Enchanting Travels India Tours fisherman with his net and boat on the River Brahmaputra at Sunset

Eastern Legends, Wildlife and Mystic River Cruise

12 Days from $6,990 USD / person

Take a memorable cruise down the mighty Brahmaputra River in East India, one of the largest in the country, as it meanders past scenic landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries and quaint little villages. In this largely untouched part of India, you will also explore lush green Balipara, one of the best sources of Assam tea, as well as Kaziranga, home to the endangered Indian rhino. Your trip also takes you to the former British capital of Kolkata, known for its rich culture and cuisine.

Do you wish to customize your vacation and explore more of East India? Get in touch with us for a completely tailor-made tour itinerary!

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

This itinerary will be customized for you. Please reach out and our experts will work with you to create a journey so unique, it could only be yours.

Ideal For

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Wildlife & Safaris

Sample Itinerary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 3

Kolkata
Highlights: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, St.John's Church, High Court

ITC Sonar
Taj Bengal

3 – 7

Guwahati
Highlights: Kamakhya Temple, Vashistha Ashram, Navagraha Temple, Shiva Temple on an Island

ABN Sukapha

7 – 9

Balipara
Highlights: Tea Plantations, Verdant Landscape, Brahmaputra River Cruise

Wild Mahseer Heritage Bungalow

9 – 11

Kaziranga
Highlights: Rhinoceros, Jeep Safaris, Tea Estate, National Park

Infinity Resorts
Diphlu River Lodge

11 – 12

Kolkata
Highlights: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, St.John's Church, High Court

ITC Sonar
Taj Bengal

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Eastern Legends, Wildlife and Mystic River Cruise

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 3

2 Nights

Kolkata

Kolkata was once the epicenter of the British Raj and a major trading post of the East India Company. Dubbed the City of Joy, it has emerged as a world of extremes. Even today, the city pays tribute to its colonial past, with its intriguing architecture, heritage routes and tales of yesteryear, whilst recognising a pulsating pace and vibrant party scene.

Included activities

Highlights of Kolkata

Explore Dalhousie Square with landmarks like St.John’s Church, the imposing High Court, the Governor’s House surrounded by vast gardens, General Post Office and Writer’s Building which is the seat of the state government. Visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, on top of which a charming one-winged fairy is perched forever, and St. Paul’s Cathedral that offers an oasis of calm amidst the bustle. Visit Mother Teresa’s House, where many devotees pay respects at this most-revered nun’s tomb. Examine the Indian Museum with its many objet-d’-arts. Embrace Bengali high art at the famous Tagore House where the late Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore composed some of his many great works. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Mother Teresa House closed On Thursdays & National holidays, Victoria Memorial & Indian Museum closed On Mondays & National holidays.)

Hotel options

ITC Sonar – Opt 1

Room Executive Club

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Taj Bengal – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Day 3 – 7

4 Nights

Guwahati

Guwahati: Gateway to Northeast India Once known as the ‘light of the East’, this is a prominent business city and entry point to N.E. Assam. The busy central market contrasts sharply with the almost rural riverside feel. Tea is the main business here.

Included activities

Charaidew Cruise 4N/5D (Guwahati)

Take a delightful 5-day river boat cruise on the Brahmaputra River, visiting pretty little villages along the way and taking a safari trip to the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Board the ABN Charaidew at Guwahati and sail downstream, making an overnight stop by the Vijaynagar Village, nestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra. Explore the village next morning after breakfast, before sailing further upstream to the little silk weaving town of Sualkuchi. Discover Assam’s venerable silk tradition by visiting local workshops and learning about the weaving and manufacturing process. Drive up to the sacred pilgrimage site of Hajo and stop by a temple and a hilltop shrine with a heart-warming, panoramic view of rural Assam. Return to the cruise boat for the night and sail back upstream to Guwahati the next morning. Take a short trip around Guwahati before boarding your river boat. Drive up Nilachal Hill to visit one of the most ancient and revered Hindu temples in India—the Kamakhya temple—dedicated to the Mother Goddess. Stop by the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery to pay your respects. Shop for local arts and crafts before taking a country boat across the river to the charming little Peacock Island with its resident Golden Langur monkeys. Return to the cruise and sail upstream to discover the region’s rich wildlife at the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its healthy population of the highly endangered Asian One-Horned Rhinoceros. Experience an exhilarating jeep safari into the parklands, spotting exotic birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. You may either drive up to the World Heritage, Kaziranga National Park, or returning to Guwahati the next day.

Hotel options

ABN Sukapha – Opt 1

Room Upper Deck Deluxe

Meals Full Board plus Activities

Style Cruise

Day 7 – 9

2 Nights

Balipara

Balipara, located in India’s eastern state of Assam, offers peace and tranquility in the lap of lush greenery. There’s the promise of tea plantations, thick bamboo groves, grasslands, and yes, an elephant or two for company! Listen to the sounds of the river, catch an incredible sunrise or simply commune with nature on long, leisurely walks. Tezpur, a scenic town just a little distance away, offers fantastic views of River Brahmaputra, one of the largest rivers in Asia.

Included activities

A Cup of Assam ‘Chai’ with Mahseer Heritage Bungalow

Savor the hearty flavors of a refreshing cup of Assam ‘chai’ at this tea tasting session for in-house guests. The Assam brew is noted for its strong body, bright color, and malty flavor. Famous for the robust variety of black tea grown in the valley since the colonial era, get an insight into the factors that go towards determining the quality of tea from an in-house expert. Your introduction to the subtle art of tea tasting will begin at the dining pavilion where nearly 60 different varieties and grades of tea are showcased from around the globe. Begin by evaluating the visual appeal of the dried tea leaf, followed by studying the appearance of the tea infusion, and then tasting a perfectly brewed cup for determining the final quality. Take a sip of your fragrant cup of tea, while soaking in tranquil views of the rolling tea gardens all around you. (Time of Day: Afternoon; Duration: 1 hr, 1530 –1630 hrs; Shared activity; Fitness level: Easy).

Day Out at Nameri National Park

Experience the natural beauty of Nameri National Park, situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in India. Amid dawn chorus and jungle thrum, follow your guide on sun-speckled trails through tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Home to over 300 species of birds and butterflies, the region is a birders’ paradise! Expect to spot hornbills, bazas, flowerpeckers, babblers, ibises, mountain imperial-pigeons, and white-cheeked partridges among others. You might also encounter endangered creatures such as white-winged wood ducks, dholes, Himalayan black bears, and Indian giant squirrels, apart from clouded leopards, bison, and sambars. Break for lunch and refreshments at an eco-camp nearby, and share wildlife anecdotes. Shortly after, experience a leisurely rafting cruise navigating the gentle rapids of Jia Bhoroli that passes through the forest, and hopefully sight herds of elephants hanging out along the banks. Finally, visit the Pygmy Hog Foundation to witness the brilliant conservation breeding efforts of the critically endangered pygmy hogs, before calling it a day. (Full Day; Time: 0800 – 1700 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch included; Fitness level: Moderate; Notes: The park is open for safaris only between November and April)

Hotel options

Wild Mahseer Heritage Bungalow – Opt 1

Room Silver Tips Bungalow

Meals Full Board

Style Heritage

Day 9 – 11

2 Nights

Kaziranga

Kaziranga: A tryst with the wild! Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, nearby Jorhat, is home multitudes of animals like swamp deer, one-horned rhinos, Indian elephants, clouded leopards and majestic tigers; it also houses varieties of exotic birds like the Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill and Blue-fronted Robin.

Included activities

Jeep Safari in Kaziranga (only with Option 1)

Set off on an early morning jeep safari into one of the zones of Kaziranga National Park. This is the perfect opportunity to get up close with the wild inhabitants of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay alert as your local expert guides you to spots known for sightings of the reclusive one-horned Indian rhinoceros, which is an endangered species. Encounter elephants, monkeys, deer, jackals, raptors, wild water buffaloes, and even tigers as you make your way through the sprawling expanse of grassland dotted with swampy lagoons. Try to spot as many as possible of the numerous migratory and domestic bird species that inhabit the region. Capture stunning pictures of the wildlife and the scenic landscape for memories to last a lifetime. ( Time of Day: 0700 hrs ; Duration: 2 hrs ; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please note that safaris are not conducted during May-October.)

Jungle Adventure at Diphlu River Lodge (only with Option 2)

Set off on this thrilling jungle adventure as you make your way to the floodplains of Kaziranga National Park, home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Stay in comfortable cottages with uniquely themed décor and all modern conveniences. Take your pick of exciting experiences to come up close with the wildlife in their natural habitat. Every day, accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist, head out on jungle safaris in the morning and in the afternoon in your quest for the elusive rhino. Settle into comfortable, open, windowless vehicles as you watch out for various inhabitants of the national park, such as tigers and elephants as well as exotic bird species. Set off on nature and river walks to acquaint yourself with the endemic species of flora and fauna. Or, saunter around the lush tea gardens as you breathe in the aroma of the fragrant leaves and learn all about the techniques of cultivating and processing the famed Assamese brew. Stroll out to the nearby village for a glimpse into the lifestyle of the different ethnic groups that live there. Back at the lodge, laze around in the sitting area with a book from the library or curl up by the fireplace on chilly evenings. (Overnight activity; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that accommodation in an air-conditioned cottage, two jungle safaris per day (morning and afternoon) with the services of the resident naturalist, village visits, birdwatching, nature and river walks and a tea garden walk are included in this activity).

Jeep Safari in Kaziranga ( only with Option 1)

Set off on early afternoon jeep safari into one of the zones of Kaziranga National Park. This is the perfect opportunity to get up close with the wild inhabitants of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay alert as your local expert guides you to spots known for sightings of the reclusive one-horned Indian rhinoceros, which is an endangered species. Encounter elephants, monkeys, deer, jackals, raptors, wild water buffaloes, and even tigers as you make your way through the sprawling expanse of grassland dotted with swampy lagoons. Try to spot as many as possible of the numerous migratory and domestic bird species that inhabit the region. Capture stunning pictures of the wildlife and the scenic landscape for memories to last a lifetime. (Time of Day:1300 hrs ; Duration: 2 hrs each; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please note that safaris are not conducted during May-October.)

Hotel options

Infinity Resorts – Opt 1

Room Cottage

Meals Full Board

Style Resort

Diphlu River Lodge – Opt 2

Room Cottage

Meals Full Board & Safari

Style Resort

Day 11 – 12

1 Night

Kolkata

Hotel options

ITC Sonar – Opt 1

Room Executive Club

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Taj Bengal – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $6,990 USD / person

Option 2

From $7,890 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone

Not Included

Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism fees
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
International airfare

What Our Guests Say

“For a solo female traveler – Enchanting Travels is the best for care, safety and stress free travels. They are very caring and considerate with excellent people skills.”

June 2019 Rating 5/5

“For our first visit to India, with very limited knowledge of the country and the travel possibilities, we entrusted the details of our trip to Enchanting Travels. Now that we are back home after spending some 36 days in India, we can attest that our selection of Enchanting Travels was the right one, as the Enchanting Team provided first excellent advise at the planning stage and then had the itinerary and all the hotel, flight, guides and drivers ready at each point of the trip without any flaws. It could not have been better executed than what we experienced. We can honestly and fully recommend Enchanting Travels to anybody.”

October 2017 Rating 5/5

“My wife and I undertook a month long tour of India to include two weeks in the north and two weeks in the south and the whole trip was a great experience. As we used trains, planes and personal drivers for transportation and were supported by very good tour guides throughout we felt we managed to experience India’s culture very well. We encountered delays/cancellations during our flights and train journeys but our drivers never let us down. The food was amazing throughout as were the sights and sounds. We must give special mention to our trip coordinator, Ashwini Mohan, who not only promptly dealt with the problems which we faced but also kept in touch with us ensuring all aspects of our tour were progressing as planned and ensured we enjoyed our tour of India.”

February 2018 Rating 4/5

“Truly one of the best experiences and value for money. We would consider Enchanting Travels for all our future vacations.”

January 2018 Rating 5/5

“We were very impressed with Enchanting Travels, from the initial contact through to the last contact on day of our departure home. We experienced everything mentioned on our itinerary plus more.”

February 2018 Rating 5/5

“India is another country and another world. But we were looked after so well and learned so much, that India has become a special experience.”

September 2017 Rating 5/5

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What our Guests Say

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Meet The Experts

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Eastern Legends, Wildlife and Mystic River Cruise

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

Ideal For

Sample Itinerary

Dream Carefree

Plan Carefree

Travel Carefree

Plan My Trip

Thank You for Inquiring

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 3

Day 3 – 7

Day 7 – 9

Day 9 – 11

Day 11 – 12

Kolkata

Highlights of Kolkata

Guwahati

Charaidew Cruise 4N/5D (Guwahati)

Balipara

A Cup of Assam ‘Chai’ with Mahseer Heritage Bungalow

Day Out at Nameri National Park

Kaziranga

Jeep Safari in Kaziranga (only with Option 1)

Jungle Adventure at Diphlu River Lodge (only with Option 2)

Jeep Safari in Kaziranga ( only with Option 1)

Kolkata

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

Option 2

Price Includes

Not Included

What Our Guests Say

Other Itineraries You Might Like

Eastern Gems: Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya

Highlights of North East India