Anyone who has travelled by train or plane through India, or who has been driven on Indian roads, will be amazed to learn that there is actually a way to travel through the country in total serenity and comfort. Yet it is in fact possible to cruise for some 1750 miles on the rivers and inland waterways of India, passing through great cities, alongside wildlife sanctuaries and historical monuments and into the heart of rural India.
Assam Bengal Navigation
ABN pioneered long-distance river cruising in India with our unique cruises on the River Brahmaputra in Assam and River Hugli between Kolkata and the Ganges with its ships Charaidew, Sukapha and Raj Mahal.
Although identical is shape and size, Charaidew is an old restored river vessel while Sukapha is a modern river vessel. Each vessel has three decks. The lower deck has common facilities – a bar (which serves wines, beer and spirits with a saloon opening on to front of the deck) and a dining room which serves Indian, local and Continental cuisine. The middle deck has 12 air-conditioned cabins with en-suite facilities – six rooms on either side of the corridor. The top deck is a large area for sunbathing.
The ships travel during the day, stopping en route for sightseeing while it is moored at night. The cruises are available round the year (except May & June) on various sectors which are as follows:
Brahmraputra River Cruises:
The ship sails on Guwahati-Kaziranga-Dibrugarh sector of Brahmaputra River. The cruise itineraries range from 4 days to 10 days between October and April. The wildlife and wilderness are the main features of these cruises and some of the destinations covered are Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island, Dibrugarh and Sibsagar.
Hugli River Cruises:
These are 7 nights’ cruises on Hugli River between Kolkata and Farakka – covering destinations like Chandernagore, Kalna, Mayapuri, Plassey, Baranagar and Jangipur.
Ganges River Cruises:
These are 6-8 nights’ cruises on Hugli River between Farakka and Patna covering destinations like Rajmahal, Bhagalpur, Mokama and Fatwah.