MV Mahabaahu, Brahmaputra Wildlife & Culture Upstream River Cruise ex Guwahati to Jorhat

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day voyage along the majestic Brahmaputra, aboard the luxurious MV Mahabaahu. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, the pristine Nameri National Park, and the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, home to India’s only ape, the Hoolock Gibbon and a spectacular variety of primates and birds. Immerse yourself in Assam’s vibrant culture, from the silk weavers of Sualkuchi and Bishwanath to the unique Mishing and Neo-Vaishnav communities of Majuli, and witness the historic grandeur of Ahom-era Sivasagar. Relish authentic Assamese cuisine, indulge in wellness experiences on board, and watch the river reveal its natural and cultural treasures at every turn. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey of wildlife, heritage, and serenity, where the river brings you closer to the heart of Assam.

Day 1: Arrive Guwhati – Welcome onboard
Begin your Brahmaputra adventure with a warm welcome at Guwahati airport before boarding the elegant MV Mahabaahu (recommended arrival by 10 am). As we sail under the iconic Saraighat Bridge, soak in the beauty of the mighty river and Assam’s vibrant landscapes. Enjoy a relaxed lunch, insightful orientation, and a fascinating talk on the region’s incredible wildlife and UNESCO World Heritage sanctuaries. As evening descends, unwind on the sundeck with a refreshing sundowner, watching the sunset paint the Brahmaputra in shades of gold and crimson. End the day with a delightful welcome dinner and camaraderie onboard – your unforgettable river journey has just begun.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Into the Wild Heart of Assam – Manas National Park & Tiger Reserve (UNESCO site)
Awaken to an unforgettable day in the wild! Begin with an early elephant safari and jeep adventure through the lush expanse of Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rare wildlife and breathtaking landscapes along the Bhutanese foothills. 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. After a thrilling morning exploring this biodiversity haven, return to MV Mahabaahu for a leisurely lunch as we sail upstream. Spend the afternoon rejuvenating with soothing Ayurvedic therapies or simply unwind in the spa and pool. As the sun sets, gather in the lounge for a relaxed evening and a delightful dinner onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: 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. In the evening, sail towards the mystic Peacock Island for a tranquil stroll and conclude the day with a spiritual visit to the revered Kamakhya Temple, before gathering onboard for a relaxed lounge hour and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Serenity on the River – Yoga, Riverside Life & Onboard Experiences
Sail away from Peacock Island as the Brahmaputra awakens. Begin your day with revitalizing yoga on the sundeck, followed by a leisurely breakfast. Browse the MV Mahabaahu Bazaar for handcrafted souvenirs or enjoy a saree-tying demonstration showcasing Assam’s graceful traditions. After lunch, step ashore to experience the warmth and simplicity of village life along the Brahmaputra’s banks. As dusk falls, return to the ship for a tranquil sunset sail, relaxed lounge hour, and a delightful dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Sailing into Stillness: Life Along the River
Embrace a serene morning as MV Mahabaahu sails through the ever-changing landscapes of the Brahmaputra. Begin your day with peaceful yoga on the sundeck, followed by a relaxed breakfast and an orientation on Nameri and Kaziranga National Parks, setting the stage for upcoming adventures. Later, enjoy a behind-the-scenes ship exploration tour, from the engine room to the wheelhouse, offering a glimpse into life on the river. Guests can also indulge in tailoring services, spa therapies, or simply unwind as the river drifts by. As evening descends, delight in a live cooking demonstration of local street flavors before gathering for a sunset sail, lounge hour, and dinner in the tranquil glow of the Brahmaputra.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Wildlife Wonders at Nameri & Cultural encounters at Silghat
Rise before dawn for a light breakfast and set out on an early morning trek through Nameri National Park, a pristine sanctuary teeming with rare birds and elusive wildlife, including the majestic Bengal Tiger and other iconic species. Cross the river by local ferry and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest as guides reveal its secrets. Return to MV Mahabaahu for a hot lunch as we sail upstream to Silghat. Explore Assam’s rich cultural tapestry with a visit to a tea plantation featuring traditional performances, followed by a tour of a jute mill, witnessing the journey from fiber to finished product. Conclude the day with an evening onboard and an early dinner, reflecting on the day’s wildlife and cultural discoveries.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: 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. As the afternoon unfolds, travel back to MV Mahabaahu, taking in the scenic Brahmaputra-fed paddy fields and Karbi Anglong bends. Conclude the day with a relaxing lounge hour and evening dinner onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Wildlife, Weaving and Starry Nights on the Brahmaputra
Start your day with yoga on the sun deck as MV Mahabaahu glides through Kaziranga towards Bishwanath Ghat, a charming village of temples, fishermen, and master weavers. Witness the rhythm of looms and vibrant stories woven into fabrics, framed by the historic Shiva Dol and the serene riverfront. After exploring the village, continue sailing to the Eastern Range of Kaziranga. Post-lunch, venture by tender along the riverbanks of Agoratoli, spotting elephants, water buffalo, and rare birds, while observing how the mighty Brahmaputra shapes the landscape each year. As evening falls, retreat to a deserted island of silver sands for a bonfire, barbequed snacks, and a magical starlit night. Return to the ship for a relaxing dinner, ending a day of cultural immersion and wildlife wonder.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Mishing Village: Bamboo Homes, Weaving, and River Rhythms
Begin your day with yoga on the sun deck and a leisurely breakfast as MV Mahabaahu sails toward Majuli, the world’s largest river island. Attend an insightful talk on Majuli and Sivasagar, setting the stage for an immersive cultural journey. Step ashore at a Mishing Village on the river’s floating islands. Explore the bamboo scaffolding Chang Ghars, observe daily life, and discover the intricate weaving traditions using home-spun and dyed cotton threads. Witness the Mishings proudly demonstrate their ethnic attire, with guests invited to try dhoti-kurta for men and mekhla chadar for women. Return to the ship for a tranquil lunch as you sail toward Majuli. In the evening, embrace traditional Assamese attire and savor an authentic Assamese culinary experience, celebrating the island’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Majuli Island: Neo-Vaishnav Culture & River Life
Start your day with yoga and a buffet breakfast as MV Mahabaahu sails toward Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island. Step ashore to immerse in the island’s neo-Vaishnav culture, witnessing Gayan Bayan by priests, Dashavatar performances by young Vaishnav girls, and Mukha Bhavana rituals. Explore mask making and pottery, and enjoy the vibrant avi-fauna, including open-billed storks, adjutant storks, whistling ducks, and bar-headed geese. Stroll through the local bazaar before returning to the ship for lunch and a restful afternoon. At 1530 hours, take a guided walk at Neamati Ghat, observing village life, home gardens, dairy farming, and perhaps a fisherman casting his net into the Brahmaputra. Conclude the day with lounge time and a relaxed sit-down dinner onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary & Ahom Heritage
Begin the day at dawn with an early breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary (arrival 0530 hrs), home to India’s only ape, the Hoolock Gibbon, and Northeast India’s only nocturnal primate, the Bengal slow loris. This lush evergreen forest also shelters 7 of India’s 9 primate species, offering a rare wildlife experience. Accompanied by our naturalist, guides, and armed guard, take a morning walk through the forest’s layered canopy, hoollong trees in the upper layer, nahar in the middle, and a rich undergrowth of shrubs and herbs. Return by 0700 hrs and enjoy light snacks and fruit juice before splitting into two groups for the morning: Cultural Group: Explore the historic Ahom Kingdom stronghold of Sivasagar, including the Talatal Ghar palace, the royal Rang Ghar arena, and the majestic Shiva Dol (104 feet tall). A stroll through the local market lets you explore silk shops and Assamese goldsmiths. Wildlife Group: Embark on a 22 km Jeep Safari through the Eastern Range of Kaziranga, covering Soholabeel, Maklung, Turturani, and Dhuba, guided by an expert naturalist. Spot elephants, swamp deer, and other wildlife as you traverse well-marked trails. Afterward, regroup for lunch at a nearby resort before returning to MV Mahabaahu by 14:00 hrs. Spend the late afternoon in relaxation, and conclude the journey with Lounge Hour followed by the Chef’s Special Farewell Bhoj, an exquisite dinner to celebrate your unforgettable Assam journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Tea Estate & Farewell Assam
Start your morning with breakfast on board from 07:00 to 08:30 hrs, followed by deboarding MV Mahabaahu at 09:00 hrs. Take a short drive to a heritage tea estate and immerse yourself in the world of Assam tea: stroll through lush gardens, enjoy a tea talk and tasting session, explore herbal plants, and interact with a family steeped in the tea business for over a century. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting the many species that call the gardens home. Relish a traditional Assamese lunch before departing for the airport by 11:30 hrs, arriving in time for your 14:00 hrs flight from Jorhat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.