Asia, India
Rhinos & More - 8 Day India River Cruise
Brahmaputra cruises feature visits and attractions such as wildlife viewing, village walks, visits to tea gardens, exploring country towns in cycle rickshaws, barbecues on deserted river islands, dance performances, and visits to craft workshops.
This 7-night cruise starts at Guwahati and terminates at Silghat near Tezpur and Kaziranga.
Nameri and Kaziranga National Parks
Temples in Tezpur
Sualkuch town
Kamakhya Temple
Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros & Indian Wild Water Buffalo
Indian elephants
Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle
Royal Bengal Tigers
Local markets
This 7-night cruise starts at Guwahati and terminates at Silghat near Tezpur and Kaziranga.
Highlights
Nameri and Kaziranga National Parks
Temples in Tezpur
Sualkuch town
Kamakhya Temple
Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros & Indian Wild Water Buffalo
Indian elephants
Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle
Royal Bengal Tigers
Local markets
Meet at Guwahati airport and transfer to our cruise at Pandu port, Enjoy lunch while crusing downstream to Sualkuchi. PM walk through Sualkuchi, a bustling little town that is the centre of Assamese silk production, to visit weaving workshops. Witness the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon and spinning to dyeing and hand-weaving into exquisite mekhela chadars (a two-piece sari, the traditional attire of an Assamese woman). We then sail up to dock close to the great Saraighat bridge
This morning, drive up Nilachal Hill to see the holy Kamakhya temple. With its tantric rites and animal sacrifice, the more squeamish among us may prefer to content themselves with the exteriors. Visit the poignant Commonwealth War Graves cemetery before embarking on your cruise vessel at Uzan Bazaar. We set sail and cruise pass Kurua on the north bank.
Morning cruise and visit to a riverside village with its lush green fields of vegetables. The day is spent mostly cruising upstream and presents an opportunity to catch up on reading, writing about your experiences so far, or simply watching life unfold on the riverbanks and jungle-covered hills that rise on either side. Enjoy an Indian cooking demonstration onboard.
This morning you cruise on to reach Tezpur where, after lunch, you’ll visit the 6th century Da Parbatia temple ruins with its beautifully carved portal. Later, explore the town by cycle rickshaw, stopping at Cole Park with its mediaeval stone carvings saved from sites all over the region. Enjoy free time in the local market. The ship will be waiting at the town’s waterfront for you to reboard.
After an early breakfast, drive for some two hours to the Nameri National Park at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the old North East Frontier Agency. Here, we take a float trip of around two hours down the Jia-Bhoreli River through the park. There are excellent bird-watching opportunities here (look out for the great Hornbills) and, perhaps, the chance of sighting wild elephants. After lunch, take a village walk before returning to the ship. Continue upstream, passing below a seemingly endless new bridge across the vast width of the riverbed, to moor at Silghat.
Today, you drive to Kaziranga’s Central Range for a morning jeep safari. Enjoy lunch at Diphlu River Lodge before taking another jeep safari in the little visited Burapahar Range before returning to the boat.
Covering an area of approximately 430 sq kms, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros as well as the Indian Wild Water Buffalo. It has also earned the distinction of having the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers (one every five sq. km.), making this park an incredibly rich biodiversity hotspot. With its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass, the park supports large populations of Indian elephants, Indian bison, swamp deer, and Capped Langurs. Kaziranga National Park frequently draws comparisons to the Serengeti in Africa due to the park's abundance of wildlife and birds and is considered a birding paradise. Bird species found here include the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Himalayan Griffon and many more.
This morning, go on a visit to a local tea garden and the weekly market of Uloni. In the afternoon, drive to Kaziranga’s Western range (Bagori Range) for a jeep safari through the lush, biodiverse landscapes of the park.
This morning you bid farewell to the crew and new friends as you set off for the 4-hour drive to Guwahati airport. Alternatively, we can arrange a 40-minute transfer to Tezpur airport or a 2 ½ hr transfer to Jorhat airport. Kaziranga National Park has low-lying grassland, which may not be accessible when the river is at or near flood level.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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MAIN DECK CABIN
$2,765 USD pp
Featuring a queen bed, this cabin (170 sq. ft.) is ideal for solo travellers, for which we charge no supplement.
Main deck cabin for single occupancy
$2,765 USD pp
Featuring a queen bed, this cabin (170 sq. ft.) is ideal for solo travellers, for which we charge no supplement.
UPPER DECK TWIN/DOUBLE
$3,360 USD pp
This cabin (240 sq. ft.) is located on the upper deck, and can be converted into twin or double beds.
UPPER DECK DELUXE DOUBLE
$3,710 USD pp
This cabin (350 sq. ft.) is located on the upper deck. The spacious cabin opens out to a comfortable sit-out, offering guests a better vantage point from which to watch rural India glide by.
|
Book now |
MAIN DECK CABIN
$2,765 USD pp
Featuring a queen bed, this cabin (170 sq. ft.) is ideal for solo travellers, for which we charge no supplement.
Main deck cabin for single occupancy
$2,765 USD pp
Featuring a queen bed, this cabin (170 sq. ft.) is ideal for solo travellers, for which we charge no supplement.
UPPER DECK TWIN/DOUBLE
$3,360 USD pp
This cabin (240 sq. ft.) is located on the upper deck, and can be converted into twin or double beds.
UPPER DECK DELUXE DOUBLE
$3,710 USD pp
This cabin (350 sq. ft.) is located on the upper deck. The spacious cabin opens out to a comfortable sit-out, offering guests a better vantage point from which to watch rural India glide by.
Vessel Type: River Boat
Length: 44.5 metres
Passenger Capacity: 34
Built: 2019
The Charaidew II offers a luxurious yet intimate way to explore one of India’s most remote and captivating waterways—the Brahmaputra River. With just 17 cabins accommodating 34 guests, this elegant three-deck river ship is thoughtfully designed to blend modern comfort with Assamese charm. Her shallow draught and low profile allow access to lesser-travelled reaches of the river, revealing secluded villages, spiritual landmarks, and remarkable wildlife. Each cabin features a French balcony, while the deluxe Category 3 suites boast private balconies and panoramic bathroom windows for uninterrupted river views.
On board, guests can unwind with spa treatments, sip traditional Assam tea, or observe daily life along the river from the sundeck or air-conditioned lounge, both of which offer stunning floor-to-ceiling views. Meals combine Western favourites with regional Indian dishes, and a full bar includes fine wines, beer, and spirits. The ship’s decor, a graceful blend of colonial elegance and traditional Assamese textiles, evokes a strong sense of place. Cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, and warm, attentive service round out the immersive experience aboard Charaidew II, your floating sanctuary in the heart of Assam.
Inclusions
• Accommodation on-board
• All excursions and entry fees as per the itinerary
• All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary on a shared basis
• Full board
• Service of an English-speaking guide on-board and during excursions
• Service of an English-speaking naturalist on-board and during excursions
• Port charges
All accommodation
All excursions and entry fees
All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
Full board
Service of an English-speaking guide onboard and during excursions
Exclusions
• GST
• Drinks from the bar
• Spa services
• Laundry
• Tips, camera fees
• Insurance
• Items of a personal nature
• Anything which is not mentioned in the includes section
Drinks from the bar
Laundry
Tips, camera fees
Insurance
Telephone charges
Items of a personal nature
GST
River Boat
8 Days from
$346 USD per day
Our Associates Include
