at storied landmarks like the Writers’ Buildings and the Jain Temple Complex. Then board the ship in the remote state of Assam, home to world-famous tea, fascinating cultures and rich biodiversity. Spot a parade of wildlife on jeep safaris in Kaziranga National Park, visit ancient monasteries on Majuli Island and connect with welcoming Assamese people in remote riverside villages.  

Trip Name
India Expedition: Kolkata, Kaziranga and the Brahmaputra River
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: River Boat Length: 44.5 metres Passenger Capacity: 18 cabins Built: 2019 ABN Charaidew II is our latest ship to join the fleet. Her length is 44.50 m and breadth is 11.00 m and she is powered by 2 engines. Her extra-shallow draught and a lower profile than conventional designs allow her to cruise faster. ABN Charaidew II has 18 cabins in total: 2 spacious deluxe cabins (350 sq. feet) and 12 spacious twin/double cabins (240 sq. feet.) are on the upper deck while 4 cabins with queen size bed (170 sq. feet) are on the main deck for which we charge no supplement. The decor reflects a sense of homecoming to Assam, with touches of colonial elegance, brought to life by traditional Assamese designs on hand-woven cotton fabrics. All standard cabins on ABN Charaidew II have French balconies, while the two deluxe cabins have a private balcony. There is a comfortable saloon and bar, dining room, a big open sundeck, gym, and a small spa onboard which offers a wide range of treatments. 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 Minibar in each cabin In-room electronic safe Tea/coffee making facilities in cabins Intercommunication telephone in cabins High quality bathrobes and slippers in cabins Large sliding glass windows offering panoramic views of the river Vast sundeck both open and shaded, with sofas and sun loungers Spacious air-conditioned saloon Mini library Spa with choice of treatments In-house gym SERVICES Shore excursion program including all admissions Services of in-house guide and naturalist during excursions and onboard 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 and Western cuisines Wide choice of wines, spirits and beer Complimentary tea, coffee and packaged water throughout Welcome reception Farewell reception Local on-board dance & song performances 24/7 power backup Wi-Fi internet in the saloon, sundeck; dining hall (subject to network availability) during the day time.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Kolkata, India
Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to The Oberoi Grand Hotel or ITC Royal Bengal Hotel. Formerly known as Calcutta, the city was founded in 1690 by the East India Trading Company and served as India’s capital under the British Raj for over 125 years.  Arrival Time: Arrive before 3:00 p.m. local time.  Arrival City: Kolkata, India  Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Day 2 Kolkata
Venture out early into Kolkata to beat the heat and legendary Indian traffic. As the city wakes up, take in its bustling streets as people commute to work, or head to the River Hooghly where they cleanse and purify themselves. You’ll witness this cleansing ritual amongst the colorful riverside flower market where all the city’s religious flowers originate.  Explore the roots of the British Raj in India alongside Armenian and Portuguese churches, as well as Jewish synagogues, in and around Dalhousie Square. See the famous Writers’ Building—the former HQ of the infamous East India Company, the magnificent Governor’s House and the almost forgotten Charnock Mausoleum. Break for a cup of tea and a snack during the walk.   Next, visit North Kolkata, “The Black Town,” where a parallel culture influenced by the Europeans flourished among the pioneering families of Bengal. Explore the four ornate temples of the Jain Temple Complex, with its shimmering mirrors, ceramic tiles and chandeliers brought to India by rich merchants from Persia, Japan and Europe.   After, you’ll go to the Bengali Quarter, the bastion of Bengali culture, featuring the home of multi-talented Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The house, now a museum, showcases the life of his family in 19th-century Bengal and their involvement in the Bengali Renaissance, the Brahmo Samaj movement and the Freedom Struggle of India.  Following lunch, visit Kumartuli, where giant life-like religious idols are beautifully created out of river clay and adorned with intricate accoutrements for the city’s numerous festivals. End this jam-packed day with a visit to the Motherhouse, Mother Teresa’s home and the center of her Missionaries of Charity, where you’ll witness her modest tomb and the spartan room where she lived and died. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Day 3 Kolkata / Jorhat / Embark Ship / Brahmaputra River
Travel by air from Kolkata to Jorhat on our recommended flight; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided.* Jorhat is a major city in the remote Indian state of Assam, home to unique cultures, world-famous tea, rich biodiversity and the mighty Brahmaputra River. Drive a short distance this afternoon to Neamati Ghat to embark the charming Charaidew II. With many places almost inaccessible on foot, your river voyage is a perfect way to experience the ‘real India’ in this often-overlooked corner of the country. Settle into your cabin before getting to know the ship and her crew during a welcome briefing, reception and dinner.    *If you are not purchasing the recommended flight, please get in touch to confirm your arrangements. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Day 4 Majuli Island
Greet the day with morning yoga on the top deck before a visit to Majuli Island, one of the world’s largest river islands and home to the Mising, Deori and Sonowal Kachari people—a microcosm of Assamese cultures.  Seldom visited, Majuli is a stronghold of the peaceful neo-Vaishnavism religion and their elegant satras (monasteries), dating back to the 15th century, have played a crucial role in preserving Assamese art, culture and tradition. Visit a monastery at Auniati with its eclectic museum, then attend a dance performance at Kamalabari monastery before returning to the ship for an afternoon of sailing and onboard presentations.  Charaidew II will tie up on a sandy riverbank this evening, and you’ll go ashore for stargazing, cocktails and chef-prepared treats such as tikkas and kebabs around a roaring beach campfire. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Day 5 Village Visit / Biswanath Ghat
This morning, explore another Assamese village. Friendly locals will greet you with smiles as you stroll their riverside community, learn about their day-to-day life and share stories from your home with them. Spend the rest of the day sailing along the Brahmaputra. Attend naturalist presentations or enjoy some time in the spa. This afternoon, approach Kaziranga National Park. Scan the banks and fields from the ship’s deck for colorful birdlife, wild buffalo, elephants or, if you’re lucky, a rare sighting of tigers or endangered Gangetic dolphins. Anchor for the night at Biswanath Ghat. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Days 6-7 Biswanath / Kaziranga National Park / Silghat
Visit Biswanath, known for its friendly people and Ahom-period Shiva temples, before sailing to Silghat. From there you’ll drive to Kaziranga National Park for jeep safaris. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is home to the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros, as well as the Indian wild water buffalo. It also has the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in the country—one every five square kilometers! With its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass, the park supports large populations of Indian elephants, Indian bison, swamp deer and capped langurs. The park is also an Important Bird Area, and you'll have a chance to spot an array of birdlife including the oriental honey buzzard, black-shouldered kite, white-tailed eagle, hornbills and bee-eaters.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Day 8 Kaliabor Tea Estate / Singri Pahar
This morning, visit the Kaliabor Tea Estate in Silghat, where you’ll learn more about the history of growing and processing of Assam tea. Engage with expert tea tasters who will hold a tasting session to help you discover the nuanced flavors and aromas of the different types grown in Assam. After lunch, attend informative presentations and a cooking demonstration, or relax and reflect aboard the ship as you sail to Singri Pahar for the night. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Day 9 Pandu
This morning, sail past jungle-covered hills on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River. Enjoy a presentation on Mekhla Chador, a traditional style of Assamese women’s attire. In Pandu, drive up to Nilachal Hill to visit the ancient Kamakhya temple which is dedicated to the Mother Goddess and known for its unique architecture and cultural significance. Stroll around the temple's exteriors, soaking in the rich history and spirituality that define this sacred place. Spend your final night aboard Charaidew II sharing memories at the farewell reception with a guest photo slide show before dinner. Dock at Guwahati for the night. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Days 10-11 Guwahati / Disembark Ship / Kolkata
Disembark in Guwahati after breakfast and transfer to the airport to fly to Kolkata on our recommended flight; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided.* Check in at Taj Taal Kutir (or similar) for an overnight stay. The next morning, transfer to the airport for flights home. *If you are not purchasing the recommended flight, please get in touch to confirm your arrangements.  Departure Time: Depart anytime on Day 11.  Departure City: Kolkata, India  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
26-03-202605-04-2026Array Array16,494MAIN DECK CABIN. From
26-03-202605-04-2026Array Array0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available

Inclusions

    • Navigate the Brahmaputra River which plays an important part in Hindu mythology and meet the inhabitants of seldom-visited communities along the riverbank
    • Explore Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on thrilling jeep safaris to spot incredible birdlife and search for rare species like the Asian one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephants and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger
    • Spend a full day in Kolkata, India’s third largest city, home to colorful flower markets, historic buildings, ornate temples and the center of Mother Teresa’s charity work
    • Search for wild water buffalo, hornbills, rare Gangetic dolphins and other fascinating wildlife found in and along the river
    • Sail in comfort and style aboard the Charaidew II, an intimate riverboat accommodating just 34 guests

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