The village walks offered by Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) during their boutique river cruise expeditions on the Ganges and Brahmaputra provide a distinct experience compared to those found on other river cruises. Village walks provide an authentic glimpse into the daily lives, traditions, and customs of local communities. Engaging with residents allows travellers to experience the rich cultural tapestry of rural India, fostering a deeper appreciation for its diversity and heritage. By choosing to engage with rural communities through village walks, travellers contribute to sustainable tourism initiatives and create opportunities for meaningful interactions.
Here are some key differences:
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Authenticity and Local Interaction: ABN emphasises authentic experiences in rural settings, allowing travellers to engage directly with local villagers. Unlike more commercialised tourist destinations, these walks often occur in less-visited villages where interactions are genuine, and visitors can observe daily life without the pressure of tourism-related activities like begging or solicitation.
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Cultural Immersion: The walks are designed to immerse guests in local culture, showcasing traditional crafts such as brass-working in Matiari or terracotta temple visits in Baranagar or hand beaten pottery in Majuli or variety of different hand-weaving in rural riverine villages of Assam. Guests have the opportunity to witness artisans at work and learn about local customs and practices, which is deeply integrated into ABN river cruise itineraries.
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Scenic and Idyllic Settings: The village walks take place in picturesque rural landscapes, often featuring lush fields, riverside views, cultural points of interest and historical sites. This contrasts with many other river cruises that may focus more on urban sightseeing or popular tourist attractions.
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Smaller Group Sizes: Assam Bengal Navigation’s cruises typically accommodate fewer passengers (24 – 40pax) compared to larger cruise lines. This smaller group size allows for more personalised experiences during village walks, fostering deeper connections with local residents and a more intimate atmosphere.
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Focus on Sustainable Tourism: Assam Bengal Navigation promotes sustainable tourism practices by employing only local crew members, local guides and supporting community initiatives. This approach helps ensure that the economic benefits of tourism reach the rightful local population responsibly, which may not be a priority for operators who are not deeply associated with these regions other than their gainful economic operations.
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Variety of Experiences: The itineraries include diverse activities beyond walking, such as local e-rickshaw rides, jeep safaris, participating in local markets and on occasion, if interested, cycling through village roads or taking bullock carts. This variety enriches the cultural experience and provides multiple perspectives on rural life along the Ganges and the Brahmaputra rivers.
In summary, the village walks offered by Assam Bengal Navigation stand out for their authenticity, cultural immersion, scenic beauty, smaller group dynamics, commitment to sustainability, and diverse experiences that allow travellers to connect meaningfully with rural communities along the Ganges and the Brahmaputra Rivers.
Furthermore, 5% of each cabin proceeds support projects and change makers within the three pillars of ABN Foundation contributing towards education, environment and community development in Assam and Bengal. Find out more about our Brahmaputra or Ganges river cruises
