Exploring Assam, Arunachal & Nagaland

The source of the Brahmaputra lies in the shadows of Mount Kailash, near the holy Lake Manasarovar.  Having spent its fury of whitewater in the Himalaya, the Brahmaputra flows gently through Assam at widths of 2 to 25 miles.  The river ensconces the world’s largest river island, Majauli, and plays host to over 850 different species of birds, fresh water dolphins, and borders four National Parks boasting abundant populations of elephants, one-horned rhinos, and wild buffalo.  Equally fascinating are the different tribal cultures (over 40 indigenous tribes) that are found in this region.  

Through this natural and cultural wonderland we sail on Far Horizon's luxurious M.V. MAHABAAHU.  Offering 27 cabins (all with en-suite facilities), an elevator, sun deck, swimming pool, massage room and health club, indoor theater, the M.V. MAHABAAHU offers intimate 5-Star comfort and luxury. 

On this journey, we begin in Calcutta, before traveling to Guwahati and then on to board the M.V. MAHABAAHU.  We then ply the waters of the Brahmaputra, where we will enjoy our time aboard the ship as well as on several land excursions, including visits to Kaziranga National Park, Jorhat, Majauli Island and others.  We end our trip in exotic Nagaland.

Our guest lecturers, onboard Naturalist, Cruise Director and highly trained staff complete the overall experience of a great journey of exploration.  The M.V. MAHABAAHU will be the most luxurious river cruise ship of India, cruising on India’s greatest river, the Brahmaputra, starting in early 2009.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: DEPART USA

Day 2: EN ROUTE TO INDIA - We arrive in Kolkata in the late evening of Day 2 or early morning hours of

Day 3: TO GUWAHATI & BOARD THE M.V. MAHABAAHU – Departing Kolkata, we take the short flight to Guwahati. We then make our way to the banks of the Brahmaputra River, where we will check in at the M.V. Mahabaahu. This afternoon, before we begin our cruise, we can explore some of the sites in Guwahati, including the Kamakhya Temple, dedicated to the goddess Sati (Uma), the first consort of Shiva, or an optional excursion to the Saulkuchi weaving village, famous for its “moga” silk. This evening we board the M.V. Mahabaahu and begin our cruise on the Brahmaputra.

Day 4: ON CRUISE: KURUWA VILLAGE & ORANG NATIONAL PARK – This morning we transfer to our excursion boats to visit the Umananda Temple on Peacock Island. Boarding the ship, we cruise to the Kuruwa Village to meet the locals; we then continue our cruise to our next destination, the rarely visited and beautiful Orang National Park, which boasts and abundance of big game and wildlife. We will take a 4-wheel drive game excursion in the Park. This evening we continue our cruise.

Day 5: ON CRUISE: TEZPUR & KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK – We spend the morning cruising on the Brahmaputra before docking at Tezpur to visit the Da Parbatia Temple and to explore Tezpur’s other historic sites. After lunch, we continue our cruise to our next destination, the fabulous Kaziranga National Park.

Day 6: EXPLORING KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK & ON CRUISE – A World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is the main stronghold for the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros. The Park also boasts the highest density of tiger and wild elephant, and is the only park populated by all the Asian big game. In Kaziranga, we will explore the Park aboard 4-wheel drive vehicles, as well as on the backs of elephants, as we seek out the diverse wildlife that calls Kaziranga home. This evening we continue our cruise.

Day 7: ON CRUISE: JORHAT – We spend the majority of our day on cruise, enjoying the comforts of the Mahabaahu. Our stop today will be Jorhat, where we will explore the tea estates for which Assam is famous. We visit the Tea Research Center and take a tour of a working tea garden. Remainder of the day onboard the M.V. Mahabaahu.

Day 8: ON CRUISE: MAJAULI ISLAND – A short cruise this morning brings us to Majauli Island. Majauli has been the cultural capital of Assam for the past 500 years, and is considered to be the cradle of Assamese civilization. We will visit with the local Mishing tribes, will explore the monastery near Kamalabari and will see the Tribal Museum at Auniati. This evening will be spent cruising the Brahmaputra.

Day 9: ON CRUISE: SIBSAGAR – Today we will explore Sibsagar, the one-time capital of the Kings of Assam, and home to a series of beautiful temples. Tonight we spend cruising and will enjoy our last night aboard the M.V. Mahabaahu.

Day 10: END CRUISE & TO NAGALAND – We conclude our cruise today in Dibrugarh, site of a famous Allied WWII airbase and also the gateway to Nagaland. After going through checking formalities at the border of Nagaland, we enter the state and drive to Mon.

Days 11-13: EXPLORING MON / NAGALAND – We have three full days to tour and explore this colorful tribal area of Nagaland, home of the Konyak people, who until the recent past, have practiced headhunting. We visit Shangnyu village, prominent in the Mon area, which is ruled by the Chief Angh. We also visit Langmeing to see headhunting trophies and houses constructed in the true Konyak tradition.

Day 14: TO KOLKATA & DEPART TO USA– Today we depart Nagaland and make the return drive to Dibrugarh and catch our flight to Kolkata. We will enjoy a traditional Indian “Farewell Dinner” together before our transfer to Kolkata’s international airport to board our outbound flights back to the USA.

Day 15: ARRIVE USA

Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary.