Bold & Wild – Natural History Cruise – 7 Nights – Downstream
- Standard
GuwahatiGuwahati - M V Mahabaahu
Embark on the world’s richest natural history river cruise, a remarkable journey long the mighty Brahmaputra that seamlessly blends extraordinary wildlife
encounters with living culture and timeless traditions. Sailing through the heart of Assam, this immersive expedition explores three protected wilderness areas—
including two UNESCO World Heritage National Parks and one renowned wildlife sanctuary—offering the chance to encounter up to 10 species of large mammals,
an astonishing 482 species of birds, and the elusive freshwater river dolphins of the Brahmaputra.
Beyond the wild, the journey opens doors to Assam’s cultural soul: witness the legendary silk weaving traditions of Sualkuchi, stroll through lush tea gardens,
enjoy home-hosted meals with local families, and engage in authentic village visits. Evenings come alive with traditional dance and cultural performances, creating a
perfect balance of nature, heritage, and human connection. This is not just a cruise it is a deeply enriching passage through one of the most biodiverse and culturally
vibrant regions on Earth.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Guwahati - Silghat : Embark MV Mahabaahu - Guwahati
Arrive this morning in Guwahati (by 9 am) and set out on a scenic drive through the Assamese countryside to Silghat, where the elegant MV Mahabaahu awaits you on the banks of the Bramaputra. By early afternoon, step aboard, settle into your cabins and enjoy a warm welcome lunch as the river journey begins to unfold. Later, explore a local jute mill followed by a visit to a tea estate, where the vibrant rhythms of Bihu, Assam's traditional dance, offer a joyful introduction to the region's culture. As evening approaches, gather on the sun deck for a relaxed sundowner, watching the sun dip behind the majestic Kalia Bhomora Setu spanning the mighty Brahmaputra. Learn about the ship and its facilities during the safety briefing, followed b an engaging talk on India's wildlife with insights into Kaziranga and Nameri. The day concludes in style with a semi-formal Chef's Welcome Dinner - 'Swagat Bhoj" making a gracious beginning to your river voyage. Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2 Into the Wild - Safari in Kaziranga (UNESCO site) - Jia Bharali River Adventures - Kaziranga
Begin the day early with a hearty breakfast before setting out for an exhilarating jeep safari in the Burapahar Range of Kaziranga National Park. This beautifully scenic range reveals a captivating blend of dense forests, open grasslands, and shimmering water bodies, offering wonderful opportunities to experience the park's rich wildlife and landscapes. Late morning, journey onward to the banks of the Jia Bharali River, where a welcoming local lodge provides time to relax. enjoy a warm Garo tribal lunch and witness an engaging cultural performance that reflects the traditions of the region. Adventure follows as you take to the river for a memorable rafting experience, gliding over gentle rapids with the Great Eastern Himalayas and Nameri National Park forming a spectacular natural backdrop. After tea and refreshments, return to MV Mahabaahu in the evening to unwind in the lounge and enjoy dinner on board, rounding off a day rich in wildlife, culture and soft adventure Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 Safari in Kaziranga (UNESCO site) & Assamese Theme Evening - Kaziranga
An early start rewards us with unforgettable wildlife experiences today. Before dawn, enjoy a light breakfast and set out for Kaziranga National Park, reaching the Central Range as the forest awakens. After refreshments at a nearby resort, embark on a magical elephant safari, offering a unique, close-to-nature perspective of Kaziranga's famed landscapes and wildlife. Following a relaxed breakfast, continue to the Bagori (Western) Range for an extended jeep safari through vast grasslands and forest trails, exploring one of the most wildlife-rich-sections of the park. By late morning, depart Kaziranga and drive back toward Silghat, passing scenic paddy fields nourished by the Brahmaputra and the gentle curves of the Karbi Anglong hills. Return to MV Mahabaahu for an early lunch, then unwind on the sun deck or from your private balcony as rural river life drifts by. The day concludes with a delightful Assamese evening, where you don traditional attire and savor authentic Assamese cuisine for dinner - an immersive cultural finale to an extraordinary day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 Serenity on the River - Yoga, Riverside Life Onboard Experiences - Manas National Park
Wake up to a leisurely morning on the Brahmaputra, beginning the day with a rejuvenating yoga session, as the ship glides past lush riverside villages of lower Assam. A relaxed breakfast follows, setting the tone for a day devoted to wellness, learning and gentle exploration. Later gather for an insightful talk on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Manas National Park, its remarkable wildlife and an orientation for the upcoming Elephant and jeep safaris. The remainder of the morning is yours to enjoy - sunbathe on deck or indulge in the ship's wellness facilities. After lunch, enjoy a peaceful sail before stepping ashore in the evening to visit a nearby village. Interact with local residents and gain a deeper understanding of life along the flood-prone Brahmaputra. As dusk falls, return on board for a Chef's cooking demonstration featuring regional flavors, followed by a relaxed lounge hour and dinner - an enriching close to a beautifully balanced day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Into the Wild Heart of Assam - Manas National Park & Tiger Seserve (UNESCO Site) - Manas National Park
Awaken to an unforgettable day in the wild! After a light early breakfast, journey into Manas National Park, arriving at a forest resort for refreshments before heading to the Bansbari Range for a memorable elephant safari - a serene and immersive way to experience the park at first light. Following breakfast, set out on a jeep safari through dramatic landscapes where the park's northern boundary meets the imposing hills of Bhutan, with the Manas-Beki river system threading through the wilderness. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with multiple national and International designations, Manas is renowned for its rare and endangered wildlife, including the Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare and Assam Roofed Turtle, along with wile water buffalo, gaur and a rich diversity of bird life. After a relaxed lunch, head out once more in the afternoon for a second jeep safari along a different forest route, exploring dense foliage in search of mammals, arboreal species reptiles and birds. Return to the resort for tea and refreshments, complemented by a Bodo cultural performance and dress demonstration, before driving back to Dongra Ghat to rejoin MV Mahabaahu. Dinner on board concludes a deeply rewarding day immersed in one of India's most pristine wildlife landscapes. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 Brahmaputra Reflections & Cultural Insights
Enjoy a slow and restful morning on the Brahmaputra, beginning with a calming yoga session, followed by a leisurely breakfast. Later, gather for engaging talks on Assam and the Brahmaputra and an insightful presentation on "The Silk Sage of Sualkuchi" offering orientation for the upcoming visits to Assam's famed silk hub, the war cemetery, tea estate, a home-hosted lunch, and the revered Kamakhya Temple. The day is designed for relaxation and reflection. Book your preferred spa therapies or Ayurvedic massages, spend time reading, or simply watch life unfold along the riverbanks as the ship glides through a timeless landscape shaped by the ancient Brahmaputra - river of history, culture and commerce. After lunch, ease into the evening with a tranquil sundowner on the sun deck, as the setting sun paints the river in glowing hues. The day concludes with a relaxed lounge hour and dinner on board, perfectly in keeping with the gentle rhythm of the river. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 From Silk Looms to Sacred Hills
Depart early for Pobitora Wild Life Sanctuary, where a morning jeep safari reveals an abundance of birdlife, along with the famed one-horned rhinoceros and Asiatic water buffalo. After a safari, relax over a freshly prepared local breakfast before browsing nearby souvenir stalls and sampling seasonal fruits from local vendors. Continue to a tea estate to gain insights into Assam's iconic tea culture, followed by a visit to the Guwahati War Memorial. The highlight of the afternoon is a warm, home-hosted lunch with an urban Assamese family, offering an authentic taste of local life and cuisine. Later, delve into Assam's celebrated silk heritage with a visit to the silk processing and weaving area, tracing the journey from cocoon to cloth. Discover the region's four distinctive silks - Muga, Paat.Eri and Mulberry - and enjoy time to shop for fine fabrics and stoles. Return to the ship for a relaxed lounge hour and a gracious Chef's Farewell Dinner, completing disembarkation formalities as the voyage draws to a memorable close. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 Disembarkation & Kamakhya Temple - Departure - Guwahati
This morning, bid farewell to MV Mahabaahu as you prepare for disembarkation. After breakfast on board, step ashore and proceed to Kamakhya Temple, one of India's most revered Shakti Peeths, beautifully set atop Nilachal Hill. Admire its distinctive architecture, where the ancient Nilachal style blends seamlessly with later Bengal influences, before enjoying time for quiet reflection at this sacred site. Following the temple visit, continue to Guwahati Airport in good time for onward flights, carrying with you cherished memories of river landscapes, wildlife encounters, cultural traditions and warm hospitality of Assam - bringing a remarkable Brahmaputra journey to a graceful close. Meals: breakfast
Dates & Prices
Payment will be made in AUD.
Prices displayed in other currencies are approximate and a guideline only
Cruise rates are per person based on double/twin occupancy.
| Cabin Type | Cruise Dates |
|---|---|
| 26 Dec 27 | |
| Deluxe Cabins | AU$4517 |
| Luxury Cabins | AU$4813 |
| Superior Cabins | AU$3610 |
| Suite Cabin | AU$5566 |
Single occupancy 75% of the full twin rate. Exact rate will be displayed when booking is requested
On the Vaikumdam Deluxe cabins are 100% of the twin rate.
On the Mahabaahu Suite cabins are 100% of the twin rate.
Payment & Cancellation
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions
- Professional skipper and crew
- Fuel for standard cruising
- Accommodation onboard MV Mahabaahu for 7 Nights / 8 Days
- All meals
- All entrances, park safaris, boat safaris, lectures, performances, excursions as per the itinerary.
- 1 glass of Indian wine/beer during the welcome & farewell dinners
- Services of English speaking naturalist cum destination manager
- Airport transfers to/from Jorhat & Guwahati airport
- Transport services by AC Vehicle (Non AC vehicle in National Parks and Majuli)
Exclusions
- Tourist tax
- Personal expenses
- Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, alcoholic beverages (unless specified), camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages etc.
- Any Insurance. We highly recommend that you get your travel and health insurance done prior to your trip.
- Any Tipping Visa Fees Evacuation charges in case of medical emergencies.
- International & domestic Air fares.
- Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and air plane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc.
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
- 5% GST
- SPECIAL NOTES: Hotel Check-In 1400 hours, Check-out time 1200 NOON. Prices are subject to change with any change in the cost. Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary. In case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we will advise you the supplement price.
- Departure
- Guwahati
- Departure Time
- 14:00
- Cruise Highlights
- 4 National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries
- 10 Big game species / 482 species of birds / 8 primates
- Temples, textiles, tea and culture
- Ship Features
-
- Air-conditioning
- Balcony Cabins
- Beauty Salon
- Gymnasium
- Jacuzzi
- Laundry Service
- Library
- Massage Room
- Reception
- Restaurant
- Spa and Sauna
- Sun Deck
- Swimming Pool
- Television
This cruise is available on request. Please contact us for availability and pricing.