India, Northeast India | Adventure Cruising
- Duration: 17 days from the UK
Flight inclusive from £5890, Land only from £5090
Game drives, Agra, Jaipur & the mighty Brahmaputra River. An incredible combination in one amazing holiday.
Highlights
- Sunset visit to Taj Mahal, sightseeing in Jaipur and Delhi
- Superior cabin on a luxurious cruise boat
- Visit a tea plantation and Majuli Island
- Jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park to see rhinos and game drive in Ranthambore National Park
The source of the timeless Brahmaputra River sits high in the Tibetan Himalaya on the slopes of Mount Kailash. During the spring when the snows of the Himalaya melt, icy waters spill and tumble through gorges, channels and sandbanks then slow upon reaching the tranquil plains of Assam. There, the river becomes the lifeblood of the region. Colourful, tribal communities make their living along its banks, growing rice in flooded paddy fields and tea on the higher ground. The lush green forests and sandy beaches that pepper the Brahmaputra’s peaceful landscape are home to countless species of bird and endangered mammals, including Bengal tigers and the one-horned rhinoceros.
Our Brahmaputra River Cruise & Rajasthan tour offers a fortnight of incredible sightseeing and wildlife spotting. Your first week will be spent exploring Agra, with the classic sites of Red Sandstone fort and the incredible temple devoted to love; The Taj Mahal. From here you will continue onto Ranthambore national park for a day and a half of game drives and from here on to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur to visit the Amber fort and the palace of winds amongst other great sites.
From Jaipur, you’ll fly east for a week-long river cruise along the Brahmaputra River in the shadow of the eastern Himalaya. You’ll stay aboard one of the most luxurious and up-to-date cruise boats on the Brahmaputra River – the M.V. Mahabaahu, and make regular shore visits to the key sights of this culturally rich area including the Kaziranga National Park. Every spring, the national parks flood, the waters enriching the habitat for the rare one-horned rhino and attracting many of the birds that migrate to the area. Each visit will be in the company of an experienced guide and naturalist so you’ll be able to make the most of every minute in the Parks. On Majuli Island, known to be the world’s largest river island, you’ll spend time ashore to uncover the mysteries and treasures of Assamese culture and meet the people of the Mishing tribe in their local villages. In essence, a wonderful journey – the sights and sounds of the landscape and peoples will stay in the memory for a long time.
At a glance
Duration: 17 days from the UK
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels, Luxury cruise boat
Meal arrangements: All meals, except lunch & dinner in Kolkata & Delhi and lunch on day 5.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Overnight flight to Delhi. Transfer to hotel. |
| 3 | Sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. |
| 4 | Transfer to Agra, visit Taj Mahal and Agra fort. |
| 5-6 | Drive to Bharatpur via Fatehpur Sikri. Train to Ranthambore.Game drives in the National Park. |
| 7-8 | Morning game drive. Drive to Jaipur. Visit the Pink City including the Amber fort. |
| 9 | Morning flight to Guwhati. Board the river cruise boat - the M.V. Mahabaahu. |
| 10-11 | Sail towards Silghat and visit tea gardens. |
| 12-13 | Jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park. |
| 14 | Explore Mishing village. |
| 15 | Visit Majuli island. |
| 16-17 | Disembark at Sibsagar and fly to Kolkata. Fly back to London. |
Leader: Local leader, India
Your Indian tour, trek or walking guide will be friendly, very knowledgeable about the region you are visiting and speak fluent English. We use one of the largest and oldest tour operators in India whose staff all have excellent training.
Leader: Brahmaputra River Guide
During the river cruise, a crew of 21 hospitality staff will attend to your every need. An English-speaking guide will accompany your shore excursions.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly London to Delhi
Fly overnight from London to Delhi.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Delhi. Group transfer to hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure, whether you choose to rest after your flight or explore the streets and parks near your hotel.
Overnight: Taj Palace Hotel, Delhi or Similar
Day 3 - Day sightseeing in Old and New Delhi.
This morning you will have breakfast and will then join your guide as he takes you on a guided tour of the main sights in Old and New Delhi. The day begins with a visit to the Raj Ghat, and you will head past the Red Fort on your way to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. A tour through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk is followed by a visit to the president's estate and parliament house, via the historical India Gate. The day is finished in style with a visit to the capitals most striking monument; the 70m high Qutab Minar.
Overnight: Taj Palace Hotel, Delhi or Similar
Day 4 - Transfer to Agra. Sightseeing and sunset visit to the Taj Mahal.
This morning you will check out of the hotel early and drive to Agra, this will take about 4 hours. Upon arrival you will visit the Itmad-Ud-Daulah, sometimes referred to as the 'baby Taj', this impressive building was designed by the most powerful woman in Mogul history, Nur Jahan the queen of the mogal emperor Jahangir. From here you will head to your hotel to check in and freshen up before having lunch.
In the afternoon you will head to the Agra Fort, an imposing 'halfmoon' shaped building with many interesting sites inside. After you have taken all the time you need at the Agra Fort it is time to head to the Taj Mahal for a sunset visit to this incredible monument, which is quite simply one of the world's most amazing buildings. When the light has finally disappeared and the memory cards in your camera are full it's time to head back to your hotel.
Overnight: Taj Gateway Hotel, Agra
Day 5 - Drive to Fatehpur Sikri continue to Bharatpur. Train to Ranthambore.
After checking out from your hotel you will drive to Bharatpur Railway station stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri. This ancient city was built in red sandstone in the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, the greatest of all the Mughal emperors, as his new capital, but deserted after only being lived in for a mere 20 years. The various royal palaces at Fatephur have been built in Gujarati and Rajasthani architectural styles, using ornate columns, intricately perforated decorative stone screens, sumptuous carving, and surface ornamentation. Most of the buildings located inside Fatehpur Sikri are a unique blend of the architectural traditions flourishing at that time in India.
You will then continue your drive to Bharatpur Railway station where will take a short train ride to Ranthambore. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, Ranthambore
Day 6 - Game drives in Ranthambore.
This morning you will head out early to catch the sunrise as the mist lifts and the forest comes alive. This is one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild. The park itself also has an incredible array of birdlife, from Crested serpent eagle to Painted storks.
After a relaxing lunch back at the hotel you will head out for the afternoon to search for these majestic predators in their natural habitat. You will spend the evening enjoying an interesting talk on wildlife accompanied by a fascinating slide show.
Overnight: Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, Ranthambore
Day 7 - Morning game drive at Ranthambore. Drive to Jaipur - 4 hours. Time at leisure.
This morning you will have a final opportunity for tiger spotting on a morning game drive at Ranthambore before setting off on the drive to Jaipur. This is a journey of around 4 hours. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel to check in. You will have the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Jai Mahal Hotel, Jaipur
Day 8 - Sightseeing in Jaipur.
Today you will have a full day sightseeing in Jaipur which will lead you inside the 'Pink City' where you will visit the City Palace, museums and the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone built observatory in the world. There will also be a photo stop at The Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal, an intriguing building best seen from the outside where the pink glow from the building gives it an almost mythical air. This building with its 593 windows was designed to allow the women of the court to stay in seclusion but to still be able to enjoy the street processions. You continue your sightseeing with a visit to the Amber Fort. It is a short drive to this magnificent hill top fort and you will take a short walk up the 425m slope to the fort. This incredible location is best explored at a relaxed pace and you will have all the time you need to see the palaces and courtyards.
Overnight: Jai Mahal Hotel, Jaipur
Day 9 - Fly from Jaipur to Guwahati. Board river cruise boat.
Early this morning you'll transfer to Jaipur airport and fly to Guwahati. On arrival at the 'Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi airport', Guwahati, you will be met and driven through the busy streets to 'Kamakhya Temple'. This temple is devoted to the eternal feminine, the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya, granter of desires. The Kamakhya Temple in Assam symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam.
Walking up to the temple complex, you will see many colourful idols of gods and goddesses in the local market shops. From here, you drive to 'Pandu Port' where we will be welcomed on board M.V.Mahabaahu in the Assamese tradition. You then check into your cabins and immediately gather in the restaurant for the essential safety briefing and drill followed by a familiarisation tour of MV Mahabaahu.
Safety briefing complete, you then set sail and raise a traditional toast to Goddess Kamakhya to give you safe passage on the River Brahmaputra that carves the valley of Assam where you will be spending the next 7 nights and 7 days. You can then relax sipping Assam tea/coffee or Indian 'masala chai', whichever you prefer and enjoy some snacks. You pass by the smallest river island called the Peacock Island where the Umananda temple is located. Peacock Island is famous for the highly endangered Golden Langur. It would be a good idea to have your binoculars and camera at hand.
In the evening there will be a talk on 'Kamakhya and the occult in Assam'. Soon MV Mahabaahu drops anchor and the evening there will be a 'Kamrup Swaagat Bhoj' or welcome dinner in the Mungri Mungram Restaurant with the chef's lavish spread of Asian, continental and oriental cuisine.
Overnight: Cruise Boat
Day 10 - Day to relax on board.
You can start this morning with yoga on an island or on the deck for an hour. Others can scan the river for a fleeting sight of gangetic dolphins and birders can inspect the skies for winged species. You then move on to breakfast while M.V. Mahabaahu heads on for a full day sail passing by inhabited and deserted islands that may or may not survive the flood season. It is the non-permanency of these islands and the strength of the people to re-establish themselves is what catches ones attention.
This is a day for sunbathing on the Donyi Polo Deck or a dip in the pool or indulging in a massage or sitting in the warm waters of the Jacuzzi or enjoying a steam/sauna and getting rid of one's tiredness from the journey. You make yourselves comfortable for the week to follow and observe the beauty of this pristine river. You indulge in a relaxed lunch and then after tea there will be a talk on 'The River Brahmaputra and the tribal life that exists alongside'. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on board, with an introduction to the crew in the evening.
Overnight: Cruise Boat
Day 11 - Sail towards Silghat. Visit tea estate.
This morning there is another opportunity to indulge in some yoga as the M.V. Mahabaahu sails towards Silghat. You pass by the famous town of Tezpur and under a famous 3 Km long arched bridge called Kolia Bhomora Setu. After breakfast there will be a talk on 'Kaziranga and wild life in India'. You then sail on for the next couple of hours and enjoy a relaxed lunch. After reaching Silghat you will drop anchor and take a short drive to a tea estate where you can stretch your legs and enjoy a leisurely walk through the tea estate watching the tribal women picking tea leaves. Here you stop for a talk with the manager of the tea estate who familiarises you with the essentials of running a tea-estate, the lay of the land and the climate. You proceed to the tea factory to see the process of finally producing Assam Tea and coming to terms with all that goes into preparing a cup-of-tea.
By sunset you are ready to drive back to MV Mahabaahu to enjoy a cultural evening on board, and an early night to be ready for the next morning's jeep safari.
Overnight: Cruise Boat
Day 12 - Kaziranga National Park and Bishwanath.
Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Kaziranga National Park is located in the flood plains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros, but the park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, tiger, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds. Kaziranga means the "Land of red goats (Deer)", as the word Kazi in the Karbi language means "goat", and Rangai means "red".
After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, you drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga and get into the open jeeps that are lined up to take you for some more wildlife adventures and an extensive coverage of this magnificent park dotted with large water bodies called 'beels' in the local language.
You return to the ship for lunch and set sail towards Bishwanath Ghat. You can then snatch a couple of hours of sleep to make up for those that were lost in the wee hours of this morning. On arrival at Bishwanath Ghat (also called 'Gupta Kashi'), you take the smaller boats to visit this charming village. You visit the Shiva Dol in reverence of Lord Shiva and there is no way that you can avoid the women with their weavings and enjoy an excellent bargaining hour for the home-spun fabrics as you watch the ladies busy at their handlooms. (You can carry cash to the village to buy the handicrafts made by the villagers to encourage local craft). You walk through the streets near this ghat and move towards a quaint little pretty rocky inlet of the Brahmaputra. You return to M.V. Mahabaahu and get ready to spend the evening in the Soma Lounge and then to Mungri Mungram for dinner. You can then choose to watch a documentary or retire for the evening.
Overnight: Cruise Boat
Day 13 - Sail towards Majuli. Boat Safari.
Early morning yoga is again available as M.V.Mahabaahu sails on. Breakfast is followed by a talk on 'Sibsagar and the culture of the Ahoms'. After lunch, you are ready for a boat safari on the eastern range of Kaziranga where the two waters of River Dhansiri and River Brahmaputra meet. Here, the presence of hovering pied kingfishers is an indication of fish life & the fallen branches of trees into the river support roof turtles. Monitor lizards as well as otters are very much a part of this area. Asiatic water buffaloes are known to swim over from the park to the sand banks on the other side of Dhansiri. Endangered vultures and eagles too can be spotted. Several migratory birds depending on the time of the year feature in this area.
In the evening you will return to the boat where the chef awaits your return to involve you in his cooking demonstration. The chef talks of the ingredients while you pour yourselves a cup of tea. You can then enjoy these freshly prepared dishes.
This evening you can enjoy a relaxed quiet walk on a deserted island or a game of cricket or volley ball etc. You can then enjoy a comfortable evening under the stars with cocktails to order on the sandy island and of course a bonfire may be possible, dependent on finding a suitable sand bank and on weather conditions.
Overnight: Cruise Boat
Day 14 - Mishing village.
This morning you will arrive at a 'Mishing' village and disembark in smaller boats to reach the river bank. The 'Mishing' are an ethnic group inhabiting a number of districts in Assam. It is popularly believed that they were dwellers of the hills of present day Arunachal Pradesh and migrated to the plains of Assam in search of fertile land as well as in search of civilizational progress. Almost all 'Mishing' women are expert weavers on handlooms. A 'Mishing' man will give you a 'Dhoti' tying demonstration and a woman will show you the 'Mekhela Chaddor' tying demonstration. (Dhoti & Chaddor are the traditional dresses of the Mishing). After climbing up the house platform and exploring Mishing homes, purchasing some of their weaves/fresh vegetables etc., you return to the comfort of M.V. Mahabaahu for a fine leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon while the vessel brings you closer to your destination. This evening you can get together in the restaurant for a cup of chai and a talk on 'Majuli and Vaishnavism' and get acquainted with one of the largest river island systems of the world. After some leisure there will be a fashion show of the beautiful dresses you saw being prepared earlier today. You will then be spoilt rotten with a lavish dinner by the Chef.
Overnight: Cruise Boat
Day 15 - Visit Majuli Island. Sail to Nimati. Drive to Sibsagar.
You sail on towards Majuli Island while enjoying an early morning yoga or bird watching session. Majuli which literally means land between water is a microcosm of Assamese culture where various philosophies co-exist and thrive; ancient monasteries dedicated to preservation and development of culture and art have existed here since the 15th Century. The treasures of Majuli are undoubtedly its monasteries or satras that promulgate a form of Hinduism that is called Vaishnavism. These Satras are the hub of culture, art, religion and lifestyle. The Satras preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other articles of cultural importance.
After breakfast, you take a short boat ride to the mainland where a drive takes you to a scenic corner of 'Garamur Satra' for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers. The art of relating mythical tales through dramas and masks is an important part of Majuli culture.
After soaking in the untouched beauty of the area and a tête-à -tête with the performers, you move to 'Kamlabari Satra' to witness another performance by the Vaishnavite priests in the temple premise. You walk through the humble dwellings of the monks and talk about their daily chores and experience an insight into their chosen path.
You then take the short boat ride back to M.V. Mahabaahu and sail to Nimatii Ghat where you will disembark and drive to to Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings; a town that literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva'. The district is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire of the Ahoms. Sibsagar was the capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came to the area from Yunan and China in the 13th Century AD. You go on to visit the Talatal or Karen Ghar which was the palace of the Ahom Kings and after a leisurely stroll in and around the monument you continue to Rang Ghar which was a place for hosting wrestling bouts and buffalo fights and other entertainment for the royals and their guests.
You proceed to Sibsagar town that is built around a huge manmade water tank ordered by the queen and dug over 200 years ago. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Dol, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India. You then drive on to a tea estate for an evening with the Tea-estate family to get a peek into the lifestyle of the families that have been involved in the tea business for generations. As you sip your beverages and explore the gardens the cultural performances begin followed by a talk by the professionals on 'Different types of Tea' especially the ones produced in Assam, along with a tea-tasting session. Thereafter, return to M.V. Mahabaahu for your farewell dinner where you again raise a traditional toast to the journey completed and the one ahead.
Overnight: Cruise Boat
Day 16 - Disembark cruise boat. Fly to Kolkata (Calcutta).
There is time for one last session of on board yoga, or maybe an early morning indulgence in the spa or a hair do before breakfast. You then place your suitcases in the corridor, before a relaxed breakfast before disembarking and driving, with a packed lunch, to the Rowriah Airport in Jorhat to board your onward flight to Kolkata. Arrive Kolkata and check-in to your hotel.
Overnight: Oberoi Grand Hotel, Kolkata
Day 17 - Group transfer to airport. Fly to London.
After breakfast you'll transfer to Kolkata airport for your flight to London.
Map
Map Key
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Airport
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Point of interest
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Mountain Peak
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Day walk in this area
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Flights
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Internal Transfers
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Trek
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Flight inclusive holidays
The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.
We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
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From £1,000.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
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What’s included
- 4-5* hotels in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Kolkata (twin-share)
- Superior cabin on board cruise boat (twin-share)
- Special welcome and farewell dinners on board
- On board programme of activities
- Shore excursions including a guide and naturalist
- Sightseeing as specified, including game drives
- 15 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners
- All road transport by private vehicles
- Internal flights and domestic airport transfers
- Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (Flight Inclusive option)
- Single, timed group airport transfer for international flights on arrival and departure
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project for clients taking our Flight Inclusive option
- A free Water-to-Go bottle
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Use of the on-board spa - treatments paid for in country
- Beverages except mineral water
- Lunch and dinner in Kolkata and Delhi
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 5 (Based on 5 reviews)
Thank you to all the wonderful people, seen and unseen, who have contributed to this unique experience. We will never forget this week. May MV Mahabaahu achieve the recognition and success it so richly deserves.
Beautiful, all of it. We were amazed by the surroundings and people! We would recommend this trip to anyone. The boat, the people, the staff, the naturalist, all of them made it worthwhile. I forgot - THE FOOD - Delicious! Thank you again for everything.
This was a wonderful trip and an experience we will never forget. The whole voyage was made especially wonderful because of the staff, their helpfulness, concern, charm and efficiency. We wish you a long future in the tourism industry.
What a wonderful trip. Excellent service, superb guiding, fascinating excursions and delicious food.
We have had such a wonderful trip and seen so many interesting places....The jewel in the crown was Kaziranga.
Extend your holiday
- Corbett National Park is home to one of the largest Royal Bengal Tiger populations in India.
- Over 50 species of mammals, many reptiles and hundreds of bird species to look out for.
- Ideal extension from Delhi to explore some of India's most fascinating wildlife.
Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India. Located between the Himalayan foothills to the north and the ancient Shivalik Hills to the south, the reserve covers a wide range of habitat with dense woodlands, open grasslands, riverine vegetation, dry riverbeds and more hilly terrain and so offers much diversity. This varied habitat hosts a spectacular diversity of mammal, bird and reptilian life, unmatched anywhere in India.
The park is home to one of the largest Royal Bengal Tiger populations in India as well as other large cats such as leopard. There are also around 50 species of mammals including large herds of elephant and four species of deer. In the park you also find many reptiles, including the rare and highly endangered Gharial crocodile. Corbett has a spectacular bird diversity – there are several hundred resident species of bird with as many more crossing on their migratory routes with bird diversity being at its peak during the winter months.