Brahmaputra River cruise: rhinos and silk in Assam

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Kolkata
• 4 nights aboard ABN Sukapha cruise
• 1 night Kolkata 

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights 

Day 2: Arrive Kolkata 

On arrival in Kolkata, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for two nights. This frenetic city is the gateway to Eastern India, with a rich intellectual and cultural heritage. 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel  

Day 3: Kolkata

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll head out for a full day tour of Kolkata. You’ll start at the Flower Market, filling your nose with the sweet scent of the colourful flowers and seeing the city come to life in the early morning. Then you’ll stop by the Howrah Bridge to view the impressive structure before heading to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Built in 1847, this twelve-spired temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is associated with Ramakrishna, who achieved spiritual wisdom here. You’ll finish the day at the College Street Book Market, famous for its vast array of titles. The largest second-hand book market in the world, you’ll be sure to find something to take home as a souvenir.

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel    

Day 4: Fly to Guwahati, depart on Brahmaputra River Cruise

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport for the short flight to Guwahati in Assam. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to the port, ready to join your relaxing river cruise on the Brahmaputra. Enjoy lunch while cruising downstream towards Sualkuchi, where you’ll enjoy an walk though the bustling little town. This is the centre of Assamese silk production, and you’ll have the chance to visit weaving workshops and learn about the process of silk manufacture. You’ll see the process from cocoon and spinning to the final delicate saris that are traditionally worn by Assamese women. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, All meals, touring and cabin onboard ABN Sukapha         

Day 5: Brahmaputra River Cruise

This morning you’ll be driven up to Nilachal Hill to see Kamakhya Temple, the most holy centre of tantric practises in India. Dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya (the goddess of desire, granter of desires), the temple symbolises the fusion of faiths and practices of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam. You’ll walk around the temple amongst the pilgrims, taking in the sights and sounds of the temple before heading back to the boat. In the afternoon you’ll cruise along the river, soaking up the views towards Mayong. 

Included: All meals, touring and cabin onboard ABN Sukapha    

Day 6: Brahmaputra River Cruise

Enjoy your delicious breakfast as you cruise upstream and visit a riverside village with lush green fields. Most of today is focussed on cruising, so you can kick back on a comfy chair with a book and a cold drink, write in your journal about your trip so far and watch the riverbank as it changes to jungle-clad hills on either side. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy an Indian cookery demonstration on board. 

Included: All meals, touring and cabin onboard ABN Sukapha

Day 7: Brahmaputra River Cruise with Kaziranga National Park 

This morning you’ll cruise to reach Silghat, where, after lunch, you’ll head to Kaziranga National Park for a jeep safari. A maze of marshes and elephant grass, Kaziranga is a rich biodiversity hotspot, often compared to the Serengeti due to the abundance of wildlife and birds. It is home to the largest population ofhte Indian One-Horned Rhino, as well as having the highest density of Bengal tigers. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, bison, buffalo and a whole host of birds, from oriental honey buzzards to the enormous Himalayan Griffon. 

Included: All meals, touring and cabin onboard ABN Sukapha   

Day 8: Fly to Kolkata

Your time on board is over – you’ll wave goodbye to the crew and your new friends as you are driven around 2.5 to Jorhat Airport. Here you’ll catch your short flight to Kolkata, ready to enjoy your final night in India. Why not head out for a delicious dinner, enjoying the best of India’s western cuisine and a nice cold beer. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel

Day 9: Depart India  

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight home. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights         

Day 10: Arrive UK