Charaidew

Cruise and Cycle India's exotic Brahmaputra

The Charaidew is a 38m long twin-engine steel hulled passenger boat. She was converted in 2003 to provide 12 generous-sized twin or double cabins. Built to journey along the mighty Brahmaputra River through Northern India’s Assam region, the maximum group size of 24 is well-matched to the numbers of riding elephants available in National Parks along the way and is conducive to an intimate house-party atmosphere on board. All accommodation on the Charaidew is on the Upper Deck, alongside a bar and saloon opening onto the front deck and a large sundeck offers comfortable open-air seating in shade or sun.

Info

Embark

Arrive in Kolkata where you will stay for one night in a hotel. The next day transfer to Kolkata International Airport for a short domestic flight to Jorhat where you will embark the ship.

Day 1: Kolkata

Arrive in Kolkata and enjoy your first morning walking tour of the ‘European’ areas of what was once the capital of occupied India, the perfect introduction to both old and new Kolkata. Your welcome day also includes your first taste of authentic Indian cuisine featuring the flavours you’ll savour throughout your journey. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2: Flight to Jorhat

After breakfast, transfer to Kolkata International Airport to catch a short domestic flight to Jorhat. Jorhat is one of two major tea centres in Assam and upon arrival, you can enjoy lunch at a tea bungalow before setting off on your bike on a short ride towards the river where the Charaidew will be moored. Embark the ship and settle into your cabin. At sunset, experience your first Assamese traditional dinner and gather your first impressions of the region.

Day 3: Majuli Island

Today you will explore Majuli Island, a vast body of land in the Brahmaputra and home to a number of unique Vaishnavite Hindu monasteries famous for performances of religious dance-drama. Majuli is a microcosm of regional culture that represents authentic, rural Assam. The island also offer perfect landscapes for cycling, visit a monastery and its eclectic museum to attend a dance performance. Later, return to the ship to start your cruise. Non cyclists will attend the performance as well, with much of the day allotted to leisure time on board the elegant vessel.

Day 4: Brahmaputra

Today you will enjoy a day of cruising along the Brahmaputra river towards Biswanath Ghat and if time permits you can explore a local riverside village. By late morning the ship will pass the Kaziranga National Park where, if you are lucky, you may view elephants grazing.

Day 5: Biswanath Ghat and Balipara

Named after an ancient temple housing nearly 330 million gods and goddesses, Biswanath Ghat is an area still containing more than 100 temples in the vicinity, though what is left today in many cases are just the stone posts. You will cycle along the river and into tea plantation countryside, straddling the northern shore of the river. Later rejoin the ship near Tezpur. Tonight there’s time to stroll through this lively town located in the prosperous agricultural region. (40 - 60km cycling)

Day 6: Tribal Villages and Ganesh Ghat

An early morning transfer takes you to the edge of the Nameri National Park. A naturalist guide will lead you on a walk of this migratory gateway. Later by bike continue your cycling exploration of small villages and take advantage of the chance to immerse yourselves in this unique subset of Indian culture. (35 - 55km cycling)

Day 7: Laharighat

Spend your second full day aboard the Charaidew as she sails towards Laharighat. Relax and rest weary legs as you enjoy the passing river vistas. You will also have the opportunity to savour a tea tasting session with a professional tea taster and tea auctioneer!

Day 8: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Today you will cycle past picturesque villages and countryside that runs parallel with the river until you reach the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, considered the most densely populated area in the world of the rare one-horned rhino. Get your cameras at the ready to capture extensive birdlife as well as the elephants, rhinos, and wild buffalo. After your safari and lunch, cycle back though Mayong, considered the land of black where the worship of witches is still practised. Return to the ship as she sails to Guwahati.

Day 9: Guwahati

Wake up in Guwahati, the largest city of Assam. Spend the morning with your guides by trishaw exploring the city, the site of the region’s well-known religious shrine: Kamakhya Temple which is dedicated to the tantric goddesses of India. Return to the ship for disembarkation and your onward journey.

Disembark

Disembark the ship in Guwahati.

Includes

One nights accommodation in a hotel in Kolkata, Oberoi Grand or similar (including dinner and breakfast)
Seven nights accommodation aboard Charaidew
Including dinner on day two to breakfast on day nine
Domestic flight to Kolkata to Jorhat
Local English speaking cycling leader/guide
Water, snacks and fresh fruits while cycling.
High quality bikes and helmets.
Mechanic, vehicle support and luggage transportation while cycling (Multi Day scheduled tours).
Admission fees as per tour itinerary, boat tickets within the tour itinerary (if any)
Tipping at hotels and restaurants