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The Full Brahmaputra River – India Cruise

The Full Brahmaputra River – India Cruise

From AUD $8,432

Description

Sailing further into the Assam valley than ever before, Pandaw’s new 10-night Full Brahmaputra expedition is a true adventure. Reaching the second largest city of Assam, Dibrugarh, some 450 km up the mighty Brahmaputra from Guwahati we explore several national parks in search of Assam’s abundant wildlife as well as discovering the diverse and unique cultures of the people who live along this vast river system. This is a trip unlike any other and only available thanks to Pandaw’s ultra low draft vessels.

Trip Name
The Full Brahmaputra River - India Cruise
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: River Boat Length: 57 metres Passenger Capacity: 36 Built / refurbished: 2014 The original Kindat was built in 1886 by Yarrows in London and sank in 1920. She was named after a small Upper Chindwin town. Following experiments with the Katha and Angkor Pandaws, in this build we perfected this concept of a two deck shallow draft vessel and repeated the formula again with her sister the Kalaw. What we managed to produce in 2014 was a very shallow draft vessel that could go just about anywhere anytime that was big enough to carry 30-40 passengers with lots of outdoor deck space. We did this by reducing weight and stripping both hull and superstructure down to the bare essentials. We had found with the experimental Katha that about half our passengers want to eat outside and the other half inside so we created a flexible bistro space offering passenger indoor or outdoor dining depending on inclination, often prompted by the season. This makes for a very happy ship! The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration. ACCOMMODATION 8 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms - 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass - Panoramic French window - Kimonos and slippers - Spa-branded amenities - Unlimited mineral water - Electric mini safe - AC with individual control - Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows - Premium mattresses - Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift - Mirror - Multi-configuration plugs - Generous closet space and under-bed storage - Hair dryer - Nightly turndown service - 24h laundry service - Complimentary evening canapés - Yoga mats in all cabins WINING & DINING Bistro style dining room with outside seating and air-conditioning inside - Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team - Semi-buffet breakfast, semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners - Daily lean & light menu options - Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes - Extensive wine list with premium wines - Welcome drink on arrival - Welcome cocktail - Farewell reception - Theme dinners - 24hrs hospitality bar - Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls ON EXCURSIONS Admissions - Shoe cleaning after excursions - Bottled drinking water - We give away aluminium water bottles - Cold towel service after excursions - Refreshing drink following excursions - 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions - Quality mountain bikes available for independent exploration SAFETY & SECURITY All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards - Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas - Fire fighting system in all ship areas - Expert marine superintendant - 24 hrs watch on duty ONBOARD STAFF Captain - River Pilot - First Officer - Chief Engineer - 1st Engineer - Electrician - Bosun & nautical crew - Ship manager - Housekeeping - Dining - Bar keeper - Chefs - Local tour guides

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 EMBARK GUWAHATI
 Transfer to your Pandaw vessel via a visit to the ‘Kama-khya Temple’, devoted to the goddess of desire. Set sail passing Peacock Island, famous for the endangered Golden Langur. Enjoy an evening welcome dinner and talk.
Day 2 - DAY 2 SAILING TOWARDS SILGHAT
 Spend the day enjoying the stunning natural scenery and wildlife of the Brahmaputra River. Observe river dolphins and birds of prey as we pass uninhabited islands and the fragile communities that live here. After tea enjoy a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the tribal life that exists alongside’.
Day 3 - DAY 3 SILGHAT
 Pass Tezpur and a gigantic 3 Km long arched bridge arriving at Silghat, where we take an excursion through stunning countryside to a tea estate and factory producing the famous Assam tea.
Day 4 - DAY 4 KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
 Our expedition continues with a visit to the UNESCO accredited Kaziranga National Park where we enjoy a safari searching for the elusive Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros and Indian tiger. We continue to Bagori, where by open jeep we further explore the wildlife of this magnificent park. We also travel to Biswanath Ghat and discover the charming village by small boat where women weave colourful traditional handicrafts by the riverside.
Day 5 - DAY 5 RIVER SAFARI
 After more dramatic scenic cruising, we take a boat safari on the Eastern range of Kaziranga where River Dhansiri and River Brahmaputra meet. Here, observe wildlife at its most natural including pied kingfishers, eagles, vultures, water buffalos, monitor lizards and otters. Dinner is enjoyed al fresco on a deserted island.
Day 6 - DAY 6 TOWARDS MAJULI
 Visit a local village on what is the world’s largest river island and home to the ethnic ‘Mishing’ people. Here, women weave on hand-looms to create characterful costumes and we enjoy a demonstration of a Dhoti & Chaddor - traditional dresses for the men and women of the Mishing communities. It is a pleasant place to explore.
Day 7 - DAY 7 MAJULI, NEAMATI GHAT AND SIBSAGAR
 Arrive at the ancient town of Majuli, where we explore the impressive Satras dating back to the 15th century. We continue to Sibsagar, capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came from Yunan and China in the 13th Century AD. Explore the Shiva Dol, built in 1734, the highest Shiva temple in India. Our day is completed with an insight into the making of Assam tea from a tea estate family.
Day 8 - DAY 8 SAILING
 In this remote section of the river where no other river cruise vessels ply, great vistas un-fold and bird life is prolific. Village stop for a walk about and then pass Dibrugarh heading for the Dibru Saikowa island to moor for the night.
Day 9 - DAY 9 DIBRU SAIKHOWA NATIONAL PARK
 This less well-known park has an area of 765 square miles and is at the meeting place of three rivers and is mainly evergreen forest and is very lovely. It is a haven for endangered species with thirty-six recorded mammals including leopards, jungle cats and tiger. All very elusive and unlikely to be seen. More evident are an incredible profusion of bird life. Sail back to Dibrugarh and afternoon visit to the Jokai Botanical Cum Germplasm Centre which showcases quite extraordinary flora, in particular orchids and medicinal and aromatic plants.
Day 10 - DAY 10 JEYPORE DIBRUGARH
 Travel by car to the Namphake Tai village where there is an ethnic Tai (as in Thai) community maintaining their distinct Thai costume and culture around a Buddhist monastery. Also of interest is an Ashokan pillar situated nearby.  After lunch, continue to the Jeypore rain forest area where several types of wildcat, leopards and the Royal Bengal Tigers survive in good strength in this hill country of great beauty.
Day 11 - DAY 11 DIBRUGARH
 Disembark and transfer to the airport 
Day 12 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-12-202420-12-2024AUD $8,432Main Deck Twin Sharing
10-12-202420-12-2024AUD $8,432Main Deck Twin Single Use
10-12-202420-12-2024AUD $10,540Upper Deck Twin Sharing
10-12-202420-12-2024AUD $10,540Upper Deck Twin Single Use
31-12-202410-01-2025AUD $10,880Main Deck Twin Single Use
31-12-202410-01-2025AUD $10,880Main Deck Twin Single Use
31-12-202410-01-2025AUD $11,243Main Deck Twin Sharing
31-12-202410-01-2025AUD $13,601Upper Deck Twin Single Use
31-12-202410-01-2025AUD $13,601Upper Deck Twin Single Use
31-12-202410-01-2025AUD $14,054Upper Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202511-10-2025AUD $9,369Main Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202511-10-2025AUD $11,243Main Deck Twin Single Use
01-10-202511-10-2025AUD $11,712Upper Deck Twin Sharing
01-10-202511-10-2025AUD $14,054Upper Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202522-10-2025AUD $8,432Main Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202522-10-2025AUD $8,432Main Deck Twin Single Use
12-10-202522-10-2025AUD $10,540Upper Deck Twin Sharing
12-10-202522-10-2025AUD $10,540Upper Deck Twin Single Use
30-09-202610-10-2026AUD $10,306Main Deck Twin Sharing
30-09-202610-10-2026AUD $12,368Main Deck Twin Single Use
30-09-202610-10-2026AUD $12,883Upper Deck Twin Sharing
30-09-202610-10-2026AUD $15,459Upper Deck Twin Single Use
11-10-202621-10-2026AUD $10,306Main Deck Twin Sharing
11-10-202621-10-2026AUD $12,368Main Deck Twin Single Use
11-10-202621-10-2026AUD $12,883Upper Deck Twin Sharing
11-10-202621-10-2026AUD $15,459Upper Deck Twin Single Use
22-10-202601-11-2026AUD $10,306Main Deck Twin Sharing
22-10-202601-11-2026AUD $12,368Main Deck Twin Single Use
22-10-202601-11-2026AUD $12,883Upper Deck Twin Sharing
22-10-202601-11-2026AUD $15,459Upper Deck Twin Single Use
02-11-202612-11-2026AUD $10,306Main Deck Twin Sharing
02-11-202612-11-2026AUD $12,368Main Deck Twin Single Use
02-11-202612-11-2026AUD $12,883Upper Deck Twin Sharing
02-11-202612-11-2026AUD $15,459Upper Deck Twin Single Use

Inclusions

    • Kamakhya Temple Visit: Begin your journey in Guwahati with a visit to the Kamakhya Temple, dedicated to the goddess of desire. Afterward, set sail on the Brahmaputra River, passing Peacock Island, known for the endangered Golden Langur, and enjoy an evening welcome dinner and talk.
    • Kaziranga National Park Safari: Explore the UNESCO-accredited Kaziranga National Park, home to the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros and Indian tiger. Take a safari in Bagori, venture to Biswanath Ghat, and discover a charming riverside village where traditional handicrafts are woven.
    • Majuli and Sibsagar Exploration: Visit Majuli, the world's largest river island, and witness the culture of the 'Mishing' people. Explore ancient Satras and continue to Sibsagar to see the Shiva Dol, the highest Shiva temple in India. Gain insight into Assam tea making and wrap up the day with a mooring near Dibru Saikowa island.

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