Luxury Brahmaputra River City & Beyond
ABN Charaidew II - Your Boutique cruise ship
ABN Charaidew II is the latest addition to the fleet of ABN and started cruising on the Brahmaputra in January 2019. It is the ideal way to explore the river valley in style and comfort. The decor of the vessel reflects a sense of homecoming to Assam, with touches of colonial elegance, brought to life by traditional Assamese designs on hand-woven cotton fabrics. The vessel has 18 cabins spread over two decks and can host a total of 36 guests at a time. The ship houses 2 spacious deluxe cabins (350 sq ft) (with private balcony) & 12 twin/double standard cabins (240 sq ft) on the upper deck while the main deck houses 04 standard cabins with queen size beds. The main deck also holds the dining hall and a small gym and spa; while the saloon and bar are on the sun deck of the vessel.
Onboard Features
Vast sundeck – open and shaded, with sun-loungers | Large sliding glass windows with panoramic views | Spacious air-conditioned saloon and a mini library | In-house gym and spa – with choice of treatments |
THE CABINS
Spacious cabins with individual climate control | Generous cupboard space and under-bed storage | Minibar and tea/coffee | Intercom and in-room electronic safe | Ensuite shower/WC with Biotique toiletries | High quality bathrobes, slippers and hair drier
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Itinerary
Luxury Brahmaputra River City & Beyond
on ABN Charaidew II
Guwahati – Sualkuchi (westerly direction) – South Bank Guwahati – Kurua (easterly direction) – Guwahati
Highlights:
● Cruise the Brahmaputra river – one of the greatest rivers in the Indian Subcontinent – on your boutique luxury ship, the ABN Charaidew II
● Wake up in the mornings to panoramic views of Assam’s natural beauty from the middle of the river
● Immerse yourself in Assamese culture on walk into idyllic village settlements on the river bank and temple visits
● Learn about Assam’s indigenous silks & textiles and enjoy a tribal folk cultural dance performance
● Treat your taste buds to an array of indigenous cuisines from Assam
● Enjoy a BBQ on a private sandbank or sand island under a starry night with live music
Your Cruising Itinerary
This exceptional river cruising experience by the pioneers of luxury expedition cruising of the Indian subcontinent – Assam Bengal Navigation is the ideal introduction to the Brahmaputra river valley, while experiencing vignettes of Assam’s rich culture and history. Not only is the Brahmaputra one of the greatest rivers in the Indian Subcontinent, but it’s also immensely vast, often resembling the sea in certain parts of its course. Unique to this river are its shifting sand islands that pop up and down every year, changing with the currents. One of the many highlights of this cruise is a BBQ on one of these sand islands (or sand bank) under a starry night, with no one else around for miles.
This exceptional river cruising experience by the pioneers of luxury expedition cruising of the Indian subcontinent – Assam Bengal Navigation is the ideal introduction to the Brahmaputra river valley, while experiencing vignettes of Assam’s rich culture and history. Not only is the Brahmaputra one of the greatest rivers in the Indian Subcontinent, but it’s also immensely vast, often resembling the sea in certain parts of its course. Unique to this river are its shifting sand islands that pop up and down every year, changing with the currents. One of the many highlights of this cruise is a BBQ on one of these sand islands (or sand bank) under a starry night, with no one else around for miles.
Learn about Assam’s unique indigeneous silks & textiles and why this silk-weaving epicentre of Sualkuchi is thriving. In addition to meeting the artisans and weavers in this cluster, there is a folk cultural performance at an idyllic Assam riverine village setting. This cruise is for those who want to discover a different part of India whilst spending time truly relaxing in the luxury of the Brahmaputra river!
DAY 1 – Welcome aboard – Sualkuchi silk and local culture
Arrive at Pandu Ghat, close to Saraighat bridge, by 10AM. Board your ship and after the check-in formalities you are all set to embark on a beautiful journey. As you have your lunch, the ship will start cruising downstream to the little town of Sualkuchi. Kknown as an epicenter for textiles, mainly the sought-after silks of Assam, Sualkuchi is famous for its high-quality Muga, Pat and Eri silk products. Local attires like ‘Mekhela Chador’, ‘Sari’ and ‘Gamosa’ are made from these indigenous silk materials and have a great demand throughout Assam and the textile connoisseurs of India.
Match your step to the clickety clack of the handlooms as you make your way on foot, to visit silk-weaving workshops. You shall see the whole process of silk manufacture, from extracting silk from cocoon to spinning to dyeing and finally hand-weaving of the silk into exquisite mekhela chadors (a two-piece sari, the traditional attire of Assamese women).
After this beautiful hand-on experience return to your ship on foot. Cruise further to visit a river side village of Assam and experience a folk-dance performance on the banks of the river.
Later in the evening enjoy BBQ dinner and bonfire on a deserted sandbank.
DAY 2 – Tantric Kamakhya and River Dolphins
Today morning, sail upstream, as you have enjoy your breakfast, to reach the south bank of Guwahati which is the largest city of the region and the gateway to the exotic North-East India. No visit to Guwahati, the Brahmaputra River city is complete without visiting the famous temple of Kamakhya, mother goddess of desire. It is also one of the oldest among the 51 shakti ‘pithas’ in the Hindu religion and a place where tantrism is still being practiced. We will learn about the history and culture of these practices on site. After which we will head back to the ship to gently cruise past the city, enjoying it’s scenic views from the river. The area where we will dock overnight is known to be a popular place to spot the elusive Gangetic River dolphins.
Later enjoy a special sandbank sundowner with live music under the starlit evening sky.
DAY 3 – Disembark
Today you sail downstream past Guwahati city to Pandu Ghat where you will disembark and move onto your next adventure.