India, Northeast India, Sikkim | Adventure Cruising
- Duration: 17 days from the UK
Flight inclusive from £5335, Land only from £4525
Train rides, tea gardens and the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Highlights
- Explore Darjeeling, including a ride on the 'Toy train'
- Stay in a superior cabin on a luxurious cruise boat
- Visit a tea plantation and Majuli Island
- Take a jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park to see rhinos
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 rhinocerous. Our Brahmaputra River Cruise & Darjeeling tour offers the chance to visit these regions in style.
Your first week in India will be spent exploring the renowned hill stations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong with their faded colonial-era grandeur. You ride the famous toy train. visit Buddhist monasteries, enjoy stunning sunrise views of Kangchenjunga and stroll through the fragrant flower nurseries of Kalimpong.
From Bagdogra, you'll fly south 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 MV 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
Max. Altitude: 2,590m/8,497ft, Tiger Hill, Darjeeling, Day 5
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels, Luxury Cruise Boat
Meal arrangements: Bed and Breakfast in Kolkata, all meals included elsewhere.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Overnight flight to Kolkata (Calcutta). Transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit to Victoria Museum. |
| 3 | Sightseeing in Kolkata followed by train to New Jalpaiguri. |
| 4-5 | Transfer to Darjeeling. Morning visit to Tiger Hill. Toy Train ride to Ghoom and sightseeing in Darjeeling. |
| 6-7 | Drive to Kalimpong. Sightseeing. |
| 8 | Drive to Bagdogra. Fly to Guwahati |
| 9 | Sightseeing. Board river cruise boat - the MV Mahabaahu |
| 10-11 | Sail towards Silighat and visit tea gardens. |
| 12-13 | Jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park and sail towards Bishwanath and Majuli Island |
| 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 Kolkata (Calcutta).
Fly London to Kolkata overnight.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Kolkata. Group transfer to hotel. Visit Victoria Museum.
On arrival in Kolkata, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. If time allows there will be a visit to the Victoria Museum in the afternoon. You will then head back to your hotel with time to relax and acclimatise to your surroundings.
Overnight: Oberoi Grand Hotel, Kolkata
Day 3 - Day sightseeing in Kolkata followed by train journey to New Jalpaiguri.
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 Kolkata, including the colourful flower market and the old colonial buildings. In the afternoon you will board your train for an exciting journey to New Jalpaiguri. You will be given a picnic style dinner to take with you on the train. You will arrive late in the evening and will then be driven the short distance to your hotel, this should take around 30 minutes.
Overnight: Courtyard By Marriott, Siliguri
Day 4 - Transfer to Darjeeling - 2½-3 hours. Visit to tea gardens.
This morning you will be transferred to Darjeeling a drive of about 2½-3 hours, where there will be time to visit the beautiful tea gardens of this region, When you arrive at the tea plantation there will be time to relax and take in your surroundings, you will also have the opportunity to look around the tea plantations and have the process explained to you. You will then be transferred to your hotel.
You will be staying the next two nights at the beautiful Hotel Windermere.
Darjeeling Straddling a ridge in the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalaya and surrounded by tea plantations on all sides, Darjeeling has been a popular hill station since the British established it as an R&R centre for their troops in the mid-1800s. The industrious British, not averse to mixing a little business with pleasure, recognised that the quality of the soil and the mild climate were ideal for tea cultivation, and the forested hill slopes were soon denuded of their cover and planted with this most lucrative revenue earner. These days, people still come here to escape from the heat and humidity of the north Indian plain. You get an indication of how popular Darjeeling is from the 70 or so hotels recognised by the tourist office and the scores of others which don't come up to their requirements. Here you will find yourself surrounded by mountain people from all over the eastern Himalaya who have come to work, to trade or - in the case of the Tibetans - as refugees. Mother Teresa spent her early years as a nun here with the sisters at Loreto Convent and Lawrence Durrell was educated at the prestigious St Joseph's College.
Overnight: Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling
Day 5 - Visit to Tiger Hill. Toy Train to Ghoom. Drive back to Darjeeling. Sightseeing.
This morning you will get up early for a visit to Tiger hill to see the sun rise over this beautiful region, awakening all the colours and sights and sounds that Darjeeling has to offer. You will then head back for a welcome breakfast and freshen up before you board the famous Darjeeling toy train. The train chugs its way out of Darjeeling, stopping on the way to take on water, and then stops for a further 10 minutes at the famous Batasia Loop for passengers to get down to take photos of the train and mountains, it then carries on to Ghoom to visit this beautiful region. After you have had time to look around you will head back to the hotel to relax.
Later you will visit the Himalayan Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. You then continue to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre where you can see carpet making and other handicrafts and perhaps visit the centre's shop for some souvenir shopping. Just a 10 minute walk from the hotel is Roseberry School, a primary school for disadvantaged children. The teachers and children would be very happy to receive English speaking visitors, and if you are interested in making a visit, please talk to your leader and he will arrange this for you. Small cash donations to the school would be appropriate and extremely welcome.
Overnight: Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling
Day 6 - Drive to Kalimpong - approximately 5 hours.
After breakfast you will start the drive to Kalimpong which will take around 5 hours. This journey is a great opportunity to take in all the great scenery and day to day life of the area. Upon arrival in Kalimpong you will have the afternoon free to relax at your hotel.
Kalimpong Kalimpong, a town of about 50,000 people, is located on a ridge overlooking River Teesta with fantastic mountain views. The town is a real cultural melting pot and is home to many ethnic groups including many ethnic Nepalese. Formerly part of Sikkim, the town was a gateway for trade between India and Tibet and was also a jumping off spot for much of the 19th and 20th century exploration of the eastern Himalayas and Tibet. The town is also known for its educational institutions, many of which were established by Scottish missionaries during the British colonial period. Nowadays Kalimpong is a centre of ginger growing and is well known for its horticulture. Its flower market is famous for its orchids.
Overnight: Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort Or Similar, Kalimpong
Day 7 - Sightseeing tour in Kalimpong.
Today you will visit the local markets around the 'Tenth Mile' where silk, incense and silverware are just some of the delightful items for sale. From here you will continue onto Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery (also known as the 'Telescope Monastery'), this monastery was built to house the three copper statues and was consecrated by the Dali Lama himself. Dr. Graham's Homes school and the orchid/cactus nurseries provide interesting visits for this afternoon as well as the opportunity to stroll around and enjoy this laid back, idyllic town.
Overnight: Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort Or Similar, Kalimpong
Day 8 - Morning sightseeing. Drive to Bagdogra - 3 hours. Fly To Guwahati.
The day starts with a visit to the beautiful flower nurseries of Kalimpong, you will then board your vehicle for the drive to Bagdogra airport. From here you will fly to Guwahati ready to board your cruise boat the next day.
Overnight: Vivanta By Taj Hotel, Guwahati
Day 9 - Sightseeing. Board river cruise boat.
This morning you will be 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 you 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.
Soon MV Mahabaahu drops anchor and in 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. There will also be a talk on 'Kamakhya and the occult in Assam'.
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 the birders 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 that catches ones attention.
This is a day for sunbathing on the Donyi Polo Deck or having 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, dinner and and 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 enjoy an excellent bargaining hour for the home-spun fabric 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 (expect sand between your toes and the breeze could be comfortable to chilly, a light jacket would be advisable) and of course a bonfire may be possible.
Please note that the bonfire will be dependent on finding a suitable sandbank and on weather conditions.
Overnight: Cruise Boat
Day 14 - Explore Mishing Village. Continue sailing towards Majuli.
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 MV 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 time at 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. Return to boat for a farewell dinner.
You sail on towards Majuli Island while enjoying an early morning yoga or a 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 Nimati Ghat where you will disembark and drive 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 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. Fly to Kolkata.
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 and 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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Deposit
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
- Local English-speaking guides in Darjeeling and Kalimpong
- High standard hotel accommodation (twin share)
- Superior cabin on board cruise boat (twin share)
- All road transport by private vehicles
- Train rides as stated in the itinerary
- 15 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners
- Special welcome and farewell dinners on-board
- On board programme of activities, including use of the pool and jacuzzi
- Shore excursions including a guide and naturalist
- Sightseeing as specified
- Internal flights and domestic 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
- Beverages except mineral water
- Salon & massage services will be payable in country
- Lunch & dinner in Kolkata
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 5 (Based on 6 reviews)
A little off the beaten track but West Bengal and Assam were wonderful varied destinations, Kolkata was vibrant and steeped in colonial history and the Grand Oberoi a superb hotel to return to at the end of the day, we had 2 extra days there, I'd recommend at least one extra, it's a big city with lots to see. Darjeeling and Kalimpong a different world of tea plantations, toy trains and spectacular views of the Himalayas. The Windamere is an attraction on its own, coal fires in the bedroom and hot water bottles at night and a 1930's dining room serving excellent Indian food. By contrast the Brahmaputra wound languidly across the plains of Assam, some would describe the landscape as featureless but the scale and light made it hypnotically beautiful from the top deck of the lovely MV Mahabaahu. The riverboat was spacious and comfortable with lovely cabins and a crew who literally could not do enough. The daytrips were excellent with the highlight being the magnificent rhino at Kaziranga, an unforgettable experience. All in all a really excellent varied trip to a little visited part of India.
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.
We have had such a wonderful trip and seen so many interesting places....The jewel in the crown was Kaziranga.
What a wonderful trip. Excellent service, superb guiding, fascinating excursions and delicious food.
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.
Extend your holiday
- 1-day and 6-day extension options available
- Add at the beginning or end of your holiday in India
- Sights include the Red Fort, Taj Mahal, City Palace and Amber Fort
After your adventures in India why not add an exciting day trip to Agra to see the sights of the one time capital of the great Mughal empire? Or, if you have more time available, perhaps a longer trip visiting both Agra and another gem of the ‘Golden Triangle’, Jaipur. Whichever option you take, once in Agra you will be looked after by one of our fully trained, English-speaking guides who will show you around the Red Fort, the Taj Mahal and the ancient city and mosque of Fatehpur Sikri. For those travelling on to Jaipur, you will take guided visits to the Amber Fort, Palace of the Winds and City Palace, along with time to explore the colourful bazaars of the ‘Pink City’.