Brahmaputra Upstream | Kaziranga To Jorhat
7 Nights / 8 Days
The Assam Despatch 3: River Island Cruise is a 7-night, 8-day Brahmaputra voyage aboard the ABN Sukapha, sailing from Kaziranga to Jorhat and weaving together Assam’s wilderness, heritage, and living traditions. The journey begins with thrilling jeep safaris in Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and an incredible diversity of birdlife. Guests enjoy a riverside lunch at Diphlu River Lodge before continuing their adventure along the river, with visits to tea estates, Biswanath’s historic temples, and rural villages, alongside the chance to spot Gangetic dolphins from the vessel. The cruise offers a slow and immersive rhythm, balancing serene sailing with cultural encounters, such as a stop at Majuli Island, the world’s largest river island and a hub of neo-Vaishnavite culture where monasteries preserve centuries-old traditions through music, dance, and devotion. The voyage culminates at Sibsagar, the former Ahom capital, where temples, palaces, and a vast hand-dug reservoir showcase the engineering and cultural brilliance of Assam’s longest-ruling dynasty. Concluding at Neamati Ghat near Jorhat, this river expedition blends wildlife, history, and Assamese culture into a uniquely memorable experience.
Assam’s hub for Muga silk
weaving.
Gateway city with riverfront and temples.
UNESCO site famous for one-horned rhinos.
Arrive at Guwahati airport and take a 4-hour drive to Silghat, a scenic mooring point set along the riverbank beneath jungle-clad hills, near Kaziranga National Park. Alternatively, you may arrive at Jorhat airport and drive 3½ hours to Silghat. On arrival, meet the local crew as you are welcomed aboard your 7-night Brahmaputra River Voyage.
Spend your first evening settling in, becoming familiar with the river, the landscapes, the culture, and the people of Assam, as you begin this remarkable journey.
Overnight onboard ABN Sukapha
This morning, drive to Kaziranga’s Central Range for a jeep safari.
Spanning approximately 1,090 sq. km, Kaziranga National Park—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—hosts the world’s largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros along with the Indian Wild Water Buffalo. It also has the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers, with roughly one for every five sq. km, making it an exceptional biodiversity hotspot. The park’s marshlands and vast stretches of elephant grass are home to Indian elephants, bison, swamp deer, Hoolock Gibbons, and Capped Langurs.
Often compared to Africa’s Serengeti, Kaziranga is celebrated for its rich wildlife and birdlife. Its wetlands and grasslands provide habitat for numerous bird species, including the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, and many others.
Enjoy a riverside lunch at Diphlu River Lodge, an award-winning eco-lodge run by members of the local Kaziranga community. In the afternoon, continue your exploration of the park with another jeep safari in the Western Range.
Overnight onboard ABN Sukapha
Today, visit a scenic Assam tea estate before continuing the voyage upstream, sailing along the edge of Kaziranga National Park. This part of the journey blends a sense of adventure with peaceful river travel, offering a rare perspective of one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife habitats. Whether you are drawn to nature, wildlife photography, or simply the serene beauty of the river, cruising past Kaziranga provides an unforgettable experience.
Along the way, observe the area’s ecological balance. The annual flooding of the Brahmaputra—during which navigation is paused—replenishes the park’s soil with rich nutrients, supporting its diverse plant and animal life.
The vessel will anchor for the night near Biswanath village.
Overnight onboard ABN Sukapha
This morning, visit Biswanath, a charming riverside town known for its Ahom-era Shiva temples. Enjoy a walk through the town before re-boarding the vessel to continue upstream, with Kaziranga still visible across the river. Watch for wildlife along the way—wild elephants are sometimes seen from the boat, and on rare occasions, even a tiger.
The afternoon will be spent cruising at a relaxed pace, offering excellent opportunities to spot the endangered Gangetic dolphin in its natural habitat.
Overnight onboard ABN Sukapha
Today offers another day to enjoy the slow rhythm of life along the Brahmaputra as the cruise continues upstream. The relaxed pace on board allows time to watch the changing scenery, share conversations with fellow travelers, or catch up on reading. There will also be a chance to go ashore for a walk through a riverside village or across a sandbank island, providing a glimpse into daily life in rural northeast India
Overnight onboard ABN Sukapha
Arrive at Majuli Island around breakfast time. As one of the world’s largest river islands, Majuli offers a vivid reflection of Assamese culture. Despite its beauty and cultural importance, it remains relatively untouched by tourism. The island is a center of neo-Vaishnavism, home to elegant satras (monasteries) established in the 15th century. These monasteries have long preserved Assamese art, culture, and traditions. The celibate monks lead a simple life of devotion, expressing their faith through gayan-bayan (music and song), dance-drama, and scripture recitation.
Visit Auniati Monastery, known for its fascinating museum, followed by a traditional dance performance at Kamalabari Monastery. The cruise then continues to Salmara Ghat. In the afternoon, explore a nearby village renowned for its traditional handicrafts.
Overnight onboard ABN Sukapha
Today, explore Sibsagar, once the royal capital of the Ahom kingdom along the Brahmaputra. This historic town reflects the Ahoms’ lasting legacy and the blend of Indian and Southeast Asian influences that shaped their culture. Originally of Shan origin and later converted to Hinduism, the Ahoms ruled Assam for nearly 600 years until the mid-1820s. One of their remarkable architectural achievements has recently been recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Discover temples with stupa-like designs and uniquely styled palaces. The temple tank here, considered the world’s largest hand-excavated reservoir, stands as an impressive example of their engineering skill.
Return to the ship, now docked at Neamati Ghat near Jorhat, and enjoy a warm farewell dinner hosted by the crew.
Overnight onboard ABN Sukapha
This morning, drive to Jorhat Airport, located about an hour from Neamati Ghat, with direct flight connections to Kolkata. Alternatively, you may opt for a transfer to Dibrugarh Airport, approximately four hours away, offering direct flights to Kolkata, Delhi, Bagdogra, and Guwahati. The drive passes through the provincial town of Dibrugarh, once home to a major American base during World War II.
This itinerary, along with the cruise schedule and estimated driving times, is dependent on river and weather conditions. Access to Kaziranga National Park’s low-lying grasslands may be restricted if the river is at or near flood level.
Note: At Present 5 % GST is levied by Government of India EXTRA ON TOP OF THE Fares / Prices.
Fares
Fare for the departure-: 09 February 2026, 16 November 2026, 18 January 2027, 08 February 2027, 22 March 2027
| Price in US Dollars ($) | Price in Sterling Pounds (£) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin |
| Upper Deck Cabin | $ 5635 | $ 7420 | £ 4696 | £ 6183 |
Fare for the departure-: 13 April 2026, 28 December 2026
| Price in US Dollars ($) | Price in Sterling Pounds (£) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin |
| Upper Deck Cabin | $ 4165 | $ 5530 | £ 3471 | £ 4608 |
*** Accommodation: 7 Nights in Cruise on full board basis.
*** Beverages: Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water throughout
*** Excursions: All excursions, entry fees as per the itinerary and Service of an English-speaking guide on-board and during excursions
*** Service: Cold towel service after excursions and Shoe Cleaning after Excursions
*** Flights: Air travel to, from and within India.
*** Travel Insurance: Medical, trip cancellation, or baggage insurance of any kind.
*** Visa Charges: India visa fees and related processing costs.
*** Tips & Gratuities: Tipping for onboard staff, guides, and drivers.
*** Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, spa treatments, and shopping.
*** Unspecified Services: Any service, activity, or expense not clearly mentioned under “Tour Includes.”
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