23/11/2027 Australia – Singapore – Kolkata
Check in at your chosen Australian airport for your flight to Singapore with Singapore Airlines.
Depart Singapore, Singapore Airlines SQ 516, 20.40
Arrive Kolkata 22.25
After completing customs and immigration formalities in Kolkata we transfer to our hotel.
Taj Bengal Hotel
Kolkata
24/11/2027 Kolkata (BLD)
Widely celebrated as the cultural and intellectual capital of India, Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) was the capital of British India until 1911, leaving behind a rich legacy of grand colonial architecture, vibrant arts, and literary heritage. Today we set out to explore this vibrant city which sits on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. We visit the Howrah Bridge and Howrah Junction Railway Station, the largest railway complex in India, before exploring the colourful flower bazaar markets. Next stop is the Victoria Memorial, which now serves as a museum of British Rule in India, and Mother Teresa’s Mission and House. Later we discover the curious lanes of Kumartuli – the traditional potters’ quarter – where we visit the sculptors’ homes and see the traditional clay idols used in various festivals.
25/11/2027 Kolkata – Guwahati (BLD)
After breakfast this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Guwahati.
Depart Kolkata Indigo Airlines 6E 207, 10.30
Arrive Guwahati 11.40
The gateway to the North East of India, Guwahati extends along the south bank of the mighty Brahmaputra. In the older areas of the city near the river, the character and local flavour lingers amid the ponds, temples, traditional houses and colonial-era mansions. On arrival in Guwahati we transfer to our hotel.
Vivanta Hotel
Guwahati
26/11/2027 Guwahati (BLD)
Today we set out to explore Guwahati, visiting the Assam State Museum and the Brahmaputra Heritage Museum, where we experience the majesty of India’s great river. We have the opportunity to stroll along tree-lined pathways to discover an enchanting Art Garden and a historic 170-year-old bungalow. Perhaps most captivating are the riverside gardens, where carefully placed viewing decks and art installations create perfect spots to contemplate the flowing waters below.
27/11/2027 Guwahati – Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) Cruise (BLD)
Our seven-night Assam Bengal Navigation cruise begins today, as we board Charaidew II at Pandu port. We enjoy lunch onboard as we cruise downstream to Sualkuchi, a bustling little town that is the centre of Assamese silk production. We take a walk through the town and visit weaving workshops, and see the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon and spinning, to dyeing and hand-weaving into exquisite mekhela chadars – the traditional two-piece sari of Assamese women. Later we sail upriver to dock close to the great Saraighat bridge.
28/11/2027 ABN Cruise (BLD)
Disembarking from Charaidew II we board a coach and drive up Nilachal Hill to the Kamakhya Temple, an important pilgrimage centre for tantric worshippers and Hindus. The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya, and is the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas (shrines to the mother goddess). We take a leisurely stroll around the temple’s exteriors and soak up the rich history and spirituality that define this sacred place. We also visit the poignant Commonwealth War Graves cemetery before re-boarding our cruise vessel and setting sail, passing Kurua on the north bank.
29/11/2027 ABN Cruise (BLD)
This morning we cruise and visit a riverside village with its lush green fields of vegetables. We spend the day mostly cruising upstream which gives us the opportunity to relax and watch life unfold on the riverbanks and jungle-covered hills that rise on either side. We also enjoy an Indian cooking demonstration onboard as we continue upstream.
30/11/2027 ABN Cruise (BLD)
Continuing upstream, we reach Tezpur where, after lunch, we visit the ruins of the 6th century Da Pabatia temple, famous for it’s beautifully carved stone portal, which is considered the oldest and finest example of Gupta school sculptural art in Assam. Later we explore the town by cycle rickshaw, stopping at Cole Park with its medieval stone carvings saved from sites all over the region. We also enjoy free time in the local markets, before reboarding our vessel at the town’s waterfront.
01/12/2027 ABN Cruise (BLD)
After an early breakfast we drive for two hours to the Nameri National Park at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Here we take a two-hour float trip down the Jia-Bhoroli River through the park, where we have excellent bird-watching opportunities and may see wild elephants. After lunch we take a village walk before returning to the ship. Continuing upstream we pass below a seemingly endless bridge across the vast width of the riverbed, to moor at Silghat.
02/12/2027 ABN Cruise (BLD)
Our first destination today is Kaziranga Central Range, where we enjoy a morning jeep safari. Covering an area of around 430 sq kms, this UNESCO World Heritage listed National Park is home to the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros as well as the Indian wild water buffalo. It also has the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers, making this park an incredibly rich biodiversity hotspot. The park supports large populations of Indian elephants, Indian bison, swamp deer and capped langurs. It is also a birding paradise, with more than 480 species of resident and migratory birds including the Oriental honey buzzard, black-shouldered kite, white-tailed eagle and Himalayan Griffon. After lunch at Diphlu River Lodge we take another jeep safari in the little visited Burapahar Range before returning to our vessel.
03/12/2027 ABN Cruise (BLD)
After breakfast we visit a local tea garden and the weekly market of Uloni. In the afternoon we drive to Kaziranga’s western range – the Bagori Range – for a jeep safari through its lush, biodiverse landscapes.
04/12/2027 ABN Cruise – Kohima (BLD)
Our memorable Assam Bengal Navigation cruise comes to an end this morning, as we disembark from Charaidew II and drive 280 kilometres to Kohima, stopping en route to explore the local markets at Dimapur. Here the sights, sounds and smells assault the senses, giving us a unique glimpse into the everyday lives of the locals. We then continue on to Kohima – capital of Nagaland, and the land of the Angami Naga tribe – located at an average elevation of 1261 metres. The town, which is named after the flowering plant ‘Kewhi’ which is found here, serpentines along the top of the mountain ranges as is typical of most Naga settlements.
De Oriental Grand
Kohima
05/12/2027 Kohima – Kisma Heritage Village – Kohima (BLD)
Today is a very special one as we drive 12 kilometres to the Kisma Heritage Village for Nagaland’s fascinating Hornbill Festival. This is a vibrant annual cultural extravaganza, designed to revive, protect, and promote the rich heritage of the Naga people while fostering inter-tribal interaction. Named after the culturally revered Indian hornbill bird, this exciting event transforms the village into a bustling carnival with each tribal group showcasing colourful dances, their authentic local cuisine, and vibrant cultures. A day of treasured tribal hospitality is assured! In the evening we visit the Hornbill night carnival where colourful stalls with local arts and crafts are adorned with sparkling lights.
06/12/2027 Kohima – Khonoma – Kohima (BLD)
Twenty Kilometers away from the busy streets of Kohima, is Khonoma village, overlooking mesmerizing paddy fields and hills covered with lush forests. Often described as a ‘warrior village’, Khonoma is known for its fierce resistance during the British colonial period. Khonoma is also known for its initiatives in wildlife conservation. In 1998, the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) was set up to protect the endangered Blyth’s Tragopan and other wildlife and rare plant species in their natural habitat. Over the last two decades, bird enthusiasts from around the world have come to Khonoma just to spend their days listening to the call of the birds and watching them. Khonoma is also the first Green Village in Asia. With its naturally blessed resources, intriguing history and rich culture, the village is one of the most visited places in Nagaland. After our visit here we head to the World War II cemetery, constructed in memory of the officers and men who made supreme sacrifices during this war.
07/12/2027 Kohima – Dimapur – Kolkata (BL)
After breakfast we make the two-hour drive to Dimapur airport for our flight to Kolkata.
Depart Dimapur Indigo Airlines 6E-6155, 12.10
Arrive Kolkata 13.35
On arrival at Kolkata airport we transfer to our day-use hotel where we enjoy lunch and a leisurely evening. Later in the evening we transfer to Kolkata airport for our flight to Singapore.
Depart Kolkata Singapore Airlines SQ 517, 23.40
08/12/2027 Singapore – Australia
Arrive Singapore 06.15
On arrival in Singapore connect with your homeward flight.
