MV Mahabaahu, Bold & Wild: World’s richest natural history river cruise ex Silghat to Guwahati

Embark on the world’s richest natural history river cruise, a remarkable journey along the mighty Brahmaputra that seamlessly blends extraordinary wildlife encounters with living culture and timeless traditions. Sailing through the heart of Assam, this immersive expedition explores three protected wilderness areas, including two UNESCO World Heritage National Parks and one renowned wildlife sanctuary offering the chance to encounter up to 10 species of large mammals,
an astonishing 482 species of birds, and the elusive freshwater river dolphins of the Brahmaputra.

Beyond the wild, the journey opens doors to Assam’s cultural soul: witness the legendary silk weaving traditions of Sualkuchi, stroll through lush tea gardens, enjoy home-hosted meals with local families, and engage in authentic village visits. Evenings come alive with traditional dance and cultural performances, creating a perfect balance of nature, heritage, and human connection. This is not just a cruise, it is a deeply enriching passage through one of the most biodiverse and culturally
vibrant regions on Earth.

Day 1: Guwahati – Silghat | Embark MV Mahabaahu
Arrive this morning in Guwahati (by 9 am) and set out on a scenic drive through the Assamese countryside to Silghat, where the elegant MV Mahabaahu awaits you on the banks of the Brahmaputra. By early afternoon, step aboard, settle into your cabins, and enjoy a warm welcome lunch as the river journey begins to unfold. Later, explore a local jute mill followed by a visit to a tea estate, where the vibrant rhythms of Bihu, Assam’s traditional dance, offer a joyful introduction to the region’s culture. As evening approaches, gather on the sun deck for a relaxed sundowner,
watching the sun dip behind the majestic Kalia Bhomora Setu spanning the mighty Brahmaputra.

Learn about the ship and its facilities during the safety briefing, followed by an engaging talk on India’s wildlife with insights into Kaziranga and Nameri. The day concludes in style with a semi-formal Chef’s Welcome Dinner – “Swagat Bhoj”, marking a gracious beginning to your river voyage.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Into the Wild – Safari in Kaziranga (UNESCO site) – Jia Bharali River Adventures
Begin the day early with a hearty breakfast before setting out for an exhilarating jeep safari in the Burapahar Range of Kaziranga National Park. This beautifully scenic range reveals a captivating
blend of dense forests, open grasslands, and shimmering water bodies, offering wonderful opportunities to experience the park’s rich wildlife and landscapes.

Late morning, journey onward to the banks of the Jia Bharali River, where a welcoming local lodge provides time to relax, enjoy a warm Garo tribal lunch, and witness an engaging cultural
performance that reflects the traditions of the region. Adventure follows as you take to the river for a memorable rafting experience, gliding over gentle rapids with the Great Eastern Himalayas and Nameri National Park forming a spectacular natural backdrop.

After tea and refreshments, return to MV Mahabaahu in the evening to unwind in the lounge and enjoy dinner on board, rounding off a day rich in wildlife, culture, and soft adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Safari in Kaziranga (UNESCO site) & Assamese Theme Evening
An early start rewards us with unforgettable wildlife experiences today. Before dawn, enjoy a light breakfast and set out for Kaziranga National Park, reaching the Central Range as the forest awakens. After refreshments at a nearby resort, embark on a magical elephant safari, offering a unique, close-to-nature perspective of Kaziranga’s famed landscapes and wildlife.

Following a relaxed breakfast, continue to the Bagori (Western) Range for an extended jeep safari through vast grasslands and forest trails, exploring one of the most wildlife-rich sections of the
park. By late morning, depart Kaziranga and drive back toward Silghat, passing scenic paddy fields nourished by the Brahmaputra and the gentle curves of the Karbi Anglong hills.

Return to MV Mahabaahu for an early lunch, then unwind on the sun deck or from your private balcony as rural river life drifts by. The day concludes with a delightful Assamese dress
demonstration, followed by a festive Assamese evening, where you don traditional attire and savor authentic Assamese cuisine for dinner, an immersive cultural finale to an extraordinary day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Serenity on the River – Yoga, Riverside Life & Onboard Experiences Wake up to a leisurely morning on the Brahmaputra, beginning the day with a rejuvenating yoga session as the ship glides past lush riverside villages of lower Assam. A relaxed breakfast follows, setting the tone for a day devoted to wellness, learning, and gentle exploration.

Later, gather for an insightful talk on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Manas National Park, its remarkable wildlife, and an orientation for the upcoming elephant and jeep safaris. The remainder of the morning is yours to enjoy – sunbathe on deck or indulge in the ship’s wellness facilities.

After lunch, enjoy a peaceful sail before stepping ashore in the evening to visit a nearby village. Interact with local residents and gain a deeper understanding of life along the flood-prone Brahmaputra. As dusk falls, return on board for a Chef’s cooking demonstration featuring regional flavors, followed by a relaxed lounge hour and dinner, an enriching close to a beautifully balanced day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Into the Wild Heart of Assam – Manas National Park & Tiger Reserve (UNESCO site)
Awaken to an unforgettable day in the wild! After a light early breakfast, journey into Manas National Park, arriving at a forest resort for refreshments before heading to the Bansbari Range for
a memorable elephant safari, a serene and immersive way to experience the park at first light.

Following breakfast, set out on a jeep safari through dramatic landscapes where the park’s northern boundary meets the imposing hills of Bhutan, with the Manas–Beki river system
threading through the wilderness. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with multiple national and international designations, Manas is renowned for its rare and endangered wildlife, including the
Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, and Assam Roofed Turtle, along with wild water buffalo, gaur, and a rich diversity of birdlife.

After a relaxed lunch, head out once more in the afternoon for a second jeep safari along a different forest route, exploring dense foliage in search of mammals, arboreal species, reptiles, and
birds. Return to the resort for tea and refreshments, complemented by a Bodo cultural performance and dress demonstration, before driving back to Dongra Ghat to rejoin MV
Mahabaahu. Dinner on board concludes a deeply rewarding day immersed in one of India’s most pristine wildlife landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Brahmaputra Reflections & Cultural Insights
Enjoy a slow and restful morning on the Brahmaputra, beginning with a calming yoga session, followed by a leisurely breakfast. Later, gather for engaging talks on Assam and the Brahmaputra,
and an insightful presentation on “The Silk Saga of Sualkuchi”, offering orientation for the upcoming visits to Assam’s famed silk hub, the war cemetery, tea estate, a home-hosted lunch, and the revered Kamakhya Temple.

The day is designed for relaxation and reflection. Book your preferred spa therapies or Ayurvedic massages, spend time reading, or simply watch life unfold along the riverbanks as the ship glides through a timeless landscape shaped by the ancient Brahmaputra, river of history, culture, and commerce.

After lunch, ease into the evening with a tranquil sundowner on the sun deck, as the setting sun paints the river in glowing hues. The day concludes with a relaxed lounge hour and dinner on
board, perfectly in keeping with the gentle rhythm of the river.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: From Silk Looms to Sacred Hills
Depart early for Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, where a morning jeep safari reveals an abundance of birdlife along with the famed one-horned rhinoceros and Asiatic water buffalo. After the safari, relax over a freshly prepared local breakfast before browsing nearby souvenir stalls and sampling seasonal fruits from local vendors.

Continue to a tea estate to gain insights into Assam’s iconic tea culture, followed by a visit to the Guwahati War Memorial. The highlight of the afternoon is a warm, home-hosted lunch with an
urban Assamese family, offering an authentic taste of local life and cuisine.

Later, delve into Assam’s celebrated silk heritage with a visit to the silk processing and weaving area, tracing the journey from cocoon to cloth. Discover the region’s four distinctive silks, Muga, Paat, Eri, and Mulberry and enjoy time to shop for fine fabrics and stoles. Return to the ship for a relaxed lounge hour and a gracious Chef’s Farewell Dinner, completing de-boarding formalities as the voyage draws to a memorable close.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Disembarkation & Kamakhya Temple – Departure
This morning, bid farewell to MV Mahabaahu as you prepare for disembarkation. After breakfast on board, step ashore and proceed to Kamakhya Temple, one of India’s most revered Shakti Peeths, beautifully set atop Nilachal Hill. Admire its distinctive architecture, where the ancient Nilachal style blends seamlessly with later Bengal influences, before enjoying time for quiet reflection at this sacred site.

Following the temple visit, continue to Guwahati Airport in good time for onward flights, carrying with you cherished memories of river landscapes, wildlife encounters, cultural traditions, and the warm hospitality of Assam, bringing a remarkable Brahmaputra journey to a graceful close.

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

Select the Cabin to view detail.

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.