EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE SAILING ON THE BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER, ASSAM
MV Rudra Singha on her maiden cruise down the Brahmaputra river
Experience riverside idyll as you glide down the Brahmaputra river of Assam, one of India’s most beautiful states, on MV Rudra Singha.
Eastern Odyssey, part of the JTI Group, launches MV Rudra Singha, a tastefully appointed, air-conditioned houseboat for private river cruises on the entire stretch of the Brahmaputra river in the Assam plains. Ideal for one couple or a small family, MV Rudra Singha operates from October to May every year.
With more than a decade’s experience of operating river cruises in India under Assam Bengal Navigation (another JTI Group company), we are wonderfully placed to launch our exclusive and private river cruises for the discerning traveller.
While the home port of MV Rudra Singha is Guwahati, the capital of Assam, she is built to sail all the way upstream to river ports near the remote state of Arunachal Pradesh, where the great river starts its tumultuous mountain journey from Tibet.
MV Rudra Singha is now taking bookings.
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Private cruising itineraries
Itinerary 01: DAY CRUISE Spend a full day gently sailing up and down the Brahmaputra river from Guwahati, stopping at a few important cultural and religious landmarks. Disembark the boat at dusk. Highlights // • Visit Peacock Island, one of the world’s smallest inhabited river islands and the home of the Umananda temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati; • Take in scenic views of Guwahati’s cityscape from Aswaklanta temple, an 18th century temple, brimming with character;
• Make friends with the Golden Langur, a rare primate species that is native to the region; • Learn about Vaishnavism, a peaceful Hindu sect established in the 15th century, and visit a satra or monastery; • Taste an authentic Assamese meal prepared by our onboard chef; • Enjoy a gorgeous sunset with tea or coffee on the deck.
Add an extra day to this itinerary and visit Sualkuchi, a little town in Assam that’s famous for its beautiful silks. Learn about the art of weaving traditional Assamese attire. Stay overnight in your luxurious cabin. 2
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Itinerary 02: RURAL COUNTRYSIDE & WILDLIFE
MV Rudra Singha can be hired for expedition cruises up to 30 days, which will take you from Guwahati to the upper regions of Assam, bordering Myanmar. For details, contact: info@easternodyssey.in Highlights // • Visit Doul Gobinda temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and an important site for Assamese Hindus; • Go on a leisurely bicycle ride through picturesque, friendly villages;
• Track rhinos and wild water buffaloes by jeep safari in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary; • Stay overnight in your private, luxurious cabin and dine on delicious meals prepared by your private chef. 3
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Preliminary view of cabin as it undergoes further finishing touches
Itinerary 03: TEMPLES, TEXTILES AND RHINOS Spend three nights/four days in your comfortable riverboat and sail up and down the Brahmaputra river, checking off the best of Assam’s temples, textiles and wildlife. Highlights // • Visit the Umananda and Aswaklanta temples, two important shrines of worship for the local populace that date back to the 18th century; • Enjoy a bicycle ride through Vijayanagar, a tiny town bustling with activity;
• Explore Sualkuchi – the textile centre of Assam and a charming, rural town – on a bicycle;
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• Go from home to home
in Sualkuchi to learn about Assamese silks; watch in awe as weavers deftly use their handlooms to create beautiful garments;
• Track rhinos and wild water buffaloes by jeep safari in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary; • Go on a guided walk through old Guwahati’s streets and visit the local museum (closed on Mondays) and emporium; • Spend four relaxing days onboard your private luxury riverboat.
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Technicalities Size: 70 ft. (length) x 13 ft. (width) Draft: 2 ft. Engine: Ashok Leyland Marine Engine 412 series, 110 BHP power Water: Modern onboard waste-water treatment plant; running hot and cold water in your private bathroom; and packaged drinking water for cooking and consumption Safety: Modern safety equipment (life jackets, life buoys) and fire fighting system Electricity: 1 electric generator that provides 220V and a battery pack ensures a quiet night
On-board amenities
MV RUDRA SINGHA MV Rudra Singha is built by local craftsmen in the traditional style of Assamese Pansoinau (flat-bottomed large boat), entirely made of local wood and elegantly appointed with local weavings. The houseboat is perfect for couples and small families to explore the Brahmaputra river and the numerous attractions close to the river banks. A crew of four – Captain, sailor, chef and cruise manager/guide – will be present at all times to ensure your comfort. A unique feature of MV Rudra Singha is its shallow draft that enables it to glide through the shallowest channels of the river, even at the peak of winter (dry season) in Assam. This capability of the houseboat enables travellers to explore tribal communities and wildlife reserves across Assam and up to the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra river, near the Eastern Himalayas. In other words, the MV Rudra Singha takes travellers to places hitherto unexplored by boat.
Cabin: 121 sq. ft; double or twin occupancy; airconditioned with a private bathroom, a panoramic lounge, large windows and a sun deck (300 sq. ft.) at the stern. On request, the lounge can also be changed into an extra bedroom with a sofa that converts into a double bed.
www.easternodyssey.in www.jtigroup.co.in info@easternodyssey.in T: +91 920 920 0013 5
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