Along the Mighty Brahmaputra
Flights from Manchester→Kolkata → Guwahati → Tezpur → Nameri National Park → Kaziranga → Vishnath → Majuli Island → Sibsagar → Assam → Kolkata→Return to Manchester
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £7395
per person
Overview
A river journey through Northern India's Assam region aboard the RV Charaidew II
Assam is often synonymous with tea and ancient temples, but it remains an overlooked destination, primarily due to a historical lack of quality accommodation and transportation. This is a great pity, as this state—nestled south of Tibet and Bhutan and north of Bangladesh—offers a wealth of treasures for the naturalist, bird watcher, and cultural traveller. The Brahmaputra, one of the world's great rivers, flows for some 1800 miles from its source in the Tibetan Himalaya to its delta in the Bay of Bengal. Travellers are consistently struck by the vastness and emptiness of this great water highway, characterized by myriad channels weaving through endless archipelagos of sand islands. Furthermore, the river provides convenient access to several significant national parks, including the World Heritage Site at Kaziranga, home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhino.
This unusual journey is perfectly suited for those who wish to witness this extraordinary region, its diverse cultures, and marvellous wildlife, but who are weary of the more well-trodden paths around the world. While the roads may be poor and tourist infrastructure is still in its infancy, that is precisely what makes this region so exciting. Now is the ideal time to visit before big business moves in with resort hotel chains and the typical paraphernalia of 21st-century tourism. For these voyages along the Brahmaputra River, Noble Caledonia works with their associates, Assam Bengal Navigation—an Indian/British joint venture based in Guwahati whose directors possess a wealth of experience in operating river vessels in India. Noble Caledonia has chartered the RV Charaidew II from them, a vessel specially designed to navigate the unique conditions of the Brahmaputra.
Highlights
- Experience an exclusive ride on Asia’s oldest operating electric tram network in Kolkata, dating back to 1902.
- Discover the cultural heart of Kolkata with visits to the iconic Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the historic Mother House.
- Explore the bustling town of Sualkuchi to witness the traditional Assamese silk production process from cocoon to finished sari.
- Embark on a spiritual journey at the holy Kamakhya temple on Nilachal Hill, a site renowned for its tantric rites.
- Enjoy a scenic two-hour float trip down the Jia Bhoreli River in Nameri National Park with prime birdwatching and potential wild elephant sightings.
- Take multiple jeep safaris through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kaziranga National Park to encounter its world-famous population of one-horned rhinoceros.
- Search for diverse endemic wildlife, including sambar, swamp deer, and the elusive Bengal Tiger, across the various ranges of Kaziranga.
- Visit Majuli Island, the world’s largest river island, to witness traditional dance-drama performances at unique Hindu monasteries.
- Engage with ancient local crafts, including a visit to Samaguri Satra to see a 500-year-old tradition of mask-making.
- Explore the historic Sibsagar capital to view unique Ahom-period architecture and the world’s largest hand-excavated temple tank.
Explore further
More river cruises
The ship
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London or Manchester to Kolkata, India.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight from London or Manchester to Kolkata.
- 2
Day 2 Kolkata.
Arrive in the morning and transfer to the JW Marriot Kolkata hotel for a three night stay. After lunch at the hotel, enjoy an afternoon tour of India's second largest city which is regarded as the intellectual, artistic and cultural capital. See the Victoria Memorial and St Paul's Cathedral Church before we meet for dinner at our hotel this evening.
- 3
Day 3 Kolkata.
After breakfast we will take an exclusive ride on India's only operating tram network and the oldest electric tram in Asia that has been running since 1902. We will then make a visit to the South Park Cemetery, the last resting place of many of Kolkata's early British settlers. After lunch in a local restaurant we will take in what is arguably the best view of Kolkata whilst sailing along the River Hooghly by local boat. Return to the hotel before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
- 4
Day 4 Kolkata.
This morning we visit the vibrant and colourful flower market and Howrah Bridge before a panoramic drive around Dalhousie Square seeing the Governor's House and St Andrew's Church. Return to the hotel for lunch before spending the afternoon at the Mother House, the former home and last resting place of Mother Teresa. After some free time to relax we meet tonight for dinner in the hotel.
- 5
Day 5 Kolkata to Guwahati.
Return to the airport this morning for our flight to Guwahati. On arrival we transfer to the RV Charaidew II moored at Pandu port. Enjoy lunch while cruising downstream to Sualkuchi. An afternoon walk will take us through Sualkuchi, a bustling little town that is the centre of Assamese silk production and offers a chance to visit weaving workshops. Witness the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon and spinning, then dyeing to hand-weaving into exquisite mekhela chadars (a two-piece sari, the traditional attire of an Assamese woman). We then sail up to dock close to the great Saraighat bridge.
- 6
Day 6 Guwahati.
This morning we drive up to Nilachal Hill to see the holy Kamakhya temple. With its tantric rites and animal sacrifice, the more squeamish may prefer to content themselves with the exterior. Also visit the poignant Commonwealth War Graves. Return to the ship and continue sailing before we moor for the night in Kurua on the north bank.
- 7
Day 7 Cruising.
During our morning of cruising we will stop at a bankside village where we have a chance to meet the villagers. The rest of the day is spent on board as we watch life unfold on the riverbanks and jungle covered hills that rise on either side. This evening we will be treated to a cooking demonstration on board.
- 8
Day 8 Tezpur.
We cruise on to Tezpur, where after lunch we visit the 6th century Da Parbatia temple ruins, with a beautifully carved portal, and explore the town by cycle rickshaw. We will stop at Cole Park with Medieval stone carvings saved from sites all over the region, and aim to pass by the bungalow once lived in by Alexander Bruce, pioneer of the tea industry. Our ship will be waiting at the town's waterfront for us to re-board.
- 9
Day 9 Nameri National Park.
After an early breakfast we drive for some two hours to the Nameri National Park at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the old North East Frontier Agency. Here we take a float trip of around two hours duration down the Jia Bhoreli River through the park, with excellent birdwatching (look out for the great hornbills) and perhaps the chance of sighting wild elephant. After lunch we take a village walk before returning to the ship. Continue upstream, passing below a seemingly endless new bridge across the vast width of the river bed, to moor at Silghat, a lovely beach backed by jungle-covered hills.
- 10
Day 10 Silghat & Kaziranga.
This morning we will visit a nearby tea garden and the local weekly market before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon we will drive to Kaziranga's Western Range for a jeep safari and to scan the wilderness from an observation tower. Kaziranga is a World Heritage Site and, with a population of over 2500 one-horned rhinoceros, it is the best place in the world to see these beasts.
- 11
Day 11 Kaziranga.
After early breakfast we will drive to Kaziranga's Central Range for a jeep safari. We hope to encounter many of Kaziranga's endemic wildlife which includes good populations of wild elephant, sambar, swamp and hog deer, wild pig, plus hundreds of types of birds, flora, fauna and of course, the elusive Bengal Tiger. Lunch will be served at the Diphlu River Lodge before we enjoy an afternoon safari in the Western range of Kaziranga National Park.
- 12
Day 12 Kaziranga.
This morning we will land ashore and take a jeep safari in Kaziranga's little-visited Eastern Range, with grasslands much favoured by rhino, where you might spot the rare Bengal florican. Returning to the vessel, we continue our cruise upstream with Kaziranga National Park on the right bank before arriving this evening at Biswanath where we moor overnight.
- 13
Day 13 Bishwanath.
Spend the morning in Bishwanath Village with its Ahom-period Shiva temple. There are other later temples too, and we will walk through the town before re-boarding and setting off again, with Kaziranga still on the far bank.
- 14
Day 14 Cruising.
Another leisurely day spent cruising upstream. We will take time to pause and walk through a bank-side village, gaining an insight into the life of rural India.
- 15
Day 15 Majuli Island.
Around breakfast time, we should reach Majuli Island, supposedly the world's largest river island, and possessing unique Hindu monasteries famed for their dance-drama performances - the whole island is now shortlisted for future UNESCO World Heritage status. We will visit a monastery at Auniati with an eclectic museum and attend a dance performance at Kamalbari Monastery, before cruising across to Neamati Ghat on the opposite bank.
- 16
Day 16 Majuli Island & Dikhoumukh.
This morning we will visit a riverside village of Majuli Island and Samaguri Satra, where the art of mask making has been practiced for about 500 years. Later we will cruise upstream to Dikhoumukh and enjoy a Mishing cooking demonstration by the onboard chef.
- 17
Day 17 Sibsagar.
Drive this morning to Sibsagar, the one-time capital of the kings of Assam. Shan by origin (Assam and Siam share the same derivation) but converted to Hinduism they ruled Assam for some 700 years until the 1820s, and their culture and architecture is a strange and delightful amalgam of Indian and Southeast Asian. We will see temples with stupa like profiles, and palaces of distinctive form - note the crocodiles and rather erotic caryatids that adorn the roof of the Rang Mahal. For the record book, the temple tank here is believed to be the world's largest hand-excavated reservoir. We return to our vessel and sail to Niamati Ghat where we can visit the village as we moor overnight.
- 18
Day 18 Assam to Kolkata.
Disembark after breakfast for our flight to Kolkata. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
- 19
Day 19 Kolkata to London or Manchester.
Depart this morning by scheduled indirect flight, arriving into London or Manchester this evening.
The Ship
Charaidew II
We are delighted to have chartered the RV Charaidew II for our scenic cruises along the Brahmaptura River. Launched in January 2019, this charming vessel features a range of comfortable cabins, all with French balconies. Accommodating a maximum of just 34 passengers and with an equal number of crew, the vessel will be sure to provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere on board. With its expansive Sun Deck there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your floating hotel.
Deck plan
Life aboard Charaidew II
The RV Charaidew II is an intimate vessel designed for scenic river cruising on the Brahmaputra with a passenger capacity of just 34. Its small size, colonial-inspired decor, and dedicated naturalist guides make it an ideal choice for travellers seeking a personal, culturally immersive experience in a relaxed atmosphere.
Quick facts
Built
2018
Passengers
34
Crew
34
Length
44.5 metres
Language
English
Suites
Accommodation is spread across two decks, with all cabins featuring French balconies and sliding glass doors. The vessel offers four cabin grades, ranging from spacious suites to more compact main deck options, all decorated with colonial elegance and Indian-inspired design.
- •Upper Deck Suites (32.5 sq m) feature a king-size bed and private balcony with table and chairs.
- •Upper Deck Twin/Double cabins (22 sq m) offer a double bed or two single beds.
- •Main Deck Double and Single cabins (16 sq m) include a fixed queen-size bed.
- •All cabins feature individually controlled air-conditioning, safes, mini-bars, and tea/coffee facilities.
- •En-suite bathrooms are equipped with bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and luxury toiletries.
Life on board
The ship provides an informal and friendly atmosphere, supported by a crew-to-passenger ratio of one-to-one. Guests can relax on the expansive Sun Deck, visit the gym and spa, or learn about the region from the onboard naturalist.
- •The Sun Deck features a saloon and bar for refreshments and river viewing.
- •The gym contains a cross trainer, stationary bicycle, treadmill, and yoga mats.
- •A spa offers various treatments for an additional cost.
- •A small library in the saloon provides a selection of books and DVDs.
- •A small gift shop is available for postcards and stamps.
Dining
Dining is held in a single seating arrangement to encourage social interaction between guests. The menu combines regional Assamese cuisine, which is typically mild, with international dishes.
- •Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style; dinner is served to the table.
- •Complimentary tea, coffee, and mineral water are available throughout the voyage.
- •Bottled water is provided in cabins and replenished daily.
- •Dietary requirements like vegetarian or gluten-free should be requested in advance.
- •Specific special dietary needs cannot be guaranteed.
Practical information
The ship operates with a focus on guest comfort and safety, though the remote nature of the sailing means some services have limitations. Passengers should be prepared for an informal dress code and follow strict guidelines regarding local health precautions.
- •Voltage is 220V/50 with universal sockets.
- •Wi-Fi is available but signal quality is inconsistent due to remote locations.
- •Smoking is prohibited in cabins and public areas, with designated smoking zones provided.
- •Dress code is comfortable for the day and smart-casual for evenings.
- •Laundry services and spa treatments are available at an additional cost.
- •Payments are managed via a signed-chit system settled at the end of the cruise.
- •Mosquito precautions, such as keeping doors closed and using repellent, are essential.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 13 to 31 January 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Queen Stateroom - Main Deck | — | — |
| 2 Double Stateroom - Upper Deck | £7695 | £7395 |
| 3 Luxury Suite - Upper Deck | — | — |
| 4 Single Stateroom - Main Deck | — | — |
Tour Reference Code: RCCH
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 19 January to 6 February 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Queen Stateroom - Main Deck | £7495 | £7195 |
| 2 Double Stateroom - Upper Deck | £7895 | £7595 |
| 3 Luxury Suite - Upper Deck | £8895 | £8595 |
| 4 Single Stateroom - Main Deck | £9995 | £9695 |
Tour Reference Code: RCCH
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Economy class scheduled air travel
- Four nights hotel accommodation in Kolkata on full board basis
- 13 nights aboard the RV Charaidew II on full board basis
- Local wine, beer & soft drinks with meals
- Shore excursions
- Tour Manager
- Gratuities
- Transfers
- Port taxes
- UK airport taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance
- Indian visa
- Camera fees in national parks
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787