Assam Bengal Navigation pioneers intimate Indian river cruises blending culture, wildlife.

Description

The Indo-British joint-venture company, Assam Bengal Navigation, was formed in 2002. ASSAM BENGAL NAVIGATION is the first and only company with experience of setting up and operating long-distance river cruising in India. The Brahmaputra cruises feature visits and attractions such as wildlife viewing (both by jeep and on elephant back), village walks, visits to tea gardens etc. Cruises on the Hugli include sightseeing of temples, towns and villages, whether by bus, cycle rickshaw or on foot. their highly trained staff have extensive knowledge and expertise of local conditions on both rivers and the smaller group size guarantees a friendly cruise atmosphere.

Destinations

Brahmaputra River Cruises

The Brahmaputra cruises feature visits and attractions such as wildlife viewing (both by jeep and on elephant back), village walks, visits to tea gardens, exploring country towns in cycle rickshaws, barbecues on deserted river islands, dance performances, and visits to craft workshops.

Hughli River Cruises

Cruises on the Hugli include sightseeing of temples, towns and villages, whether by bus, cycle rickshaw or on foot.

DIBRUGARH

The upper limit of navigation on the Brahmaputra, Dibrugarh is an army town that was the end of the Stilwell Road built to link India to China in World War II. From airfields in this area also operated the great supply operation over The Hump to China. 

SIVASAGAR 

The old capital of the Kingdom of Assam, The Kings, of Thai stock, were converts to Hinduism, and their substantial remaining places and temples are an amalgam of Indian and S.E. Asian styles. The tank besides which the main temple stands is said to be the world's largest man-excavared reservoir. 

MAJULI ISLAND 

A vast river island in the Brahmaputra, on which are a number of unique Vaishnavite Hindu monasteries, famous for performances of religious dance-drama. 

JORHAT

One of the two centres of the Assam tea industry, surrounded by tea estates. Close to here, the Tea Research Institute makes a fascinating visit. 

KAZIRANGA 

A World Heritage site and right on the river, Kaziranga National park holds most of India's One-Hoed Rhinoceros as well as elephant, tiger, wild buffalo, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer and many other species. Viewing is both by jeep and on elephant back. 

TEZPUR

Another tea centre, and the access point to Nameri National Park in the foothills. Orang National Park is on the river banks downstream from here. 

GUWAHATI

The state capital. Offshore lies Peacock Island with its temple, while on a hill above the town, Tantric rites are practised at the Kamakhya Temple. There's a good museum and a poignant War cementery. Guwahati is the starting point for etensions to Shillong, the "Scotland of the East", which can be arrange before or after cruises, or to bridge the changeover day gap when two successive cruises are booked. 

SUALKUCHI

A delightful riverside village, where silk is produced and handwoven. 

HAJO

A pilgrimage centre sacred to Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists, with a sacred tank full of turtle and carp.