DAY 1
Arrival at LGB (Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi) International Airport, Guwahati. Reception by our representative. If time permits, drive up Nilachal Hill to see the holy Maa Kamakhya Temple and city skyline from top of the hill. Drive to Kaziranga National Park by road (4 hours). Check in at the jungle lodge. Those reaching early can have a small walk in the nature after a brief relaxation in the lodge. Overnight stay at jungle lodge.
DAY 2
We rise early and drive to Kohora, the central range of the Kaziranga National Park for an elephant safari through the tall swamp grasslands. The great one-horned Indian Rhinoceros is very easy to see. Few sanctuaries anywhere can provide as certain an assurance of a unique setting and sight of its best known wild animals and birds as can Kaziranga. After the safari, we take breakfast in a forest lodge. Next we go for a jeep safari in one of the range of the park, accompanied by a naturalist. Lunch at jungle lodge before checking out to embark the vessel at Silghat.
In the afternoon we take another Jeep Safari in the western range of the park.
Return to vessel for spending the night at Silghat.
DAY 3
Today we cruise further downstream to reach our next destination - Tezpur, a town of magnificent scenic beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins. Spend the entire morning exploring the little charming town. We will visit 6th century ruins of the door frame of Da-Parbatia temple, Agnigarh, Bamuni Hill ruins, Mahabhairab temple and the Cole Park. Return to the vessel in the late afternoon and cruise to a deserted sand island near Tezpur for spending the night.
DAY 4
Today we cruise for the whole day. If luck favours with a clear sky, we can see the snow caped Himalayan range on our east. We may also have a small stopover at one of the many tribal villages situated on the bank of the river. Rest of the day, vessel cruises quietly and finally takes us to a deserted sleepy sand island. Enjoy a barbecue dinner on the sand island upstream Mayong and Pobitora.
DAY 5
Rising early morning we cruise in our country boat to visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary for an Elephant Safari. After safari, we take a village walk in Mayong. We visit the Museum where we can still see the age old manuscripts of Black Magic. If luck favours, we may also have a small interaction with the King of Mayong. We return to our vessel by noon. Lunch onboard as we start sailing. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on board, while the vessel cruises to reach Kuruwa near Guwahati.
DAY 6
Early morning sail to the north bank of Guwahati, opposite to the heart of the city. We take a small walk and climb the steps to see the beautiful Aswaklanta(Aswa means the name of the horse and Kalanta Means Tired) temple situated on the top of a hill. We then drive to Hajo, a pilgrimage site. We visit the temple ruins of Madan Kamdev, the erotic carving there indicates the strong tantric traditions of the region. Return back to the vessel in the afternoon for overnight stay.
DAY 7
Today we go for a local sightseeing tour in the ancient city, Guwahati. We pay homage to holly Maa Kamakhya temple situated atop the Nilachal Hills. See the beautiful city landscape from top of the hills. We drive down and visit Commonwealth War Graves, the Museum, and take a little walk in the market place before returning to the vessel by noon. Lunch onboard while we sail to Sualkuchi,(The Silk Village in Assam) also known as the Manchester of the East.
We visit a silk weaving workshop in Sualkuchi. We shall see the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon to spinning to dyeing and finally to hand weaving into exquisite Mekhelas and dress lengths. Return to the vessel and prepare ourselves for the Crew's Farewell Dinner and a small cultural dance show performed by the local artists.
DAY 8
Drive to Guwahati Airport for the onward journey. Tour terminates.
