Brahmaputra Cruise

Tour Code: IND02

A magical 14-day holiday to Assam in north-eastern India which includes a unique 11-day wildlife cruise down the Brahmaputra River aboard the RV Sukapha or RV Charaidew, visiting Kaziranga, Nameri and Orang National Parks, and taking in much of the local tribal culture.

14 days from
£4,495 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£3,995

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Highlights

Summary

This wonderful wildlife holiday offers a unique perspective on the sights and sounds of rural Assam from the comfort of a fully-equipped riverboat as we navigate down the mighty Brahmaputra River. With visits to the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga, Orang and Nameri National Parks, outstanding wildlife-viewing is assured, but the cruise also offers the chance to observe tribal villages and isolated fishing communities as we make our leisurely way along the river. Mammal highlights are likely to include Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Water Buffalo, Hog Deer, Hoolock Gibbon and the endangered Gangetic Dolphin whilst an enviable bird list may include such mouth-watering species as Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Bengal Florican and Ibisbill. The sublime experience of exploring one of India's greatest rivers from the comfort of a floating hotel is not to be missed!

Unique wildlife cruise on a luxury riverboat
Brahmaputra sunsets & Gangetic Dolphins
Assam’s finest national parks – Kaziranga, Nameri & Orang
Greater One-horned Rhinos, Asian Elephants & wild Water Buffalo
Other mammals include Hoolock Gibbons & Capped Langurs
Tigers & Pygmy Hogs amongst previous sightings
Visit Hindu monasteries & the tribal village of Mising
Abundant birdlife, including Ibisbill, Bengal Florican & Greater Adjutant
Enjoy the comfort, cuisine & service aboard our exclusively chartered riverboat
Learn from our two expert Naturetrek naturalist leaders
Plus local naturalist & ornithologist guides

Anyone who has travelled through India by train or road will be amazed to learn that there is actually a form of surface transport through the country that offers total serenity and comfort: for it is possible to cruise for some 2,820 kilometres along the rivers of India, passing great cities, wildlife sanctuaries and historical monuments, and journey into the very heart of rural India by boat. Indeed once, such rivers as the Ganges, Hugli and Brahmaputra were all vital arteries for the East India Company, as for other empires before them, and British-run passenger boats plied these rivers from the early 18th century until competition from the railways became just too great by the end of the 19th century. Passenger boats on the Brahmaputra, however, continued to operate until the early 1950s when the tensions that emerged between India and Pakistan after Partition in 1947 finally spelt the end for river traffic. Until that time, daily passenger boats from Kolkata plied the Brahmaputra through Assam, aboard them a complement of tea planters, forest officers, soldiers and district magistrates; indeed, during the Second World War, they also played a vital role in bringing in troops and evacuating casualties during the great battles of Imphal and Kohima in 1944. Today, however, in association with a pioneering Indo-British cruise company, Naturetrek offers you the opportunity to re-live the experience of those days of the Raj, aboard a luxury 24-berth vessel exclusively chartered by us to provide a river cruise with a dedicated focus on the wildlife and national parks of Assam.

This 10-night cruise will include most of the highlights of Assam, with a particular focus on the wildlife, wilderness and tribal villages and cultures that represent the key points of interest along the mighty Brahmaputra, for often the riverbed is 20 to 30 kilometres across, an empty world of grass-covered and forested islands, sand spits and channels, favoured only by rural fishermen and a marvellous birdlife. We will also look out for mammals, especially when passing through Assam’s national parks, although throughout our cruise we may expect to see the endangered and enigmatic Gangetic River Dolphin, a real highlight of this journey.

We begin our cruise, after a night in the fascinating old colonial city of Kolkata and a domestic flight, near Jorhat in Assam. Our first point of call will be the Gibbon Sanctuary at Mariani, where we will walk in the forest in search of Hoolock Gibbons, India’s only species of ape, and a wealth of birdlife. Next stop will be Majuli Island, reputedly the world’s largest river island and short-listed for future UNESCO World Heritage status on account of its rich culture. Here we will visit some of the island’s unique Hindu monasteries (famous for their dance drama performances), experience a typical Mising tribal lunch in a stilted bamboo hut, and enjoy the birds of Sakuli Bheel (lake). On other occasions we will spend time gently cruising down the Brahmaputra, relaxing and birdwatching from the sundeck, perhaps with a visit to a tribal village.

On our fourth day Kaziranga National Park will appear on the left bank and we now have a chance of seeing wild Asian Elephants and wild Water Buffalo from the boat, perhaps even a Tiger! We'll be alongside the national park for the next three days, during which we'll explore the park by jeep. Kaziranga is a 430 square kilometre park, consisting of broad tracts of tall elephant grass interspersed with evergreen forests, shallow lakes and reedbeds. It is probably the best place on Earth to observe the very rare Greater One-horned Rhinoceros and it is possible to encounter as many as 40 of these prehistoric-looking beasts during a day in the field. Asian Elephants and wild Water Buffalo are also plentiful, as are Sambar, Hog and Swamp Deer, and Wild Boar, the prey of the Leopards and Tigers which roam the park, although amid so much cover they are always hard to see. We may even chance upon some of the more elusive residents such as Gaur, Leopard Cat and Sloth Bear, whilst the rare Capped Langur, Assam Macaque and Hoolock Gibbon form a trio of primates that inhabit the woodlands. Despite the profusion of mammals, the birdlife is not eclipsed and a tremendously diverse bird list features many rare or local species such as Bengal Florican and Adjutant Stork.

Leaving Kaziranga, we will next explore Nameri National Park (which lies in the Himalayan foothills an hour’s drive north of Tezpur) both on foot and by means of a raft journey through the park. We will also visit Orang National Park, which lies alongside the Brahmaputra, exploring it by means of a smaller boat which we will take up a tributary into the heart of the park where we will search for birds and mammals by jeep.

Towards the end of our river cruise we will explore a range of jungle-covered hills and visit the idyllic and isolated village of Ganesh Pahar where we will take a birdwatching walk through rice paddies and unspoilt forest. These pretty hills, or the Golden Langurs of Peacock Island, are likely to be amongst our final memories of the stillness and beauty of the mighty Brahmaputra, before we must disembark at Guwahati and commence our journey homeward. For tour members wishing to extend their holiday, we recommend a pre-tour visit to the Sunderbans, the world’s largest delta and mangrove swamp, renowned for its waterbirds and man-eating Tigers!

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Depart London

Day 2

Kolkata

Day 3/12

Fly Jorhat for 11-day Brahmaputra wildlife cruise

Day 13

End cruise; fly Kolkata

Day 14

Fly London

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What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation: For this voyage Naturetrek charters the RV Charaidew (Thursday departures). For vessel details see page 258 of our brochure. In Kolkata we overnight in a comfortable 3-star hotel, all rooms with private facilities.
Food:
Included in the price, except for main meals in Kolkata. Allow £40.

Reviews

We spent 11 nights on the Sukapha river boat. The crew and food were wonderful. The River is fascinating with constantly moving sandbanks. Kaziranga National Park was amazing, containing 2,600+ rhino, loads of elephant, buffalo, birds, etc. We saw two tigers, one just two metres away beside a road. We visited remote villages too, some transient on the sandbanks, and temples. We were so remote that the local people took photos of us! Our Leader Sujan was brilliant. Naturetrek are an amazing company creating fascinating opportunities for wildlife viewing. I have already booked to go with them to Svalbard in June in search of polar bears ...
A.P. Hampshire, Mar 23
We stayed for 3 nights in the Sudarbans Jungle Camp in the Sundarbans National Park. We visited the local village and spent 2 days cruising between the islands. After a day in Kolkata we flew to Jorhat to join the Sukapha for a 10-day wildlife and cultural cruise on the Brahmaputra river. During our cruise we went on 4 jeep safaris in the Kaziranga National Park and visited several settlements along the river bank. From Guwahati we travelled by bus to stay for 3 nights in the Musa Jungle Retreat near the Manas National Park. The trip gave us a really good mix of nature and sightseeing. The three separate components were well balanced and complemented each other. Our main guide Sujan Chatterjee was really excellent and he was assisted by others who were also very knowledgeable about wildlife and/or the local culture. The whole experience on the Sukapha was brilliant. The accommodation was very good, the food superb and the crew could not be faulted (cheerful, polite, helpful, knowledgeable - I could go on). It is one of the best holidays we have had and well worth waiting for since 2020 (due to Covid!!). We have been on a number of other Naturetrek holidays (to Myanmar, The Falklands, Portugal, the Pantanal) and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. The accommodation is usually very good and their wildlife guides are excellent. Their brochures gives clear information on what to expect from the holiday and their administration is well organized.
G.L. Warwickshire, Feb 23
The star of this cruise is the mighty river Brahmaputra ... the people living along, on and with the river, their culture, the wildlife ... and all the sensations we passed through. Very nice, very competent and dedicated tour guide and assistants who like people, who like sharing ideas and experiences, who are very positive and show a fine sense of humour. And a great ship crew.
S.H. Switzerland, Mar 19

It was a holiday with a difference for us, being a cruise. However we thoroughly enjoyed the relaxation and the guides and crew and all on board staff were a delight to travel with. Smiling faces and a warm welcome are priceless. We chose the holiday because of Kaziranga Park and we love wildlife and especially bird life. So for us we had the best of everything. It was a wonderful experience and one we will always remember.
M.C. Lancashire, Mar 19

A most enjoyable holiday with a really good mix of wildlife and culture. All staff and guides did a wonderful job. Can’t praise too highly the enthusiastic and cheerful guides.
N.L. Devon

Nick and Sujan had got remarkable eyesight for spotting birds! They were both very knowledgeable and looked after everybody very well, as well as taking our teasing and banter with grace! I would recommend them to everybody.
A.P. Hampshire

The cruise was outstanding. The crew of the boat could not have been more helpful and we were particularly impressed with the food that was provided. Sujan, Tika and Rajan went out of their way to make the experience of Assam as interesting and enjoyable as they possibly could. They all worked hard to ensure we had a fabulous holiday. We were very grateful.
D.F. Worcestershire

We cannot speak highly enough of the team looking after us. We could not have had better leaders than Nick and Sujan. Their ability to impart their incredible knowledge, with such enthusiasm, patience and sense of humour helped make the holiday truly unforgettable.
Mr & Mrs W. Suffolk

The holiday was wonderful and the leaders were excellent. Sujan and Bunty made a superb team - the one larger than life and extrovert and the other more thoughtful; both were extremely knowledgeable and very good company. They organised a tour of Kolkata (for those who wanted) before our flight home, and came with us - I love to make the most of my time on holiday and this was a real bonus.
V.G. Surrey

This was a fantastic holiday. Well organised and plenty of advance information supplied by Rajan. The boat and its crew were top class in terms of accommodation and the service provided. The local naturalists and cultural guide were also excellent and very kind. Sujan and Bunty were also excellent and Sujan in particular was a very pro-active leader and great fun as well as being knowledgeable. We had high hopes of this holiday, but they were exceeded - a fantastic combination of wildlife, culture, the boat, guides and India!
R.L. Kent

A thoroughly enjoyable holiday from start to finish. I did not want to come home. Far and away the best Naturetrek holiday yet. I cannot praise the staff highly enough. Nothing was too much trouble and they went out of their way to provide extra experiences. Just the right mix of wildlife and culture.
J.K. West Yorkshire

Sujan's ability, together with Imran and the local guides, to spot and identify species of birds and mammals, then to pinpoint them in the telescope, enabled us to see clearly what we otherwise might have missed, especially since my skill with binoculars is lacking! His humour and wealth of stories kept us entertained and we commend his organisational talents.
P.K. Devon

A fascinating exploration of wildlife and the way of life of local people on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra. The Sunderbans extension was well worth the additional days.
E.W. Kent

A memorable holiday with fantastic guides and boat crew. The trip could have been repetitive but each day was different and memorable for different reasons.
T.B. Clwyd

Sujan was a real star and packed so much in each day. My wife and I really enjoyed the trip and would certainly travel with Naturetrek again.
M.R. Cheshire

Enjoyed the boat, food and crew excellent. Sujan was a very good leader and birder. Itinerary was varied, birds, animals and culture.
Mr & Mrs J. West Sussex

The guides were superb and such fun too. The group worked well and everyone seemed to get on really well. Highlights were a very close rhino encounter followed shortly by a Tiger in full view.
Mr & Mrs E. Buckinghamshire

On board RV Charaidew more than 5 star in levels of cleanliness and service. Between us we have been on many trips but both agree that this is our best to date. Very interesting, exciting and yet also relaxing, something we have not experienced before. Naturetrek guides are always the best, what can one say about Sujan that I'm sure has not already been said, larger than life and excellent naturalist, camera and binocular repairer and just great company, a star. The 3 local guides were a delight, Imran with his wealth of local knowledge, and their newest guide Mohan was spectacular, realising that we were really interested in everything, he even managed to spot a beautiful frog in leaf litter as we were driving along, real hawk eyes and again they were so helpful and friendly.
J.S. Essex

The boats and lodges used were excellent and the tour leader was the best in expertise and personal skills. Best things were jeep safaris, elephant rides, raft ride and close views of large mammals.
M.D. Warwickshire

We were very impressed with Sujan and the other guides. They were well organised, worked really hard and excelled as a team. Humour was great. Sujan is a superb leader, light of touch in terms of keeping everybody up to the mark but noticing any small failings and rectifying them immediately. An absolute gem.The balance of the knowledge of the guides was excellent and the itinerary catered for all tastes and degrees of enthusiasm and knowledge. The ship and its crew were excellent. The transport drivers were all careful and professional.
J.I. Hampshire

Sujan and his organisation and briefings were really excellent. The staff on the boat were extremely helpful and the other guides looked after us very well too (including helping with butterfly ID).
J.G. & A.D. Glamorgan

I loved the variety on this holiday, a good mixture of birdwatching, animals and culture. The best bit was being on the boat and just watching life on the river banks passing by like a vast cinema screen. Never a moment of boredom! My father loved the excitement of seeing not only a rhino close by, but a Tiger as well! We both felt so spoilt as we were looked after so well by the welcoming and cheerful boat crew. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was amazing and excellent having a buffet at meal times so one could have as much or as little as one wanted! Our guides were really helpful, enthusiastic and very patient.
J.H. Dorset

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Extensions

Sunderbans (Pre tour extension departs Saturdays)

Sunderbans is the world's largest delta and we'll explore its rivers, tidal creeks and mangroves from our base on Bali Island, across three days. Mammals include Spotted Deer, Fishing Cat and Small-clawed Otter, plus Ganges River, Indo-Pacific and Irawaddy Dolphins. Among a host of birds are kingfishers and mangrove specialists; the delta is also a haven for the endangered Olive Ridley Turtle.

6 days from £795

View Details

Dates & Prices

2024

Departures Availability Cost

Sat 26th Oct – Fri 8th Nov 2 £4,495

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Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£3,995

Room sharing options:

If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.

Male sharing available

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£1,995

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Sat 22nd Mar – Fri 4th Apr FULL £4,495

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£3,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£1,995

Sat 12th Apr – Fri 25th Apr 1 £4,495

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£3,995

Room sharing options:

If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.

Female sharing available

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£1,995

Sat 1st Nov – Fri 14th Nov FULL £4,495

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£3,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£1,995

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Sat 28th Mar – Fri 10th Apr SPACES £4,495

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£3,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£1,995

Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

Allow our experts to create a private, customised itinerary with dates and prices to suit you.

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Tour Reports

Tour report - December 2018

Tour report - March 2017

Tour report - December 2016

Tour report - November 2014

Tour report - March 2014

Tour report - January 2014

Tour report - March 2013

Tour report - February 2013

Tour report - December 2012

Tour report - March 2012

Tour report - February 2012

Tour report - April 2011

Tour report - March 2011

Tour report - December 2010

Tour report - March 2010

Tour report - February 2010

Tour report - December 2009

Tour report - April 2009

Tour report - February 2009

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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