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India Holidays

Discover Kolkata, explore Assam and go in search of one-horned Rhinos in Kaziranga National Park.

Assam Tour - 9 Night Itinerary

Discover colonial Kolkata, Assam tea and the mighty Brahmaputra in the shadows of the Himalayas.

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Explore Kolkata, Assam and the mighty Brahmaputra River on a first class expeditions cruise.
  • Admire the grand colonial architecture in Kolkata.
  • Visit Mother Teresa’s House, ‘Nirmal Hriday,’ and be inspired by their work.
  • Cruise for 7 nights on a full board basis on the well-appointed M/V Mahabaahu including daily lectures and talks from local guides.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of a colonial Assam tea plantation including tastings.
  • Take safaris by jeep and boat exploring the wildlife of Kaziranga National Park, including the famous one horned rhinos. 
  • Enjoy a barbeque on remote river banks or the large river island of Majuli.
  • Stop at riverside villages on the Brahmaputra and meet the friendly local people.

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.

Tour Itinerary

Memorial Victoria

Kolkata - 2 Nights

Day 1 - Departure from the UK on an overnight flight to Kolkata

Day 2 - Arrive in Kolkata

Day 3 - Guided tour of Kolkata

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 10 October 2024

Depart the UK to Kolkata

Fly from the UK on an overnight flight to Kolkata.


Friday, 11 October 2024

Arrive in Kolkata

Arrive in Kolkata where you will be met by the Veloso Tours local guide, who will transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Your guide will give you a short orientation tour of your local surroundings so you can settle in. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Saturday, 12 October 2024

Guided tour of Kolkata

Kolkata the city of joy as it is called is also commonly considered as the 'Paris of the East' as there's a happy amalgamation of different cultures, styles and moods, coupled along with numerous forms of industries and commerce and politics. Kolkata mainly gained importance in the times of British rule as it had been the capital of India till the year 1912. At present, although it is no more the capital of India, it is the capital of West Bengal and is one of the most important places of cultural workshop and industrial centre.

After breakfast, visit the Victoria Memorial. This marble-white monument is one of the most fascinating landmarks of Kolkata. Here, come face to face with miniature paintings and images of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen Victoria. Of special importance are the Queen's dresses, the famous Rosewood piano, the Whispering Gallery in the dome and numerous artillery weapons used in the Battle of Plassey.

We also visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in the Indo-Gothic style of architecture, and was built in the year 1847 by Major W.N. Forbes of the East India Company. The height of the Cathedral is 201 ft. This Cathedral has the rare distinction of being the first Episcopal Church built in this part of the world.  The peak of St. Paul's Cathedral has been designed as a replica of the famous Canterbury Cathedral's Henry Tower.

We continue to Mother Teresa’s House, called ‘Nirmal Hriday,’ and also visit Shishu Bhawan, located near her house. Mother Teresa’s great work of caring for abandoned children on the streets of Kolkata is carried out at this center.  Watch the children’s face light up with just one smile of yours.

The LaLiT Great Eastern

Kolkata - Luxury Hotel

The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata was built in 1841 as the “Auckland Hotel” and is in fact the longest continuously operating luxury hotel in Asia. The architecture is a combination of Victorian, Edwardian and contemporary styles. The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata is centrally located in close proximity to key commercial and and sightseeing attractions.

The hotel has 215 beautifully furnished rooms and suites, all air-conditioned with private bathroom, parquet flooring and luxury amenities. Plus safe, hair dryer, sitting area, minibar, free Wi-Fi, TV and tea/coffee maker.

Public facilities include a swimming pool, spa, tea lounge, bakery, bar and two restaurants, namely, Alfresco and The Legacy Grill. 

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Kolkata Facade Hotel Attractions 820X400

The Oberoi Grand

Kolkata - Deluxe Hotel

Fondly referred to as the Grand Dame of Chowringhee, The Oberoi Grand has been an icon on the landscape of Kolkata for more than a century; with a reputation for taking care of its guests like no other. The sense of calm that pervades the outdoor space is carried into the classically appointed rooms and suites that encircle the courtyard. 

The hotel has a varied range of classicly furnished rooms and suites, each being air-conditioned with luxury private bathroom, city, garden or pool view and the upgraded rooms have a balcony or terrace. The amenities, beds and facilities are everything you would expect from one of India's top hotels.

Public areas include a stunning swimming pool, spa, threesixtythree all day dining restaurant offering a wide range of international cuisine, Baan Thai restaurant and a fashionable bar. There is also a poolside grill.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

View Of Hotel
On safari in Kaziranga National Park

Brahmaputra expedition cruise - 7 Nights

Day 4 - Fly to Guwahati and embark on 7 night Brahmaputra cruise

Day 5 - Village visit & full day sailing

Day 6 - Silghat

Day 7 - Kaziranga National Park

Day 8 - Boat safari

Day 9 - Mishing Village

Day 10 - Majuli Island and Sibsagar

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 13 October 2024

Fly to Guwahati and embark the M/V Mahabaahu

Travel to the airport and fly to Guwahati. On arrival, we drive through the busy streets to the Kamakhya Temple.  This Temple is devoted to Kama Khya, the eternal Feminine- the goddess of desire. After the Temple visit, we drive towards Pandu Port and embark the M/V Mahabaahu for your 7 night cruise on a full board basis.

Enjoy a quick orientation and take a short visit to the picturesque Peacock Island, the smallest island on the Brahmaputra famous for the highly endangered Golden Langur.  It would be a good idea to have one’s binoculars and cameras at hand.

In the evening enjoy a talk on ‘Kamakhya and the occult in Assam’ and welcome dinner.


Monday, 14 October 2024

Village visit & full day sailing

The MV Mahabaahu lifts anchor early. We enjoy Yoga on the deck for an hour and move on for breakfast. We enjoy a talk on 'Assam, its geographical location in the national and international context and how it is acclaiming recognition'. MV Mahabaahu heads on towards an island that is occupied predominantly by a ‘Bangla’ speaking Muslim community who are involved in extensive farming. After t visiting this village, we return to the ship for lunch and sail towards the Orang Point.

Evening sets in and over a cup of tea, we enjoy a talk on 'The River Brahmaputra and the tribal life’. We anchor at a deserted island for the evening and enjoy a bonfire and a barbeque.


Tuesday, 15 October 2024

Sighat

The MV Mahabaahu sails early and we enjoy Yoga on the deck and move on for breakfast and for a talk on 'Wild life in Kaziranga with an overview of the wild life in India'.

We sail on for the next couple of hours and enjoy a relaxed lunch as we reach Silghat.  After a talk on ‘Tea, Jute & Silk in Assam’, we take a short drive to Kaliabore Tea Estate which is a vast undulating expanse with tea bushes. We proceed to the tea factory to see the processing of the Assam Tea and   getting an insight into all that goes into preparing a cup-of-tea.

While returning to the ship, we visit a co-operative Jute Mill which is an interesting place to understand how the Jute fibre takes the form of very eco-friendly gunny bags.

We enjoy a cultural evening on the ship followed by an early dinner.


Wednesday, 16 October 2024

Kaziranga National Park

Today there is an early wake-up call with tea/coffee and we set out towards the Kaziranga National Park.

The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros, but 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. We reach the Kohora Mihimukh range of the National Park and are ready to start our morning adventure. An elephant-back safari is an experience, to search for the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer and hog deer and more and a large number of very interesting birds.  The park never ceases to surprise its visitors!!!

After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, we drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga and get into the open jeeps for some more wildlife adventure and an extensive coverage of this magnificent park. We return to MV Mahabaahu, start sailing towards Bishwanath Ghat as we enjoy a leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon.

We get into the excursion boats to reach the shores of Bishwanath Ghat. We walk through the village and are struck by the simplicity of life while the weaver women surround us with their silk and cotton weaves. We enjoy some happy interaction with them. 

We return to the ship to enjoy an evening on a deserted island and then proceed for dinner.


Thursday, 17 October 2024

Boat safari

This morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast over a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the life that exists alongside’. 

We proceed for the boat safari     viewing 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. (The sightings are determined by the weather conditions)

We return to the ship for hot lunch. This evening, we enjoy the Chef’s Cooking Demonstration and sample the snacks.   The evening on a deserted island with bonfire is always exclusive! We enjoy dinner on-board.


Friday, 18 October 2024

Mishing Village

This morning, after a spot of Yoga and breakfast, we enjoy the sail towards the Mishing Village.

The Mishings live on the bank of river in 'Chang Ghars' -houses with raised platforms.  All Mishing women are expert weavers. We can buy the ethnic colorful cotton weaves and indulge in a dhoti tying and Mekhela Chaadar wearing demonstration.

We return to the ship to enjoy a talk on ‘Sibsagar and the Ahom civilization’ and proceed to get ready for a Traditional Assamese evening.


Saturday, 19 October 2024

Majuli Island and Sibsagar

Today, after breakfast, enjoy a talk on ‘Majuli the seat of Neo –Vaishnav Culture’ and then proceed in our excursion boats to the mainland. Here on, a drive takes us to a scenic corner of a Satra (Monastery) for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers. 

Next, we proceed to Kamlabari Satra to witness the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the rhythm of cymbals, drums and chanting in the temple premise. The humble dwellings of the monks are a revelation of utmost simplicity.

We enjoy lunch on MV Mahabaahu as we sail towards Neamati Ghat.

Post lunch, we drive through the countryside to reach Sibsagar, the ancient city, built around a huge man made water tank ordered by the Ahom queen. A town that literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva’.  We notice the district is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire of the Ahoms.  Sibsagar was the capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came in the 13th Century AD to the area from the north-east and were essentially of Tibeto-Burman origin. 

The Shiva Dol, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be one of the highest Shiva temple in India. 

We visit Talatal or Kareng Ghar which was the palace of the Ahom Kings and after a leisurely stroll in and around the monument, we go on to Rang Ghar which was a place for hosting wrestling bouts and buffalo fights and other entertainment or important meetings of the Royals and their guests.

We return to MV Mahabaahu by sunset for the farewell dinner.

M/V Mahabaahu

Assam & the Mighty Brahmaputra River - First River Cruise

MV Mahabaahu is custom-built to sail on the mighty Brahmaputra River. It feels more like an expedition ship. Explore Assam, including Kaziranga National Park famous for the one-horned Rhino, tea plantations, local villages, the second largest river Island in India and the unique experience of sailing in the shadow of the Himalayas. 

The ship carries up to 46 travellers and has large amounts of public space including a lounge, bar, spa, swimming pool and dining room. The sun deck has sun loungers in which to relax and observe the passing scenery. The crew also run fitness and yoga classes during the cruise.

The air-conditioned Mungri Mungram restaurant provides excellent Indian cuisine and during the week the chefs will show you their skills with cooking demonstrations. The bar stocks a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Every day the guides will give informative talks and lectures on Assam and the Brahmaputra and your next port of call.

Gratuities are not included and are up to you.

 

Sail in the shadows of the Himalayas
Victoria Memorial

Fly back to the UK - 0 Nights

Day 11 - Jorhat and fly back to the UK.

  • Full Description

Sunday, 20 October 2024

Jorhat and fly back to the UK

We arrive in Jorhat. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Price Guidelines

Season High Season
Travel Dates October 2022 - March 2023
Room Arrangement First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £3,867
Multiple Travellers - Own Room £6,441

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • Guidelines prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a twin room
  • 11 Days / 9 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Flights from Kolkata to Guwahati 
  • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Entrance fees 

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