Detailed Itinerary

1. Day 1 Saturday: Arrive Kolkata

   Kolkata

   After clearing immigration and customs, step into the receiving area where our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

   Overnight at the hotel
2. Day 2 Sunday: Kolkata/ Guwahati/Kamakhya/ MV Mahabaahu/ Peacock Island/ Sail (MV Mahabaahu sets sail at 14:00 hours)

   Guwahati

   After breakfast, depart for Kolkata airport to board your flight to Guwahati.

   On arrival at Guwahati, we drive through the busy streets to the ‘Kamakhya Temple’. Depart for ‘Pandu Port’ to board MV Mahabaahu and experience a ceremonial Assamese welcome followed by introductions and safety briefing. We all gather on the open deck to witness the first sail and catch a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphins.

   We de-board for the picturesque Peacock Island, the smallest in the Brahmaputra. Soon we head back to our sail till sundown followed by Welcome Dinner.

   Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

   

   Kamakhya Temple

   

   Uma Nanda Temple

3. Day 3 Monday: MV Mahabaahu – Village visit & full day sail

   Guwahati

   MV Mahabaahu lifts anchor early. We enjoy Yoga on the deck for an hour and move on for breakfast. We enjoy a talk on 'Assam, its geographical location in the national and international context and how it is acclaiming recognition'. MV Mahabaahu heads on towards an island that is occupied predominantly by a ‘Bangla’ speaking Muslim community who are involved in extensive farming. After visiting this village, we return to the ship for lunch and sail towards the Orang Point.

   Evening sets in and over a cup of tea, we enjoy a talk on 'The River Brahmaputra and the tribal life’. We anchor at a deserted island for the evening and enjoy a bonfire and a barbeque.

   NOTE: (Bonfire may be avoided if a suitable sandbank cannot be found or if we experience inclement weather conditions)

   Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)
4. Day 4 Tuesday: MV Mahabaahu – Silghat – Tea factory or Jute Mill

   Silghat

   MV Mahabaahu sails early and we enjoy Yoga on the deck and move on for breakfast and for a talk on 'Wild life in Kaziranga with an overview of the wild life in India'.

   We sail on for the next couple of hours and enjoy a relaxed lunch as we reach Silghat. After a talk on ‘Tea, Jute & Silk in Assam’, we take a short drive to Kaliabore Tea Estate which is a vast undulating expanse with tea bushes. We proceed to the tea factory to see the processing of the Assam Tea and getting an insight into all that goes into preparing a cup-of-tea.

   (The tea factory is not operational from mid-December to mid-February as it is time for pruning the tea bushes)

   While returning to the ship, we visit a co-operative Jute Mill which is an interesting place to understand how the Jute fibre takes the form of very eco-friendly gunny bags.

   We enjoy a cultural evening on the ship followed by an early dinner.

   Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)
5. Day 5 Wednesday: MV Mahabaahu – Kaziranga National Park & Bishwanath – weaver’s village

   Kaziranga National Park

   An early wake- up call with Tea/coffee and we set out towards the Kaziranga National Park.

   The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros, but the Park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, tiger, deer, Asiatic wild buffalo and a rich variety of birds. We reach the Kohora Mihimukh range of the National Park and are ready to start our morning adventure. An elephant-back safari is an experience, to search for the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer and hog deer and more and a large number of very interesting birds. The park never ceases to surprise its visitors!!!

   After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, we drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga and get into the open jeeps for some more wildlife adventure and an extensive coverage of this magnificent park. We return to MV Mahabaahu, start sailing towards Bishwanath Ghat as we enjoy a leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon.

   We get into the excursion boats to reach the shores of Bishwanath Ghat. We walk through the village and are struck by the simplicity of life while the weaver women surround us with their silk and cotton weaves. We enjoy some happy interaction with them.

   We return to the ship to enjoy an evening on a deserted island and then proceed for dinner.

   NOTE: (Bonfire may be avoided if a suitable sandbank cannot be found or if we experience inclement weather conditions)

   Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

   

   Elephant Safari

   

   Jeep Safari

6. Day 6 Thursday: MV Mahabaahu – Boat safari

   Sivasagar

   Enjoy a relaxed breakfast over a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the life that exists alongside’.

   We proceed for the boat safari viewing roof turtles on protruding drift wood, water lizards, otters, elephants, wild buffaloes, rhinos, darters, herons, pied kingfishers, white throated kingfishers, serpent eagles and many more. (The sightings are determined by the weather conditions)

   We return to the ship for hot lunch. This evening, we enjoy the Chef’s Cooking Demonstration and sample the snacks. The evening on a deserted island with bonfire is always exclusive! We enjoy dinner on-board.

   NOTE: (Bonfire may be avoided if a suitable sandbank cannot be found or if we experience inclement weather conditions)

   Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

   

   Boat Safari

7. Day 7 Friday: MV Mahabaahu – Mishing Village

   Sivasagar

   After Yoga and breakfast, we enjoy the sail towards the Mishing Village.

   The Mishings live on the bank of river in 'Chang Ghars' -houses with raised platforms. All Mishing women are expert weavers. We can buy the ethnic colorful cotton weaves and indulge in a dhoti tying and Mekhela Chaadar wearing demonstration.

   We return to the ship to enjoy a talk on ‘Sibsagar and the Ahom civilization’ and proceed to get ready for a Traditional Assamese evening.

   Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)
8. Day 8 Saturday: MV Mahabaahu – Majuli Island and Sibsagar

   Majuli

   After breakfast, we enjoy a talk on ‘Majuli the seat of Neo - Vaishnav Culture’ and then proceed in our excursion boats to the mainland. Here on, a drive takes us to a scenic corner of a Satra (Monastery) for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers.

   Next, we proceed to Kamlabari Satra to witness the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the rhythm of cymbals, drums and chanting in the temple premise. The humble dwellings of the monks are a revelation of utmost simplicity.

   We enjoy lunch on MV Mahabaahu as we sail towards Neamati Ghat.

   Post lunch, we drive through the countryside to reach Sibsagar, the ancient city, built around a huge man made water tank ordered by the Ahom queen. A town that literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva’. We notice the district is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire of the Ahoms. Sibsagar was the capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came in the 13th Century AD to the area from the north-east and were essentially of Tibeto-Burman origin.

   The Shiva Dol, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be one of the highest Shiva temple in India.

   We visit Talatal or Kareng Ghar which was the palace of the Ahom Kings and after a leisurely stroll in and around the monument, we go on to Rang Ghar which was a place for hosting wrestling bouts and buffalo fights and other entertainment or important meetings of the Royals and their guests.

   We return to MV Mahabaahu by sunset for the farewell dinner.

   Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)
9. Day 9 Sunday: MV Mahabaahu – Jorhat & Fly to Kolkata

   Kolkata

   Morning is at leisure to enjoy, Yoga/ bird watching or perhaps an early morning indulgence in the spa. A relaxed breakfast awaits all (Baggage down prior to breakfast is requested for easy de boarding) We drive to the Jorhat airport to connect with our flight to Kolkata, en-route stopping at a tea Estate to enjoy a traditional Assamese early lunch.

   Overnight at Hotel (B, Packed-L)
10. Day 10 Monday: Kolkata & fly to Kochi

    Kochi

    After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed for an orientation tour of the Kolkata city. Kolkata is located on the east bank of the Hooghly river, it is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India. After the Nawab, who was under Mughal suzerainty, granted the East India Company a trading license in 1690, the area was developed by the Company into an increasingly fortified mercantile base. Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah occupied Kolkata in 1756, and the East India Company retook it in the following year and by 1772 assumed full sovereignty. Under East India Company and later under the British Raj, Kolkata served as the capital of India until 1911. You will see several buildings dating to the British period. Drive past Victoria Memorial (Closed on Monday); one of the renowned monuments in Kolkata, Victoria Memorial was built in the loving memory of Queen Victoria in 1921. Stop to visit the eastern India’s largest flower market with hundreds of stalls and vendors sitting on the ground.

    Thereafter, transfer to Kolkata airport to board flight to Cochin (Kochi).

    Rest of the day is free at leisure.

    Note: To visit Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum and other monuments/places, we would suggest booking an additional night in Kolkata on arrival.

    Overnight at the Hotel (B)

    

    Victoria Memorial

11. Day 11 Tuesday: Cochin

    Kochi

    We have a tour of Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the epicenter of the spice trade for centuries. It remains a densely populated place housing people from different ethnic groups and faiths in very close quarters. Mattancherry is home to a small Jewish community whose origin dates back nearly 2000 years, during the period of King Solomon, when large scale trade took place between the Middle East and the Malabar Coast. Our touring today reveals Kochi’s multi-layered past, a rich brew of Arab, Portuguese, British, and Dutch influences.

    We begin with the Dutch Palace, actually built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The Dutch renovated and expanded it a century later, earning it its name. The palace also contains some of India’s finest mythological murals; the walls depict scenes from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (Dutch Palace remain closed on Fridays and Saturdays).

    Then we see St. Francis, India’s first European church (ca. 1510), famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 while on his third visit to India. Not immune to the turbulence of the colonial era, the originally Catholic St. Francis changed hands – and denominations – with each new power that took control of Kochi, becoming a Protestant Dutch Reformed church under the Dutch in 1663 then Anglican under the English in 1804.

    Next we pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets unique to Kochi. These iconic land-based nets combine elegance and ingenuity with their massive frames balanced by counterweights manipulated by teams of up to six men. Long believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century or possibly travellers from Kublai Khan’s court, these nets actually trace their origin to Portuguese settlers from Macau.

    Lunch and dinner on own

    Overnight at hotel (B)

    

    Chinese Fishing Nets

    

    Fort Kochi

    

    Mattancherry Palace

    

    St. Francis’ Church

12. Day 12 Wednesday: Cochin & board to R.V.Vaikundham

    Alappuzha

    This morning from your hotel drive to the nearby village Nettoor to a Kalari centre – the authentic training centre of Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala said to have been the origin of all martial arts including Karate. Drive to the nearby village Marad and embark on our boat by noon. The team on-board welcomes you in the boat and help’s you with smooth check-in. Gather at the lounge for a safety briefing about the boat and about the cruise. We set sail, gently cruising by the islands interspersed along rivers, lake, coastal estuaries and lagoons, leaving the skyscraper lined horizon of the city of Cochin behind. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch and relax on-board.

    Our expert will talk about Cochin, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, and its geographical, cultural and social significance.

    By evening we arrive in the ancient village, Vaikom. By tuk-tuk or by foot we proceed to the ancient temple of Shiva. We take a tour around the temple to get to know about its history and architecture. The architecture of temples in Kerala is based on ancient science of construction and geographical features of the land. As per the traditional architecture, each element of temple represents an element of human body and, a temple is not only the space for spiritual enlightenment but also the venue for harmonious social networking. Return to boat. After dinner, we retire for the night.

    Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
13. Day 13 Thursday: Vaikom - Chenganda - Kumarakom

    Kumarakom

    After breakfast on the boat,by tuk-tuk or by foot we proceed to the cultural centre in the locality to watch the traditional dance performance – Kathakali, the traditional dramatic and mimetic dance form, which plays stories from epics. It is a unique blend of dance, music, action, literature and make-up.

    Commence the cruise to Chenganda village. The people of this rustic village are having a laid-back and peaceful life. Spend time with the coir weavers, the shell harvesters and farmers, engaging in conversation about the riparian life and watching various indigenous techniques of fishing. Return to the boat for lunch.

    Cruise through Thanneermukkom barrage. The barrage at Thanneermukkom built across Vembanad, the largest lake of Kerala, divides the lake into two, one half with perennial salty water and the other with fresh water enriched by 5 rivers flowing from the hills. We talk about indigenous practices of paddy cultivation in Kuttanad.

    Cruise through the expanses of lake Vembanad experiencing its wetland ecosystem. We visit a farm house by evening.This house is located on an island which was made by the men of the house, by reclaiming land from the Backwaters. A walk in the farm will be educative. The hostess will demonstrate the preparation of traditional Syrian Christian cuisine. You may also try your hand at cooking and listen to the story of her family, of three generations of hard working men, and equally strong women who supported their pioneering spirit. We will have dinner at this house. Return to the boat and retire for the night.Vaikom-Chenganda-Kumarakom.

    Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

    

    Kathakali performance closeup by Appaiah / CC BY

    Watch a Kathakali performance

14. Day 14 Friday: Kumarakom - Kavalam

    Kavalam

    Having an early and light breakfast, we set out by country boat to watch the migratory and endemic birds of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is a cluster of lagoons of lake Vembanad, with the backdrop of mangroves, paddy fields and coconut groves.

    Waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck are some of the endemic species seen here. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Return to the boat, refresh and while cruising a more elaborate breakfast will be served.

    While cruising the lake we get a glimpse of the rich wetland ecosystem of Lake Vembanad. Lunch will be served while cruising. We arrive in Kavalam where river Pampa reverses its course and drain into Lake Vembanad. You may take the ferry to explore the region, walk along the dykes surrounding the expanses of paddy fields and interact with the farmers and women’s collective.. Return to the boat and cruise till dusk, further interior to Veliyanad village. After dinner retire for the night.

    Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

    

    Go bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

15. Day 15 Saturday: Kavalam - Kainakari - Pulinkunnu

    Pulinkunnu

    After breakfast cruise to Kainakari. We visit Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of the Catholic Saint Kuriakose Chavara which is now preserved as a museum. Saint Chavara, the first canonized Catholic male saint of Indian origin, was the co-founder of the first congregation for men, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate-C.M.I., and of a similar one for women, Congregation of the Mother of Carmel-C.M.C.

    Return to boat. After having lunch on-board, cruise to Pulinkunnu village. Get closer to the laid-back, yet harmonious, life along the way, paddling along narrow canal by country boat, interacting with the villagers. Return to the boat for dinner and overnight.

    Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
16. Day 16 Sunday: Pulinkunnu - Nedumudy - Champakkulam - Changankari

    Changankari

    After breakfast, cruise to Nedumudi. On arrival at Nedumudi we drive through the quaint and scenic villages for a little over one hour to Mannar, which is famous for bell metal and brassware crafts. We interact with the artisans and watch the indigenous method of casting of traditional lamps, utensils and ornate locks. Return, refresh and have lunch and relax on-board.

    We cruise to Champakulam village. Kerala’s old spice trade used to pass through this town en route to Cochin and other ports on the west coast. Settled more than 1000 years ago by Syrian Christian traders, who later converted to Roman Catholicism under the Portuguese, the people chose to keep their syncretic cultural heritage.

    This can be seen in the monumental St Mary’s Church on the riverside. Built in 1550, the foundations are said to be as old as 5th century AD. Architecturally, it is a mélange of several European styles, from the Levantine altar and structure to the Dutch arches that tower overhead.

    We visit the old church, a school, the local artisans (open on weekdays) who skillfully and passionately craft biblical heroes. Take a look at the narrow and long Snake boat (Chundan Vallom) of the villagers, gracefully docked on the shore. These types of boats, which are being used for races today in modern days, were once maritime war boats and their structure and design reflect the prowess of ancient Kerala architecture and are one of the icons of Kerala culture. Over one hundred oarsmen power these boats in races where they sail at speed generated to the beats of drums at the aft.

    Cruise to Changankary village till dusk, passing through the serene canals. You may relax on board or take a walk. After dinner retire for the night.

    Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
17. Day 17 Monday: Excursion from Changankari

    Changankari

    After having early breakfast, we drive to the prosperous and picturesque midland to Konni village (You may have to wait near a railway crossing if the train is delayed), at the backdrop of the forest. Spend time with elephants at a shelter camp. Elephants are integral part of Kerala culture. It is the State animal and is featured on the State’s emblem. Pageant of gold caparisoned elephants accompanied with percussions is the highlight of all temple festivals in Kerala.

    Proceed to Aranmula village which is home to a family of craftsmen who are skilled at making mirror out of a special combination of metals. The secret of the trade has been passed down through generations. These mirrors have the distinctive feature of 100% reflection unlike the common mirror. Local people consider it as auspicious to keep it at home to attract prosperity and luck.

    We visit the mirror makers and watch the different stages of their work.

    The ancient temple of Krishna, snake boat building, the mural art, the school of traditional architecture are the other highlights of this old village of heritage value.

    Lunch will be arranged at a local house of beautiful architecture, located on the bank of Pampa, the holy river for the locals. The host will talk about the art of snake boat building and the ritualistic annual regatta in Aranmula.

    Arrive in Thottappalli village by evening. After refreshment, cruise through the picturesque and serene interiors. We take a leisurely walk to the beach. Return to boat. After dinner retire for the night.

    Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
18. Day 18 Tuesday: Thottappalli - Karumadi - Kanjippadom

    Alappuzha

    Today we will have early breakfast and take a short drive to visit an ancient sacred grove near Harripad where serpents are worshipped. This is the only temple in Kerala having female priests. You can take walk inside and see the rituals going on. Return to Thottappalli.

    Honoring your cruise with us, we plant a coconut sapling for the village. Coconut tree is considered as the ‘Kalpavriksha ‘or Divine tree of Kerala. All parts of coconut tree are useful in one way or the other: the water inside is a healthy drink; the fresh kernel and the oil extract from dried kernel are inevitable components of every cuisine; fiber from the coconut husk is used to make coir, mats and geotextile; the palm fronds are used for thatching roof; the wood suitable for making furniture and all the dried parts of coconut make good firewood. Last but not the least, the toddy – the local alcoholic beverage that boost for the laborers after toiling in the fields.

    After a leisurely sail we arrive in a quaint village – Karumadi village.We take a walk around a small shrine preserving the ruin of a sculpture of Buddha that belongs to the early centuries of current era.Along the way we interact with toddy tappers, who collect the sap of the stem of blossoming coconut flower and make the alcoholic beverage–Toddy. We learn from him the process of making toddy and may take a sip from his pot!

    We visit the village Kanjippadom for a leisurely walk. We meet the carpenters at the boat building yard and talk about the traditional method of building wooden boats (Kettuvallom), joining wooden planks using coir, cotton and natural resin. Tonight we celebrate our sojourn over farewell dinner on board RV Vaikundam.

    Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B)
19. Day 19 Wednesday: Kanjippadom - Punnamada / Disembark at Alleppey

    Alappuzha

    After breakfast we cruise to Punnamada Lake. This lake is the venue of the annual spectacular race of Snake boats of different villages of Alleppey and its neighboring places on 2nd Saturday of the month of August. We disembark by 9.30 AM. After taking a walk through the market place of Alleppey, transfer to the Cochin airport.

    (B)