Assam Bengal
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Since 2003, Assam Bengal Navigation has been pioneering unique long-distance river cruising expeditions in India on two of the subcontinent’s greatest rivers: the Brahmaputra and the Ganges. Their four elegant river ships and a charming private houseboat with touches of conscious luxury take the experiential traveller on an exotic and memorable journey which can be combined with a stay in UNESCO World Heritage Site national parks. Local highly trained English-speaking crew, guides and naturalists create an immersive experience of 4 to 10 nights through Assam and Bengal’s exotic wildlife and national parks, archaeological wonders, rural riverine villages with fascinating crafts and culture and even barbeques on deserted river islands.

Brahmaputra River cruises

On board a small adventure ship or a charming wooden private houseboat, discover the colourful culture, lush flora and fauna of Assam along the mighty Brahmaputra between October and April. A journey guided by a dedicated naturalist and cultural guide is rich in temples, village communities and their crafts, wildlife of the Kaziranga National Park such as migratory birds, rhino, tiger, elephant, leopards, Sloth bears and the Hoolock gibbons which are only found in north-east India. Experience white-water rafting, exploring on cycle rickshaws and barbeques on deserted sandbanks. ABN operates an environmentally conscious service and builds connections within the surrounding rural communities, contributing a percentage of sales and hiring locally.

Ganges River Cruises

Between October and April enjoy a rich cultural experience on the Lower Ganges, sailing through the vibrant heritage of Bengal where French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese and English created settlements to trade and built many historical monuments. During the winter months, combine with Ganges cruises from Farakka to historic Patna and Murshidabad, the last capital of independent Bengal before British rule and once the epicentre of Mughal art and culture. Two cruises during August and September even reach Varanasi, the Holy Grail of Ganges cruises. ABN pride themselves on immersive tourism with both onboard naturalist and cultural guide, from the ships’ colonial interiors to fragrant local cuisine and the interaction with crew and local villagers performing their crafts.

The fleet

ABN Rajmahal

This charming boutique river ship of 51 metres was built in Kolkata, entering service on the Lower Ganges and the Ganges in 2014. The stylish décor has fresh touches of colonial elegance using traditional Indian-inspired designs on hand-blocked cotton fabrics and the 22 cabins enjoy panoramic river views from French balconies. All cabins and public rooms are air-conditioned. A comfortable saloon, bar and dining room play host to shared adventures of the day while the spacious canopied sundeck offers space to relax as the crew of 30 look after you. Regional Local cuisine of Eastern India and Continental cuisine are both served. Guests enjoy the small spa onboard offering a wide range of treatments.

ABN SukapHa

Sukapha is an original heritage passenger vessel for up to 24 guests of all ages. In a recent makeover, this small adventure ship with 12 upper deck en-suite cabins had air-conditioning installed and panelled with Assam bamboo to conserve India’s forests. The refurbishment showcases local furniture and regional Assam textiles by Bodo villagers, creating a charming  atmosphere for exploring the Brahmaputra. There is a dining room on main deck and a spacious sundeck crests the ship while a saloon with library provides many interesting tales written by pioneer travellers to the region. Song and dance performances provide a flavour of local culture on board.

ABN Charaidew I

A characterful heritage passenger vessel from the 1970s which underwent a complete renovation to provide guests with the ultimate river cruising experience on the Brahmaputra in 10 air-conditioned twin-bedded and 2 double-bedded cabins all with en-suite bathrooms, based on the upper deck alongside the bar and saloon. The intimate dining room has full-length sliding glass doors to enjoy eating alfresco, while a large sundeck offers guests an inviting area to relax while watching the unfolding landscape. The décor reflects the region, with local handloom fabrics specially woven and comfortable cane seating. The ship retains the traditional wheel and the Master of the vessel still shouts instructions to the Driver in the engine room through a brass speaking tube.

ABN Charaidew II

The latest ship to join the fleet is 44.50 metres, with an extra-shallow draught and lower profile than the conventional design which allows her to cruise faster and in more shallow waters on the Brahmaputra. Of 18 en-suite cabins, 2 on the upper deck are spaciously deluxe at 32.5 m2 with a private balcony and 12 are 22 m2, while there are 4 queen size cabins on the main deck, all having French balconies. Colonial elegance is the décor theme, reflected in traditional Assam designs on hand-woven cotton fabrics. With a comfortable saloon and bar, spacious dining room, large open sundeck, gym and a small spa, it’s easy to join up with fellow guests or find a private space to relax.

MV Rudra Singha

Launched in 2017, this private wooden houseboat with one cabin is for couples to experience ‘lahé life’ on the Brahmaputra, travelling at a relaxed pace while absorbing the natural beauty of Assam on 2 to 7 day itineraries or even design a personal adventure. Premium en-suite accommodation is air-conditioned, chef showcases the best of regional cuisine and the décor is tastefully adorned with local artisan furniture and handlooms from northeast India. A dedicated crew of four include an onboard naturalist to assist in the exploration of regional wildlife, culture and rural communities of Assam and the Kaziranga National Park or into the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to see one-horned rhino reached by bike which are carried on board.

The lodge

Diphlu river lodge

Combining a cruise on the Brahmaputra with a few days at India’s most stunning luxury wildlife resort close to Kaziranga National Park is the ultimate way to fully enjoy the Assam safari experience. Diphlu River Lodge graces the riverbank and reflects effortless luxury. Stilted bamboo semi-detached cottages accommodate just 24 guests which have included HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the past. The local resident naturalists will help you observe the park’s varied species of wildlife including elephant, Bengal tiger, wild water buffalo and the endangered one-horned rhino. The rich reservoirs of the park attract over 400 bird species such as grey pelican, hornbills, grey-headed fish eagle and Jerdon’s bushchat.