Assam, the Indian state that lies south of Tibet and Bhutan and north of Bangladesh and the mighty Brahmaputra River which flows through it, offers a plethora of experiences and sights for the naturalist, birdwatcher and cultural traveller. Join us aboard the 46-passenger MV Mahabaahu for an eleven night journey as we traverse the river in comfort visiting national parks, temples, monasteries, tea plantations and tribal villages. Running for some 1800 miles from its source in the Tibetan Himalayas to its delta in the Bay of Bengal, the river scenery is quite unlike anything you will have witnessed before.
Within striking distance of the river are a number of significant national parks and amongst the many highlights of our river expedition will be the time spent exploring the World Heritage Sites of Manas National Park, one of the remotest parks in India and home to many mammals including one-horned rhino, wild buffalo, elephant, gaur, swamp deer, capped langur and clouded leopard, and Kaziranga where the world’s largest population of one-horned rhino resides. In addition to the large numbers of rhino, the region is home to elephants, wild buffaloes and the elusive Bengal tiger. Freshwater dolphins reside in the river and with over four hundred varieties of migratory and domestic birds, this is one of the greatest natural habitats of wildlife outside of Africa with National Geographic referring to the area as the ‘Serengeti of India’. In addition, we will spend a morning in Nameri National Park, a biodiversity haven in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and a paradise for bird watchers with over 400 bird species calling it home.
The history, wildlife and tribal culture of this region of India are unique and will be brought to life by our expert local guides. 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 and this unusual journey is one for 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.
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Our View
“For our exploration of the Brahmaputra River we have chartered the MV Mahabaahu, whose operators have a long-established presence in Assam and a wealth of local expertise. We have designed the itinerary around an eleven night cruise in order to offer the intrepid traveller a comprehensive visit to this remarkable region with visits to a number of National Parks. The MV Mahabaahu offers considerable comfort across all five of her decks and her size, facilities and refinement set her apart from many of the cruise ships in this region. When not ashore sightseeing or spotting some of India’s finest wildlife you can take a dip in the pool, enjoy a massage treatment or simply relax on the top deck whilst watching life unfold on the riverbank.”
Mahabaahu
For our exploration of Assam and the great Brahmaputra River we have charted the MV Mahabaahu, a stylish and elegant vessel which accommodates 46 guests. The vessel has a total of five decks and facilities include a swimming pool, spa and restaurant and an open top deck from where you can watch the busy life of the waterside villages pass by as well as watch for wildlife.
Itinerary
Day 1 London or Manchester to Kolkata, India.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Kolkata.
Arrive in the morning and transfer to our hotel for a two night stay. Following lunch at the hotel, we will take in what is the best view of Kolkata whilst sailing along the River Hooghly by local boat. Dinner will be 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 visit the South Park Cemetery, the last resting place of many of Kolkata’s early British settlers. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy an afternoon tour of India’s second largest city including the Victoria Memorial. Return to the hotel before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 Kolkata to Guwahati.
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Guwahati. On arrival, transfer to the MV Mahabaahu for embarkation. We sail over lunch and this afternoon our onboard lecturer will talk about the wildlife of India focusing on our upcoming visits to Manas and Kaziranga national parks. The remainder of the day is spent cruising along the river before we arrive in Dungar Ghat this evening where we moor overnight.
Day 5 Manas National Park & Tiger Reserve.
After an early breakfast we drive to the Manas National Park which has seven national and international designations, including World Heritage Site, National Park, Tiger Reserve (Core), Biosphere Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Tiger Sanctuary and Bird Sanctuary. Its northern boundary is next to the border of Bhutan and the imposing Bhutan Hills can be seen whilst the Manas-Beki River system flanks the region. After a jeep safari during which we hope to spot some of the great variety of wildlife including elephant, rhino, leopard and perhaps, if we are very fortunate, the rare golden langur or even the endangered tiger, we return to the ship for a late lunch and spend the afternoon sailing upstream.
Days 6 to 8 Cruising the Brahmaputra.
Spend the next three days cruising upstream along the mighty Brahmaputra. You may wish to start your day with some invigorating yoga on the sun deck or simply relax in one of the many public areas and enjoy the passing scenery. There will be a series of talks by one of the vessel’s experts about life in the villages, the river’s role in the area and the wildlife we will see along the way. We will also make stops in local villages including Sualkuchi, a bustling small town that is the centre of Assamese silk production and offers a chance to visit weaving workshops. Witness the entire 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). Also sail by Peacock Island, famous for being one of the smallest river islands in the world and home to the endangered golden langur monkey, whilst Gangetic dolphins may be sighted in the river. Meanwhile, on board we will enjoy a cooking demonstration of local street food and a saree-tying demonstration.
Day 9 Nameri National Park & Silghat.
We awake early to drive to Nameri National Park which provides habitat to an array of wildlife including Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, clouded leopard, sambar, dhole, gaur and capped langur. Meanwhile the bird enthusiasts can keep a lookout for the rare white winged wood duck, great pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill, rufous necked hornbill, black stork, ibis bill, blue bearded bee-eaters, and plovers. After our safari we return to the ship for lunch as we cruise to Silghat. From our berth we will walk to a nearby jute mill, where ecologically friendly gunny bags are produced using a system of spinning and drawing, manufactured by the most wonderful machines. We will also take in a performance of Bihu, a traditional dance of Assam performed by the villagers.
Day 10 Kaziranga National Park.
Today is another early start as we head out to one of the finest examples of conservation and ecology in India, Kaziranga National Park. The sighting of one-horned rhino within the park is remarkably common and, during our two safaris, we will be given the very best chance of getting close to all of Kaziranga’s endemic wildlife. While the rhinos themselves are reason enough to visit, the park is home to multiple mammals, reptiles and birds including wild elephants, hog deer, crested serpent eagles and of course, the Bengal tiger. We will explore the Central and Western Ranges with lunch in the park before returning to the ship in Silghat.
Day 11 Bishwananth Ghat & Kaziranga National Park.
Spend the morning at the tiny village of Bishwanath Ghat to meet the weavers, fishermen, farmers and boat makers that reside here. Take the chance to learn about life in the remote community and maybe purchase some of their wares. This afternoon we arrive at the eastern side of Kaziranga National Park and taking the Mahabaahu’s two tenders, we will travel along the waterfront of Kaziranga where we will be able to explore its rich and varied wildlife. Having the vessel’s tenders will afford us a further perspective of the national park as lizards, otters, birds, and larger mammals, such as water buffalo and elephant congregate along its riverbanks.
Day 12 Mishing Village.
The Mishing people are the second largest tribal group in northeast India, with a population of over a million in Assam alone. Today, we will pause by the banks of the river to explore a Mishing village with its characteristic ‘Chang Ghar’ houses on raised platforms. The Mishing women are expert weavers and during our time here we will be provided with a demonstration of the skill used in making typical Assamese dresses and of precisely how to don their tribal clothing. On returning to our vessel, we will enjoy a traditional Assamese evening on board.
Day 13 Majuli Island.
Majuli is the world’s largest inhabited river island and possesses unique Hindu monasteries famed for their dance-drama performances – the whole island is now shortlisted for future UNESCO World Heritage status. On today’s excursion, we will witness a traditional cultural performance before travelling to Kamalabari monastery to witness Vaishnavite priests carrying out their ritualistic ceremonies. The island also has a number of bird species with open-billed storks nesting all over the island whilst adjutant storks, whistling ducks, bar-headed geese and weaver birds may also be spotted.
Day 14 Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Kaziranga & Sibsagar.
The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is home to seven of India’s nine primates including the only ape, the Hoollock gibbon and Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate, the Bengal slow loris. After an early breakfast we will drive to the sanctuary for a dawn safari. The upper canopy of the forest is dominated by the hoollong tree, while the nahar dominates the middle canopy and the lower canopy consists of evergreen shrubs and herbs. Together with our naturalist guides and an armed guard, we will walk through the thick evergreen forest for a couple of hours as we search for wildlife. On leaving the park those interested in history may want to visit Sibsagar, the stronghold of the Ahom Kings. We will visit the Rang Ghar used by the Royal family for enjoying buffalo fights and cultural performances and Shiva Dol, 104 feet tall and containing three Hindu temples. Afterwards, take a stroll in the market area to visit some silk shops and Assamese goldsmith shops. Alternatively, wildlife enthusiasts may wish to continue to the Eastern range of Kaziranga where an afternoon safari explores the Soholabeel, Maklung, Turturani and Dhuba areas of the park.
Day 15 Assam to Kolkata.
Disembark after breakfast for our flight to Kolkata. On arrival transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 16 Kolkata to London or Manchester.
Depart this morning and transfer to the airport for the scheduled indirect flight, arriving in London or Manchester this evening.
Dates and Prices
25 January to 9 February 2026 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
C Superior cabin without balcony on Parshuram and Gadadhar Singha Deck | £6395 | £6095 |
B Superior cabin with private balcony on Gadadhar Singha Deck | £6895 | £6595 |
A Suite with private balcony on the Gadadhar Singha Deck | £7195 | £6895 |
C Superior cabin without balcony on Parshuram and Gadadhar Singha Deck for sole use | £8395 | £8095 |
Tour Reference Code: RCMA250126
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Three nights hotel accommodation in Kolkata on full board basis • 11 nights aboard the MV Mahabaahu on full board basis • Indian wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • UK airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Indian visa, camera fees in national parks.
Mahabaahu
For our exploration of Assam and the great Brahmaputra River we have charted the MV Mahabaahu, a stylish and elegant vessel which accommodates 46 guests. The vessel has a total of five decks and facilities include a swimming pool, spa and restaurant and an open top deck from where you can watch the busy life of the waterside villages pass by as well as watch for wildlife.
Our View
“For our exploration of the Brahmaputra River we have chartered the MV Mahabaahu, whose operators have a long-established presence in Assam and a wealth of local expertise. We have designed the itinerary around an eleven night cruise in order to offer the intrepid traveller a comprehensive visit to this remarkable region with visits to a number of National Parks. The MV Mahabaahu offers considerable comfort across all five of her decks and her size, facilities and refinement set her apart from many of the cruise ships in this region. When not ashore sightseeing or spotting some of India’s finest wildlife you can take a dip in the pool, enjoy a massage treatment or simply relax on the top deck whilst watching life unfold on the riverbank.”
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