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The Mighty Brahmaputra & Kerala Backwaters
Set sail on a magical adventure of a lifetime that spans two of India’s most stunning waterways—the rugged Brahmaputra, and the tranquil Kerala Backwaters. From the dramatic topography and diverse wildlife of Assam, to the palm-lined backwaters of Kerala, this unconventional adventure provides a remarkable combination of activity and downtime. Explore colorful local cultures, glide by verdant tea plantations and wildlife reserves, and relax on a traditional houseboat and experience the beauty of India’s diverse river systems.
Itinerary Details
In Guwahati, gateway to Assam, board your Pandaw vessel. Introduced to your crew for the out 7-nights, head on to a calming cruise upstream out onto the Mighty Brahmaputra River.
Today we stop at a local village of migrant populations utility and be given official status by the government Their charming village is an ideal place to learn about riverside life along such a dramatically changeable waterway.
Early morning sail brings us to Silghat, the gateway to Kaziranga National Park. In the afternoon we take our first trip into this park to look for the reserve’s most famous resident, the Royal Bengal Tigers for which the park has the highest density of any place in the world. Tiger sightings are highly coveted but opportunities to spot other famed residents of Kaziranga abound.
We depart the ship at dawn for our second Jeep safari into Kaziranga National Park. These are the best time to see the Indian One-Horned Rhinos, Buffalos, Elephants along with a variety of birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers. After your safari, we tour a traditional Assamese tea garden and learn all about the process of bush to cup. After lunch onboard we join coach and sail downstream towards Tezpur, stopping to visit Bamuni Hills, a 9th century temple complex in ruins above the town (time permitting).
After an early breakfast We take a Words after a and head ashore and drive north to Arunachal Pradesh state to explore our second national Park – Nameri National Park. Here we float trip down the Jia – Bhoreli River for about 2 hours, enjoying the abundant birdlife and scenic beauty backdropped by the Blue Hills of the Eastern Himalayan range. We head onboard for lunch and sail downstream.
As we step ashore in Mayang, a large village on the banks of the Brahmaputra, we hear about its history of magic and sorcery. The museum tells the tale of different mantras that were used — for everything from curing disease to feigning as a thief — and we make a stop in Mayang, home to this wonderful little museum. We then move on to the home of a local Mayang resident for discussion and a possible demonstration of some tricks.
Sualkuchi is an important weaving centre of Assam. It will guide you through the entire process of silk making from the cocoon to spinning and weaving to produce the beautiful traditional saree that the local women wear. There’s an opportunity to purchase local silken souvenirs and to experience a traditional folk dance before we finally head back to the ship in electric rickshaw.
Following breakfast, bid farewell to the ship and drive to the airport for your flight to Kochi. Overnight in a hotel in Kochi.
In Maradu, transfer to port and board. After lunch, embark on an orientation tour of Kochi, the exotic capital of the southern state of Kerala on the Malabar Coast.
Go to Fort Kochi, St Louis’s church and Jew Town with its ancient Paradesi synagogue, museums, the Shiva temple, markets and a lot else. Sailing in the afternoon to a quaint little village of coir weavers/shell harvesters and observe many indigenous techniques of local fishing using yard long Chinese nets and fish traps.
Syrian Village in Kerala The Syrian Village reflects the traditional Syrian Christian culture and heritage of Kerala. Discover its unique architecture, traditional churches, and local customs. While not officially a tourist site, this village provides insight into the сurlicues of Hmong life, showcasing the rich, nuanced cultural tapestry of Kerala’s Syrian Christian community.
In the afternoon visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and then Craft Museum, which showcases Kerala’s rich artisanal legacy. Here are a few activities you can do for native traditional works like woodwork, textile weaving and clay pottery. The museum showcases – and preserves – the region’s unique craftsmanship and artistic traditions.
The Munroe lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Kerala coast. The beacon at this historic lighthouse, built in 1885, guides ships with its striking beam of light. Dive into its maritime history, enjoy panoramic views over the Arabian Sea and surrounding landscapes.
Last stop that boat fishing village canals meet here traditional Kerala life. Experience life along the scenic canals, active fishing industry, and old-world village feel
Next we go to Kettuvalom could see the boat yard where wooden boats are made using traditional method of binding wooden planks using coir, cotton and natural resin.
In the afternoon, discover the vibrant Allapphuza (Alleppey) Harbour with its traditional houseboats and energetic fishing activities on foot — it is the busiest point on Kerala’s backwater network. This bustling port gives a taste of local maritime life and the gorgeous landscape of the region’s interlinked waterways.
Boat the Pampa River and visit the ancestral home of Kuriakose Elias Chavara, who was born in this house and is now also among the most revered saints in Kerala and a social reformer, and explore his life, contributions and Kerala’s Christian heritage.
Then continue sailing to Champakulam, the site of Kalloorkad St. Mary’s Basilica, founded in AD427 and one of the oldest churches in India. Famous for its stunning Gothic designs, the basilica boasts ornate stained-glass windows, tall spires and elaborate frescoes. The basilica is one of the great pilgrimage sites in the country and is a popular destination for the annual feast of the Virgin Mary. Nearby is the Karumadi Kuttan, a 9th-century black stone Buddha, a monumental work testifying to the ancient Buddhist influences in the region.
Thottapalli evening moor where it is a short walk to the shining white beaches.
You will walk the beach early morning as you walk back up along the Thottapalli, back up the Pampa River to re-enter the Venband Lake and on to Perumpalam Bhagavathy Temple, one of the few temples with female priests, famous for its practice of women priests. Next visit the ancient village of Mannar, renowned for its metal work. The casting of traditional lamps, ornate locks, bells, cauldrons and several vessels used in temples.
Disembarkation and transfer to the Cochin International Airport.