Discover the rich culture, mouthwatering cuisine, diverse landscapes and spectacular wildlife of East and Northeast India on this captivating voyage of discovery. It all begins in the bustling port city of Kolkata, where you’ll journey into the city’s colonial past and become acquainted with its vibrant present on a guided tour, as well as delving into its eclectic street food scene. Then, you’ll fly north to Guwahati to embark on an ABN cruise along the sacred Brahmaputra River, which offers a fascinating window into the urban and rural wonders of Assam. Along the way, you’ll visit ancient temples, learn about the region’s silk-weaving heritage, explore remote villages, and venture out on safaris in national parks where elephants, rhinos and Bengal tigers roam in the wild. Upon the conclusion of your cruise, you’ll have the option to return to Kolkata, or extend your adventure with a stay at one of Assam’s oldest and most distinguished tea estates.
Your adventure begins in Kolkata, the gateway to East India – a bustling port city spread along the east bank of the Hooghly River. It was previously the capital of India under the British Raj from 1772 until 1911, after which it lost its capital status to Delhi. On arrival, you’ll be greeted for a transfer to your elegant boutique hotel in the historic centre. Once you’ve settled in, the remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure, relaxing and acclimatising to your new surroundings.
Stay: Glenburn Penthouse, Kolkata
Today is set aside for exploring Kolkata, beginning with a guided tour that offers a fascinating insight into the city’s colonial past and vibrant present. You’ll visit several major landmarks including Dalhousie Square, St. John’s Church, Mullick Ghat Flower Market, Howrah Bridge and the Victoria Memorial – a gleaming white, marble monument built between 1906 and 1921 by the British Raj, in memory of Queen Victoria. Later on, you’ll venture out on a guided street food tour, in which you’ll find yourself immersed in a symphony of flavours and aromas. As you wander from stall to stall, expect the likes of traditional kathi rolls (paratha wraps), phuchka (crispy fried puri shells stuffed with spicy potatoes), jhal muri (puffed rice with vegetables, spices and mustard oil), ghugni chaat (spiced pea curry), momo dumplings and so much more. It’s the perfect introduction to Kolkata’s eclectic culinary scene.
Stay: Glenburn Penthouse, Kolkata
Breakfast included
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India
After an early breakfast, a transfer will bring you to the airport for the short flight (one hour and 20 minutes) from Kolkata to Guwahati in Northeast India. Here, you’ll be met for a transfer to Pandu Port, where you’ll embark on your ABN cruise on the Brahmaputra River. Lunch will be served onboard as you cruise downstream towards Sualkuchi, a bustling town that serves as the central hub of Assamese silk production. You’ll disembark here for a stroll through the town, including the opportunity to visit a silk weaving workshop where you’ll get to watch silk artisans showcasing their craft. Back on board the ship, you’ll sail a little further and dock close to the great Saraighat Bridge.
Stay: ABN Sukapha (ABN Brahmaputra River Cruise)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
ABN Brahmaputra cruise
Cabin, ABN Brahmaputra cruise
This morning, you’ll drive up Nilachal Hill to visit Kamakhya Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred Shakti shrines in the world. It’s dedicated to Kamakhya, the Hindu goddess of desire, and draws millions of pilgrims every year from all across India. You’ll have ample time to take in the architectural splendour and spiritual ambience of this impressive temple before returning to the ship. Later, you’ll continue your journey along the Brahmaputra towards Mayong. The following day, you’ll stop by a riverside village as you cruise through a landscape dominated by lush jungle-carpeted hills. Meanwhile, an Indian cooking demonstration will take place onboard the ship. On day six, you’ll arrive in Tezpur, home to the sixth-century Da Partabia Temple – one of the oldest remaining temple ruins in Assam. There will also be an opportunity to explore the town by rickshaw, stopping by Cole Park (home to medieval stone carvings) and visiting a local market.
Stay: ABN Sukapha (ABN Brahmaputra River Cruise)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati
Jungle-carpeted hills of Assam
Mayong, Brahmaputra River, Assam
After an early breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark for a drive of around two hours to Nameri National Park in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas – home to over 300 bird species and more than 30 mammal species, including Asian elephants, tigers and leopards. A boat trip along the Jia-Bhoroli river offers superb birdwatching opportunities, along with the possibility of spotting elephants, with a little luck. After lunch and a walk through a local village, you’ll return to the ship and continue upstream towards Silghat.
Stay: ABN Sukapha (ABN Brahmaputra River Cruise)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Cormorants in Nameri National Park, Assam
Capped langur in Nameri National Park, Assam
Today, you’ll drive to Kaziranga National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinos, alongside a rich array of other wildlife including elephants, tigers, panthers, sloth bears and water buffalo. Keep your eyes peeled as you embark on a morning Jeep safari, followed by lunch at a riverside lodge and another Jeep safari in the afternoon. The following day, you’ll visit a local tea garden and a traditional market in Uloni before driving to the western side of Kaziranga National Park for another game drive, presenting a further opportunity for wildlife sightings. Later on, return to the ship for your final night onboard.
Stay: ABN Sukapha (ABN Brahmaputra River Cruise)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Asian rhino in Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Royal Bengal Tiger in Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Elephants in Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Enjoy one last breakfast onboard before disembarking your ABN cruise on the Brahmaputra River. A transfer will bring you to Jorhat Airport for a flight back to Kolkata, where you'll spend the final night of your trip.
Alternatively, instead of heading straight back to Kolkata after your cruise, you may opt to extend your trip by transferring to Durrung Tea Estate – one of the oldest tea estates in Assam, serenely nestled among 1,400 acres of lush tea plantations. Here, you’ll have the option to walk and cycle among the tea gardens, learn all about the process of tea making, and of course, sample a selection of Assam’s finest teas directly from the source.
Stay: Taj City Centre New Town, Kolkata
Breakfast included
After breakfast, a transfer will bring you back to Kolkata Airport in time for your onward journey.
Breakfast included
"India's northeastern corner is packed with extraordinary sights, from its wildlife-rich national parks and lush tea estates to silk-weaving villages and ancient temples cradled by jungle-carpeted hills – and this journey along the Brahmaputra River is the perfect way to explore it. Kolkata, meanwhile, is a fascinating place to begin your adventure, with its diverse cultural heritage, grand architecture and vibrant street food scene. "
Katrin Rummer
Destination Specialist
March & April 2027 from: £3,870 pp
November 2026 // February 2027 from: £4,700 pp
Prices include:
Why are international flights excluded?
We believe that luxury and flexibility go hand in hand. That’s why our prices exclude international flights. Flight availability and fares vary daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a quote based on your chosen airline, dates and departure airport. Or, if you prefer, you’re welcome to book your own flights. Either way, every detail is tailored to suit you.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.