Assam Tour Itinerary: A Journey through Assam

Day 1 Depart UK

Today depart the UK on the Emirates flight to Dubai. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Kolkata

On arrival in Dubai, connect onto the Emirates flight to Kolkata, the heart of Eastern India. Kolkata is renowned for its wonderful architectural landmarks, many of which date back to the British Raj period. Kolkata is also known as the 'soul of India'. Spend the afternoon at leisure where you may wish to relax at the hotel. (N)
Accommodation in Kolkata: The Elgin Fairlawn
Upgrade option: Oberoi Grand Hotel

Day 3 Kolkata to Guwahati – by air / Guwahati to Manas – 150kms

This morning fly to Guwahati and on arrival transfer to Manas National Park. Located in the Himalayan foothills on the Bhutanese border, Manas is covered by tall grass and dense semi-evergreen forest. This beautiful Project Tiger reserve is home to most of the larger animals found in Kaziranga and over twenty-two species in the park are classified as endangered. The tiger count here is now estimated at over thirty and wild elephant number over five-hundred. (B/D)
Accommodation in Manas National Park: Musa Jungle Retreat

Days 4 & 5 Manas National Park

Over the next two days explore Manas and the surrounding area. Take an elephant ride to see several different species of deer and monkeys as well as some of the park's 380 different species of birds. There is a wide range of wildlife to observe including wild buffalo, elephant and, if exceptionally lucky, tiger. Also visit local villages, a nearby tea garden and Bodo tribal hand-weaving. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Manas National Park: Musa Jungle Retreat

Day 6 Manas to Guwahati – 150kms / Begin Brahmaputra Cruise

This morning you will be met and transferred to Guwahati to join either the ABN Charaidew or ABN Sukapha cruise boat which will be your base for the next three nights. Later leave Guwahati and cruise downstream to an overnight stop close to the village of Viajynagar. Please note that this cruise is operated on a 'join in' basis and you should expect to be joined by other travellers. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Cruise

Day 7 Brahmaputra Cruise

Cruise upstream to the little town of Sualkuchi, loud with the clatter of looms, to visit its silk weaving workshops and witness the whole process of silk manufacture. From here drive to Hajo, a place sacred to Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists and visit a hilltop Muslim shrine with far-reaching views and a simple Hindu temple with a sacred tank full of great carp, catfish and turtles. Later re-board and cruise to an overnight mooring near the Saraighat War Memorial. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Cruise

Day 8 Brahmaputra Cruise

Continuing upstream disembark at Pandu docks for a short sightseeing tour of Guwahati including a visit to the Kamakhya Temple which is located atop Nilachal Hill and the poignant Commonwealth War Graves cemetery. Later cross by country boat to the mid-stream Peacock Island with its population of golden langur monkeys before re-embarking and cruising on to Kurua on the north bank. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Cruise

Day 9 End Cruise / Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to Kaziranga – 200kms

This morning cruise past jungle-covered hills and turn into the Mayong River. Using the country boat, cruise to the road-head and from there enter the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary by road. This small park has a dense population of the India one-horned rhinoceros and it would be unlucky not to spot some of these amazing armoured beasts on a jeep safari around the park. Later leave Pobitora and drive to Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site. Set on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga provides the ideal habitat for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. There are also good populations of tiger, wild elephant, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer, wild pig and many other species. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Kaziranga National Park: Diphlu River Lodge

Days 10 & 11 Kaziranga National Park

Over the next two days explore Kaziranga and the surrounding area enjoying early morning and evening game safaris by jeep. Keep your eyes peeled for one-horned rhino, tiger, elephant, deer and also spot river otters and dolphins. There are also great bird watching opportunities. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Kaziranga National Park: Diphlu River Lodge

Day 12 Kaziranga to Jorhat – 100kms

This morning leave Kaziranga and follow the Brahmaputra River north-east to Jorhat, one of Assam's major tea centres, where you will stay for two nights at the charming 1920s Thengal Manor. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Jorhat: Thengal Manor

Day 13 Jorhat – visit Majuli Island

Today visit the World Heritage Site of Majuli Island. After breakfast drive to Neematighat for the ferry to Majuli. Located in the Brahmaputra River, Majuli is the largest inhabited river-island in the world and has long served as a monastic retreat to the local Vaishnavite community. It is also known for its traditional Assamese and Mishing tribal architecture. Majuli is also a bird-watchers' paradise - spot a wonderful range of birdlife in the beautiful rural setting. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Jorhat: Thengal Manor

Day 14 Jorhat to Dibrugarh – 150kms via Sivasagar

This morning drive to Sivasagar where a series of Ahom monuments, tanks and temples encompass the 600 year old history of the Ahom dynasty. From here continue on to Dibrugarh where you will stay for two nights. Dibrugarh is the gateway to the 'hidden land' of Arunachal Pradesh. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Dibrugarh: Heritage Chang Bungalow

Day 15 Dibrugarh

Spend the day exploring Dibrugarh with the highlight being a visit to the Mancotta Tea Estate. Here you will learn all about tea - from its origin to how it is grown to its processing. This area of India is one of the oldest tea producing regions in the country, so there is no better place to relax in the estate's 157 year old tea gardens and enjoy tea tastings. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Dibrugarh: Heritage Chang Bungalow

Day 16 Dibrugarh to Kolkata – by air

After breakfast transfer to Dibrugarh Airport in for the flight to Kolkata. (B)
Accommodation in Kolkata: The Elgin Fairlawn
Upgrade option: Oberoi Grand Hotel

Day 17 Kolkata

Today explore Kolkata with your guide. City highlights include St John's Church which homes a memorial to Job Charnock, the city's founder, the silver-domed General Post Office and the Writers Building. Visit the impressive white marble Victoria Memorial, built in 1921 and today a treasure trove of Raj relics. Later that afternoon explore the excellent Indian Museum, which was found in 1814, and is also India's largest and oldest museum. (B)
Accommodation in Kolkata: The Elgin Fairlawn
Upgrade option: Oberoi Grand Hotel

Day 18 Kolkata to the UK

Today transfer back to Kolkata Airport to catch the Emirates flight to Dubai. On your arrival connect onto the onwards Emirates flight to the UK. (B)

Journey through Assam

18 days from £7225 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £7225 per person

Itinerary: Journey through Assam

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