Mountains, Monuments & Mighty Brahmaputra Tours - Tailor-made Holidays by Indus Experiences

Day 1 : To Kolkata

Fly from London to Kolkata via Dubai with Emirates Airlines.

Day 2 : Kolkata

Arrive Kolkata in the morning. Afternoon Kolkata sightseeing includes the Jain Temple, Victoria Memorial, Kali Temple and Mother Teresa’s Orphanage. Overnight at Taj Bengal Hotel.
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Day 3 : To Gangtok

Morning fly to Bagdogra. Drive to Gangtok. Two nights at Norkhill Hotel.
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Day 4 : Gangtok

After breakfast explore the famous Monastery of Rumtek, with its superb traditional Tibetan monastic architecture. After lunch visit the Tibetan Institute & Orchid Museum. The Institute is dedicated to furthering Tibetan studies, Buddhist philosophy and religion.
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Day 5 : To Kalimpong

Morning drive to Kalimpong. Afternoon visit the Zong Dog Palri Fobrang Monastery in Durpin Dara with its panoramic views. Later explore the bazaar - look out for villagers in local costume on market days selling their farm products. Overnight at Hotel Himalayan.
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Day 6 : To Darjeeling

After breakfast drive to Darjeeling. Today meet a local family for lunch and experience the traditional Sikkimese way of living. This evening visit the Tibetan Refugee Centre. Two nights at Hotel Windamere.
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Day 7 : Darjeeling

Dawn visit to Tiger Hill to see the incomparable sunrise over Kanchenjunga and the soaring peaks of the Eastern Himalaya. Then explore the oft mist swathed Ghoom Monastery with its image of the Maitreya Buddha. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & the Mountaineering Museum.
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Day 8 : To Guwahati

Morning drive to Bagdogra airport to fly to Guwahati. Late afternoon visit the Navagraha Temple - the Abode of Surya or the Temple of the Nine Celestial Bodies. As the name indicates, the Temple is dedicated to the nine planets in the solar system and a centre of astrological and astronomical research. Overnight at Kiranshree Portico Hotel.
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Day 9 : M.V. Mahabaahu Brahmaputra Cruise

After breakfast visit the Temple of Kamakhya before driving to board the M.V. Mahabaahu Cruise to explore the mighty Brahmaputra River in Assam: a verdant green land filled with dense forests and rolling plains, rich in flora and fauna, famed for its superb quality tea and the one-horned Indian rhinoceros. Overnight on board.
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Day 10 : Cruise

A day cruising upstream from the perfect vantage point on deck to observe the fascinating life of the river – perhaps catch a fleeting glimpse of a Gangetic dolphin. Relax in the spa, dip in the pool or unwind in the Jacuzzi. Late afternoon presentation on ‘Wildlife of Kaziranga’. At sunset the anchor is dropped mid-stream. Overnight on board.
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Day 11 : Cruise

Morning cruising the river to Silghat. After lunch drive to Kaliabor Manor - a beautiful Tea Estate. Walk through the manicured tea gardens and watch tea pluckers deftly remove the tea buds. Evening cultural event. Overnight on board.
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Day 12 : Cruise

At dawn set off for the Kaziranga National Park - designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, for an elephant safari in search for the elusive rhinoceros and tiger. Kaziranga’s most prized inhabitant is the Greater One- Horned Indian Rhinoceros: brought back from the edge of extinction. Breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, then back to the Park for a jeep safari. Return to the ship for lunch and continue sailing to Bishwanath. Take the smaller boats to visit this pleasant village to watch the women weaving cotton and silk. Evening watch a traditional dance performance on board. Overnight on board.
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Day 13 : Cruise

Cruise to Majuli. Evening cookery demonstration on board followed by a bonfire on an isolated island. Return to the vessel for dinner if a suitable sandbank is not found - or due to inclement weather. Overnight on board.
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Day 14 : Cruise

Disembark for a visit to explore the Mishing Village and experience the villager’s way of life. Return to the ship for lunch. Lazy afternoon on board, simply letting the lovely scenery slip. Before dinner talk on Vaishnavism in Assam. Overnight on board.
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Day 15 : Cruise

Morning Yoga session on board. After breakfast depart for Majuli Island and visit the Satras - Monastries. Majuli is the treasure house of Assamese culture where ancient Monasteries have preserved the arts since the 15th C. Visits include the Samagudi Satra to see a masked dance and Kamlabadi Satra to watch young monks perform Matia Khora. Return to the cruise for lunch and sail to Nimati. Farewell dinner. Overnight on board.
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Day 16 : To Kolkata

After breakfast disembark and drive to Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings. Their unique architectural style is evident in the well-preserved monuments scattered around the town. The Shiva Temple, built on the Sibsagar Lake - dug out 1734 -is believed to be the highest Hindu Temple in India. Drive to Jorhat for flight to Kolkata. Overnight at Taj Bengal.
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Day 17 : To London

Fly to London via Dubai on Emirates Airlines.
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Mountains, Monuments & Mighty Brahmaputra