Boutique Floating Hotel in Upper Assam

BOUTIQUE HERITAGE STAY ON THE BHRAHMAPUTRA 3 NIGHTS/4 DAYS ABOARD ABN CHARAIDEW I

MAJULI RIVER ISLAND, TEA GARDENS & WILDLIFE OF UPPER ASSAM

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HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR STAY IN ASSAM

Enjoy tea-tasting at a plantation in Jorhat

Discover the monastic culture of Majuli river island

Experience an incredible sunset on the Brahmaputra river

Explore the Brahmaputra river by local country boat

Close encounters with the Hoolock Gibbon at the Hoollonggapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Extend your stay by another night to visit the archaeological sites of the Ahom Kingdom in Sibsagar

Named after Charaidew, the first capital of the Ahom kingdom of Assam in 1253, ABN Charaidew I is a heritage passenger vessel from the 1970s that's been completely renovated to provide guests an experience of tasteful riverine living.

Bearing 10 air-conditioned twin-bedded and 2 double-bedded cabins with en-suite bathrooms, ABN Charaidew I is purposefully intimate in size, so that guests can rediscover what it means to stay in serenity, far from the bustle of life on shore. The ship has a comfortable saloon decked out in Assamese handlooms with indigenous motifs, and cane furniture made by local artisans. There is also a bar and sundeck in the uppermost deck for guests to relax in.

Guests who are interested in history will observe that ABN Charaidew I still retains a traditional wheel (or helm), and instructions to the Driver stationed in the engine room is still passed on by the Master of the vessel by shouting into a brass speaking tube. Its polished brass engine room, telegraph and steering wheel were untouched during renovations as a mark of respect for the ship's heritage.

Meals on board are a mix of Assamese, Indian and Continental cuisines, always using the freshest produce that's locally available from farmers' markets.

Your crew comprises of young men and women from villages in Northeast India and Bengal, who have been handpicked by us for their enthusiasm and a genuineness of care. The ship can also arrange a guide and naturalist on prior request.

A HERITAGE STAY THAT COMBINES COMFORT WITH CLASS ABN CHARAIDEW I

AMENITIES & SERVICES Onboard Features Spacious cabins with individual climate control En suite shower/W.C. with toiletries Generous cupboard space and under-bed storage Hair drier in each cabin High quality linens Large sliding glass windows offering panoramic views of the river Vast sundeck both open and shaded, with sun loungers or steamer chairs Services Shore excursion program including all admissions Shoe-cleaning after excursions Turndown service in all cabins Expertly trained culinary staff Single seating for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner Acclaimed combination of Assamese, Indian & Continental cuisines Wide choice of wines, spirits & beer

Start your day with breakfast on the ship's sundeck with views of life on the Brahmaputra river Enjoy ‘happy hour’ sunsets on the white sandbanks of the Brahmaputra river Sip on cocktails or G&Ts at the sundeck bar at any hour of the day Cycle through bucolic village scenes in Majuli river island (on prior request) Savour the delights of Assamese cuisine and local delicacies, all prepared with fresh produce straight from farmers' markets

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES DURING YOUR STAY ABOARD ABN CHARAIDEW I

Day 1 Fly into Jorhat or Dibrugarh in the state of Assam. There are direct flights available to these airports from Kolkata.

Make your way to Neemati Ghat from where you will be taken by private country boat to ABN Charaidew I, your heritage floating boutique accommodation on the Brahmaputra river.

This afternoon is at leisure – enjoy the views on the sundeck or sunset 'happy hour' on the white sand banks of the river.

MAJULI RIVER ISLAND, TEA GARDENS & WILDLIFE 3 NIGHTS/4 DAYS ABOARD ABN CHARAIDEW I

Day 2 Today, after breakfast, a dedicated country boat will take you across to Majuli island (approx 1.5 hrs by boat). Majuli is one of the world's largest inhabited river islands. Considered to be a microcosm of Assamese culture, the island is also the seat of Vaishnavite culture in the state. The great 15th century Assamese saint and reformer, Srimanta Sankardev had come to Majuli and set up satras or monasteries, preaching a monotheist branch of Hinduism called Vaishnavism, which motivated and established a socio-religious movement that ultimately shaped Assamese society and culture into what it is today. After reaching Majuli, go on a full day excursion within the island.

Start off with a visit to Samaguri, a Vaishnavite monastery which still practises its ancient tradition of making masks, generally worn during ‘Bhaona’ – a traditional form of theatre with a religious message. From here, drive on to Uttar Kamalabari Satri, a monastery known for its dance practice, and enjoy a special monastic performance as well as interactions with the monks.

After a humble lunch at a local joint, go for a walk into a Mishing tribal village, where you'll get to observe the everyday lives of this agrarian folk. Late afternoon, transfer to Kamalabari Ghat (approx. 40 mins) where your country boat will be waiting to take you back to ABN Charaidew I.

Day 3 After breakfast, your private country boat will transfer you to Neemati Ghat from where you will be taken (approx. 1.5 hours one-way by boat, and 35 km/1 hour by car) to Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is the only sanctuary where seven out of the 15 primate species found in India can be sighted. It covers an area of about 30 sq km and visitors are permitted to walk inside the park. There is a good possibility of spotting Hoolock Gibbons, Capped Langurs, Malayan Giant Squirrels, and birdlife.

On arrival, go for a walk inside the sanctuary and look out for the Hoolock Gibbon and other wildlife. After the sanctuary drive to Jorhat for lunch.

Post lunch, drive (approx. 5 km/0.5 hours) to visit Tocklai Tea Research Institute in Jorhat to learn about the history of tea cultivation in Assam, as well as indulge in tea-tasting. (Note: Tocklai Tea Experimental Station is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and there are fewer activities in the winter months).

Afterwards, drive back to Neemati Ghat where your private country boat will be waiting to take you back to ABN Charaidew I.

Day 4 After breakfast, your private country boat will transfer you to Neemati Ghat (approx. 1.5 hours of cruising) from where you can make your way to your next destination.

The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, with an area of 1915 hectares, was constituted following persistent demand by the local people and various NGOs. The sighting of primates including those rare ones (gibbons, stump-and pig-tailed macaques), which are typically even much more difficult than that of tigers, is almost a certainty here.

INR 33,491 per person for 2 adults on a twin share basis Price includes All sightseeing and transfers by A/C Sumo/Bolero, inclusive of fuel and driver allowance in Majuli and A/C Toyota Innova for Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary and Tocklai Tea Experimental Station Services of an English-speaking escort throughout A monastic dance performance A jungle walk in Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary Entry fees for Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary Transfers to and from ABN Charaidew I by private country boat Any applicable entrance fees 3 nights' accommodation in a twin share room aboard ABN Charaidew I 3 nights' standard cabin MAP (breakfast and dinner) GST Price excludes Air/train fare Airport transfers Camera charges, tips, drinks, laundry Insurance, telephone charge Note: Country boat transfers are subject to prevailing river and weather conditions.

PRICE & INCLUSIONS FOR 3 NIGHTS/4 DAYS ITINERARY

EXTEND YOUR STAY

SIBSAGAR

ITINERARY

Extend another night to add a visit to Sibsagar, former capital of the Ahom Kingdom to visit the archaeological sites of these erstwhile palaces and temples. Sibsagar was the capital of Ahom kings who ruled over Assam for nearly 600 years till the British annexed the region in 1826. Originally, a Burmese Shan tribe, the Ahoms of Assam were supposed to have bravely withstood 17 Mughal invasions.

At Sibsagar, get a taste of Tai Ahom history as you visit Talatar Ghar, one of the best examples of the Tai Ahom architecture and the largest of all Tai Ahom monuments; Rang Ghar, which served as the royal sports pavilion for Ahom kings and nobles; and the Tai Museum.

Also, visit Shiva Dol, a group of structures comprising three Hindu temples of Siva Dol, Vishnu Dol and Devi Dol shrines, which are located on the banks of the Sivasagar tank, also known as the Borpukhuri tank.

Assam Bengal Navigation Co Pvt. Ltd. Dirang Arcade, GNB Road, Chandmari, Guwahati, Assam 781003 Email sales@assambengal.in

Telephone +91-361-266 7871 / 72 / 73 Mobile +91 92070 42330 / 31

Website www.assambengalnavigation.com