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
SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 19 November to 7 December 2025 • 14 January to 1 February 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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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.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
We are delighted you have chosen the RV Charaidew II for your upcoming voyage and hope this information answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Built: 2018
Passengers: 34
Crew: 34
Length: 44.5 metres
Width: 11 metres
Language: English
Registered: KolkataAIR-CONDITIONING
All cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning. All cabin windows are fitted with gauze screens so it is possible to switch off the air-conditioning at night and open the windows.ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur.BAR/BEVERAGES
A bar is available on board and your bill for drinks consumed throughout your cruise should be settled at the end of the journey. Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water are available throughout your voyage and bottled water is available in your cabin and replenished daily.CABIN DIMENSIONS
The ship features 18 cabins – the categories and measurements are as follows:
• Upper Deck Suites measure 32.5 square metres and contain a king size bed.
• Upper Deck Twin/Double cabins measure 22 square metres and contain a double bed or two single beds.
• Main Deck Double cabins measure 16 square metres and contain a fixed queen size bed.
• Main Deck Single cabins measure 16 square metres and contain a fixed queen sized bed.CABIN FACILITIES
The decor throughout the ship is light and stylish with touches of colonial elegance, Indian-inspired design and cotton fabrics. All cabins have a large sliding glass window opening on to a private French balcony and are equipped with individual air-conditioning, cupboard space and under-bed storage. Additionally the two luxury suites feature a private balcony with table and chairs. Each cabin also contains an electronically programmable safe, mini-bar, inter-cabin telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. Each cabin’s ensuite bathroom includes luxury toiletries, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers.DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities will be provided in your cabin.DRESS CODE
Comfortable and practical attire is recommended during the day for excursions and something a little dressier for the evening (black tie is not necessary).ELECTRICITY
Voltage on board is 220V/50 (no neutral) with universal sockets.EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. A number of crew are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid. Further medical assistance can be sought from one of the hospitals along the river in the event of an emergency. Please take careful note of all safety instructions provided to you by the Master and crew of the vessel.FIRE SAFETY
The RV Charaidew II meets with all fire and safety regulations as outlined by the relevant governing bodies. Further information regarding fire safety will be provided to you on board the vessel.GIFT SHOP
There is a small gift shop aboard the vessel which stocks a small selection of items including postcards and stamps.GYM
There is a small gym located on the Main Deck opposite the Spa. The facilities include a cross trainer, stationary bicycle, treadmill and yoga mats.HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitisers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway.HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned daily with a ‘turn down’ service at night.LAUNDRY
A laundry service is provided on board at an additional cost.LIBRARY
A small selection of books and DVD’s is available for your enjoyment, located in the ship’s Saloon.LOST PROPERTY
Lost property should be handed in to the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all of your belongings with you before you return home. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.MEALS
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served buffet-style in the single seating dining room. The cuisine is a combination of Assamese (milder than most Indian cuisine) and continental.
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free or low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs.MOSQUITOES
External doors and the gauze windows should be kept closed at all times – day and night. At night, if on deck or going ashore, be sure to rub ankles and other exposed parts with repellent. Switch off lights when leaving your cabin so as not to lure the mosquitoes in. Mosquitoes love damp spots so it helps to keep the shower room door bolted shut with the light off when not in use. Please ensure you take the appropriate precautions to guard against mosquito bites.NATURALIST
The ship’s resident naturalist will accompany you throughout your sailing.PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The vessel operates a signed-chit system whereby no payment is immediately required (the vessel only requires a signature for your purchase) and, only at the end of the cruise will you be presented with your final itemised bill to settle. The onboard currency is the Indian Rupee, however you can also pay cash in Euros, US Dollars and British Pounds. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted. Debit cards are not accepted.POST
Postcards and stamps are available for you to purchase (subject to availability) and, items can be posted on your behalf by the ship’s crew (although as they are unable to do so at every port of call, this could take longer than if you were to post yourself).QUESTIONNAIRES
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you on board.RECEPTION
Reception is staffed throughout the day and a member of crew can be contacted in the evenings in the event of emergency.SAFE
All cabins are fitted with a safe and we recommend you place your valuables inside the safe whenever you are away from your cabin. Please remember to remove all items from your safe before departing the vessel at the end of the cruise.SMOKING
Smoking within your cabin or any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Designated smoking areas are provided and can be advised by the ship’s reception upon embarkation.SPA
A spa is available on board with a choice of treatments at additional cost.SUN DECK
The ship has a Sun Deck which is available for guests to enjoy. There may be times, for example during periods of inclement weather or low bridges, whereby it is necessary to close the Sun Deck. Please listen carefully to the Captain and Crew for instruction. Please note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms.WATER
The ship’s water supply comes from the river after passing through a filtration plant. This water is suitable for washing but not for drinking. Purified water is used for cooking and food preparation on board. Complimentary water is available during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bottled water is also available in your cabin and replenished daily.Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available on board however reception cannot be guaranteed given the remoteness of where the ship will be sailing.PLEASE NOTE: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
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.
Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath
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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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000