Best of Assam

Duration

9 Nights & 10 Days

Highlights

  • Meet & Assist
  • Guided Sightseeing Tours
  • Stay in City & Rural Luxury Hotels
  • Village Visit and Rural Day-to-Day Life.
  • 3 Nights & 4 Days (Full Board) Cruise on Mighty Brahmaputra River, Kamakhya Temple, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – Guwahati
  • Da-Parbatia Temple – Tezpur
  • Elephant Safari & Jeep Safari – Kaziranga National Park
  • World’s Largest River Island – Majuli
  • Tai Ahom Museum & Maidams, Shiva Temple – Sivasagar
  • Tocklai Institute, World’s Largest & Oldest Tea Research Centre – Jorhat
  • Radha Krishna Temple, Tiling Mandir, Aye Than Temple, Mahatma Gandhi Udyan – Dibrugarh

Destinations

Guwahati, Sualkuchi, Tezpur, Kaziranga, Majuli, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh

You will be met and assisted on arrival at Guwahati Airport and transferred to the jetty to embark your ship by mid-afternoon close to the great Saraighat Bridge for 3 nights and 4 days (full board) cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra River.

Lying on the Southern fringes of the mighty Brahmaputra river, Guwahati, the largest city of Assam, holds spirituality and adventure at its heart. Home to the much-revered Kamakhya Temple, dedicated to goddess Kamakhya, an incarnation of Goddess Sati, the 8th-century temple attracts devotees throughout the year. Apart from temples, river cruising in the feisty Brahmaputra is a magical experience. Guwahati, the city enjoys a rich bounty of flora and fauna. While its wild side languishes in serenity, the city’s cosmopolitan centre bustles with the vibrancy of festivals, fairs, music, dance, arts and crafts. From the renowned Bihu dance and folk music to the energetic bhortal nritya, the city, holds its culture close to its heart and displays it in an array of colours and merriment that leave tourists in awe.

Enjoy lunch while cruising downstream to the little town of Sualkuchi, where the clatter of looms gives a clue to the town’s industry.

Post-lunch, walk through the village to visit, its silk-weaving workshops and observe 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 Assamese women).

Dinner & overnight on board.

This morning cruise upstream and disembark at Pandu docks for a short sightseeing tour of Guwahati.

A drive up Nilachal Hill brings you to the holy Kamakhya temple, though with its tantric rites and animal sacrifice, the more squeamish among may prefer to content themselves with its exteriors.

Visit, the poignant Commonwealth War Graves cemetery as well as a shop selling local crafts. Afterwards, cross by country boat to the mid-stream Peacock Island with its population of Golden Langurs before re-boarding and cruising past Kurua on the North bank.

Dinner & overnight on board.

Today, cruise upstream past jungle-covered hills and turn into the Mayong River. Here take a country boat for a kilometre or two to the road head and from there drive to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. This small park has a dense population of the Indian, One-Horned Rhinoceros, and it would be unlucky to not spot some of these armoured beasts on a jeep safari around the park. Return to the ship in the afternoon and cruise to a riverside village, which you can explore on foot.

Later, sail downstream to spend the last night close to Kurua.

Dinner & overnight on board.

Cruise down to Pandu port, disembark after breakfast and drive to Tezpur.

Lush green tea gardens, picturesque landscapes and endless paddy fields framed by the snow-clad Himalayas, all come together to make the beautiful city of Tezpur. Fringed by the feisty Brahmaputra river, Tezpur, is considered to be Assam’s oldest city. Straddling the state of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, Tezpur is surrounded by some of the most exquisite scenic sites in India.

There are many legends associated with this slow-paced quaint city, and it is said that it was the battleground of a war between Hari (Lord Krishna) and king Banasura (a devotee of Lord Shiva). Local lore recounts that the nephew of Lord Krishna, Aniruddha, fell in love with Usha, the daughter of the king, who disapproved of their match. The king put the young prince into jail and when Lord Krishna found out about this, he attacked him with full force. Banasura lost the war and requested Krishna not to kill him, after which he presented the couple, seated in a regal chariot, to the lord.

Originally, Tezpur is said to have been known as Haruppesvera, during the reign of the Mlechchha dynasty (650 – 900 AD). The rock inscriptions of Harjar Varma point to the fact that the city was in existence from 829-30 AD. Modern-day Tezpur was founded in 1835 by the British colonial administration. In fact, the city was an important centre of trade that was used as a river port. After independence, the city continued to maintain its significant streak and was the site of the establishment of the first electric power station in this part of the country.

On arrival, check-into the hotel.

Later in the afternoon, proceed to visit Da-Parbatia Temple, one of the oldest temples in Assam.

Located in the village of Da-Parbatia, few kilometres from Tezpur, Da-Parbatia Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples. With it interestingly rich culture and artistic sculpturing, the Da-Parbatia Temple is believed to be built during the 5th and the 6th century. This older historic temple has seen a lot of storms and earthquakes which has led to ruining of the temple structure.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, checkout and drive to Kaziranga.

One of the greatest wildlife emblems of India, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park, is famed as a home to two-thirds of the world’s population of the rare one-horned rhinoceros. With the mighty Brahmaputra river lapping at the fringes, the park encompasses wetlands, forests and grasslands, which shelter a sizeable population of tigers as well. Moreover, the park is an abode of world-famous snakes – the rock python, the reticulated python and the king cobra, the longest venomous snake. While eastern swamp deer and wild water buffalo are common sights, if you’re lucky, you can also spot a herd of elephants making their way grandly through the park. The park is surrounded by ancient temples, pristine waterfalls and lush tea estates.

On arrival, check-into the Wildlife resort.

Afternoon, enjoy the exclusive Jeep safari in the western (Bagori) range of Kaziranga.

Overnight stay at Wildlife resort.

Early morning, elephant safari into the forest.

You will be taken to the elephant riding point by jeeps.

The elephant safari is the best mean for wildlife viewing as the wild animals are not afraid of the elephants, and it is possible to observe them from close proximity.

Return to the resort for breakfast.

Post breakfast, proceed for jeep safari in the national park for wildlife viewing in the central zone.

Later return to the resort for lunch.

Post lunch, proceed for the second jeep safari of the day in the Western zone of the national park. Spend some time at the Donga view point, located in the western zone.

Return to the resort for overnight stay.

Post breakfast, checkout and drive up to the Nimati Ghat for ferry to Majuli.

On arrival, board the ferry to cross-mighty Brahmaputra for Majuli island.

One of Assam’s best treasures, the pristine Majuli island, is the proud holder of a Guinness World Record for being the largest river island in the world. Seat of neo-Vaishnavism in Assam for years. Majuli’s rich culture is reflected in the 25 satras or monasteries that stand here. The most influential is the Kamalabari satra.

Flaunting a vibrant culture and unmatched scenic beauty, the island is known as the cultural capital of Assam. Majuli is a wonderful concoction of nature and culture.

The island is home to several species of endemic and migratory birds. Birdwatchers and nature-lovers can take special guided tours to various lakes on and around the island and spot fascinating species.

On arrival in Manuli, enjoy the picturesque views of rice paddies, small villages and roads lined with bamboo archways. On the roadside watch villagers practising the ancient craft of hand looming that the region is famous for. You can also purchase the brightly coloured textiles at local road stalls.

For many Hindus, Majuli Island is a pilgrimage site. Peppered with 22 Satras, visit one of these Satras. A satra is a Vishnu monastery where teachings, plays and prayers are conducted. The satras are centred  around a large hall where the activities are held. Some of the oldest satras on Majuli Island were built in the 1600s and are still in use today, albeit a little worse for wear.

Afterwards, ferry back to Nimato Ghat and resume journey to Jorhat.

Spread across a lush green landscape dotted with imperial bungalows that exude colonial charm, Jorhat, the second-largest city of Assam, is an eclectic mix of cultures, diverse tribal communities, vibrant festivals and bustling markets. A major hub for exquisite Assamese jewellery, Jorhat has several renowned craftsmen who have been practising their art for generations. The city is popular for pure gold jewellery made in Ahom (Assamese) style, and is a little dull in its shine. The gold jewellery is filled with lac, in which gemstones are embedded with the help of gold leaf.

Not just jewellery, Jorhat has been one of oldest and the most important centres of commerce and trade in Assam. It was the capital of the powerful Ahom dynasty (1228-1826). Jorhat was built around two major markets, the Chowkihat and Macharhat, which came up on the banks of the pristine Bhogdoi river that flows through the city. In fact, ‘jor’ or ‘jora’, in Assamese means two and ‘haat’ means a market.

Jorhat also boasts some of the most spectacular tea gardens that are sprawled across vast expanses. With the distinctive aroma of tea in the air, one can stroll through breathtaking lush greenery and enjoy the serenity of the beautiful gardens.

On arrival, check-into the hotel.

In the evening, walk around Garh Ali, the main commercial hub of Jorhat town with little shops famous for North-East Indian fabrics and handicrafts.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, proceed for morning sightseeing tour of Sivasagar.

The capital of Ahom dynasty, Sivasagar is famous for remains of Ahom Kingdom. The Ahom dynasty ruled Assam for 600 years before the British took over. Visit the Tai Ahom Museum and the Maidams (Mummy like structures) of Ahom king’s Burial grounds at Charaideo. The other remains of the Ahom Dynasty include a man-made artificial lake created by Queen Madambika in 1734, Shivdol-the tallest Shiv temple in the world, palaces of Kareng Ghar & Talatal Ghar and Gaurisagar Tank, along with three temples. Post sightseeing, drive back to Jorhat.

Afterwards, explore the nearby tea gardens. Visit the Gymkhana club in Jorhat, built in 1876 by D. Slimmon famous for horse races. The club also holds a lush green 9-hole Golf Course (it is considered to be the third-oldest Golf Course in the world). 

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post early breakfast, checkout and proceed to visit Tocklai Institute, the world’s largest and oldest tea research centre (founded in 1911). The labs here research, among other things, microorganisms that inhibit plant disease and promote growth. A tea museum and model tea factory, exhibiting the machines that turn leaves into teapot-ready tea, are also here.

Afterwards, drive to Dibrugarh.

Famed as the ‘Tea City of India’, the quaint town of Dibrugarh, is slowly emerging as a popular tourist attraction of Assam. Walking through lush green British-era tea gardens ranks as the best experience one can take in Dibrugarh. The Jokai Botanical Garden cum Germplasm centre attracts nature lovers with some of its rare and endangered species of plants. You can also visit the beautiful white temple of Radha Krishna in Jalan Nagar to soak in spirituality.

On arrival, check-into the hotel.

Rest and relax for a while in the cozy comfort of the hotel room.

Later in the day, proceed to visit the major tourist attractions of Dibrugarh, covering Radha Krishna Mandir, Tiling Mandir, Aye Than temple, and the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan.

In the evening, visit Jokai Botanical Garden, famous for its flora and fauna, run by the Forestry Department of Assam. 

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, checkout and transfer to Airport for flight to Delhi / Kolkata