Think of Assam and your first thoughts probably involve tea and maybe temples. Certainly it is not noted for its tourism, mostly because of the lack of acceptable accommodation and transportation. This is a great pity, as this state that lies south of Tibet and Bhutan and north of Bangladesh has so much to offer the naturalist, bird watcher or cultural traveller. One of the world’s great rivers, the Brahmaputra runs for some 1800 miles from its source in the Tibetan Himalaya to its delta in the Bay of Bengal. Nothing can prepare the traveller for the vastness and emptiness of this great water highway, as myriad channels ply through seemingly endless archipelagos of sand islands. Within striking distance of the river are a number of significant national parks. Among these is the World Heritage Site at Kaziranga, where the world’s largest population of one horned rhino resides.
This unusual journey will appeal to those who wish to witness this extraordinary area, its diverse cultures and marvellous wildlife but who are weary of the more well-trodden paths around the world. The roads may be poor and the tourist infrastructure very much in its infancy, but that is precisely why we find this region so exciting. Now is the time to visit before big business moves in with the resort hotel chains and all other paraphernalia that 21st century tourism entails. For these voyages along the Brahmaputra River we are working with our associates, Assam Bengal Navigation, an Indian/British joint venture based in Guwahati whose directors have a wealth of experience in operating river vessels in India. We have chartered the RV Charaidew II from them and the vessel is specially designed for the navigational conditions on the Brahmaputra.
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Charitable Trust Project
It is our vision to use the Noble Caledonia framework to improve economic, social and environmental conditions in the areas we work and visit. To this end, in 2013 we established the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust (NCCT): Registered Charity No. 1153281.
Noble Caledonia Ltd cover the costs of administering the NCCT so that 100% of your donation will go directly to the beneficiaries. Money is raised from a percentage of Noble Caledonia’s profits and through fundraising by staff and donations from our travellers and business partners.
Future Hope Kolkata
Since 2014 the NCCT have helped fund raising for Future Hope, an inspirational charity that aims to give the most vulnerable street and slum children of Kolkata and its surroundings a stable environment to reach their full potential and become independent, self-sufficient and socially responsible young adults.
Future Hope provides opportunity through its homes, medical programme, school and skills training centre to over 350 children and young people. A small charity, Future Hope has a strong family ethos, which extends not only to the staff and children at the homes and school but also to the local community, its supporters, donors and volunteers.
In 2018 the NCCT committed to provide education for 10 children per year at Future Hope. The annual cost of educating a child is £675 and we aim to increase the number of children we help from 10 to 20 per year through donations and fundraising.
If you would like to make a donation you may do so by sending a cheque made payable to NCCT to 2 Chester Close, London SW1X 7BE.
DONATING
If you would like to make a donation by cheque please make it payable to ‘NCCT’ and send it to NCCT, 2 Chester Close, London, SW1X 7BE, stating the name of the project you wish to donate to. Or
Charaidew II
We are delighted to have chartered the RV Charaidew II for our scenic cruises along the Brahmaptura River. Launched in January 2019, this charming vessel features a range of comfortable cabins, all with French balconies. Accommodating a maximum of just 34 passengers and with an equal number of crew, the vessel will be sure to provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere on board. With its expansive Sun Deck there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your floating hotel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Kolkata, India.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight from London to Kolkata.
Day 2 Kolkata.
Arrive in the morning and transfer to the JW Marriot Kolkata hotel for a three night stay. After lunch at the hotel, enjoy an afternoon tour of India’s second largest city which is regarded as the intellectual, artistic and cultural capital. See the Victoria Memorial and St Paul’s Cathedral Church before we meet for dinner at our hotel this evening.
Day 3 Kolkata.
After breakfast we will take an exclusive ride on India’s only operating tram network and the oldest electric tram in Asia that has been running since 1902. We will then make a visit to the South Park Cemetery, the last resting place of many of Kolkata’s early British settlers. After lunch in a local restaurant we will take in what is arguably the best view of Kolkata whilst sailing along the River Hooghly by local boat. Return to the hotel before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 Kolkata.
This morning we visit the vibrant and colourful flower market and Howrah Bridge before a panoramic drive around Dalhousie Square seeing the Governor’s House and St Andrew’s Church. Return to the hotel for lunch before spending the afternoon at the Mother House, the former home and last resting place of Mother Teresa. After some free time to relax we meet tonight for dinner in the hotel.
Day 5 Kolkata to Guwahati.
Return to the airport this morning for our flight to Guwahati. On arrival we transfer to the RV Charaidew II moored at Pandu port. Enjoy lunch while cruising downstream to Sualkuchi. An afternoon walk will take us through Sualkuchi, a bustling little town that is the centre of Assamese silk production and offers a chance to visit weaving workshops. Witness the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon and spinning, then dyeing to hand-weaving into exquisite mekhela chadars (a two-piece sari, the traditional attire of an Assamese woman). We then sail up to dock close to the great Saraighat bridge.
Day 6 Guwahati.
This morning we drive up to Nilachal Hill to see the holy Kamakhya temple. With its tantric rites and animal sacrifice, the more squeamish may prefer to content themselves with the exterior. Also visit the poignant Commonwealth War Graves. Return to the ship and continue sailing before we moor for the night in Kurua on the north bank.
Day 7 Cruising.
During our morning of cruising we will stop at a bankside village where we have a chance to meet the villagers. The rest of the day is spent on board as we watch life unfold on the riverbanks and jungle covered hills that rise on either side. This evening we will be treated to a cooking demonstration on board.
Day 8 Tezpur.
We cruise on to Tezpur, where after lunch we visit the 6th century Da Parbatia temple ruins, with a beautifully carved portal, and explore the town by cycle rickshaw. We will stop at Cole Park with Medieval stone carvings saved from sites all over the region, and aim to pass by the bungalow once lived in by Alexander Bruce, pioneer of the tea industry. Our ship will be waiting at the town’s waterfront for us to re-board.
Day 9 Nameri National Park.
After an early breakfast we drive for some two hours to the Nameri National Park at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the old North East Frontier Agency. Here we take a float trip of around two hours duration down the Jia Bhoreli River through the park, with excellent birdwatching (look out for the great hornbills) and perhaps the chance of sighting wild elephant. After lunch we take a village walk before returning to the ship.
Day 10 Kaziranga.
Continue upstream, passing below a seemingly endless new bridge across the vast width of the river bed, to moor at Steemer Ghat, a lovely beach backed by jungle-covered hills. In the afternoon we drive to Kaziranga’s Western Range for a jeep safari and to scan the wilderness from an observation tower. Kaziranga is a World Heritage Site and, with a population of well over 1000 one-horned rhinoceros, it is the best place in the world to see these beasts.
Day 11 Kaziranga.
Today we will drive to Kaziranga’s Central Range for further jeep safaris. We hope to encounter many of Kaziranga’s endemic wildlife which includes good populations of wild elephant, sambar, swamp and hog deer, wild pig, plus hundreds of types of birds, flora, fauna and of course, the elusive Bengal tiger.
Day 12 Vishnath.
This morning we set sail upstream, with Kaziranga National Park on the right bank. At around midday we reach Vishnath, with its Ahom-period Shiva temple. There are other later temples too, and we walk through the town before re-boarding and setting off again, with Kaziranga still on the far bank.
Day 13 Cruising.
Today is spent on the river and we have a good chance of spotting Gangetic dolphin.
Day 14 Kaziranga.
This morning we land and take a jeep safari in Kaziranga’s little-visited Eastern Range, with grasslands much favoured by rhino, where you might spot the rare Bengal florican. Returning to the boat, we continue our cruise upstream.
Day 15 Cruising.
Another day spent cruising upstream. We will take time to pause and walk through a bank-side village, getting an insight into the life of rural India.
Day 16 Majuli Island.
Around breakfast time, we should reach Majuli Island, supposedly the world’s largest river island, and possessing unique Hindu monasteries famed for their dance-drama performances. The whole island is now shortlisted for future UNESCO World Heritage status. We visit a monastery at Auniati with an eclectic museum and attend a dance performance at Kamalbari Monastery, before cruising across to Neamati Ghat on the opposite bank.
Day 17 Sibsagar.
We visit a tea estate this morning before driving for about an hour to Sibsagar, the one-time capital of the kings of Assam. Shan by origin (Assam and Siam share the same derivation) but converted to Hinduism they ruled Assam for some 700 years until the 1820s. We will see temples with stupa like profiles, and palaces of distinctive form - note the crocodiles and rather erotic caryatids that adorn the roof of the Rang Mahal. For the record book, the temple tank here is believed to be the world’s largest hand-excavated reservoir. We return to our vessel which will have cruised up to Dikhou Mukh, close to Sibsagar, and spend our last night on board. (Dependent on river conditions the last night may be spent at Neamati, close to Jorhat).
Day 18 Assam to Kolkata.
Disembark after breakfast for our flight to Kolkata. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 19 Kolkata to London.
Depart this morning by scheduled indirect flight, arriving into London this evening.
Dates and Prices
19 November to 7 December 2025 • 14 January to 1 February 2026 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Queen Stateroom - Main Deck | £6995 | £6695 |
2 Double Stateroom - Upper Deck | £7395 | £7095 |
3 Luxury Suite - Upper Deck | £8395 | £8095 |
4 Single Stateroom - Main Deck | £9495 | £9195 |
15 January to 2 February 2025 • 12 February to 2 March 2025 | ||
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Category | Price | |
1 Queen Stateroom - Main Deck | Fully Booked | |
2 Double Stateroom - Upper Deck | Fully Booked | |
3 Luxury Suite - Upper Deck | Fully Booked | |
4 Single Stateroom - Main Deck | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: RCCH
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Four nights hotel accommodation in Kolkata on full board basis • 13 nights aboard the RV Charaidew II on full board basis • Local wine, beer & soft drinks with meals • Shore excursions • Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • UK airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Indian visa, camera fees in national parks.
NB. Excursions, events ashore and ports are subject to change depending on entrance time allocations and river conditions. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
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Deckplan
Charaidew II
We are delighted to have chartered the RV Charaidew II for our scenic cruises along the Brahmaptura River. Launched in January 2019, this charming vessel features a range of comfortable cabins, all with French balconies. Accommodating a maximum of just 34 passengers and with an equal number of crew, the vessel will be sure to provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere on board. With its expansive Sun Deck there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your floating hotel.
Charitable Trust Project
It is our vision to use the Noble Caledonia framework to improve economic, social and environmental conditions in the areas we work and visit. To this end, in 2013 we established the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust (NCCT): Registered Charity No. 1153281.
Noble Caledonia Ltd cover the costs of administering the NCCT so that 100% of your donation will go directly to the beneficiaries. Money is raised from a percentage of Noble Caledonia’s profits and through fundraising by staff and donations from our travellers and business partners.
Future Hope Kolkata
Since 2014 the NCCT have helped fund raising for Future Hope, an inspirational charity that aims to give the most vulnerable street and slum children of Kolkata and its surroundings a stable environment to reach their full potential and become independent, self-sufficient and socially responsible young adults.
Future Hope provides opportunity through its homes, medical programme, school and skills training centre to over 350 children and young people. A small charity, Future Hope has a strong family ethos, which extends not only to the staff and children at the homes and school but also to the local community, its supporters, donors and volunteers.
In 2018 the NCCT committed to provide education for 10 children per year at Future Hope. The annual cost of educating a child is £675 and we aim to increase the number of children we help from 10 to 20 per year through donations and fundraising.
If you would like to make a donation you may do so by sending a cheque made payable to NCCT to 2 Chester Close, London SW1X 7BE.
DONATING
If you would like to make a donation by cheque please make it payable to ‘NCCT’ and send it to NCCT, 2 Chester Close, London, SW1X 7BE, stating the name of the project you wish to donate to. Or
Tour Extensions
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Join us after your cruise for a three night stay in India’s holiest city, Varanasi, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. From the comfort of our hotel we will explore this colourful and sacred city with opportunities to watch the riverside worshippers along the ghats, enjoy a cruise along the Ganges and to visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site.
The Itinerary
Day 1 Kolkata to Varanasi, India.
After breakfast transfer to Kolkata Airport for our short flight to Varanasi, one of India’s most ancient cities and a major pilgrimage site. Its beauty lies in its centuries-old traditions, spectacular ghats, and narrow winding streets. It is a city full of beauty and history, known for its vibrant culture, colourful temples and old buildings. The River Ganges is the lifeblood of the city, and all along its banks we will see millions of devotees visiting temples and offering prayers. Tonight, we see the Aarti ceremony where prayers are offered to the goddess Ganga on the banks of the river. Afterwards we return to the hotel for dinner. (B, D)
Day 2 Varanasi.
Early risers will have the option to join a cruise on the Ganges as we see the city come to life at dawn. Return to the hotel for breakfast and a free morning to explore at your own pace. This afternoon we take sightseeing tour of the city including the Bharat Mata Temple, Banares Hindu University and the Sankat Mochan Temple before dinner in the hotel this evening. (B, D)
Day 3 Varanasi & Sarnath.
This morning we drive to Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon to his first five disciples. We see the Dhamek Stupa, the extensive ruins of an ancient monastery and the Archaeological Museum. Return to Varanasi for a free afternoon before we meet this evening for dinner. (B, D)
Day 4 Varanasi to Delhi.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to our hotel for some time at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 5 Delhi to London.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. Arrive this afternoon. (B)
Please note that this extension is only available in conjunction with the November 2025 and January 2026 departures.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
7 to 11 December 2025 • 1 to 5 February 2026 Category Price Twin £1495 Single £1795 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled return air travel, three nights hotel accommodation in Varanasi, overnight hotel accommodation in Delhi, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, D – Dinner), Indian wine, beer and soft drinks included with dinner, Tour Manager, excursions, gratuities.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Indian visa.
NB. Minimum numbers are required for this extension to operate.
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Join us after your cruise for an exploration of the picturesque town of Darjeeling, the “Queen of the Hills” lying amidst the slopes of the Lesser Himalayas.
The Itinerary
Day 1 Kolkata to Darjeeling, India.
After breakfast transfer to Kolkata Airport for our flight to Bagdogra. On arrival we will transfer by road (approximately 3 hours) to Darjeeling. Check in this afternoon and enjoy free time before we meet for dinner tonight. (B, D)
Day 2 Darjeeling.
This morning we will take a ride on the Toy Train, a narrow-gauge course which began operation in 1881 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The train ride combines heritage, the marvel of engineering and is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Darjeeling. From the train we will see the local markets, towns and bridges as well as passing through some lush green hills, jungles and tea farms with the mesmerising view of snow-covered Himalayan peaks and the world’s third highest peak, Kanchenjunga as a backdrop. After free time for lunch we will take a walk around Darjeeling, discover how the town was established as the summer capital of the British and view some of the colonial buildings and the stories connected to them. (B, D)
Day 3 Darjeeling.
Early risers have the option to visit nearby Tiger Hill for a sunrise view before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Later we spend time at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which preserves and teaches about past mountaineering expeditions, especially about the Mount Everest Expedition by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, since the early 20th century. Continue to the Zoological Park which is the only specialised zoo in India, internationally recognised for
its conservation breeding programmes of Red Panda, Himalayan Newt, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf and other highly endangered animal species of the Eastern Himalaya. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace before we meet for dinner tonight. (B, D)
Day 4 Darjeeling.
Today we visit one of the tea estates where we can walk through a tea garden on the gentle hill slopes of Darjeeling and see the tea processing methods before enjoying a freshly brewed cup. Our final afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. (B, D)
Day 5 Darjeeling to Kolkata.
After breakfast we transfer to Bagdora Airport for our scheduled flight to Kolkata. On arrival transfer to our hotel for some free time before we meet for dinner. (B, D)
Day 6 Kolkata to London.
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Arrive this afternoon. (B)
Please note that this extension is only available in conjunction with the January and February 2025 departures.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
2 to 7 February 2025 • 2 to 7 March 2025 Category Price Twin £1895 Single £2395 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled return air travel between Kolkata and Bagdora, four nights hotel accommodation at The Elgin Darjeeling, overnight hotel accommodation in Kolkata, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Indian wine, beer and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner, excursions, Tour Manager, gratuities.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Minimum numbers are required for this extension to operate. Please note that the high altitude of this tour may affect some travellers and so you are advised to seek medical advice before booking.
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Also of Interest
Passage through Kerala
An escorted tour of Kerala including seven nights along the Backwaters aboard the MV Vaikundam
Vaikundam
Itinerary at a glance
- Cochin / Thekkady / Periyar National Park / Kerala Spice Plantation / Alleppey / Mannar / Karumadi / Thottappalli / Changankar / Champakkulam / Mankompu / Kainakari / Kavalam / Kumarakom /Chenganda / Vaikom /Maradu / Nettoor / Cochin
Assam & the Mighty Brahmaputra
A journey through Northern India’s Assam region aboard the MV Mahabaahu
Mahabaahu
Itinerary at a glance
- Kolkata / Guwahati / Sail / Silghat / Kaziranga National Park / Bishwananth Ghat / Mishing Village / Majuli Island / Assam / Kolkata
Mountain Kingdoms of the Himalayas
An escorted tour of Nepal, Bhutan & North East India
Accommodation
Itinerary at a glance
- Bhaktapur / Kathmandu / Swayambhunath / Patan / Thimpu / Punakha Tiger’s Nest Monastery / Paro / Darjeeling / Kolkata
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000