ICONIC BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER CRUISE

RIVER, WILDLIFE & TEA IN INDIA’S NORTH EAST India 10 Nights / 11 Days

Immerse yourself in this fascinating 11-day Small Group Journey that ventures off the beaten track on a river cruise in Assam, a mystical land of sprawling blue hills, lush tea fields, exotic wildlife and architectural masterpieces. Promising signature experiences, exclusive adventures and guided by specialist guides and naturalists, your journey begins briefly in Delhi, a vivid atmospheric blend of international metropolis, medieval chaos and regal splendour. Explore Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Asia’s greatest wilderness areas. Home to some of the finest wildlife viewing in Asia, everything seems larger than life here. Then spend a week cruising down the waterways of the Brahmaputra River and discover untouched, remote areas that remain hidden from the crowds. Be captivated by houses of worship, venerable temples, vast farming areas, rice paddies, and tribal and riverside villages that dot the shoreline. Learn the art of tea production at tea gardens, visit the river island of Majuli where inhabitants live a devout way of life, and follow the peaceful Hindu practice of neo-Vaishnavism. Appreciate the marvels of places of pilgrimage and ancient ruins steeped in obscurity. Visit Sibsagar, once capital of the Ahom kings of Assam in the 18th century, now a bustling agricultural and administrative town. There is the opportunity to extend your trip and see the tigers in Ranthambhore National Park and the Taj Mahal in Agra. A Small Group Journey offers the opportunity to exclusively explore extraordinary landscapes, whilst enjoying the company of a group of like-minded enthusiasts, on a uniquely curated itinerary. With a minimum of ten and a maximum of 16 guests, these set-departure journeys are privately guided throughout and unequalled in their ability to showcase a little known part of India, in an extraordinary landscape.

What we love about the journey - Iconic wildlife in Kaziranga which includes 70% of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros population, herds of Asiatic elephant, Asiatic buffalo, eastern swamp deer and tigers. - Majuli River Island, home to a microcosm of Assamese culture, showcasing a unique way of life. - Discovering the art of tea at the Horu Charai tea estate and taste a selection of delicious blends.

Highlights of the adventure - Cruising on the Brahmaputra River encountering the endangered Ganges river dolphin and the smooth-coated otter. - Meandering through bustling towns such as Tezpur and Vishnath and gaining insight into the everyday life of the locals. - Exploring the archaeological site of the ancient ruins of Deopahar Temple, known as the ‘Hill of God’.

Specially created for - Wildlife and nature enthusiasts - Culture vultures - Photography aficionados

710 nights nights / / 8 11days days

1 – DelhiKathmandu (Day 1 )(Day 1,2)

2 – PokharaKaziranga (Day (Day 3, 2,3 4) )

3 – ChitwanBrahmaputra (5, 6) (Day 4,5,6,7,8,9,10)

4 – Dhulikhel (Day 7)

AN &BEYOND CUSTOM-DESIGNED ITINERARY

DATE SERVICE ACCOMMODATION

01 Mar 2021 Meet and greet services at the airport and transfer to the hotel

Monday Welcome Dinner.

Spend 1 overnight in Hotel JW Marriott, Delhi Deluxe Room on HB Basis

02 Mar 2021 Post breakfast transfer to the hotel to board your flight to Guwahati Tuesday

Upon arrival at Guwahati you drive to Kaziranga (Approx. 4 hrs drive)

Spend 2 overnight in Diphlu River Lodge Cottage on JP Basis

03 Mar 2021

Wednesday Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safari in Kaziranga

04 Mar 2021 After a morning jeep safari at central range, drive to Silghat (Approx. 1 hrs drive) to embark on boat. Thursday

Spend seven overnights in River Island Cruise Cabin on JP Basis

05 Mar 2021 After early breakfast drive to Tezpur to visit Da Parbatia temple and other sites. Friday

Return to the ship and cruise upstream

06 Mar 2021 Majuli Island

Saturday After breakfast visit Vishnath an Ahom period Shiva temple.

07 Mar 2021 After breakfast visit the 10th century temples at Deopahar

Sunday

08 Mar 2021 Day is spent cruising upstream and visiting riverside villages

Monday

09 Mar 2021 Today we arrive at Majuli Island and visit villages and temples.

Tuesday

10 Mar 2021 After breakfast we visit Horu Charai tea estate. After lunch we visit the 18th Century Ahom capital of Sibsagar. Wednesday

11 Mar 2021 After breakfast transfer to Dibrugarh Airport (Approx. 2 ½ hrs drive) to board your flight to Delhi Thursday

Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and driven to a hotel close to the airport. A room is booked for wash & change or an overnight.

Late evening /following morning you will be picked up from your hotel and will be assisted transferred to board your flight back home

12 Mar 2021 Fly Home

GLOSSARY

 HB = Bed, Breakfast and Dinner  JP = Bed, all meals and all excursions.

ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS IN INDIA

 As for all international travel, the visitor to India is required to be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Travellers from all countries need a visa. Enquire about this from the Indian diplomatic Representatives abroad OR apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html  Boarding or immigration can be denied if there is a mismatch of passport details mentioned on the visa letter issued by the Government of India and the passport presented at these checks.  The passport has to be valid for a minimum of 6 months AFTER the departure date from India and at least 2 (two) clear pages available in the passport for immigration stamping.

 SATELLITE PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN INDIA

“The use of Satellite phones in India without permits (a very complicated process) is prohibited. It is a criminal and jailable offence to be in possession of an unlicensed phone, or to use it. Mobile phones work well throughout most of the country and communications throughout your tour is generally good.”

 NOT TO CARRY CERTAIN MODELS OF MACBOOK PRO ON FLIGHTS The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and FAA, has advised passengers not to carry models of 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops that Apple deemed a safety risk due to overheating batteries. Affected units were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017 and product eligibility is determined by the product serial number. Apple has determined that, in a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units, the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk.

Day 1: 01 March, 2021 (Monday) - Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi Airport proceed towards the immigration counters, and then the baggage belts in the customs hall. After collecting your bags walk toward arrival hall Exit where you will find an &Beyond representative holding a placard of your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel, JW Marriott.

Delhi was established around 900 B.C. Delhi's famous "seven cities" range from the 12th century Quila Rai Pithora, built by Prithviraj Chauhan, to the imperial Shahjahanabad, constructed by the Mughals in the 17th century.

Of the many attractions in Delhi, the major sites are the Rashtrapati Bhawan designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens as the British Viceroys Palace, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) where the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid and the famed Chandni Chowk are found.

JW Marriott: The hotel offers 511 stylish rooms and suites, personalized service and an ideal location for your stay in India. The deluxe rooms are among the largest in India's NCR. Indulge at any of their five remarkable restaurants and bars, including a chic speakeasy, a popular multi-cuisine buffet and a Japanese restaurant with a Korean influence

This evening you meet up with your Tour Leader over Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

Spend One overnight at Hotel JW Marriott. Accommodation will be in Deluxe Room with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Half Board Basis.

Day 2: 02 March, 2021 (Tuesday) – Delhi / Guwahati / Kaziranga

We will provide packed breakfast from the hotel. You are driven to the airport to board your flight to Guwahati.

Fly by: 6E 939

Departs Delhi: 0715 hrs

Arrive Guwahati: 0940 hrs

*Note: Baggage allowance is 15kg (33lbs). We can pre-purchase excess baggage at an extra cost.

Upon arrival at Guwahati airport you will be met and driven to Kaziranga (Approx. 4 hrs drive).

Arrive Kaziranga and check-in at Diphlu River Lodge

Kaziranga National Park: Home to some of India’s largest mammals, Kaziranga boasts a thriving population of one-horned rhino, Asian elephant, tiger, and Asiatic wild buffalo, as well as the swamp deer known as barasingha, hog deer, wild boar, sloth bear and many others. Everything appears larger than life at Kaziranga – even some of the largest snakes in the world, including the reticulated and Indian pythons, king cobra and branded krait, are found here. The reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with almost 500 species encountered here, including many migrants. Kaziranga National Park also frequently draws comparisons to the Norongoro Crater in East Africa due to the park's abundance of wildlife and birds.

Diphlu River Lodge: Diphlu River Lodge has a boundary river that separates its grounds from the National Park itself, and the jungle views are exceptional. They have four individual cottages and four semi-detached cottages, raised on stilts above the ground. All rooms are air-conditioned and have been beautifully designed making full use of local materials that blend in with the stunning natural surroundings. With environment-sensitive cottages overlooking the river, park or verdant farmland, Diphlu River Lodge combines modern comforts with the thrill of the wild and plenty of activities.

Spend Two Nights at Diphlu River Lodge. Accommodation will be in AC cottages. Your stay will be on Jungle Plan basis (cycle of 3 meals a day i.e. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner plus safari drives)

Day 3: 03 March, 2021 (Wednesday) – Kaziranga

Explore the park with morning and afternoon safari drives. A park drive inside Kaziranga National Park is very different from other parks in India. Large parts of the park are made up of tall grasslands with patches of swampy water bodies covered with beautiful water lilies, and extensive riverine woodlands. One-horned Rhinos and herds of Asian Elephants are seen busily grazing. Swamp deer or Barasingha are often seen wading through the water bodies chomping on weeds or displaying them on their large antlers to impress the females.

Day 4: 04th March, 2021 (Thursday) – Kaziranga / ABN Sukhapa

Enjoy a jeep safari this morning. Besides mammals and reptiles, Kaziranga National Park is also a birding paradise. A few of the bird species found here are the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Himalayan Griffon and numerous forest and grassland species.

Later, Drive to Silghat (Approx. 1 hr drive) to board your vessel ABN Sukhapa on Brahmaputra.

ABN Sukhapa was designed In an effort to conserve India’s forests, the interiors are bamboo-panelled, air-conditioned and roomy with en suite bathrooms. There is a spa and a saloon with a library. The dining room is on the main deck and a spacious sundeck at the very top. Furniture on board is locally made; objet d'arts in the saloon are from Bengal; and fabrics are all locally sourced by the finest artisans in all of the state.

Lunch and Dinner on Board

Spend Seven overnights at ABN Sukhapa. Accommodation will be in a Cabin with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Full Board Basis.

Day 5: 05 March, 2021 (Friday) – ABN Sukhapa

Today after an early breakfast, drive to the nearby town of Tezpur. The Da Parbatia temple with its exquisitely carved portal and lintel dates from the 5th & 6th century. We will use local rickshaws to explore the town, visit the some of the thousand-year-old carved stones, and wander through the busy market area. Time permitting we will also visit the ruins of the 9th century Panchayatna Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, on the Bamuni Hills.

Returning to the ship, we cruise upstream with Kaziranga National Park on the right bank to anchor for the night at Vishnath.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Board

Day 6: 06 March, 2021 (Saturday) – ABN Sukhapa

This morning, visit the small town of Vishnath, known for an Ahom- period Shiva temple. Walk through the town before reboarding and setting off again, with Kaziranga still on the far bank. Wild elephants may sometimes be spotted and once, memorably, even a tiger walking along the bank. There is good chance of spotting the endangered Gangetic dolphin, as well as creating a sensation in bankside villages as we sail past. Arrive in the evening at lonely Dhansiri Mukh.

The visit to Vishnath take about 1 ½ hrs.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Board

Day 7: 07 March, 2021 (Sunday) – ABN Sukhapa

This morning, we drive to recently excavated and spectacular temple at Deopahar on the edge of the Deopani Reserve Forest. Located in Golaghat district, Assam, the Deopahar ruins of a temple built in the 10th or 11th century are extraordinary. The angular sculpture and decoration echo styles from south-east Asia, while the circular base is unusual among Hindu temples. Little is known of the temple origins or who may have built it. We leave the ship before breakfast (6 AM or before). To reach the temple we will be using combination of transport using coach/jeeps and small boat and on return, we will have lunch on the ship and dinner.

Day 8: 08th March, 2021 (Monday) – ABN Sukhapa

Another day spent cruising upstream, past remote villages, and newly created river islands known as chars. We shall stop and walk through a bankside village, getting an insight into the life of rural Assam. Some of the villages along the river are home to the Mishing tribe that moved to the plains from the Himalayan foothills a few centuries ago.

Lunch and Dinner on Board

Day 9: 09th March, 2021 (Tuesday) – ABN Sukhapa

Around the time of breakfast, we should reach Majuli Island, one of the world’s largest river islands. It is probably geologically a young island carved of the flood plain by a series of floods in the 18th century. Today the island is home to a microcosm of Assamese culture. Majuli represents rural idyll in Assam. A stronghold of the peaceful religion of neo-Vaishnavism, the elegant satras (hermatages) — some for celibate monks, some for families — showcase a unique way of life where the faithful live simply, offering worship through gayan-bayan (songs and musical instruments) and readings.

We visit a monastery at Auniati with an eclectic museum, then attend a dance performance at Kamalabari monastery, before cruising across to Neamati Ghat on the opposite bank. In the afternoon, visit a nearby village.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Board

Day 10: 10th March, 2021 (Wednesday) – ABN Sukhapa

We visit Horu Charai tea estate this morning and learn about the production of tea, and sample the various blends.

Later, drive for about an hour to Sibsagar, the one-time capital of the Ahom kings of Assam during the 18th century.

Shan by origin but converts to Hinduism, the Ahoms ruled Assam for some 600 years until a Burmese invasion in 1819. Their culture and architecture is a strange and delightful amalgam of India and Southeast Asia. We will explore some of these distinctive buildings including the two storey Rang Ghar used for watching sports, and the 18th century Talatal Ghar. The temple tank here is believed to be the world’s largest hand-excavated reservoir.

Return to your ship, which will have cruised up to Dikhou Mukh close to Sibsagar. (Dependent on river conditions, the last night may be spent at Neamati, closer to Jorhat).

Lunch will be at Horu Charai.

Dinner on board

Day 11: 11th March, 2021 (Thursday) – ABN Sukhapa / Dibrugarh / Delhi

This morning, we transfer for approximately 2½ hours to Dibrugarh airport, passing through this typical colonial town. During WWII the runway at Dibrugarh was one of many US airfields built to supply the Chinese government with munitions and supplies. Allied pilots flew over the Hump (the eastern Himalaya) ferrying material shipped to Indian ports such as Calcutta (Kolkata) and Chittagong (now in Bangladesh), and then sent up the Brahmaputra river on barges. On arrival in Dibrugarh you will connect to your flight to Delhi.

Fly by: 6E 5337

Departs Dibrugarh: 1455 hrs Arrives Delhi: 1805 hrs

*Note: Baggage allowance is 15kg (33lbs). We can pre-purchase excess baggage at an extra cost.

Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and driven to the hotel JW Marriott wherein the room is booked until departure.

Late evening assisted transfer to Delhi airport to board your flight to onward destination

Day 12: 12th March, 2021 (Friday) – Delhi / Fly Home

Fly Home

THIS DEPARTURE WILL OPERATE WITH A MINIMUM OF 10 GUESTS AND MAXIMUM OF 16 GUESTS PLUS AN EXPEDITION LEADER. RATES IS USD

VALIDITY – 1- 12 MARCH 2021 PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARE

10 -11 GUESTS 8370 USD PER PERSON

7293 USD PER PERSON 12-13 GUESTS

6525 USD PER PERSON 14-15 GUESTS

5947 USD PER PERSON 16 GUESTS

980 PER PERSON SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT

Flights (Schedule subject to change)

DATE FROM/TO FLIGHT NUMBER TIME

02th Mar, 2021 Delhi / Guwahati 6E 939 (Indigo Airlines) DEP 0715 hrs ARR 0940 hrs

11th Mar,2021 Dibrugarh / Delhi 6E 5337 (Indigo Airlines) DEP 1455 hrs ARR 1805 hrs

Accommodation

DATE DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

Delhi JW Marriott, Delhi Deluxe room on Room + 01st Mar 2021 welcome Dinner

02nd Mar 2021 Kaziranga Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga Accommodation + Meals

03rd Mar 2021 Kaziranga Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga Accommodation + Meals

04th Mar 2021 Brahmputra Cruise Upstream ABN Sukhapa, Brahmaputra Cabin with Meals Included

05th Mar 2021 Brahmputra Cruise Upstream ABN Sukhapa, Brahmaputra Cabin with Meals Included

06th Mar 2021 Brahmputra Cruise Upstream ABN Sukhapa, Brahmaputra Cabin with Meals Included

07th Mar 2021 Brahmputra Cruise Upstream ABN Sukhapa, Brahmaputra Cabin with Meals Included

08th Mar 2021 Brahmputra Cruise Upstream ABN Sukhapa, Brahmaputra Cabin with Meals Included

09th Mar 2021 Brahmputra Cruise Upstream ABN Sukhapa, Brahmaputra Cabin with Meals Included

10th Mar 2021 Brahmputra Cruise Upstream ABN Sukhapa, Brahmaputra Cabin with Meals Included

11st Mar 2021 Delhi JW Marriott, Delhi Lunch + Deluxe room only

What’s included:

 Accommodation on Twin share basis in hotels & vessel as per the meal plan mentioned above.  All transfers as mentioned in 01 Air-Conditioned Coach in Delhi and during the excursions & transfer while on the cruise it will be either by Coach / Tempo Traveller Van / Toyota Innova. [The transport will be used as per availability and as per logistic feasibility].  Welcome Dinner on Day1 with soft beverages.  Services of an in-house naturalist during the safaris in Kaziranga and during the cruise are included.  Services of an inhouse guide during the cruise is included.  Services of an &Beyond Leader.  All entrance and monuments fees.  All current taxes as on date – subject to change as per hotel/airline/Government policy.  Air fare as mentioned in the quote above.

What’s not included:

 Tipping to guides and drivers.  Any Insurance and rescue of any form.  Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control.  Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.  Any international air fare/airport taxes not mentioned above  Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.  Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls, alcohol  Any video/still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit  Any other item not explicitly mentioned under “What’s Included”.  Any airfare for domestic flights other than the quoted details.  Any cost of the meals other than the ones indicated in room meal plan.  Sightseeing and excursions other than those specified.

The Details are in the fine print

 Hotel Check-In 1400 hours, Check-out time 1200 Noon  The river itinerary and day-to-day travel is subject to the flow of the river and navigable channels. These channels are often changed by the previous monsoon and precipitation upstream.  Prices are subject to change as per change in Government / Hotel / Airline policy without prior notice.  Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.  Please note, the names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels. It is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey the confirmations to you on receipt of your acceptance. However in the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not becoming available at the time of initiating the reservations, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.  In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to adjust the tour price accordingly. The due increase or decrease will be communicated accordingly.

 The rates quoted are subject to change without prior warning, should there be any increases in Park Fees, Fuel, Sales Tax or VAT, third party services, or any other circumstances beyond our control in the regions featured in this quote/booking.  All guests must take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellation and curtailment.  In order to comply with international insurance requirements all airline tickets must clearly show the passenger’s title, surname, name and initial (as indicated in their passport). As this applies to both scheduled and charter flights we would be grateful if you could provide us with this information at the time of confirmation.  Your internal flights have been organized by us. While we take the maximum care to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you &Beyond is not responsible for the fitness of the carriers or the safety standards of the carrier company.  In order to comply with International Insurance requirements &Beyond can only reserve seats, be it on a provisional or confirmed basis, on both domestic/scheduled or charter flights.  Please note that fares may increase between time of booking, time of payment and the ticket being issued. Any costs incurred due to amendments will not be borne by &Beyond.  &Beyond cannot be held responsible should airlines discontinue flights on certain routings or change scheduled timetables, resulting in missed connections etc. Should an amendment in a routing or itinerary be necessary we will re- quote you accordingly.  Dietary Requirements: All dietary requirements can be catered for. When making your reservation, please advise us of any specific dietary requirements that you may have and these will be communicated through to the respective establishment.  Gratuities: Tipping is at your discretion. However management of the establishment will be able to assist with guidelines

 &Beyond reserves the right to modify program itineraries, including arranged sightseeing, and substitute accommodations, including vessels and trains, at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond &Beyond’s control. Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued.  &Beyond strongly recommends that the guests insure themselves against loss of deposit, cancellation charges, medical expenses and loss of personal possessions, and any other foreseeable loss or expense.  Photography During Travel A. &Beyond reserves the right to take photographs or video during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes during the program and thereafter. By booking a program with &Beyond, guests agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Guests who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to &Beyond representative at the beginning of their program.  The use of DRONES are not allowed without permits in India.  Guest Obligations: 1. Medical Conditions – the guest must notify &Beyond of any pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to affect the Travel Arrangements. The guest agrees and acknowledges that &Beyond will not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the guest as a result of any pre-existing medical condition or health issue of the Customer that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements. 2. Health Issues – It is the guests sole responsibility to a) Obtain any vaccinations or take any other health precautions applicable to the country of travel; b) Take all steps reasonably necessary (including, without limitation, the consultation of appropriate medical professionals) to identify whether they have any pre-existing medical conditions or health issues (whether known or unknown) that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements; and c) Notify &Beyond if the guest has any pre-existing medical conditions or health issues that may preclude, delay, affect or interfere with the Travel Arrangements.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR RIVER ISLAND CRUISE & DIPHLU RIVER LODGE:

- A non-refundable payment of 10% of the total cost is required to book the River Island Cruise.

- A second 10% instalment is due 6 months before the charter date. Final balance is payable 8 weeks before departure. Failure to pay may be treated as a cancellation and our cancellation terms will be applied.

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS FOR RIVER ISLAND CRUISE & DIPHLU RIVER LODGE:

- More than 6 months before departure: 10% of charges - Between 4 months and 6 months before departure: 20% of charges - Between 2 and 4 months before departure: 50% of charges - Less than 2 months before departure: 100% of charges

BOOKING & CANCELLATION TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN DELHI:

Booking made more than 60 days prior to arrival 25% payment at the time of booking (within 7 days ) and balance 75% , 60 days prior to arrival Cancellation 60 days or more prior to arrival No cancellation/ retention charge, except for cancellation fee on air tickets/ train tickets or deposits. Cancellation within 60 days of arrival Retention of full deposit levied as cancellation charge

Kindly note that payments may be processed with Visa and MasterCard credit cards. Payments may also be paid directly into &Beyond or US bank account details.

 All payments received through credit card will attract an additional 2.50% transaction fee on the total invoice amount being paid.

 All payments received through PayPal will attract an additional 2.0% transaction fee on the total invoice amount being paid.