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MAKE AN ENQUIRYThis morning be transferred from your hotel in Kolkata to the jetty where you will embark the ABN Sukapha boat at 1100 hours. As you settle into your cabin set sail upstream on the Hooghly River towards the historic Dutch settlement of Chinsurah. Stop to visit the imposing Hooghly Imambara – a Shia Muslim congregation hall and mosque. Built in 1861, the Imambara offers an opportunity to step back in time and understand the Islamic history and impact in West Bengal. Back onboard relax as you admire the beautiful scenery and enjoy dinner on deck. (B/L/D)
A River Cruise on India's Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers
10 days from £2100 per person
Route: Kolkata – Chinsurah – Mayapur – Kalna – Chandernagore – Kolkata – Dibrugarh – Majuli Island – Neemati – Jorhat – Kaziranga National Park - Jorhat
Combine two of India’s most important rivers – the sacred Ganges and the rural Brahmaputra – on this pioneering river cruise operated by Assam Bengal Navigation. Starting on the Lower Ganges in Kolkata, stop at various ancient towns and historic European settlements visiting forts, temples and colonial buildings. On day 4, take a flight to Dibrugarh in the state of Assam where you will embark on a three-day cruise down the mighty Brahmaputra River. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Majuli Island, search for monkeys at the Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary and enjoy learning about tea production at Tocklai Tea Research Institute. End your river cruise journey with three nights at the isolated and beautiful Diphlu River Lodge located next to the Kaziranga National Park, famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceros.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Visit the charming city of Chandernagore - a French colony until 1950. Boasting a picturesque location on the Hooghly River, Chandernagore retains much of its Gallic heritage and is home to a number of historic buildings and churches.
Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, a protected and isolated forest in Assam, is home to seven of the fifteen primate species that inhabit India. Take a walk through this beautiful park for common sightings of langurs, gibbons and macaques.
Spend three nights at the isolated and authentic Diphlu River Lodge outside of Kaziranga National Park. Explore the park by jeep safari for the chance to spot the one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, elephant and an abundance of birdlife.
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Guide
to Price
to Price
Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2100 per person
The exact cost of this itinerary will vary depending on the season of travel, standard of accommodation, flight class, activities included and the date the booking is made. Please speak to one of our experienced travel specialists who will create a completely tailor-made and personalized quotation based on your requirements and budget.
** The above price is based on two adults travelling together in economy, sharing accommodation, travel based on low season for this destination and advance booking approximately nine months prior to travel**
Itinerary: A River Cruise on India's Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers
As you continue to sail upstream, after breakfast, land at the Bengalese city of Kalna, known as the ‘City of Temples’. Take a rickshaw tour of Kalna where you will see some of the region’s finest 18th century terracotta temples, as well as over 108 intricately carved Shiva shrines. Continue through the countryside to Mayapur – self-proclaimed as the ‘Spiritual Capital of the World’ - this historic city is home to the headquarters of the ISKCON Hare Krishna movement. Visit the beautiful ISKCON temple that receives millions of devotees from around the world every year. Return to the boat as dusk falls and sail downstream where you will moor near Kalna. (B/L/D)
After breakfast sail downstream and stop off at rural riverside villages to meet local communities and visit sari-weaving projects. Continue to Chandernagore, a former French colony that remained in the possession of France until 1950. Set on the banks of the Hooghly River, pretty Chandernagore is home to churches, convents and buildings here are reminiscent of the colonial French era. Visit the 18th century missionary church and Dupleix’s House, owned by the Governor-General of French India, Joseph François Dupleix. Later that afternoon sail downstream to Kolkata where you will moor overnight. (B/L/D)
This morning disembark the ABN Sukapha and travel by road to Kolkata airport for your flight to Dibrugarh in the state of Assam. On arrival at the airport travel to Neemati Ghat with a representative and transfer to your floating boutique accommodation, the ABN Charaidew I, on the Brahmaputra River. Spend the afternoon at leisure where you may choose to enjoy the views from the sundeck or sample sunset drinks on the river’s white sand banks. (B/L/D)
After breakfast transfer to a smaller boat and cruise to one of the world’s largest inhabited river-islands – Majuli Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has long served as a monastic retreat to the local Vaishnavite community after the 15th century Assamese saint and reformer Srimanta Sankardev came to Majuli to set up satras. Visit a monastery at Auniati before attending a dance performance and interaction with the monks at the Kamalabari sanctuary. After a traditional lunch, take a walk to a Mishing tribal village and get an authentic insight into their daily life. (B/L/D)
This morning visit the Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary – a protected evergreen forest that is home to seven of the fifteen primate species found in India. Covering an area of 30 square kilometre, visitors are permitted to walk in this isolated park where there is a good chance of spotting capped langurs, hoolock gibbons and Malayan giant squirrels, as well as an abundance of birdlife. Drive to Jorhat for lunch and indulge in some tea tasting at the Tocklai Tea Research Institute where you will learn about the history and importance of tea cultivation in Assam. (B/L/D)
After breakfast bid farewell to ABN Charaidew I and the crew and transfer to the beautiful and isolated Diphlu River Lodge where you will stay for the next three nights. Located just outside of Kaziranga National Park overlooking the Diphlu River, this authentic and isolated lodge is an ideal place to relax in nature with wild buffalo and elephant bathing a common sight. After checking into your lodge, take an afternoon stroll around the local village and rubber plantation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and enjoy dinner in the beautiful surroundings. (B/L/D)
This morning is at leisure so relax by the river, visit a weaving centre or take a cookery class in the lodge. In the afternoon take a final safari to Kaziranga’s Western Range which offers ample opportunities to see animals and birds in the wild. Return to the lodge by sunset and enjoy your final evening at leisure. (B/L/D)
**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
What's included
- Cruise accommodation and sightseeing with other passengers
What's not included
- Any International flights
- Any Domestic flights
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
Guide to Price
The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.
