Assam Cruise 1

Day 04

Early risers can watch the sunrise from the Sun Deck while savoring a cup of freshly brewed tea or walk laps on the Sun Deck before heading to the delectable morning buffet table. During breakfast, you will be cruising through green valleys and blue hills. The landscapes are unrepentantly poetic and romantic. It is a truly bracing experience, akin to cruising on one of the greatest rivers of the world. The vessel departs and cruises quietly through the day, and finally takes us to a deserted sand island near Singri. Enjoy the barbeque dinner on the island.

Day 05

Today we cruise further upstream to reach our next destination - Tezpur, a town of magnificent scenic beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins. After reaching there, we explore the little charming town. We will visit 6th century ruins of the door frame of Da-Parbatia temple, Agnigarh, Bamuni Hill ruins, Mahabhairab temple and the Cole Park. Return to the vessel in the late afternoon and cruise to a deserted sand island near Tezpur for spending the night.

Day 06

We cruise leisurely upstream crossing the Kalia Bhomora bridge on the river Brahmaputra. We reach our next destination Silghat by noon. Lunch on board. We go for a Jeep Safari in Bagori, the western range of the famous Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return back to our vessel in the evening for the night stay.

Day 07

We rise early and drive to Kohora, the central range of the Kaziranga National Park for an exciting elephant safari through the tall swamp grasslands. The great one-horned Indian Rhinoceros is very easy to see. Few sanctuaries anywhere can provide as certain an assurance of a unique setting and sight of its best known wild animals and birds as can Kaziranga. Breakfast in a forest lodge.

On our jeep safari in the eastern range of the park, we are accompanied by a naturalist with birds check list. The eastern range of the park is an ornithologist’s paradise. The many lakes on its marshy terrain are packed with residential and migratory avian faunas. Return to the ship. Sailing continues till dusk. Arrival at Biswanath Ghat, a Hindu pilgrimage site for overnight stay.

Day 08

Morning, visit Biswanath Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage center. After the visit, we cruise through Kaziranga National Park on its northern boundary. If luck favours, we may have sightings of herds of deer, wild elephants or even a big cat! Arrive at Dhansirimukh Ghat for overnight stay. Evening, barbeque dinner on a secluded island.

Day 09

We start an early cruise and stop over a river side ‘Mising’ village. We take a small walk and experience the life of a tribal village. Return to the vessel by noon and cruise further upstream. Lunch on board while sailing. We moor in a deserted sand island and enjoy the scenic beauty of western Majuli.

Day 10

We start sailing leisurely and reach Majuli by afternoon. We take a small walk in the nearby village and return back to the vessel. A cultural evening awaits us on board. We enjoy the colourful dances performed by the local artists of Majuli. In dinner, we enjoy the local and ethnic cuisine along with the traditional beverage. Overnight on board near Kamalabari in Majuli.

Day 11

After breakfast we will go for an excursion to Majuli, the largest river island in the World. It is the centre of Assam’s famous Vaisnavite form of Hinduism. The religious and cultural traditions are kept alive by the dedicated monks living in the monasteries locally known as Sattra. The monastery of Samaguri known as Samaguri Sattra is famous for the unique masks of Majuli which are used in Bhaona or religious plays. We shall visit some monasteries & interact with the monks. Multifaceted in its attractions Majuli also unfolds a variety of interest like migratory birds, traditional handicrafts and pottery, ethnic culture and dance forms. The Sattriya dance form of this sect is the latest entry into India’s recognized classical dances.

Later in the evening, we sail to Neemati for overnight stay.

Day 12

Early morning, we go for a land excursion to Sivasagar, an hour drive, to the Kingdom of Ahom Rulers. We shall visit the ruins of the Ahom Kingdom, the famous Shiva Temple, and the lakes namely Borpukhuri and Jaysagar which are said to be largest man made. We also visit Tocklai Tea Experimental Station in Jorhat on our return journey to the vessel.

Today is the last night on the vessel. Enjoy a cultural evening at Mou Chapori, an island resort near Neemati on the Brahmaputra along with the Captain's farewell Dinner. Overnight on board.