Pandaw Cruises: Guwahati to Jorhat

From January - March.

(N)

Arrive and transfer to the Oberoi Grand for an overnight stay. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the hotel or explore the city independently. (N)

Fly to Guwahati. Embark onto the RV Indochina Pandaw to begin your 7-night cruise. After embarking, set sail and the pass the Peacock Island, home to the endangered Golden Langur. Enjoy an evening welcome dinner and talk. (B, L, D)

This morning enjoy the natural scenery and wildlife of the Brahmaputra River as you head towards Silghat. Observe river dolphins and birds of prey as you drift pass uninhabited islands and small villages on the riverbanks. After afternoon tea, enjoy a talk on 'The River Brahmaputra and the tribal life that exists alongside'. (B, L, D)

Spend the day in the idyllic countryside, exploring villages and tea estates that produce the eminent Assam tea. You will also sail pass the town of colourful town of Tezpur and a gigantic three-kilometre long arched bridge. (B, L, D)

Stop at the renowned Unesco-accredited Kaziranga National Park, which harbours the world's largest population of Indian rhinoceros as well as Indian elephants, tigers, leopards and an array of wonderful birdlife. Take a safari in Kaziranga before continuing to Bagori, a smaller nearby park which can be explored by 4x4. Finally continue to Biswanath Ghat to discover a charming village where women weave colourful traditional handicrafts by the riverside. (B, L, D)

Continue your cruise towards the eastern range of the Kaziranga, where the Brahmaputra meets the Dhansiri River. Take a boat safari where you will be able to observe kingfishers, eagles, vultures, water buffalos, monitor lizards and otters. Dinner this evening is served alfresco on an uninhabited island. (B, L, D)

Visit a local village on the world's largest river island which is home to the 'Mishing' community. Here, observe a demonstration on the production of dhoti and chaddor, traditional characterful attires that are worn by both men and women. (B, L, D)

Arrive at the ancient town of Majuli, which is used as a base to explore the impressive Satras that date back to the 15th century. Continue to Sibsagar, the capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came from Yunan and China in the 13th century. Explore the Shiva Dol, built in 1734, the highest Shiva temple in India. Finally visit an Assam tea estate. (B, L, D)

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kolkata. Overnight at the Oberoi Grand. (B, L, D)

Transfer to the airport and fly home. (B)