RIVER CRUISE IN ASSAM

Arrival Guwahati and Silghat

On arrival at the airport, we meet you at the receiving area with packed lunch. The drive to Silghat takes us about 5 hours. On arrival at Silghat, you are welcomed on board the M.V. Mahabaahu. Post Check-in take a short drive to Kaliabore Tea Estate which has vast area of estate with tea plantations. Proceed to the tea factory to see the process of Assam Tea production and going through all the process involves into preparing a cup-of-tea. (The tea factory is not operational from mid- December to mid -February as the tea is at its dormant stage during this time of the year)

Close to the pier is a co-operative Jute Mill which is an interesting place to understand how the Jute fibre is knitted in to gunny bags. By sunset, enjoy a cultural evening on the ship. Have an early dinner and retire for the evening. This River cruise takes you through most of the tourist places in Assam.

Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu

Silghat to Kaziranga

Post Morning Tea and light snacks, drive out towards the Kaziranga National Park.The Park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, tiger, deer, Asiatic wild buffalo and a rich variety of birds besides the famed one horned Rhino. From Kohora Mihimukh range of the National Park start morning adventure, elephant-backed safari for sighting the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer and hog deer and more and a large number of very interesting birds. After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga and get into the open jeeps for some more wild life adventure and an extensive coverage of this magnificent park.

Return to MV Mahabaahu for a leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon.

(In October and May when Kaziranga National Park is closed we do a short Jeep Safari in the outer area of the Kaziranga National Park.  Elephant safari is not possible but one can opt for elephant joy ride on the outskirts of the park.  During these two months we have an additional Boat Safari in a very picturesque area at the confluence of Diphlu and Brahmaputra River.)

Evening get together for a talk on ‘Silk in Assam’. Get into the tenders(boat) to reach the shores of BishwanathGhat.  We visit the Shiva Dol in reverence of Lord Shiva and enjoy a walk through the village and see how this suburban village thrives. Return to the ship to enjoy an evening on a deserted island and then proceed to a scrumptiousdinner.

Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu 

Explore the Eastern Range of Kaziranga

This morning MV Mahabaahu sails early towards the Eastern Range of Kaziranga for boat Safari. The shores are high but you may see roof turtles on protruding drift wood, water lizards, otters, elephants, wild buffaloes, rhinos, darters, herons, pied kingfishers, white throated kingfishers, serpent eagles and many more.  We return for lunch. This evening we enjoy the Chef’s Cooking Demonstration and sample the snacks followed by a leisurely evening on a deserted island with MV Mahabaahu. Bonfire is always rare.  

 Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu

Excursion to Mishing Village

After Yoga and breakfast enjoy a talk on ‘Majuli the seat of Neo –Vaishnav Culture’ and then enjoy the sail towards the Mishing Village. The Mishings live on the bank of river in 'Chang ghars', houses with raised platform.  All Mishing women are expert weavers.  Carrying some cash would be a good idea to buy the ethnic colourful cotton weaves. A  demonstration on Dhoti Tying and Mekhela Chaadar wearing will also be given at this village. Return to enjoy a talk on ‘Sibsagar and the Ahom civilization’ and proceed to prepare for a Traditional Assamese evening.

Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu 

Departure

Start the day with Yoga and/or go for a nature walk along the swamps to catch a sight of owls, aureoles, yellow footed green pigeons, changeable eagles, adjutant storks, quails, sea gulls hunting with the dolphins and pied kingfishers, swallows and martins diving to fish. Have a relaxed breakfast. The luggage is brought out of the cabins according to the flight schedule. Arrive at the Rowriah Airport in Jorhat a couple of hours before the flight schedule and bid adieu to the land of Ahoms.

We hope you take back happy memories and await your return for another exciting trip with us.