SPECIAL DEPARTURE
EXPLORATORY CRUISE:
DHAKA TO GUWAHATI
10 to 20 October 2023
10 NIGHTS
Join Assam Bengal Navigation on a first-of-its-kind exploratory cruise on the Jamuna river of Bangladesh as we sail from Dhaka to Guwahati, crossing the border into the Indian state of Assam near Dhubri, from which point onwards, the river is referred to as the Brahmaputra.
During this cruise, you will be joined by the founders of Assam Bengal Navigation, Andrew Brock and Ashish Phookan, and hear first-hand from them on the company’s 20+ year heritage.
For full transparency, guests should note that while we have reconnoitred this itinerary by land and have sailed this route on maintenance delivery voyages annually for years, this particular cruise is an exploratory one, and the odd hiccup in coordination of the final product ought to be expected. A sense of adventure would be a key ingredient to help all ensure a satisfactory experience aboard this particular cruise.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Today morning you will join the group from city hotel to visit Sonar gaon, the medieval capital of Bengal and an Art and Craft Museum and the Baro Sardar Bari within the complex. Also visit the famous weaver’s village of Rupshi for demonstration of weaving of Jamdani sari. After lunch in city hotel drive to Mawa to embark on your ship Charaidew II.
DAY 2
Enjoy a visit to local wholesale fish market at Mawa this morning. Later, sail towards upstream to anchor for the night near confluence of Ganges at Paturia.
DAY 3
This morning, drive to visit Dhamrai village to witness the old process of making brass artefacts using the lost wax technique. Only a few families are currently keeping this tradition alive, which was very prevalent in the region not too long ago. The main street of the small town has a few traditional residences with shop fronts, allowing visitors a glimpse of the affluent trading houses of the 19th century Bengal. Return to the ship and sail upstream towards Kaoulia to anchor for the night.
DAY 4
AM cruise upstream to Sirajganj, PM visit Hatikumrul Hindu Temples and the nearby villages where weavers make colourful cotton textiles. Return to the ship and cruise further upstream towards Chandanbaisha.
DAY 5
A day spent on the river as we cruise upstream to Chilmari. We may visit a local village to understand the rural area of Bangladesh. Enjoy a Bengali cooking demonstration with your chef onboard.
DAY 6
After breakfast drive to Rangpur to visit the Tajerhat Jamindar palace, and a Hindu Kali Temple near the palace. Later, meet with authorities to complete immigration and customs formalities to cross the border into India.
DAY 7
This morning, cruise upstream to Dhubri to complete immigration and customs formalities. Later, take a short trip by rickshaws to this riverside town, including a visit to the town’s statue of Queen Victoria, which arrived in India by steamer from Britain in 1905. Then, visit the famous Gurudwara Damdama Sahib Sikh temple on the banks of the river. Return to the ship and continue sailing upstream.
DAY 8
This morning, cruise upstream to Goalpara. Visit Sri Surya Pahar, a significant but relatively unknown archaeological site in Assam. The site has scattered remains of several rock-cut Shiva lingas, votive stupas and the deities of the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain pantheon. Return to Goalpara and start cruising further upstream before docking for the night.
DAY 9
A day well spends on the river while cruising upstream to cover a long distance. We may visit a river side village before we anchor for the night. Enjoy a Mishing cooking demonstration with your chef onboard.
DAY 10
In the morning, cruise up to Sualkuchi – a bustling little town that is the centre of Assamese silk production. Visit the weaving workshops in the afternoon to witness the whole process of silk manufacturing, from cocoon and spinning to dyeing and hand-weaving into exquisite mekhela chadars (a two-piece sari, the traditional attire of Assamese women).
DAY 11
Cruise upstream this morning and disembark at Pandu port. After breakfast transfer to Guwahati airport or a city hotel for your onward journey.
This itinerary is subject to river and weather conditions.
ACCOMMODATION
This cruise is offered in the Boutique cruising style.
ABN Charaidew II
With 18 cabins in total, including two spacious deluxe cabins, 12 standard twin/double cabins, and four standard cabins with a queen bed for solo travellers, ABN Charaidew II is a boutique, modern ship that wonderfully blends traditional Assamese aesthetics with touches of colonial elegance. All standard cabins have French balconies, while the two deluxe cabins have a private balcony.
DATE & PRICE
Dates
10 to 20 October 2023
Tour price
USD 3,564 + 5% taxes (subject to change) per person on a double sharing or single basis, staying in a main deck cabin (with a queen bed).
USD 3,960 + 5% taxes (subject to change) per person on a double/twin sharing,
USD 1,800 + 5% taxes (subject to change) for single supplement staying in an upper deck cabin.
USD 4,356 + 5% taxes (subject to change) per person on a double sharing,
USD 1,980 + 5% taxes (subject to change) for single supplement staying in an upper deck deluxe double-bedded cabin.
Price includes
All accommodation
All excursions and entry fees
All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Full board
Service of an English-speaking guide onboard and during excursions
Price excludes
Drinks from the bar
Laundry
Tips, camera fees
Insurance
Telephone charges
Items of a personal nature
GST