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CLIA_logoNTA_logoIATAN_logoSATH_logo

Cruising the Mighty & Wild Brahmaputra River

7 Nights Physically Active Expedition Style Upstream (or Downstream) Cruise

Temple

2012 & 2013 Departure Dates & Pricing

Guwahati to Dibrugarh (or reverse) - 8 days

For further assistance call 1-800-526-8539

Ship - MV Mahabaahu

 
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Ask about our Travel Insurance

Detailed Itinerary: Upstream Cruise (Guwahati to Dibrugarh)

Day 1: Arrive in Guwahati (Embarkation) - Kiriakara

Our representatives will meet you at the Guwahati Airport. Time permitting, we will visit the temple of Kamakhya on the way to the ship. (Closed from 1:00pm to 3:30 pm). This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine, the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya, granter of desires. The Kamakhya Temple in Assam symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam. The different names associated with the goddess are names of local Aryan and non-Aryan goddesses. Animal sacrifices take place here almost every day. Guests will enjoy a special welcome dinner followed by a safety briefing. Then the M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail on the Brahmaputra River to Kiriakara.

Day 2: Kiriakara – Tezpur

The upstream cruise offers a perfect vantage point for life on the mighty Brahmaputra River while we sail towards Tezpur. We enjoy a presentation on ‘Wildlife of Kaziranga’. Watch a DVD on the tribes of Assam.

Day 3: Kaziranga

We start sailing and arrive in Tezpur. After breakfast, we will visit a Tea Plantation in Tezpur. Wander through the manicured tea gardens of the Wild Mahseer Tea Plantation, watch tea pickers at work and taste the perfect cup of Assam tea. Wild Mahseer Tea Plantation is a top class resort in the Planter bungalow tradition, it provides a step back in time to colonial days.

Later, our ship sails towards Silghat. After lunch, depart for jeep safari of Kaziranga National park. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Kaziranga National Park is located in the flood plains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. 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, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds.

Day 4: Kaziranga – Bishwanath

Rise before the sun to set off for the Kaziranga National Park and an once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros and tiger. The jeep safari ensures, we have had complete coverage of this UNESCO World Heritage Park. Rejoining the ship in the evening, we can unwind and watch the sun set against the backdrop of the snow-clad Himalayas. After breakfast at the resort in Kaziranga, we return to the jungle to explore the wildlife on jeeps.

We return to the ship and continue sailing to Bishwanath. We take the smaller boats to visit this charming village. We watch the women weaving cotton and silk in almost all the households here. They are very happy to share their experiences while the children look at us with dreamy eyes.

In the evening, enjoy a dance performance on board followed by a demonstration of the technique of wearing an Assamese sari.

Day 5: Bishwanath Ghat – Towards Majuli

While the ship sails to Majuli, there is time to enjoy a massage in our spa, soak in the jacuzzi or swim laps in the pool. One may prefer to scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphin or do some bird watching from the decks.

Arrive in an isolated island for drinks and dinner.

Day 6: Majuli Island

Arriving Majuli, after lunch, we visit the Satra’s.

Majuli is the treasure house of Assamese culture, ancient monasteries dedicated to preservation of the arts have existed here since the 15th century.

Written records are found of the visit of Shankardeva, a social reformer, during the 16th century. He promulgated a form of Hinduism that was also called Vaishnavism. He established monasteries or hermitages that were called Satra. These Satras became the hub of culture, art, religion and lifestyle. Even today, Satra preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewelry and other articles of cultural importance.

In Majuli, we visit Samagudi Satra and enjoy the masked dance. We also meet the Mishing people in their village.

Return to the M.V Mahabaahu and enjoy a talk on “Vaishnavism in Assam".

Day 7: Majuli - Nimati - Sibsagar

Today morning, visit Auniati Satra. Here, we visit the prayer hall, Monks quarters walk and fan making. A drum dance is the perfect way to end this cultural experience. Sail to Nimati, where we board vehicles to take us to Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings. The town, which literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire, the Ahom. Sibsagar was the capital of the Thai-speaking Ahoms who came to the area from Yunnan, China, in the 13th century AD. Their unique architectural style is evident in the well-preserved monuments scattered around the town. The town is built round the Sibsagar Lake (or tank), dug over 200 years ago. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Temple, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Hindu temple in India. Back on-board the M.V. Mahabaahu, there is time to relax and pack before a Farewell Dinner.

Day 8: Sibsagar (Disembarkation) - transfer to Dibrugarh Airport

Guests departing from Dibrugarh Airport will have an early morning departure. Travel time is four hours through the rich agricultural fields and paddies of Assam.

*****************

Detailed itinerary: Downstream Cruise (Dibrugarh to Guwahati)

Day 1: Arrive in Dibrigarh - Nimati (Embarkation)

Arrive at Dibrugarh Airport and transfer to Nimati (4 hour drive), where we will be welcomed onboard the M.V. Mahabaahu. After check in and guest safety briefing, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Nimati - Sibsagar - Majuli

We will board vehicles for Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings. The town, which literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire, the Ahom. Sibsagar was the capital of the Thai-speaking Ahom who came to the area from Yunnan, China, in the 13th century AD. The town is built round the Sibsagar tank, dug over 200 years ago. The tank is above town level although situated in the heart of the town. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Temple, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Hindu temple in India. Back onboard the M.V. Mahabaahu (after a four hour excursion), for lunch and sail for Majuli.

In Majuli, we visit Samagudi Satra and enjoy the masked dance. (This trip will take approximately 3 hours)

Return to the M.V Mahabaahu and enjoy a talk on “Vaishnavism in Assam". Dinner onboard

Day 3: Majuli - Sailing towards Bishwanath Ghat

Majuli is the treasure house of Assamese culture, ancient monasteries dedicated to preservation of the arts have existed here since the Fifteenth Century. Written records are found of the visit of Shankardeva, a social reformer, during the 16th century. He promulgated a form of Hinduism that was also called Vaishnavism. He established monasteries or hermitages that were called Satra. These Satras became the hub of culture, art, religion and lifestyle. Even today, the Satra preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other articles of cultural importance.

We will sail to the Kamalabari jetty and drive to Auniati Satra. Here, we visit the prayer hall, Monks quarters walk and fan making. A drum dance is the perfect way to end this cultural experience. (This excursion takes approximately 4 hours) We also meet the Mishing people in their village.

Return back to M.V Mahabaahu to sail towards Bishwanath ghat. Arrive an Isolated island for drinks and dinner.

Day 4: Arrive in Bishwanath Ghat

Eight hour of sailing today towards Bishwanath.

Arrive in Bishwanath and we drop anchor. After lunch, we take the smaller boats to visit this charming village. We watch the women weaving cotton and silk in almost all the households here. They are very happy to share their experiences while the Children look at us with dreamy eyes.
Return to M.V Mahabaahu.

In the evening, enjoy a dance performance on board followed by a demonstration of the technique of wearing an Assamese sari. Dinner onboard.

Day 5: Bishwanath Ghat - Silghat -Tea Plantation

We sail to Silghat and drive to visit a Tea Plantation. Wander through the manicured tea gardens , watch tea pickers at work and taste the perfect cup of Assam tea.

Return onboard for lunch.

Depart for jeep safari in the Western range of the Kaziranga Park. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Kaziranga National Park is located in the flood plains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. 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, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds. Dinner onboard

Day 6: Kaziranga National Park

Rise before the sun to set off for the Kaziranga National Park and an once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros and tiger. Jeep safari after breakfast.

Return the M.V Mahabaahu for lunch. We sail towards Guwahati. Dinner onboard.

Day 7: Towards Pandu

We sail today to Pandu. Relax on board with Spa facilities, swimming pool, gymnasium or bird watching from the decks.

Your Group Leader summarizes the rich legacy of Assamese Culture and Civilization.

We arrive at Pandu port, just after lunch and depart for visit to the Kamakhya Temple from the periphery (Sanctum Closed from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm). The Kamakhya Temple in Assam symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam. The different names associated with the goddess are names of local Aryan and non-Aryan goddesses. Animal sacrifices take place here almost every day. After orientation visit of the Guwahati city return to M.V Mahabaahu.

Day 8: Guwahati (Disembarkation)

After breakfast, depart for the airport to board the flight to your onward destination.

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

There are four distinct seasons in Assam -summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. The best time to visit Assam is in the autumn and winter seasons, i.e. from October to April, which is also the festive season of Assam.

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 °F) at night. Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.

Kaziranga National Park is open from 15th October until the 30th of April. During the first half of October and May, the Park has a “Partially Open” status which means that the Park will be open but that not all roads may be navigable as they work to restore them to pre monsoon standards.

Please note, there are no elephant-backed or jeep safaris between May and the first half of October. Boat safaris will be offered instead during these months. During the months that the Kaziranga National Park is closed, we are able to explore the shores of the Park with our expedition boats. We will cruise the Park shoreline and many of the riverine islands that are home to a number of animals and a wide variety of birds.

During the peak winter season of mid-December to mid-February, the itinerary will be adjusted according to daylight hours as the M.V. Mahabaahu does not sail during darkness. In order to provide for full coverage of the Kaziranga National Park during these winter months, we will not visit Bishwanath Ghat.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER:

River cruising in this part of the world is an adventurous experience. Assam is still in the developing stages of tourism and the developing infrastructure is rushing to keep pace with the rapidly growing interest in this part of India. As such, our voyage is an expedition-style cruise with all creature comforts on-board. Our shore-side staff will make every effort to attend to your comfort during onshore expeditions. However, vehicles and roads may not be of the same standard that you have experienced elsewhere, although we use the best of what is available locally.

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort. The Brahmaputra River is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Islands and sand bars can appear and disappear between one sailing and the next. Also, being one of the highest precipitation zones in the world, our program is subject to weather and River conditions. Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation.

Mahabharata Upstream Itinerary Map 

2012 & 2013 Departure Dates

Program Start Date
Cabin Rates are per passenger in $USD
Deck One aft & Deck Two - Superior Cabin w/ windows
Deck One - Superior Cabin with balcony
Deck One fwd - Suite with balcony
Deck One aft & Deck Two - Superior Cabin w/ windows - Single Occupancy
Deck One - Superior Cabin w/ balcony - Single Occupancy
From Guwahati (Upstream)
16-Sep-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
30-Sep-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
14-Oct-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
28-Oct-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
11-Nov-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
25-Nov-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
9-Dec-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
23-Dec-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
6-Jan-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
20-Jan-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
3- Feb-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
17-Feb-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
3-Mar-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
17-Mar-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
31-Mar-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
14-Apr-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
22-Sep-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
6-Oct-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
20-Oct-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
3-Nov-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
17-Nov-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
1-Dec-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
15-Dec-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
29-Dec-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
From Dibrugarh (Downstream)
23-Sep-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
7-Oct-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
21-Oct-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
4-Nov-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
18-Nov-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
2-Dec-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
16-Dec-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
30-Dec-12
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
13-Jan-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
27-Jan-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
10-Feb-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
24-Feb-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
10-Mar-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
24-Mar-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
7-Apr-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
21-Apr-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
29-Sep-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
13-Oct-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
27-Oct-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
10-Nov-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
24-Nov-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
8-Dec-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
22-Dec-13
$3,570
$3,808
$5,553
$6,743
$7,378
Special Notes: In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we'll advise you of the supplement price.
assam dancers
Rhinos
Kamakhya Temple

Prices Include:

The cruise in your sle
• The cruise in your selected cabin category
• Accommodation at M.V Mahabaahu will be on full board basis.
• Domestic wines and beers (only with lunch & dinners)
• All Entrance fees at the Monuments and National Parks as per the itinerary.
• 2 Game drives and one Elephant Safari to the Kaziranga National Park for the period when the Park is open.
• All excursions/lectures/performances and activities as per the itinerary.
• Services of English speaking guide during sightseeing at all the places as per the itinerary.
• Arrival & departure assistance transfers with representative at the airports.
• Assistance and porterage at the airports.
• All Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by air-conditioned transportation.

Prices Do Not Include:

• International & Domestic Air fares.
• Travel insurance
• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, imported wines & spirits, camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages, airport departure tax etc. 
• Evacuation charges in case of medical emergencies, insurance is available on request.
• Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplanes delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc.
• Any tipping.
• Govt. service tax 2.58% and any further tax levied by the government of India.
• Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.

*For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.


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