Brahmaputra River
Brahmaputra River
4.5
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One of the largest rivers in the world runs through Tibet, China, India and Bangladesh.
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ShikshaC
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India2,065 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
The Brahmaputra is a huge river which seems to be flowing infinitely on both sides in Guwahati and it’s banks are very far apart. When we visited it’s waters were in full flow and muddy due to the rainy season which had just ended. At some points the river has water gushing like a sea while at other places it seems calm. The cool breeze at its banks is something one should experience.
Written October 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James B
Okehampton, UK257 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
My wife and I were part of the 26 travellers on board the MV Mahabaahu journeying upstream for 7 days and have to say that it has a number of limitations. The journey itself along this river went at a moderate pace and the naturalist on board and cruise director were quick to point out dolphins, water buffalo, otters, elephant and an assortment of birds. However the sparcity of life along the banks and the temporary bamboo weaved constructions to arrest soil erosion gave testament to the difficulty of living along the transient banks and limitations of of interest.
The boat itself was extremely clean and well presented with a choice of cabin, cabin with "balcony" and two suites with balcony, pool and a large sun deck. The food was of an extremely high standard both in quality and quantity at all servings and dining was at 6 person tables that facilitated meeting other different international guests.
Massage is provided by males and women may not be comfortable with the skimpy paper bikini provided, or that guests considered it was quite painful, the hair styling with one holding the hair dryer and the other using the brush, absence of picture sheets of birds to be handed to guests for the vehicle driven nature drives,didn't like travellers gifts for school having to be given to cruise director who presented it to the school, where children sang for us.The pool, yoga sessions every morning and the friendliness of personnel made the river journey a memorable experience.
We did stop at the Kaziranga National Park for our vehicle nature drive after a 3.00 a.m. start for the elephant ride and spotted numerous rhinos and an assortment of birds.
Don't expect too much apart from a relaxed atmosphere and excellent dining.
The boat itself was extremely clean and well presented with a choice of cabin, cabin with "balcony" and two suites with balcony, pool and a large sun deck. The food was of an extremely high standard both in quality and quantity at all servings and dining was at 6 person tables that facilitated meeting other different international guests.
Massage is provided by males and women may not be comfortable with the skimpy paper bikini provided, or that guests considered it was quite painful, the hair styling with one holding the hair dryer and the other using the brush, absence of picture sheets of birds to be handed to guests for the vehicle driven nature drives,didn't like travellers gifts for school having to be given to cruise director who presented it to the school, where children sang for us.The pool, yoga sessions every morning and the friendliness of personnel made the river journey a memorable experience.
We did stop at the Kaziranga National Park for our vehicle nature drive after a 3.00 a.m. start for the elephant ride and spotted numerous rhinos and an assortment of birds.
Don't expect too much apart from a relaxed atmosphere and excellent dining.
Written March 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Upkaran G
New Delhi, India51 contributions
The river is Big by no small measure but still moves at a snails pace. this is the only place in the India that you get treated to the sight of Fresh water dolphins. it is still a blink and you miss affair but totally worth the trip if you are a wildlife enthusiast.
Also there is a provision for a country boat ride along the river which is truly mesmerizing.
Also there is a provision for a country boat ride along the river which is truly mesmerizing.
Written October 7, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NR16
Norfolk262 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
There are several cruise packages available on the Brahmaputra river; they vary in length, location and activities. The Assam and Bengal Navigation Company’s website is quite informative and tour operators supplement the details about this remarkable river experience in Assam. The river itself is ever changing, so the itinerary may change depending on the water flow and the shifting sandbanks. We cruised upstream from Guwahati to Silghat, taking seven nights. Our tour operator was Audley Travel (in UK) with the local arrangements by Purvi Discovery. I mention this because the differing packages may vary.
The six A/C en-suite double cabins were clean and comfortable. Much of the time was spend cruising, but we moored up every night. A motorized skiff did the transfers to land, usually onto sandbanks with roughly cut steps. We did outings every day, accompanied by our two or three English speaking guides who were expert about the wildlife and the local communities’s culture. We fell into a routine of early starts and relatively early to bed. We walked to an Assamese village, a village of farmers who had come from Bangladesh, and another village which involved us in the Holi festival of colour. This involved much parading by the locals and the liberal application of colour powder on everyone in reach. A separate trip involved floating down another river on an inflatable dinghy to see a profusion of birds. Cold juice and face towels awaited us on our return from outings. On board the three cooked meals a day were excellent and served elegantly, and one morning the cooks demonstrated their skills. Our tariff included all meals. Bottled water was free and plentiful, as was the local made to order Assam tea (try the ‘CTC’ variety). Laundry was same-day (man’s shirt 75Rs) and a full bar was available (Kingfisher Strong beer 150Rs a pint).
Towards the end of the cruise we went further afield by road to the Kasiranga national park twice, once for an elephant ride to get close to the numerous elephants and rhinos with their young. The river, wildlife park and villages provided immense opportunities for photographers.
All our fellow passengers had been to India before, usually more than once. This gives a clue to the type of experience: this cruise is for more seasoned travellers who wish to go off the tourist trail and see a relatively unknown part of India. Those with mobility issues may find the bumpy roads and scrambling up river banks a little difficult but plenty of help was to hand.
A unique experience.
The six A/C en-suite double cabins were clean and comfortable. Much of the time was spend cruising, but we moored up every night. A motorized skiff did the transfers to land, usually onto sandbanks with roughly cut steps. We did outings every day, accompanied by our two or three English speaking guides who were expert about the wildlife and the local communities’s culture. We fell into a routine of early starts and relatively early to bed. We walked to an Assamese village, a village of farmers who had come from Bangladesh, and another village which involved us in the Holi festival of colour. This involved much parading by the locals and the liberal application of colour powder on everyone in reach. A separate trip involved floating down another river on an inflatable dinghy to see a profusion of birds. Cold juice and face towels awaited us on our return from outings. On board the three cooked meals a day were excellent and served elegantly, and one morning the cooks demonstrated their skills. Our tariff included all meals. Bottled water was free and plentiful, as was the local made to order Assam tea (try the ‘CTC’ variety). Laundry was same-day (man’s shirt 75Rs) and a full bar was available (Kingfisher Strong beer 150Rs a pint).
Towards the end of the cruise we went further afield by road to the Kasiranga national park twice, once for an elephant ride to get close to the numerous elephants and rhinos with their young. The river, wildlife park and villages provided immense opportunities for photographers.
All our fellow passengers had been to India before, usually more than once. This gives a clue to the type of experience: this cruise is for more seasoned travellers who wish to go off the tourist trail and see a relatively unknown part of India. Those with mobility issues may find the bumpy roads and scrambling up river banks a little difficult but plenty of help was to hand.
A unique experience.
Written April 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeteD60
Ware, UK2,208 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
Travelled on the MV Mahabaahu for a week in early February – weather cool and overcast most days - first experience of a river cruise – booked through Jasmine Holidays - journeyed upstream from Guwahati to Jorhat
Air India flight from Kolkata inevitably delayed by an hour - met at airport and then off to a temple celebrating the Goddess of Desire – late lunch introductory talk by Neena – then welcome dinner – 7 nights flowed from there – talks – informative but with the use of powerpoint delivery dull – excursions - leisure time - eating at set times – “lounge hour” before dinner for socialising around the bar – most drinks not free but prices reasonable as long as they were local – pre-dinner concoction – Indian wine for special evenings
Cabin – 104 – superior cabin with a narrow balcony wide enough for 2 chairs facing each other – reasonably well appointed – comfy double bed – bathroom with shower only – towels never felt fully dry - bulk buy toiletries - hanging folding and storage space – fridge – hot drinks – safe – chocolate éclair sweets for bedtime – effective air conditioning
We travelled on the Brahmaputra in February – despite being very wide – it has many sandbanks and has to be navigated with care – we had a pilot boat crewed by local people – as it floods during the monsoon there are not many permanent structures on the immediate banks which are predominantly of sand – gives the appearance of a monochrome landscape – often there is little to see on the banks which at times where in the far distance such is its width – there is also little boat traffic however as we got closer to Jorhat there were an increasing number of ferries – and we did have sightings of the river dolphin
In terms of activities – we had visits to local villages populated by different peoples – a tea plantation with a bit of traditional dancing - river safaris – just birds – safaris in Kaziranga National Park – on elephant and by jeep to see the “endangered" Indian one horned rhino – 03.30 am start for this day – final afternoon journeyed to see temples – this trip by road to Sibasagar gave an opportunity to glimpse India beyond the riverbank and to experience travelling by road at night - reasonably full days and for most people early nights
Our departure was - via a tea plantation with informative talk and light lunch - from Jorhat which is a military base with one Jet Airways flight a day via Guwahati which then allows you fly onto Delhi and Kolkata and all places beyond
The staff were many – all with titles – one of which is a dedicated paramedic- and very friendly and efficient – we had most to do with Rajish – he was very knowledgable and an excellent barman
The food was plentiful and often – although I succumbed to sickness after a couple of days and as result plumped for the non-spicy options and small portions for the rest of the voyage and ate a lot of bananas
I must admit that this trip turned out to be not for me – our fellow travellers were drawn from a League of Nations and as a result there were too many tall travellers’ tales of India and elsewhere in the world that were constantly being trumped – getting a word in edgeways was always a challenge – allocated places at dinner were a particular trial …….I could go on…..
I would consider this river cruise to be expensive – and objectively it didn’t offer value for money IMO – it is currently the only large cruiser on the Brahmaputra which is still a relatively undiscovered area of India – but overall its standards are not in line with cost - the level of gratuities being suggested were excessive given all members of the crew are employed by the company – others on the trip mentioned better value experiences on the Mekong and Irrawaddy…
Despite the challenges presented by some of my fellow passengers and the cost of the package I enjoyed the experience as this is an interesting part of India which has to deal with the problems of annual flooding – 2017 was especially bad - but should there be a next time I would go for a river cruise where there is more see along its banks and was fully inclusive – thank you
Air India flight from Kolkata inevitably delayed by an hour - met at airport and then off to a temple celebrating the Goddess of Desire – late lunch introductory talk by Neena – then welcome dinner – 7 nights flowed from there – talks – informative but with the use of powerpoint delivery dull – excursions - leisure time - eating at set times – “lounge hour” before dinner for socialising around the bar – most drinks not free but prices reasonable as long as they were local – pre-dinner concoction – Indian wine for special evenings
Cabin – 104 – superior cabin with a narrow balcony wide enough for 2 chairs facing each other – reasonably well appointed – comfy double bed – bathroom with shower only – towels never felt fully dry - bulk buy toiletries - hanging folding and storage space – fridge – hot drinks – safe – chocolate éclair sweets for bedtime – effective air conditioning
We travelled on the Brahmaputra in February – despite being very wide – it has many sandbanks and has to be navigated with care – we had a pilot boat crewed by local people – as it floods during the monsoon there are not many permanent structures on the immediate banks which are predominantly of sand – gives the appearance of a monochrome landscape – often there is little to see on the banks which at times where in the far distance such is its width – there is also little boat traffic however as we got closer to Jorhat there were an increasing number of ferries – and we did have sightings of the river dolphin
In terms of activities – we had visits to local villages populated by different peoples – a tea plantation with a bit of traditional dancing - river safaris – just birds – safaris in Kaziranga National Park – on elephant and by jeep to see the “endangered" Indian one horned rhino – 03.30 am start for this day – final afternoon journeyed to see temples – this trip by road to Sibasagar gave an opportunity to glimpse India beyond the riverbank and to experience travelling by road at night - reasonably full days and for most people early nights
Our departure was - via a tea plantation with informative talk and light lunch - from Jorhat which is a military base with one Jet Airways flight a day via Guwahati which then allows you fly onto Delhi and Kolkata and all places beyond
The staff were many – all with titles – one of which is a dedicated paramedic- and very friendly and efficient – we had most to do with Rajish – he was very knowledgable and an excellent barman
The food was plentiful and often – although I succumbed to sickness after a couple of days and as result plumped for the non-spicy options and small portions for the rest of the voyage and ate a lot of bananas
I must admit that this trip turned out to be not for me – our fellow travellers were drawn from a League of Nations and as a result there were too many tall travellers’ tales of India and elsewhere in the world that were constantly being trumped – getting a word in edgeways was always a challenge – allocated places at dinner were a particular trial …….I could go on…..
I would consider this river cruise to be expensive – and objectively it didn’t offer value for money IMO – it is currently the only large cruiser on the Brahmaputra which is still a relatively undiscovered area of India – but overall its standards are not in line with cost - the level of gratuities being suggested were excessive given all members of the crew are employed by the company – others on the trip mentioned better value experiences on the Mekong and Irrawaddy…
Despite the challenges presented by some of my fellow passengers and the cost of the package I enjoyed the experience as this is an interesting part of India which has to deal with the problems of annual flooding – 2017 was especially bad - but should there be a next time I would go for a river cruise where there is more see along its banks and was fully inclusive – thank you
Written February 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy Traveller
Sydney, Australia8,595 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
We did a 7 night boat trip on the Brahmaputra River with Far Horizons ...MV Mahabaahu..
We had just come from a 7 night Golden Triangle tour with the same company..So after the wonderful madness that is that area, it was a real treat to board this boat ( only 26 of us) and to be treated so very well by the crew, and to have the pleasure of sailing on this magnificent river.
This river is constantly changing, it's banks constantly falling into the fast flowing water..no Doubt to build up in some other place.
We enjoyed seeing the changing landscape and all the people going about their daily tasks along the river. We were able to stop at National parks, villages, tea plantations,schools and all sorts of wonderful places..
We also saw a great variety of animals and birds..Its was a truly wonderful experience..
Would thoroughly recommend a visit down this river...if you want a different perspective of Indian life..
We had just come from a 7 night Golden Triangle tour with the same company..So after the wonderful madness that is that area, it was a real treat to board this boat ( only 26 of us) and to be treated so very well by the crew, and to have the pleasure of sailing on this magnificent river.
This river is constantly changing, it's banks constantly falling into the fast flowing water..no Doubt to build up in some other place.
We enjoyed seeing the changing landscape and all the people going about their daily tasks along the river. We were able to stop at National parks, villages, tea plantations,schools and all sorts of wonderful places..
We also saw a great variety of animals and birds..Its was a truly wonderful experience..
Would thoroughly recommend a visit down this river...if you want a different perspective of Indian life..
Written February 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xxxasia
Asia244 contributions
Feb 2011
No tourists, so peaceful. We spent 3 days cruising up the river on our own private houseboat with the Brahmaputra Cruise company (bcplcruise@gmail.com), didn't see another tourist all that time. The banks are fine white sand and we stopped for fabulous lunches and evening barbecues on our own private beach. River dolphins, an elephant -back safari to see one horned rhino at Pobitora Sanctuary, fishermen. So far from the 'madding crowds' in India. A wonderfully dreamy & romantic experience.
Written February 15, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anil G
11 contributions
We travelled from Guwahati to Bishna chariali by highred cab in between bridge about three kilometer is constructd on the bank of brahmaputra river. We enjoid the drive. Also their is tea gardens at both side.. its a good place to visit.
Written March 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnOxfordCouple
Oxford232 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
We did a 4 day cruise with the Assam and Bengal Navigation Company from Guwahiti. This cruise covered only a short stretch of the river but was really enjoyable.
There were 26 crew for max number of 24 passengers, in our case there were only 10 pax. The service was personal and of a great standard and delightfully done. We did a number of visits to temples, villages, wildlife parks and all were very interesting and well organised.
All meals are included and the quality of the food and the service of it, was excellent.
Cabins were simple but had everything you needed. The temperature control of the shower is poor, but that is possibly being rather picky.
Basically we found the Assam and Bengal Navigation Company excellent. We also found that Assam was practically devoid of tourists which is surprising considering how much there is to see in that area.
There were 26 crew for max number of 24 passengers, in our case there were only 10 pax. The service was personal and of a great standard and delightfully done. We did a number of visits to temples, villages, wildlife parks and all were very interesting and well organised.
All meals are included and the quality of the food and the service of it, was excellent.
Cabins were simple but had everything you needed. The temperature control of the shower is poor, but that is possibly being rather picky.
Basically we found the Assam and Bengal Navigation Company excellent. We also found that Assam was practically devoid of tourists which is surprising considering how much there is to see in that area.
Written January 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cycleSteve
Marrakech, Morocco434 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
I just completed an incredible one-week trip with Assam Bengal Navigation aboard the Charaidew. Where do I begin with superlatives?
The tour itinerary included visits to beautiful tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries where we spotted several one-horned rhinos, small native villages and of course the beautiful expanse of the Brahmaputra where time seems to have stood still.
The ship is one of the company's older vessels yet very comfortable, ensuite cabins, an extraordinarily friendly & helpful staff, food always freshly prepared, varied and quite tasty. Our group was never hungry!
The tour included a naturalist during wildlife outings and even a tea expert to assist with tea tasting & education. The days cruising the river featured talks from the cruise director about Assam and India on a whole range of subjects, all quite interesting. On the top deck at night the sky was filled with stars - and unlike other river cruises I've taken, the ship does not move after sunset which makes for a great nights' sleep.
I also enjoyed the evening we docked near Tezpur, a reasonable size city along the river. Strolling through the town center I truly had the feeling of being in a part of India few foreigners get to experience; the city was delightful, friendly faces everywhere at the markets and shops.
This was my second visit to India and my first to Assam. I've come to so enjoy river cruises and highly recommend Assam Bengal Navigation. My hope is to join another of their cruises in the future along the Ganges.
The tour itinerary included visits to beautiful tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries where we spotted several one-horned rhinos, small native villages and of course the beautiful expanse of the Brahmaputra where time seems to have stood still.
The ship is one of the company's older vessels yet very comfortable, ensuite cabins, an extraordinarily friendly & helpful staff, food always freshly prepared, varied and quite tasty. Our group was never hungry!
The tour included a naturalist during wildlife outings and even a tea expert to assist with tea tasting & education. The days cruising the river featured talks from the cruise director about Assam and India on a whole range of subjects, all quite interesting. On the top deck at night the sky was filled with stars - and unlike other river cruises I've taken, the ship does not move after sunset which makes for a great nights' sleep.
I also enjoyed the evening we docked near Tezpur, a reasonable size city along the river. Strolling through the town center I truly had the feeling of being in a part of India few foreigners get to experience; the city was delightful, friendly faces everywhere at the markets and shops.
This was my second visit to India and my first to Assam. I've come to so enjoy river cruises and highly recommend Assam Bengal Navigation. My hope is to join another of their cruises in the future along the Ganges.
Written January 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What company did you book this cruise through?
Barbara
Written April 9, 2020
Is there any public boat/ferry doing the up/down river cruise, as for example, in Borneo?
Thanks
Written February 7, 2018
As far as I'm aware, there isn't. I think our cruise boat was the only one operating.
Written February 12, 2018
Has anyone had any problems regarding tipping on this river cruise? Would appreciate any advice on this matter.
Written September 18, 2016
I enjoyed your report. My wife and I are in our mid 70's and are interested indoing this cruise and would like to ask the following
Do you know if there are longer cruises say 14 days
Do all cabins have private facilities
We would be traavelling from Brisbane. which city in India would we need to travel to to join the cruise
Is access on and off the boat reasonably suitable or people of our vintage
Did you experience any problems with water, food etc
I look forward to your respnse.
Thank you
Written August 26, 2015
Did the cruise include many visits to local villages, temples etc
was access on and off the cruise boat simple
Is there a longger cruise - say 15 days
We would fly from Brisbane - to which city should we fly to to join the cruise
Did all cabins have private facilities
Written August 24, 2015
Hello,
After an amazing 7 day river cruise in Myanmar last November we're looking forward to a river cruise in India as a way of getting away from big cities and crowds and seeing India before so much industrialization (if possible). You wrote that you had done a cruise on the Ganges as well as on the Brahmasutra so I'm wondering if you might advise which would be better for a first time peek into Indian culture. Or, if you or others have another suggestion for a river cruise in India.
Many thanks,
JAT600
Written April 20, 2015
Can you let me know the names of the original boat and the substute boat as we are intending to travel there
Written January 19, 2015
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