SPECIAL DEPARTURE
EXPLORATORY CRUISE:
GUWAHATI TO DHAKA
9 to 18 May 2023
9 NIGHTS
Join Assam Bengal Navigation on a first-of-its-kind exploratory cruise on the Brahmaputra river as we sail from Guwahati to Dhaka, crossing the border into Bangladesh at Chilmari from which point onwards, the river is referred to as the Jamuna. 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
Arrive at Guwahati airport and drive up Nilachal Hill to see the holy Kamakhya temple, the most famous Shakti shrine of India. Dedicated to the eternal feminine, the goddess of desire, granter of wishes, the Kamakhya Temple symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam. We shall walk around the exteriors of the temple, among numerous pilgrims from around the country, taking in the site, sounds and vibrant energy of the holy site.
Afterward drive on to embark on your boat at Pandu port. Cruise downstream, PM walk through Sualkuchi, a bustling little town that is the centre of Assamese silk production, to visit weaving workshops. 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). Continue cruising downstream.
DAY 2
Cruise downstream to Goalpara. PM visit to Sri Surya Pahar, a significant but relatively unknown archaeological site in Assam.The site has scattered remains of several rock-cut Shivalingas, votive stupas and the deities of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain pantheon. Return to Goalpara and start sailing further downstream.
DAY 3
This morning sail down to Dhubri.
In the afternoon take a short trip in rickshaws for a brief visit to pay homage at the town’s statue of Queen Victoria, located at a small park. This statue of Queen Victoria arrived in India by steamer from Britain in 1905.Then visit the famous Gurudwara Damdama Sahib, a Sikh temple on the banks of the river.
Complete Immigration and custom formalities on the Indian side.
DAY 4
This morning sail down to cross the frontier to Chilmari Ghat. Assisted by cruise staff complete Immigration and Custom formalities in Bangladesh side.
Today enjoy a cooking demonstration with your chef onboard.
DAY 5
In the morning drive to Rangpur to visit the Tajhat Jamindar palace in Rangpur and also visit a Hindu Kali Temple. PM cruise down towards Bahadurabad.
DAY 6
This morning cruise down to Sirajganj. PM drive to visit 17th century Atia Jame Mosque at Tangail.
DAY 7
Today visit Hatikumrul Hindu Temples and the nearby villages where weavers make colourful cotton textiles.
Return to boat and cruise down to Paturia.
DAY 8
AM drive to visit Dhamrai village to experience the Brass Artifices made following the Lost Wax method.
Only a few families are keeping up the tradition 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 boat and sail down towards Mawa.
DAY 9
Today after breakfast checkout from ship and drive for 2 hours to visit Sonargaon, 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. Later transfer to city hotel for lunch and overnight stay.
DAY 10
After breakfast checkout and drive to Dhaka International Airport for onward flight to respective destinations.
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
9 to 18 May 2020
Tour price
USD 2,673 + 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 2,970 + 5% taxes (subject to change) per person on a double/twin sharing,
USD 1,350 + 5% taxes (subject to change) for single supplement
staying in an upper deck cabin.
USD 3,267 + 5% taxes (subject to change) per person on a double sharing or single basis,
USD 1,485 + 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