Brahmaputra Wildlife & Culture Downstream River Cruise

Cruise Itinerary

Set sail on an extraordinary 11-day journey aboard the MV Mahabaahu, exploring one of the world’s most majestic and untamed rivers – the mighty Brahmaputra. This exceptional voyage is truly the Richest Natural History River Cruise, unfolding the wonders of three National Parks and one Wildlife Sanctuary – Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri, and Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary – each teeming with rare and endangered species. Encounter the Hoolock Gibbons, India’s only apes, swinging through ancient canopies; witness the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, Asiatic elephants, and vibrant birdlife across the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. Beyond the wilderness, discover Assam’s cultural heart, tea estates, silk villages, tribal homes, and spiritual river islands, while savoring moments of serenity through yoga, Ayurvedic wellness, and sunset sails. From misty jungles to star-lit evenings on silver sands, this voyage reveals Assam’s untamed beauty, rich heritage, and timeless rhythm along the Brahmaputra, a journey that’s as soulful as it is spectacular.

Day 1: Arrive Jorhat – Welcome onboard
Arrive at Jorhat Airport (recommended arrival by 1400 hrs) and begin your journey of discovery along the mighty Brahmaputra. Settle into your elegant cabin and enjoy a light lunch as the adventure unfolds. In the afternoon, gain fascinating insights into Assam’s rich wildlife and culture with an engaging orientation on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, along with glimpses of Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary and historic Sivasagar. As the sun dips below the horizon, take in the tranquil beauty of the Brahmaputra during a serene evening sail. Later, gather in the Lounge for warm camaraderie before indulging in a delightful semiformal welcome dinner

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Into the Wild & Heart of Assam – A Day of Gibbons, Tea & Kaziranga wonders
Begin your day with an early breakfast before venturing into the mystical Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, home to India’s only Hoolock Gibbons and the elusive Bengal slow loris. Guided by expert naturalists, explore the lush forest canopies and discover the rich diversity of northeastern India’s primates. Next, immerse yourself in Assam’s tea heritage with a home-hosted lunch at a century-old planter’s estate. Wander through expansive tea gardens, savor a tea-tasting experience, and meet the family behind this storied tradition, all while spotting vibrant local birdlife. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling Jeep Safari in the Eastern Range of Kaziranga National Park (Agoratoli). Spend hours tracking the park’s famous wildlife before returning to MV Mahabaahu at dusk. Relax in the lounge and conclude your day with a delightful sit-down dinner aboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Majuli: Island of Art, Life & Nature
Awaken to the songs of birds and the gentle rhythm of life along Neamati Ghat. Take a guided nature walk through waking villages, home gardens, and riverside scenes, catching glimpses of fishermen, children heading to school, and the serene daily life of Assam. After breakfast aboard, sail towards Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island. Explore the vibrant neo-Vaishnav culture through Gayan Bayan performances, Dashavatar dances, mask-making, and pottery demonstrations. Majuli’s rich birdlife, open-billed storks, adjutant storks, whistling ducks, bar-headed geese, and weaver birds, adds a natural symphony to this cultural immersion. In the afternoon, sail towards a secluded island for a tranquil evening on untouched silver sands. Enjoy barbequed snacks by a bonfire under a starlit sky, followed by a relaxing sit-down dinner aboard MV Mahabaahu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: From Bamboo Homes to River Safari Wonders
Begin your day with morning yoga on a deserted island, or take a leisurely stroll along the silver sands to awaken your senses. After breakfast, step into the world of the Mishing tribe, visiting their unique bamboo Chang Ghars on the Brahmaputra’s floating islands. Witness traditional weaving,
vibrant ethnic attire, and the warm hospitality of a community living in harmony with the river. Guests are invited to try on traditional garments and immerse themselves in this living culture.
In the afternoon, return to the ship and sail towards Kaziranga’s Eastern Range (Agoratoli). Embark on a thrilling boat safari along the riverbanks, spotting elephants, water buffalo, and a variety of birds and reptiles in their natural habitat. End the day aboard with a chef’s cooking demonstration, a relaxing lounge hour, and a sumptuous dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Weaving, Tea & the Spirit of Assam
Start your morning with yoga on the Sun Deck as MV Mahabaahu sails through Kaziranga towards Bishwanath Ghat, a charming riverside village alive with weavers, fishermen, farmers, and boat makers. Witness the rhythmic music of looms as artisans create colorful fabrics, framed by historic temples and the scenic riverbanks. After sailing to Silghat, enjoy a relaxed lunch before exploring a cooperative jute mill, observing the transformation of golden fiber into sturdy products. Continue to a nearby tea estate, where women pluck fresh leaves and the factory turns them into Assam’s world-famous teas (Note: the tea factory is operational until mid-November and reopens after mid-February). Experience the vibrant local culture with a traditional Bihu dance performed by young villagers. Conclude the day aboard with tea, snacks, and an engaging orientation on upcoming elephant and jeep safaris in Kaziranga’s Central and Western Ranges, followed by lounge relaxation and an early dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Into the Wild – Safaris in Kaziranga (UNESCO site)
Wake up before dawn with a cup of strong Assam tea or coffee, accompanied by fresh fruits, dry fruits, and cookies. A short drive brings you to a Kaziranga resort to prepare for a morning elephant ride through the misty grasslands. Watch in awe as swamp deer, hog deer, Asiatic water buffaloes, and one-horned rhinos graze just meters away, a magical introduction to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast featuring both continental and traditional Indian fare, embark on a jeep safari to explore more of Kaziranga’s remarkable wildlife. Spot elephants, wild water buffalo, striped cats, swamp deer, and the park’s iconic rhinos. After lunch, another jeep safari in the Western Range completes the day’s adventure. Return to MV Mahabaahu at Tezpur, passing scenic paddy fields and winding Karbi Anglong bends.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Nameri: Wildlife Walks and Riverside Serenity
Begin your day early with a light breakfast at 04:15 hrs, then drive to Nameri National Park. Cross the river by local ferry and start your guided nature walk through lush forests in search of rare wildlife: Bengal tigers, Asiatic elephants, clouded leopards, sambar, gaur, and more. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting white-winged wood ducks, hornbills, black storks, ibis bills, bee-eaters, and babblers.

For the adventurous, a rubber boat ride along 13 miles of gentle rapids on the Jia-Bhaireli River offers a scenic and exhilarating perspective of the park. Return to MV Mahabaahu by 13:00 hrs for a hot lunch as the ship sails downstream. The afternoon is yours to relax with SPA, steam, sauna, Jacuzzi, Ayurvedic therapies, and beauty treatments. In the evening, immerse yourself in an Assamese-themed cultural experience, complete with traditional attire and an authentic Assamese dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Serenity on the River – Yoga, Sailing & Scenic Bliss en route to Dongra Ghat
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board MV Mahabaahu – sleep in or start your day with yoga on the Sun Deck as the ship sails gracefully towards Guwahati. Drift past charming riverside villages and take in the narrowing Brahmaputra, framed by the hills and the serene Peacock Island, the world’s smallest inhabited river island. Spend the day at your pace – indulge in SPA therapies, Ayurvedic
treatments, massages, beauty treatments, or relax by the pool with a refreshing dip. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch on board before soaking in the golden hues of the river at sunset. The day concludes with lounge hour and a delightful dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Into the Wild Heart of Assam – Manas National Park & Tiger Reserve (UNESCO site)
The day begins before dawn, stirred by the imagined call of golden langurs and hornbills. At 4:00 AM, gather for a light breakfast before setting off on a scenic drive toward the magnificent Manas National Park, a jewel of Assam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arriving by 6:00 AM, we pause at a serene forest resort for a refreshing cup of tea before mounting elephants for a misty morning safari through the grasslands and sal forests of Bansbari Range. As the sun rises, keep watch for wild elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and perhaps a flash of stripes among the underbrush. After the ride, enjoy a hearty breakfast amidst nature, then quickly prepare for your next adventure – a jeep safari through the wild corridors of Manas, flanked by the Bhutan Hills and crisscrossed by the Manas and Beki Rivers. Manas is no ordinary forest. It proudly holds seven major conservation designations, including Tiger Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Bird Sanctuary, making it one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in all of India. The Jeeps drop us to the resort where we had breakfast. Now we enjoy a relaxed lunch and drive to the ship. MV Mahabaahu sails upstream immediately.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Silk, Soul & Sails
Begin your day with a rejuvenating yoga session from 08:00 to 09:00 hrs, embracing the calm of the Brahmaputra as MV Mahabaahu sails past the lush villages of Lower Assam. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board from 08:00 to 10:00 hrs while the everchanging river scenery unfolds around you. By late morning, arrive at Sualkuchi, the famed “Manchester of the East,” renowned for its exquisite silk. Be greeted by tribal folk dancers before taking an e-rickshaw tour through silk weaving workshops to witness the artistry behind Assam’s prized Muga and Eri silks. Relish an authentic Assamese lunch, explore local shops, and perhaps pick up a few elegant souvenirs. Return to the ship as it sails to Pandu Port, Guwahati, for your final evening on the Brahmaputra. Savor the last golden sunset with a sundowner on deck, followed by a warm farewell dinner, Alvida Bhoj, celebrating unforgettable memories and the spirit of Assam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Farewell Assam
After a leisurely breakfast, disembark MV Mahabaahu and transfer to Guwahati Airport for your onward flight. As you bid farewell to the mighty Brahmaputra, carry with you memories of close wildlife encounters, vibrant cultures, tranquil villages, and golden sunsets, a journey through Assam’s untamed beauty that will stay with you forever.

Meals: Breakfast

Cruise – for an “Experiential Journey” – on the Brahmaputra, one of the greatest rivers of Asia, on board our prestigious river cruise vessel, M.V. Mahabaahu.

The Brahmaputra in Assam spans from 3 to 40 kilometers across (2-25 miles), flowing under the shadows of the eastern Himalayas with mountains reaching a height of over 7400 meters (24,278 feet). The area along the river is a true natural history paradise. Here you find over 850 different species of birds, fresh water dolphins, and four national parks with abundant elephants, single-horned rhinos, and wild buffalo.

Perhaps most fascinating to the visitor, are the over 40 different tribal cultures found in the region. A true opportunity to “Experience the Living Cultures of India” for which Far Horizon India is famous.

Two tenders ferry guests safely to and from the vessel with embarkation and disembarkation supervised by a senior officer. At least one guide escorts all excursions ashore. There is nightly entertainment in the form of local tribal dances or guest lectures held in the theatre. Recreational facilities on board include a swimming pool, sports room, spa, hair salon, sundeck, well stocked library with magazines, internet cafe and various board games.

All cruising takes place between 6am and 6pm to take full advantage of the spectacular scenery.

In the evenings there are local tribal dances or guest lectures.

Recreational facilities onboard include:
A well-stocked library
Various board games
Swimming pool on the first deck
Spa and Salon on the lower deck
Sun deck

Other attractions are Buddhist monasteries and Hindu Gurukuls, teaching in an education style of over 5,000 years. The architecture of the temples of Assam, built in traditional Indian and Thai styles, showcases the artistic talents of the local people. The brilliant greens of the terraced rice paddies and the lush tea plantations will have you marveling at this little-known paradise.

When you are in India, you need to explore places that India is proud to put on the map! The luxury cruises along the beautiful, holy and historic Brahmaputra River and Kerala Backwaters offer you a chance to discover the enchanting countryside, the villages, the exotic wildlife and the famous Indian Dolphins of Brahmaputra River. The exotic river life found on the beds of the Brahmaputra will leave you in awe.

To get to really know Kerala, one must first understand her waterways – the lifeline of the entire region. There’s no better way to enrich oneself than to truly comprehend the life of the people of the land. And what better way to visit them at close quarters than in awe-inspiring river cruise boats – it’s like having a moving home on the water!

Select the Deck to view detail.

Mahabaahu - Lower Deck

Mahabaahu - Main Deck

Mahabaahu - Deck One

Mahabaahu - Deck Two

Mahabaahu - Sun Deck

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Suite

2 Suites with balcony.

283.2 sq ft (includes the cabin, bathroom and the balcony)

CABIN FEATURES: All cabins incorporate satellite TV, personal safe, mini bar, in-house telephone and attached bathrooms. Cabins are fully air-conditioned.

Luxury Balcony Cabin

2 Luxury Balcony Cabins. 230 square feet. CABIN FEATURES: All cabins incorporate satellite TV, personal safe, mini bar, in-house telephone and attached bathrooms. Cabins are fully air-conditioned.

Deluxe Balcony Cabin

7 Deluxe Balcony Cabins. 206 square feet.

CABIN FEATURES: All cabins incorporate satellite TV, personal safe, mini bar, in-house telephone and attached bathrooms. Cabins are fully air-conditioned.

Superior Cabin

12 Superior Cabins. 150 square feet.

CABIN FEATURES: All cabins incorporate satellite TV, personal safe, mini bar, in-house telephone and attached bathrooms. Cabins are fully air-conditioned.