Schedule:

• DEP 01- 10-Nov,08 to 21-Nov,08

• DEP 02- 4-Dec,08 to 15-Dec,08

• DEP 03- 28-Dec,08 to 8-Jan,09

• DEP 04- 26-Jan,09 to 6-Feb,09

• DEP 05- 19-Feb,09 to 2-Mar,09

• DEP 06- 15-Mar,09 to 26-Mar,09

• DEP 07- 13-Apr,09 to 24-Apr,09

Day 01

Upon arrival at Dibrugarh Airport, alternatively Jorhat Airport, you will be welcomed by our tour manager. Drive to Neemati Ghat ( 3 ½ hour from Dibrugarh Airport / 1 ½ hours from Jorhat Airport ). Embark the vessel. We get introduced to the crew members and prepare ourselves for the Captain's Welcome Dinner and small cultural evening.

Day 02

Early morning we take an hour’s drive to Sivasagar, the Kingdom of the Ahom Rulers. We shall visit the remains of the Ahom Kingdom, the famous Shiva Temple, and the lakes namely Borpukhuri and Jaysagar which are said to be largest man made. We also visit Tocklai Tea Experimental Station in Jorhat on our return journey to the vessel.

Evening sail to Kamalabari, the age old commercial ghat of Majuli. Overnight on board at Kamalabari.

Day 03

After an early breakfast we will go for an excursion to Majuli, the largest river island in the World. It is the centre of Assam’s famous Vaisnavite form of Hinduism. The religious and cultural traditions are kept alive by the dedicated monks living in the monasteries locally known as Sattra. The monastery of Samaguri known as Samaguri Sattra is famous for the unique masks of Majuli which are used in Bhaona or religious plays. We shall visit some monasteries & interact with the monks.

Multifaceted in its attractions Majuli also unfolds a variety of interest like migratory birds, traditional handicrafts and pottery, ethnic culture and dance forms. The Sattriya dance form of this sect is the latest entry into India’s recognized classical dances.

Day 04

Early risers can watch the sunrise from the Sun Deck while savoring a cup of freshly brewed tea or walk laps on the Sun Deck before heading to the delectable morning buffet table. After breakfast, we will visit the Auniati Sattra and interact with the monks.

Returning to the vessel we start cruising through green valleys and blue hills. The landscapes are unrepentantly poetic and romantic. It is a truly bracing experience, akin to cruising on one of the greatest rivers of the world. The vessel departs and cruises quietly through the day, and finally takes us to a deserted sleepy sand island near Dhansiri. Enjoy barbecue dinner on the island.


Day 05

Today we start leisurely as we prepare for a visit to a Mising village. We take a small walk and experience the culture and life of a typical tribal village. We return to the vessel and start cruising downstream crossing the famous Kaziranga National Park on our left to our next destination Biswanath Ghat. We have a small stopover at the Ghat and visit the Biswanath temple, the Shiv temple situated at the bank of the river. We then further cruise downstream to finally reach Silghat for the night stay.

Day 06

We rise early and drive to Kohora, central range of the Kaziranga National Park for an elephant safari through the tall swamp grasslands. The great one-horned Indian Rhinoceros is very easy to see. Few sanctuaries anywhere can provide as certain an assurance of a unique setting and sight of its best known wild animals and birds as can Kaziranga. After the safari, we take breakfast in a forest lodge. Next we go for a jeep safari in the eastern range of the park. We are accompanied by a naturalist with birds check list. The eastern range of the park is an ornithologist’s paradise. The many lakes on its marshy terrain are packed with residential and migratory avian faunas. Lunch at a lodge before taking a small walk in the adjoining tea garden. In the afternoon we take another Jeep Safari in the western range of the park. Overnight on board at Silghat.

Day 07

Today we cruise further downstream to reach our next destination Tezpur, a town of magnificent scenic beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins. Spend the entire morning exploring the little charming town. We will visit 6th century ruins of the door frame of Da-Parbatia temple, Agnigarh, Bamuni Hill ruins, Mahabhairab temple and the Cole Park. Return to the vessel in the late afternoon and cruise to a deserted sand island near Tezpur for spending the night.

Day 08

Today we cruise for the whole day. If luck favours with a clear sky, we can see the snow capped Himalayan range on our east. We may also have a small stopover at one of the many tribal villages situated on the bank of the river. Rest of the day, the vessel cruises quietly and finally takes us to a deserted sleepy sand island. Enjoy a barbecue dinner on the sand island upstream Mayong and Pobitora.

Day 09

Rising early morning we cruise in our country boat to visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary for an Elephant Safari. After safari, we take a village walk in Mayong. We visit the Museum where we can still see the age old manuscripts of Black Magic. If luck favours, we may also have a small interaction with the King of Mayong. We return to our vessel by noon. Lunch on board as we start sailing. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on board, while the vessel cruises to reach Kuruwa near Guwahati.

Day 10

Early morning sail to the north bank of Guwahati, opposite to the heart of the city. We take a small walk and climb the steps to see the beautiful Aswaklanta temple situated on the top of a hill. We then drive to Hajo a pilgrimage site. We visit the temple ruins of Madan Kamdev, the erotic carving there indicates the strong tantric traditions of the region. Return back to the vessel in the evening for overnight stay.


Day 11

Today we go for a local sightseeing tour in the ancient city of Guwahati. We pay homage to holy Maa Kamakhya temple situated atop the Nilachal Hills. See the beautiful city landscape from top of the hills. We drive down and visit Commonwealth War Graves, the Museum, and take a little walk in the market place before returning to the vessel by noon. Lunch on board while we sail to Sualkuchi, also known as the Manchester of the East.

We visit a silk weaving workshop in Sualkuchi. We shall see the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon to spinning to dyeing and finally to hand weaving into exquisite Mekhelas and dress lengths. Return to the vessel and prepare ourselves for the Crew's Farewell Dinner and a small cultural dance show performed by the local artists.

Day 12

Drive to Guwahati Airport for the onward journey.

The end of the tour.
 

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