MV Mahabaahu (Downstream Cruise) I T I N E R A

MV Mahabaahu (Downstream Cruise)

MV Mahabaahu 07 Nights / 08 Days

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1 Sunday :Arrive Jorhat & board MV Mahabaahu Day 2 Monday :MV Mahabaahu Day 3 Tuesday :MV Mahabaahu Day 4 Wednesday :MV Mahabaahu Day 5 Thursday :MV Mahabaahu Day 6 Friday :MV Mahabaahu Day 7 Saturday :MV Mahabaahu Day 8 Sunday :Deboard at Guwahati & flight to Kolkata

Route Map

Day 1: Sunday: Arrive Jorhat & board MV Mahabaahu (M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail at 1400 hours) Arrive in Jorhat where the representatives of MV Mahabaahu receive you and thereafter drive away to Neamati Ghat to board MV Mahabaahu. You are welcomed and ushered in to our cabins and soon after we enjoy lunch on board. Use the afternoon to settle in and this evening we indulge in a short local sail to enjoy the hues of the sun as it dips into the horizon. Raise a toast to the River Brahmaputra and enjoy this sundowner and look out for the Gangetic Dolphins that hunt in the vicinity of Neamati Ghat. Gather for a safety briefing and a presentation on the ship’s facilities as we sip on Assamese tea. Join us for a talk on the Shivasaagar, the Home-hosted lunch at a tea estate and Majuli, as an orientation before your visit these places. This evening gather in the lounge for drinks and move on for a sit-down Chef’s Welcome Dinner in the Ship’s Restaurant ‘Mungri Mungram’. You are briefed on the program for the following day once again. Guests also decide if they would like to go to Shivasaagar the next morning or would like to spend the morning relaxing on board. We all meet for Lunch at the Tea-estate. Wake-up calls are noted down according to the visit opted for.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (L, D)

Day 2: Monday: Sibsagar/ Home-hosted lunch with a Planter’s family at their Tea-Estate After an early morning light breakfast, drive along the river and through the Assamese countryside, laden with huts, fish ponds and beetle trees. You witness road side vegetable vendors selling home-grown vegetables and fruits and some fresh catch of fish from the river. Reach Shivasaagar, the Ahom stronghold where monuments speak of an era of 13th Century, when the north- east was ruled by a Tibeto-Burman race that adopted the neo-Vaishnav philosophy of the locals. Visit the tallest Shiva Temple of India, Shiva Dol; Talatal Ghar, the Ahom Palace; the Rang Ghar, an amphi-theatre. Later, arrive at the Planter’s family home on the Tea-Estate and get a feel of the luxury, expanse and history of the years invested in growing one of the best aromatic teas in the world. Assamese tea is famous round the globe and is one of the only two places in the world which has native tea plants, the other being Southern China. We are welcomed by the guests and we help ourselves to the buffet of ethnic Assamese cuisine. After a relaxed meal and authentic Assam Tea we indulge in some tea-tasting and a talk by the professionals. This evening you return to the Ship at Sunset, freshen-up and step into the Lounge and enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Dining area. You are briefed on the program for the following day and we call it a day or continue in the lounge.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 3: Tuesday: Majuli Island visit/ A Bonfire Evening with Barbequed snacks and Beverages on a deserted island, a unique experience This day the nature enthusiasts wake up early to enjoy a couple of hours of walk on the Neamati Bund which is a raised platform that juts out above the river. On one side is the river that constantly cuts and adds sand and on the other side a swamp fed by rain water which is a natural breeding space for birds. Enjoy a walk through this narrow village where the huts/homes have sprouted along the two sides of a 12 ft wide bund. At this early hour one can see the village waking up, milking cows, gardening, farming, children in uniform cycling to school and the fishermen fishing for a fresh catch from the net. This walk is an informal way of peeping into the simple unpretentious Assamese village life. After breakfast, MV Mahabaahu sails towards Majuli. You take our tenders to go ashore Majuli to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island. Sail away in our tenders to Majuli to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island. Enjoy Gayan Bayan, a religious dance by the priests. Drive to a different part of Majuli to watch ‘Dashavatar’’ by young Vaishnav girls and an episode from Ramayana—Mukha Bhavana. These are a peep into the varied and rich culture of Assam. You have lunch on board and enjoy the sail towards the Deserted Island. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on the sun deck and watch the sun lowering itself. As the sun sinks into the horizon the navigation team locates an untouched deserted island moor for the night. The beverages are set and the seating arranged. The aroma of the barbecued snacks fills the air and soon the guests step out on the island. Drinks in hand we indulge in talks, charades, camp fire songs and story-telling and enjoy the star laden skies with the ambience of water all around. You pay homage to the Brahmaputra River by floating oil lamps. Move in to the ship’s restaurant to enjoy a sit-down dinner. After dinner the spirit of the evening moves into the lounge, watch a documentary/movie for an hour and retire to the comfort of your cabins.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 4: Wednesday: Mishing Village Visit / Boat safari This morning enjoy Yoga or a walk on the untouched silver sands of the island. After breakfast sit through a short orientation on the Mishing Village Visit and the Evening Boat Safari at Agoratoli. You take our tenders to the Mishing Village to witness life on Chang Ghars of Bamboo scaffolding, bamboo roofs and matted bamboo walls. The Mishing women arrange their looms beneath their raised homes and weave bright and colourful ethnic designs in their waft and warp. This village provides an opportunity to add Mishing woven fabric to your wardrobe or home décor. Return to the ship and the ship sails away towards the Eastern Range of Kaziranga. After a sumptuous lunch and some rest, you get into our tenders to study the shoreline of the Eastern Range of Kaziranga and understand how the mighty Brahmaputra shapes and re-shapes the Banks. This area is the confluence of Dhansiri and Brahmaputra and promotes itself as a playground for Gangetic dolphins, tiny Assamese roof turtles and fish eating avians. Any wildlife we see is a bonus.

Enjoy the Chef’s cooking demo and a talk on Assam, its geographical location, the role of River Brahmaputra, the tribal life and commercial Ventures like Tea, Silk and Jute that Assam is famous for. This will be followed by a short orientation on the Jute Mill and the Tea Estate Enjoy a relaxed lounge hour followed by dinner Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 5: Thursday Weaver’s village at Bishwanath Ghat/ Sail to Silghat/ Tea Estate visit and/or Jute Mill This morning we enjoy Yoga on the Sun Deck as the ship sails towards Bishwanath Ghat; to this tiny sub- urban village on the banks of the Brahmaputra which is sprinkled with temples and is a cosmos of weavers, fishermen, farmers, boat makers. Bishwanath Ghat wakes up once a week to the presence of MV Mahabaahu and the travellers of the world and excitement shoots across. The sound of the shuttle on tense warp and raised alternate weft moving back and forth is music to the weavers of this community. A Shiva Dol (temple) from the times of Ahoms looms over and a promenade along the outcrop of rocks and swinging country boats adds beauty to the area. The weavers display their stories on these colourfully woven fabrics and wait in anticipation. Bishwanath Chariali is the 6th Range of Kaziranga. Sail along Kaziranga and reach Silghat where the ship docks. After a relaxed lunch and some leisure, you walk to the Jute Mill to witness the complete process in a co-operative mill for turning the golden fibre into a gunny bag. All the families in Silghat and the Jute Mill have formed a special eco-system for themselves. From here drive to the Tea-Estate to see the women plucking tea-leaves and also to the tea-factory to see the leaves turn into various grains for packing (The tea-factory is operational till mid Nov and after mid-Feb). Enjoy the State Dance of Assam, ‘Bihu’ by young village boys and girls and return to the ship. Over tea-coffee and snacks enjoy A talk on 'Kaziranga and wildlife in India' and an orientation on the Elephant and Jeep Safaris.

The evening leads us to the lounge and an early dinner. Wake up calls must be requested at reception for a 3:30 am coffee and light snacks in the restaurant. The group will depart for Kaziranga at 0400 hrs.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 6: Friday: Kaziranga National Park (An early morning Elephant Safari and a Post breakfast Jeep Safari) Today wake up much before the dawn and sip away at a strong cup of Assam tea, some coffee and cookies. Some fresh fruit, juice and some dry fruits are on display too. An hour of drive takes you to a resort in Kaziranga for use of facilities before we get ready for an elephant ride. You ride into the early morning mist and as the sun rays force the mist to thin, we witness wild life up close and personal; swamp and hog deer, Asiatic water buffaloes and Rhinos; all happily grazing within yards of each other. An hour of elephant back saga through tall elephant grass leaves us nonplussed and wanting. Drive to a resort where breakfast will be waiting. Energize yourself on regular continental breakfast along with a lavish display of Indian cuisine like dosas, idlis, coconut chutney, poori aaloo, paranthas and much more. Soon drive towards the range for a jeep safari to explore more of the wild life. You look for the Asiatic Wild Elephants, the striped cats, the Wild Water Buffalo with enormous horn span, the hog deer and the swamp deer and of course the one horned-rhinoceros that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for. The Jeep Safari ends by 1030 hours, when you head back to the Cruise witnessing the paddy fields fed by the Brahmaputra as our wheels cautiously maneuver around the Karbi Anglong bends. This evening Enjoy an Assamese themed evening; Assamese freshly caught fried fish for snacks, Assami Mekhla Chaadar and Dhoti Kurta with Ahomia music and Ahomia dance moves and to top it all an Assamese Dinner Menu.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 7: Saturday: A Bangla Village Visit and sail past Peacock Island This is a very relaxed morning. You can sleep in or be on the top deck to experience a session of Yoga and enjoy a peep into the traditional wisdom of the gurus from ancient times. Relish a laid-back relaxed breakfast from 0800 to 1000 hrs, a talk on Kamakhya temple and an orientation on the Bangla Village and Kamakhya. We also talk of our departure arrangements for the following morning. You leave for the Bangla village visit. Interact with the village folk and try to understand their simple and satisfied subsistence lifestyles. These folks who live off the Brahmaputra river, both for farming and fishing make a choice of living on fertile unclaimed sand bars. They understand that they can enjoy the privilege of owning large expanse of land only till the river decides to remain benevolent. The river claims their land during the monsoon and they must return to their haven on mainland or create one. The river starts receding from October to mid-Feb and slowly the snow-melt in the Himalayas starts creating volume and an indication to get ready.

Sail on towards the Peacock island and enjoy the hills that surround Guwahati. We get together on the top deck to sail into Guwahati as the sun sets behind the Sarai Ghat road and rail bridge. Sarai Ghat marks the narrowest stretch of the river as 1.3 kms. Dock into Pandu Port and this marks the end of Cruising. You get together in the lounge for a relaxed evening. This evening enjoy the Chef’s ‘Alvida Bhoj’—A Farewell Dinner

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 8: Sunday: Kamakhya Temple and Airport/Hotel Departure

Post the temple visit, drive to the Guwahati Airport with countless memories of Assam and packed lunch. It is recommended to catch the flight out of Guwahati which is after 1200 hrs

(B, L)

***Happy Journey***

Price Chart

Hotel & Meal Plan Chart:

*Note- Meals not included in the chart below are on own.

Meal Day Date City Hotel with Room Category Plan Arrive Jorhat & board Day 1 Sunday L, D MV Mahabaahu Day 2 Monday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 3 Tuesday MV Mahabaahu MV Mahabaahu B, L, D (Superior Cabin,Deluxe Cabin, Day 4 Wednesday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Luxury Cabin,Suite Cabin) Day 5 Thursday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 6 Friday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 7 Saturday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Deboard at Guwahati B,L Day 8 Sunday No Hotel Services & fly to Kolkata/Delhi

Note- B – Breakfast, L-Lunch & D- Dinner

Cruise Price:

Price Chart for M.V. Mahabaahu Cruise Program All prices are in INR on a twin-sharing basis Prices are valid for October, 2021 until April, 2022 Except for the Christmas & New Year Eve Supplement Superior Cabin Deluxe Cabin with Luxury Cabin with Suite Cabin Accommodation without Balcony Balcony - (2) (2) Balcony (12) (7) Price per person INR 1,68,000* INR 2,10,000* INR 2,24,000* INR 2,59,000* on Twin sharing Single Room INR 1,50,500* INR 1,82,000* INR 2,24,000* INR 2,59,000* Supplement Full Charter INR 89,04,000

❖ Rack Rates are commission-able by 25% for FIT, 30% for Group (15 or more paying pax), 35% for Series (minimum 4 group departures in a season) and 40% for the Full Charter. ❖ 5% GST will be charged extra on the special prices ❖ FOC Policy on the cruise: After 15 paying pax, 1 pax FOC in Superior Cabin on twin sharing. ❖ Meal Plan details: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner

TOTAL CABINS = 23. ➢ 12 Superior Cabins without balcony ➢ 7 Deluxe cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Luxury Cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Suite Cabins

Terms and conditions

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE INCLUDES:

• Accommodation at M.V Mahabaahu on twin sharing basis on a full board plan. • All Entrance fees at the Monuments and National Parks as per the itinerary. • 1 Glass of Domestic wine/beer with Welcome & Farewell Dinner. • All excursions/lectures/performances and activities as per the itinerary. • Services of English speaking naturalist / Destination Manager during sightseeing at all the places as per the itinerary. • Assistance on all Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by Air-Conditioned vehicles except in Kaziranga and Majuli Island.

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages, airport departure tax etc. • Any Insurance. • Any further tax levied by the government of India. • Evacuation charges in case of medical emergencies, insurance is available on request. • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplanes delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc. • Govt. service tax 5 % • Any tipping (Suggested Tipping for the ship’s crew is INR 4,000 per person for the cruise and for the naturalist and Destination Manager we also recommend INR 4,000 per person for the cruise. Tips to safari and vehicle drivers are not included and we suggest an amount of approximately INR 1,400 per person). • International & Domestic Air fares. • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions. • Supplement would be applicable for Christmas and New Year Eve Dinner.

SPECIAL NOTES:

• Hotel Check-In 1400 hours, Check-out time 1200 NOON. • Prices are subject to change with any change in the cost. • Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary. • In case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we will advise you the supplement price.

INPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: Additional services, if any, during the trip have to be paid for by the clients. Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels, and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you in written. In the event of any of the above-mentioned hotels not becoming available, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next be available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable).

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

There are four distinct seasons in Assam - summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. The best time to visit Assam is in the autumn and winter seasons, i.e. from October to April, which is also the festive season of Assam.

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night.

Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.

Kaziranga National Park is open from 15th October until the 30th of April. During the first half of October and May, the Park has a “Partially Open” status which means that the Park will be open but that not all roads may be navigable as they work to restore them to pre monsoon standards.

Please note, there are no elephant-backed or jeep safaris between May and the first half of October. Boat safaris will be offered instead during these months. During the months that the Kaziranga National Park is closed, we are able to explore the shores of the Park with our expedition boats. We will cruise the Park shoreline and many of the riverine islands that are home to a number of animals and a wide variety of birds.

During the peak winter season of mid-December to mid-February, the itinerary will be adjusted according to daylight hours as the M.V. Mahabaahu does not sail during darkness. In order to provide for full coverage of the Kaziranga National Park during these winter months, we will not visit Bishwanath Ghat.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER

River cruising in this part of the world is an adventurous experience. Assam is still in the developing stages of tourism and the developing infrastructure is rushing to keep pace with the rapidly growing interest in this part of India. As such, our voyage is an expedition-style cruise with all creature comforts on-board. Our shore-side staff will make every effort to attend to your comfort during onshore expeditions. However, vehicles and roads may not be of the same standard that you have experienced elsewhere, although we use the best of what is available locally.

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort.

The Brahmaputra River is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Islands and sand bars can appear and disappear between one sailing and the next. Also, being one of the highest precipitation zones in the world, our program is subject to weather and River conditions.

Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation

BOOKING CONTRACT - M.V. MAHABAAHU

Terms and Conditions GUEST BOOKING CONTRACT:

NOTIFICATION Information contained in the ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES brochure, website or advertising materials is not an offer or a contract. The transportation of guests and baggage on the MV MAHABAAHU river cruise vessel is provided solely by ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and is governed by the terms and conditions printed on the Guest Booking Contract. For complete information on terms and conditions, itinerary, liability of ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES, and all sections mentioned below, refer to the Guest Booking Contract below.

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT POLICY:

A deposit for cruise fare of 25% per person is required at the time of booking. For Charter bookings this deposit is NON REFUNDABLE

90 DAYS PRIOR TO DATE OF SAILING: 75% Per Person

For the Christmas and New Year holiday, the full balance must be paid 120 days prior.

All reservations are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due date. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of the airfare is received. At the time of booking a 100% deposit for Airfare will be required.

Upon full payment by the participant(s) of the amount specified as the Full Fare (Invoice to be referred), ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES agrees to arrange for the provision of the services as described herein and as modified by any supplementary marketing materials.

Upon receipt of your deposit or full payment or upon the issuance of the Guest Booking Contract directly or by a Booking agent or upon receipt of a confirmation letter or final invoice from us, both the Guest and the Carrier will be fully bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Guest Booking Contract.

RESERVATIONS To make a reservation, contact your local Booking agency or call ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES – MV MAHABAAHU directly on the contact details mentioned below.

Contact number: + 91-9599-755-353

Email id: [email protected]

MODES OF PAYMENT • Bank wire transfer which is subject to bank wire fee • Through Amex with an additional 4.35% Transaction fee , Master and Visa credit card with an additional 3.10% Transaction fee

CANCELLATION POLICY All cancellations must be in writing. The following cancellation terms will be applicable for all written cancellations received prior to departure up to the scheduled time of departure.

CANCELLATION TERMS FOR CHARTER BOOKINGS APPLICABLE ON THE FULL FARE: 25% of the price will be charged for cancellation after the deposit has been paid 90-75 days prior, 50% of the charter cost will be charged 74-60 days prior, 75% of the charter cost will be charged 59 days and less, 100% of the charter cost will be charged

CANCELLATION TERMS FOR FIT AND GROUP DEPARTURES APPLICABLE ON THE FULL FARE: 120 to 90 days prior, 25% per person of the fare paid will be charged 89-76 days prior, 50% per person will be charged 75-46 days prior, 75% per person will be charged 45 days and less, 100% per person will be charged

*Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart.

Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date.

REVISIONS/CHANGES Once a cruise booking has a deposit or air is paid in full, all changes are subject to availability with INR 3500 charge per change per person & domestic flight (If applicable) re-issue charge , provided the said change is prior to 90 days before date of departure/sailing.

The following situations are considered as Revisions and penalties will apply: • Changes to departure date • Substitutions of itinerary • Substitution of another person for original booked guest(s) • Changing to a promotional fare

DOCUMENTS Documents will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.

TRANSFERS Only round trip nearest airport-to-ship transfers are included.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION/VISAS All guests must have passports valid for six months following disembarkation and necessary visas when boarding. Guests are advised to check with their Booking agent to determine which documents they must obtain.

Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name or you may be denied boarding.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES accepts no responsibility for obtaining required visas or for advising guests of visa or other immigration requirements.

CHILDREN/MINORS We accept children onboard sharing a cabin with parents or guardians. They will be the sole responsibility of the parents/ guardians and must never be left unattended. For Children of 15 years and above, a separate cabin will need to be booked.

DISABLED GUESTS We ask that you advise us at the time of booking of any disability or special needs you may have while on your ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES itinerary. Most transportation services, including the motor coaches, are not equipped with elevators or wheelchair ramps. ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of travelers with disabilities, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so, or there is a denial of service by vessel operators, air carriers, hotels, restaurants or other independent suppliers.

We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a guest for walking, dining, getting on and off vessels, motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their wellbeing. The guest assumes the full risk of use and of any prohibitions imposed by vendors.

TIPS It is customary to give cruise gratuities, subject to your satisfaction of services rendered. Gratuities on board and on land are not included in your Full Fare.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES acts solely as a Sales Agent for the all direct guests or Booking Agents of the vessels described in ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES advertising.

RESPONSIBILITY

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES accepts no liability or responsibility, whether occasioned by railroad, motor coach, private car, boat, aircraft or any other conveyance, for any injury, damages, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason or defect, through the acts or defaults of any company or person, or in carrying out the arrangements of the cruise, as a result of any cause beyond the control of ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES.

Guests specifically release ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES from any and all claims for loss or damage to baggage or property or from personal injuries or death, or from loss or delay, arising out of the acts, omissions or negligence of any independent contractors, such as air carriers, hotels, shore excursion operators, restaurateurs, transportation providers, medical personnel or other providers of services or facilities.

All arrangements made for guests with independent contractors, including medical services, are made solely for convenience to participants and are done at the participant’s own risk. Medical personnel are independent contractors.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES specifically disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind.

Tickets, vouchers and any other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of which may limit supplier’s liability).

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to any and all liability limitations, immunities and rights applicable to them or any of them under the Strasbourg Convention on the Limitation of Liability of Owners of Inland Navigation Vessels (CLNI), with protocols and amendments, together with the further provisions of the International Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976, with revisions and amendments (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Convention”), if and as applicable, and by those other and further limitations of liability set forth in the statutory and general maritime law of the United States, (including Title 46 U.S. Code Section 181- 186, 188), as well as any other applicable nation’s laws limiting liability. ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to claim the benefit of whichever law, regulation, treaty or doctrine provides the greatest legal protections to ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein.

REFUSAL OF PASSAGE

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES shall not be required to refund any amount paid by any guest who must leave the cruise prematurely for any reason, nor shall ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES or the owners of the vessel identified herein be responsible for the lodging, meals, return transportation or other expenses incurred by such guest. However, facilitation of all services to the said affect would be made on request and paid for by the guest.

ADVANCED, CANCELLED OR DELAYED SAILING

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES reserves the right to withdraw and/or cancel a cruise or to make changes in the itinerary and hotel accommodations whenever, in its sole judgment, or in the judgment of the vessel owner, conditions warrant it. In the event of charters of the vessel, truces, lockouts, riots or stoppage of labor from whatever cause or for any other reason whatsoever, the owner of the vessel identified herein may, at any time, cancel, advance or postpone any scheduled cruise and may, but is not obliged to, substitute another vessel or itinerary and shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to guests by reason of any such cancellation, advancement or postponement.

ACTS OF GOD, STRIKE, OR OTHER CONDITIONS BEYOND CONTROL

Neither ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES nor the owners of the vessels identified herein shall be liable for delay or inability to perform any condition described herein or any part thereof caused by or arising out of strikes, lockout or labor difficulties or shortages whether or not the carrier is party thereto, or explosion, fire, collision, standing or foundering of the vessel or breakdown or failure of or damage to the vessel or its hull or machinery or fittings howsoever and whosesoever any or the same may arise or be caused, or civil commotion, riot, insurrection, war, government restraint, requisitioning of the vessel, political disturbance, acts or threats of terrorism, inability to secure or failure of supplies including fuel, Acts of God, or other circumstances beyond their control.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY AIRLINES ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES reserves the right to choose the air carrier, routing and city airport from each gateway city. ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES, may utilize contracted block space as outlined by each specific carrier, therefore all flights and routings may not be available any additional costs including penalties for cancellations/rebooking will be made at the guest’s expense. All airline tickets issued by ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES are refundable only to ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES, therefore, all tickets should be returned to: ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES: Attention Air Refunds.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES will determine the amount of any refund due. If the air ticket is lost, the guest is responsible for the cost of its replacement.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES has no responsibility for any change in travel plans caused by airline delays or for any act, omission or event.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Travel Protection is not included in the listed fares. It is the individual responsibility of each guest.

MV Mahabaahu (Upstream Cruise)

MV Mahabaahu 07 Nights / 08 Days

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1 Sunday :Arrive Guwahati & board MV Mahabaahu Day 2 Monday :MV Mahabaahu Day 3 Tuesday :MV Mahabaahu Day 4 Wednesday :MV Mahabaahu Day 5 Thursday :MV Mahabaahu Day 6 Friday :MV Mahabaahu Day 7 Saturday :MV Mahabaahu Day 8 Sunday :Deboard at Jorhat & flight to Kolkata/Delhi

Route Map

Day 1: Sunday: Arrive Guwahati (M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail at 1400 hours) Kamakhya Temple, board MV Mahabaahu and sail past Peacock Island Arrive at the Guwahati Airport and you will be taken on a drive through the busy streets to the Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to Kamakhya, the eternal Feminine - the Goddess of desire.

After taking blessings from the Goddess of Desire, drive towards the MV Mahabaahu. You are welcomed and ushered in to our cabins and soon after we enjoy lunch on board. You peel away from the Sarai-ghat bridge that supports a rail and a road and marks the narrowest stretch of Brahmaputra. We sail past the Peacock Island and notice the hills around Guwahati that make it picturesque. Use the afternoon to settle in and this evening we gather on the Sun Deck You raise a toast to the River Brahmaputra and enjoy this sundowner and look out for the Gangetic Dolphins that hunt in these deep waters. Soon after you gather for a safety briefing and a presentation on the ship’s facilities as we sip on Assam tea. This evening, gather in the lounge for drinks and move on for a sit-down Chef’s Welcome Dinner in the Ship’s Restaurant ‘Mungri Mungram’. You are briefed on the program for the following day.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu ( L, D)

Day 2: Monday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Village Visit/ Full Day Sail

This is a very relaxed morning. You can sleep in or be on the top deck to experience a session of Yoga and enjoy a peep into the traditional wisdom of the gurus from ancient times. Relish a laid-back relaxed breakfast from 0800 to 1000 hrs, a talk on Kamakhya temple and an orientation on the Bangla Village. You interact with the village folk and try to understand their simple and satisfied subsistence lifestyles. These folks who live off the Brahmaputra river, both for farming and fishing make a choice of living on fertile unclaimed sand bars. They understand that they can enjoy the privilege of owning large expanse of land only till the river decides to remain benevolent. The river claims their land during the monsoon and they must return to their haven on mainland or create one. The river starts receding from October to mid-Feb and slowly the snow-melt in the Himalayas starts creating volume and an indication to get ready. April showers add to the water levels. You return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some leisurely hours reading a book or indulging in a steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi or an Ayurvedic Massage or any other treatment. You can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or be on the sun deck to enjoy the river in its process of devouring or adding to the sand of the sand bars. In the evening, along with some ‘chai and pakoras’, an ethnic Indian snack, you enjoy a talk on 'Assam, its geographical location, the role of River Brahmaputra, the tribal life and commercial Ventures; Tea, Silk & Jute that Assam is famous for' Enjoy a relaxed dinner on the MV Mahabaahu.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 3: Tuesday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Sail to Silghat / Visit Tea Estate And / Or Jute Mill

Come alive with a relaxed cup of coffee or Assam tea, some Yoga and a laid-back leisurely breakfast followed by a talk on 'Kaziranga and wildlife in India' and orientation on 'Kaziranga Park Visit' along with an orientation for visiting the Jute Mill and the Tea Estate.

We sail along Singri and Tezpur and under the Kaliabhamura bridge and reach Silghat where the ship docks.

After an early lunch you walk to the Jute Mill to witness the complete process in a co-operative mill for turning the golden fibre into a gunny bag. All the families in Silghat and the Jute Mill have formed a special ecosystem for themselves. From here we drive to the Tea-Estate to see the women plucking tea-leaves and also to the tea-factory to see the leaves turn into grains for packing (The tea-factory is operational till mid Nov and after mid-Feb).

You enjoy the State Dance of Assam, ‘Bihu’ by young village boys and girls and return to the ship.

Thereon, enjoy the evening in the lounge and then have a leisurely time in the dining enjoying the cuisine for the day.

The program for the following day is announced. You book your wake up calls at the reception for the following morning’s early start.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 4: Wednesday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Kaziranga National Park This day you wake up much before dawn and sip away at a strong cup of Assam tea, some coffee and cookies. Some fresh fruit, juice and some dry fruits are on display too. An hour’s drive takes you to a resort in Kaziranga for use of facilities before you get ready for an elephant ride. You ride into the early morning mist and as the sun rays force the mist to thin, You witness wildlife up close and personal; swamp and hog deer, Asiatic water buffaloes and Rhinos; all happily grazing within yards of each other. An hour of elephant back saga through tall elephant grass leaves us nonplussed and wanting. You drive to a resort where breakfast will be waiting. Energize yourself on regular continental breakfast along with a lavish display of Indian cuisine like dosas, idlis, coconut chutney, poori aaloo, paranthas and much more.

Soon you drive towards the range for a jeep safari to explore more of the wildlife. You look for the Asiatic Wild Elephants, the striped cats, the Wild Water Buffalo with enormous horn span, the hog deer and the swamp deer and of course the one horned-rhinoceros that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for. The Jeep Safari ends by 1030 hours when you head back to the Cruise witnessing the paddy fields fed by the Brahmaputra as your wheels cautiously maneuver along the Karbi Anglong bends. The bird life is an experience in this Park. This afternoon you board the ship at 1200 hrs, enjoy lunch and settle in for a restful afternoon. For those of you who like to watch the world go by, you make yourself comfortable on the sun-deck as the ship sails towards Diphlu. This perched up position on Deck 5 facilitates the best view and understanding of the river and the sand bars. It is interesting to observe the ever-changing landforms and the migratory birds finding their nesting spots. This section of the sail is especially fascinating as the ship moves in the river’s meanders. You enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on the open deck and watch the sun lowering itself. As the sun sinks into the horizon the navigation team locates an untouched deserted island and the ship is moored for the night. The beverages are set and the seating arranged. The aroma of the barbecued snacks fills the air and soon the guests step out on the island. Drinks in hand we indulge in talks, charades, camp fire songs and story-telling and enjoy the star laden skies with the ambience of water all around. We pay homage to the Brahmaputra River by floating oil lamps. You move to the ship’s restaurant to enjoy a sit-down dinner. After dinner the spirit of the evening moves into the lounge and you watch a documentary/movie for an hour and retire to the comfort of your cabins. Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 5: Thursday M.V. Mahabaahu / The Weaving Community of Bishwanath Ghat / Boat Safari We sail very early towards Bishwanath Ghat. After breakfast, you shall given an orientation on Bishwanath Ghat, the Boat Safari and Mishing Village. Visit this tiny sub-urban village on the banks of Brahmaputra and sprinkled with temples and is a cosmos of weavers, fishermen, farmers and boat makers. Bishwanath Ghat wakes up once a week to the presence of MV Mahabaahu and the travellers of the world and excitement shoots across. The sound of the shuttle on tense warp and raised alternate weft moving back and forth is music to the weavers of this community. A Shiva Dol (temple) from the times of Ahoms looms over and a promenade along the outcrop of rocks and swinging country boats adds beauty to the area. The weavers display their stories on their colourfully woven fabric and wait in anticipation. Return to the ship for lunch and sail on towards the Eastern Range (Agoratoli) to explore the Eastern Range of Kaziranga and view the wildlife from the river side.

This afternoon, post lunch; take our tenders to wander and study the shores of Agoratoli Range of Kaziranga and observe how the river carves and shapes Kaziranga each year; you notice tree trunks in the river that had enjoyed some summers and others that are ready to give way and of course the forest that is holding strong. This evening you return to the Ship at Sunset. The Chef is ready with his cooking demo when you step onto the ship. Spend an hour in the lounge and then on to dinner. The program for the following day is announced.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 6: Friday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Mishing Village Visit / Assamese Theme Evening

Yoga, a good breakfast and leisurely hours of the morning set the happy pace of a good sail.

We sail on to the Mishing Village to witness life on Chang Ghars of Bamboo scaffolding, bamboo roofs and matted bamboo walls. The Mishing women arrange their looms beneath their raised homes and weave bright and colourful ethnic designs in their waft and warp. This village provides an opportunity to add Mishing woven fabric to your wardrobe or home décor.

Return to the ship for lunch and continue upstream towards Majuli.

After some sail, siesta and sunset, meet for a talk on Sibsagar and Majuli along with the orientation on these visits together with the home-hosted lunch at a tea- estate with a Planter’s family.

This evening enjoy an Assamese themed evening; Assamese freshly caught fried fish for snacks, Assami Mekhla Chaadar and Dhoti Kurta with Ahomia music and Ahomia dance moves and to top it all an Assamese Dinner Menu.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 7: Saturday:

M.V. Mahabaahu / Majuli Visit / Neamati Ghat / Sibsagar

An early breakfast and we sail out to Majuli in the tenders to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island.

Enjoy Gayan Bayan, a religious dance by the priests. We drive to a different part of Majuli to watch Dashavatar by young Vaishnav girls and an episode from Ramayana - Mukha Bhavana. These performances are a peep into the varied and rich culture of Assam.

Return to MV Mahabaahu for lunch and sail to Neamati Ghat. If you are not too tired, you can undertake another road excursion to Shivasaagar to understand the history of Assam through the Ahom monuments or else we can indulge in an hour and a half of nature walk on the bund of Neamati Ghat to discover more Rural life and some birds that nest along a rain-fed swamp.

The group that goes to Shivasagar will return by 1900 hrs and the others can enjoy an hour in the lounge.

We look forward to the Chef’s ‘Alvida Bhoj’, Farewell Dinner on the river Brahmaputra.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 08: Sunday:

Nature Walk / Home-hosted lunch with a Tea Planter’s Family / Airport Departure from Jorhat This day the nature enthusiasts wake up early to enjoy a walk on the Bund at Neamati Ghat. This is a walk through a narrow village where the huts/homes have sprouted along the two sides of a 12 ft wide bund. The bund has the Brahmaputra River on one side and a monsoon or rainwater swamp on the other side making it an ideal space for bird life. Owls, owlets, orioles, quails, partridges, adjutant stalks and woodpeckers are an integral part of this space. Star fruit, wild figs, bananas, tamarind trees abound in the area. At this early hour one can see the village waking up, milking cows, gardening, farming, children in uniform cycling to school and the fishermen fishing out their fresh catch from the net. This walk is an informal way of peeping into the simple unpretentious Assamese village life. Return to the ship for an early morning breakfast and deboard the ship at 0900hrs to drive to a tea estate for a home-hosted early lunch prior to boarding the flight. At the tea estate we meet the Planter’s family that has been in the tea-business for over a century, enjoy a tea- talk with professionals, walk around the Planter’s residence, the tea-estate that supports several herbs. After a delicious home hosted ethnic Assamese lunch and warm hospitality, you bid farewell to the hosts and drive to the airport to board your flight. (B, L)

***Happy Journey***

Price Chart

Hotel & Meal Plan Chart:

*Note- Meals not included in the chart below are on own

Arrive Guwahati & board Day 1 Sunday L, D MV Mahabaahu Day 2 Monday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 3 Tuesday MV Mahabaahu MV Mahabaahu B, L, D (Superior Cabin,Deluxe Cabin, Day 4 Wednesday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Luxury Cabin,Suite Cabin) Day 5 Thursday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 6 Friday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 7 Saturday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Deboard at Jorhat B,L Day 8 Sunday No Hotel Services & fly to Kolkata/Delhi

Note- B – Breakfast, L-Lunch & D- Dinner

Cruise Price:

TOTAL CABINS = 23. ➢ 12 Superior Cabins without balcony ➢ 7 Deluxe cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Luxury Cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Suite Cabins

Terms and conditions

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE INCLUDES:

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

SPECIAL NOTES:

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night.

Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort.

Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation

BOOKING CONTRACT - M.V. MAHABAAHU

Terms and Conditions GUEST BOOKING CONTRACT:

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT POLICY:

A deposit for cruise fare of 25% per person is required at the time of booking. For Charter bookings this deposit is NON REFUNDABLE

90 DAYS PRIOR TO DATE OF SAILING: 75% Per Person

For the Christmas and New Year holiday, the full balance must be paid 120 days prior.

RESERVATIONS To make a reservation, contact your local Booking agency or call ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES – MV MAHABAAHU directly on the contact details mentioned below.

Contact number: + 91-9599-755-353

Email id: [email protected]

*Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart.

Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date.

DOCUMENTS Documents will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.

TRANSFERS Only round trip nearest airport-to-ship transfers are included.

Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name or you may be denied boarding.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES accepts no responsibility for obtaining required visas or for advising guests of visa or other immigration requirements.

TIPS It is customary to give cruise gratuities, subject to your satisfaction of services rendered. Gratuities on board and on land are not included in your Full Fare.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES acts solely as a Sales Agent for the all direct guests or Booking Agents of the vessels described in ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES advertising.

RESPONSIBILITY

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES specifically disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind.

Tickets, vouchers and any other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of which may limit supplier’s liability).

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to any and all liability limitations, immunities and rights applicable to them or any of them under the Strasbourg Convention on the Limitation of Liability of Owners of Inland Navigation Vessels (CLNI), with protocols and amendments, together with the further provisions of the International Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976, with revisions and amendments (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Convention”), if and as applicable, and by those other and further limitations of liability set forth in the statutory and general maritime law of the United States, (including Title 46 U.S. Code Section 181-186, 188), as well as any other applicable nation’s laws limiting liability. ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to claim the benefit of whichever law, regulation, treaty or doctrine provides the greatest legal protections to ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein.

REFUSAL OF PASSAGE

ADVANCED, CANCELLED OR DELAYED SAILING

ACTS OF GOD, STRIKE, OR OTHER CONDITIONS BEYOND CONTROL

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES will determine the amount of any refund due. If the air ticket is lost, the guest is responsible for the cost of its replacement.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES has no responsibility for any change in travel plans caused by airline delays or for any act, omission or event.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Travel Protection is not included in the listed fares. It is the individual responsibility of each guest.

Kolkata with MV Mahabaahu (Downstream Cruise)

Kolkata | MV Mahabaahu | Kolkata 09 Nights / 10 Days

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1 Friday :Arrive Kolkata Day 2 Saturday :Kolkata Day 3 Sunday :Fly Kolkata / Jorhat & board MV Mahabaahu Day 4 Monday :MV Mahabaahu Day 5 Tuesday :MV Mahabaahu Day 6 Wednesday :MV Mahabaahu Day 7 Thursday :MV Mahabaahu Day 8 Friday :MV Mahabaahu Day 9 Saturday :MV Mahabaahu Day 10 Sunday :Deboard at Guwahati & flight to Kolkata

Route Map

Day 1: Friday:

Arrive Kolkata

After clearing immigration and customs, step into the receiving area where our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Arrive at your hotel and check-in.

Kolkata, the city of joy as it is called is also commonly considered as the 'Paris of the East' as there's a happy amalgamation of different cultures, styles and moods, coupled along with numerous forms of industries and commerce and politics. Kolkata mainly gained importance in the times of British rule as it had been the capital of India till the year1912. At present, although it is no more the capital of India, it is the capital of West Bengal and is one of the most important places of cultural workshop and industrial centre.

Overnight at hotel (No Meals)

Day 2: Saturday: Kolkata After breakfast, visit Flower Market. It is a 130 year old flower market, the largest in Kolkata, and one of the biggest in Asia. People travel all over the city and suburbs to sell flowers here. Later visit the College Street, the largest second-hand book market in the world and largest book market in India. Visit the Victoria Memorial (Closed on Monday). This marble-white monument is one of the most fascinating landmarks of Kolkata. Here, come face to face with miniature paintings and images of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen Victoria. Of special importance are the Queen's dresses, the famous Rosewood piano, the Whispering Gallery in the dome and numerous artillery weapons used in the Battle of Plassey. Next, visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in the Indo-Gothic style of architecture, and was built in the year 1847 by Major W.N. Forbes of the East India Company. The height of the Cathedral is 201 ft. This Cathedral has the rare distinction of being the first Episcopal Church built in this part of the world. The peak of St. Paul's Cathedral has been designed as a replica of the famous Canterbury Cathedral's Henry Tower. Thereafter visit Mother Teresa’s House, called ‘Nirmal Hriday,’ and also visit Shishu Bhawan, located near her house. Mother Teresa’s great work of caring for abandoned children on the streets of Kolkata is carried out at this center. Watch the children’s face light up with just one smile of yours.

Overnight at hotel (B)

Day 3: Sunday: Fly Kolkata / Jorhat by 6E – 5989 at 1030/1200 hrs & transfer to Neamati Ghat / Board MV Mahabaahu (M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail at 1400 hours)

Today morning after breakfast check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport to board your flight to Jorhat. Arrive in Jorhat where the representatives of MV Mahabaahu receive you and thereafter drive away to Neamati Ghat to board MV Mahabaahu. You are welcomed and ushered in to our cabins and soon after we enjoy lunch on board. Use the afternoon to settle in and this evening we indulge in a short local sail to enjoy the hues of the sun as it dips into the horizon. Raise a toast to the River Brahmaputra and enjoy this sundowner and look out for the Gangetic Dolphins that hunt in the vicinity of Neamati Ghat. Gather for a safety briefing and a presentation on the ship’s facilities as we sip on Assamese tea. Join us for a talk on the Shivasaagar, the Home-hosted lunch at a tea estate and Majuli, as an orientation before your visit these places. This evening gather in the lounge for drinks and move on for a sit-down Chef’s Welcome Dinner in the Ship’s Restaurant ‘Mungri Mungram’. You are briefed on the program for the following day once again. Guests also decide if they would like to go to Shivasaagar the next morning or would like to spend the morning relaxing on board. We all meet for Lunch at the Tea-estate. Wake-up calls are noted down according to the visit opted for.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B,L, D)

Day 4: Monday: Sibsagar/ Home-hosted lunch with a Planter’s family at their Tea-Estate After an early morning light breakfast, drive along the river and through the Assamese countryside, laden with huts, fish ponds and beetle trees. You witness road side vegetable vendors selling home- grown vegetables and fruits and some fresh catch of fish from the river.

Reach Shivasaagar, the Ahom stronghold where monuments speak of an era of 13th Century, when the north-east was ruled by a Tibeto-Burman race that adopted the neo-Vaishnav philosophy of the locals. Visit the tallest Shiva Temple of India, Shiva Dol; Talatal Ghar, the Ahom Palace; the Rang Ghar, an amphi-theatre.

Later, arrive at the Planter’s family home on the Tea-Estate and get a feel of the luxury, expanse and history of the years invested in growing one of the best aromatic teas in the world. Assamese tea is famous round the globe and is one of the only two places in the world which has native tea plants, the other being Southern China. We are welcomed by the guests and we help ourselves to the buffet of ethnic Assamese cuisine. After a relaxed meal and authentic Assam Tea we indulge in some tea-tasting and a talk by the professionals.

This evening you return to the Ship at Sunset, freshen-up and step into the Lounge and enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Dining area.

You are briefed on the program for the following day and we call it a day or continue in the lounge.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 5: Tuesday:

Majuli Island visit/ A Bonfire Evening with Barbequed snacks and Beverages on a deserted island, a unique experience This day the nature enthusiasts wake up early to enjoy a couple of hours of walk on the Neamati Bund which is a raised platform that juts out above the river. On one side is the river that constantly cuts and adds sand and on the other side a swamp fed by rain water which is a natural breeding space for birds. Enjoy a walk through this narrow village where the huts/homes have sprouted along the two sides of a 12 ft wide bund. At this early hour one can see the village waking up, milking cows, gardening, farming, children in uniform cycling to school and the fishermen fishing for a fresh catch from the net. This walk is an informal way of peeping into the simple unpretentious Assamese village life.

After breakfast, MV Mahabaahu sails towards Majuli. You take our tenders to go ashore Majuli to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island. Sail away in our tenders to Majuli to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island.

You have lunch on board and enjoy the sail towards the Deserted Island. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on the sun deck and watch the sun lowering itself.

As the sun sinks into the horizon the navigation team locates an untouched deserted island moor for the night.

The beverages are set and the seating arranged. The aroma of the barbecued snacks fills the air and soon the guests step out on the island. Drinks in hand we indulge in talks, charades, camp fire songs and story-telling and enjoy the star laden skies with the ambience of water all around. You pay homage to the Brahmaputra River by floating oil lamps.

Move in to the ship’s restaurant to enjoy a sit-down dinner. After dinner the spirit of the evening moves into the lounge, watch a documentary/movie for an hour and retire to the comfort of your cabins.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 6: Wednesday: Mishing Village Visit / Boat safari This morning enjoy Yoga or a walk on the untouched silver sands of the island. After breakfast sit through a short orientation on the Mishing Village Visit and the Evening Boat Safari at Agoratoli. You take our tenders to the Mishing Village to witness life on Chang Ghars of Bamboo scaffolding, bamboo roofs and matted bamboo walls. The Mishing women arrange their looms beneath their raised homes and weave bright and colourful ethnic designs in their waft and warp. This village provides an opportunity to add Mishing woven fabric to your wardrobe or home décor. Return to the ship and the ship sails away towards the Eastern Range of Kaziranga. After a sumptuous lunch and some rest, you get into our tenders to study the shoreline of the Eastern Range of Kaziranga and understand how the mighty Brahmaputra shapes and re-shapes the Banks. This area is the confluence of Dhansiri and Brahmaputra and promotes itself as a playground for Gangetic dolphins, tiny Assamese roof turtles and fish eating avians. Any wildlife we see is a bonus. Enjoy the Chef’s cooking demo and a talk on Assam, its geographical location, the role of River Brahmaputra, the tribal life and commercial Ventures like Tea, Silk and Jute that Assam is famous for. This will be followed by a short orientation on the Jute Mill and the Tea Estate Enjoy a relaxed lounge hour followed by dinner

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 7: Thursday Weaver’s village at Bishwanath Ghat/ Sail to Silghat/ Tea Estate visit and/or Jute Mill This morning we enjoy Yoga on the Sun Deck as the ship sails towards Bishwanath Ghat; to this tiny sub- urban village on the banks of the Brahmaputra which is sprinkled with temples and is a cosmos of weavers, fishermen, farmers, boat makers. Bishwanath Ghat wakes up once a week to the presence of MV Mahabaahu and the travellers of the world and excitement shoots across. The sound of the shuttle on tense warp and raised alternate weft moving back and forth is music to the weavers of this community. A Shiva Dol (temple) from the times of Ahoms looms over and a promenade along the outcrop of rocks and swinging country boats adds beauty to the area. The weavers display their stories on these colourfully woven fabrics and wait in anticipation. Bishwanath Chariali is the 6th Range of Kaziranga. Sail along Kaziranga and reach Silghat where the ship docks. After a relaxed lunch and some leisure, you walk to the Jute Mill to witness the complete process in a co- operative mill for turning the golden fibre into a gunny bag. All the families in Silghat and the Jute Mill have formed a special eco-system for themselves. From here drive to the Tea-Estate to see the women plucking tea-leaves and also to the tea-factory to see the leaves turn into various grains for packing (The tea-factory is operational till mid Nov and after mid-Feb). Enjoy the State Dance of Assam, ‘Bihu’ by young village boys and girls and return to the ship. Over tea-coffee and snacks enjoy A talk on 'Kaziranga and wildlife in India' and an orientation on the Elephant and Jeep Safaris. The evening leads us to the lounge and an early dinner. Wake up calls must be requested at reception for a 3:30 am coffee and light snacks in the restaurant. The group will depart for Kaziranga at 0400 hrs.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 8: Friday: Kaziranga National Park (An early morning Elephant Safari and a Post breakfast Jeep Safari) Today wake up much before the dawn and sip away at a strong cup of Assam tea, some coffee and cookies. Some fresh fruit, juice and some dry fruits are on display too. An hour of drive takes you to a resort in Kaziranga for use of facilities before we get ready for an elephant ride. You ride into the early morning mist and as the sun rays force the mist to thin, we witness wild life up close and personal; swamp and hog deer, Asiatic water buffaloes and Rhinos; all happily grazing within yards of each other. An hour of elephant back saga through tall elephant grass leaves us nonplussed and wanting. Drive to a resort where breakfast will be waiting. Energize yourself on regular continental breakfast along with a lavish display of Indian cuisine like dosas, idlis, coconut chutney, poori aaloo, paranthas and much more. Soon drive towards the range for a jeep safari to explore more of the wild life. You look for the Asiatic Wild Elephants, the striped cats, the Wild Water Buffalo with enormous horn span, the hog deer and the swamp deer and of course the one horned-rhinoceros that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for. The Jeep Safari ends by 1030 hours, when you head back to the Cruise witnessing the paddy fields fed by the Brahmaputra as our wheels cautiously maneuver around the Karbi Anglong bends. This evening Enjoy an Assamese themed evening; Assamese freshly caught fried fish for snacks, Assami Mekhla Chaadar and Dhoti Kurta with Ahomia music and Ahomia dance moves and to top it all an Assamese Dinner Menu.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 9: Saturday:

A Bangla Village Visit and sail past Peacock Island This is a very relaxed morning. You can sleep in or be on the top deck to experience a session of Yoga and enjoy a peep into the traditional wisdom of the gurus from ancient times. Relish a laid-back relaxed breakfast from 0800 to 1000 hrs, a talk on Kamakhya temple and an orientation on the Bangla Village and Kamakhya. We also talk of our departure arrangements for the following morning. You leave for the Bangla village visit. Interact with the village folk and try to understand their simple and satisfied subsistence lifestyles. These folks who live off the Brahmaputra river, both for farming and fishing make a choice of living on fertile unclaimed sand bars. They understand that they can enjoy the privilege of owning large expanse of land only till the river decides to remain benevolent. The river claims their land during the monsoon and they must return to their haven on mainland or create one. The river starts receding from October to mid-Feb and slowly the snow-melt in the Himalayas starts creating volume and an indication to get ready.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 10: Sunday: Guwahati – Kolkata by flight: 6E 394 at 1225/1355 hrs. This morning you are docked at Pandu in Guwahati. Enjoy breakfast on the ship and deboard at 0900 hrs. You get into our cars and drive to the famous Shakti Peeth of Kamakhya Devi, the Goddess of Desire. This temple is located on Nilachal hill. Post the temple visit, drive to the Guwahati Airport with countless memories of Assam and packed lunch to board your flight to Kolkata On arrival in Kolkata, board connecting flight to onward destination.

(B, L)

***Happy Journey***

Price Chart

Hotel & Meal Plan Chart:

*Note- Meals not included in the chart below are on own.

Meal Day Date City Hotel with Room Category Plan Arrive Kolkata The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata No Day 1 Friday (Deluxe Room) Meals The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata Day 2 Saturday Kolkata B (Deluxe Room) Fly Kolkata / Jorhat & Day 3 Sunday B, L, D board MV Mahabaahu Day 4 Monday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 5 Tuesday MV Mahabaahu MV Mahabaahu B, L, D (Superior Cabin,Deluxe Cabin, Day 6 Wednesday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Luxury Cabin,Suite Cabin) Day 7 Thursday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 8 Friday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 9 Saturday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Deboard at Guwahati B,L Day 10 Sunday No Hotel Services & fly to Kolkata

Note- B – Breakfast, L-Lunch & D- Dinner

Land Price:

Land prices based on per person in twin sharing room Prices are based on Indian Rupees (INR) Prices are valid from 01st October 2021 to 15th April 2022 (Except peak period: 20 Dec 2021- 10 Jan 2022)

Pax Grid Per Person prices

2 Pax INR 25375 3 Pax INR 24694 4 – 6 Pax INR 22313 7 – 9 Pax INR 20817 10 – 14 Pax INR 19122 15-19 paying pax + 1 pax FOC in Single Room INR 18472 20 – 24 paying pax + 1 pax FOC in Single Room INR 17646 Single room supplement INR 12833

Cruise Price:

TOTAL CABINS = 23. ➢ 12 Superior Cabins without balcony ➢ 7 Deluxe cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Luxury Cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Suite Cabins

Airfare Supplement:

SPECIAL FARE Day SECTOR FLIGHT SCHEDULE CLASS (PER PERSON) Day 3 Kolkata / Jorhat 6E 5989 1030/1200 hrs. Economy TBA Day 10 Guwahati / Kolkata 6E 394 1225/1355 hrs. Economy TBA

The above mentioned special airfare and schedule are subject to change by the airlines without any prior information. Fare applicable will be as available at the time of issuance of flight tickets.

• Baggage allowance on Indigo within India is 15 kg check-in baggage + 7 kg hand baggage (Economy class)

Terms and conditions

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE INCLUDES:

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

OUR LAND QUOTE INCLUDES:

• Accommodation in twin sharing room as per the above mentioned hotels or similar in the room category specified • All entrance fees at monuments as per the itinerary. • Services of English speaking local guides during the sightseeing as per the itinerary • Bottled water during the road travel and sightseeing • Land transportation by: o 2 Pax : Air-conditioned Toyota Innova Car o 3 – 6 Pax : Air-conditioned Tempo Traveller o 7 – 14 Pax : Air-conditioned Mini Coach o 15 Pax onwards: Air-conditioned Large Coach • All currently applicable taxes.

OUR LAND QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages, airport departure tax etc. • Any Insurance. We highly recommend that you get your travel and health insurance done prior to your trip. • Any Tipping • Visa Fees • Any meals or beverages that are not specified in the above inclusions. • International & domestic Air fares • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and air plane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc. • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions • Any further taxes levied by the government of India PAYMENT/CANCELLATION TERMS FOR LAND TOURS: PAYMENT TERMS FOR FIT: ➢ 25% deposit - 60 days prior to arrival + 100 % for internal airfare if quoted. ➢ 75% payment - 45 days prior to arrival CANCELLATION TERMS FOR FIT: ➢ 25% Cancellation if cancelled between 59 – 46 days from the day of arrival. ➢ 100% Cancellation if cancelled 45 days or less from the day of arrival. PAYMENT TERMS FOR GROUPS: ➢ At the time of booking: 100 % for internal airfare if quoted. ➢ 100% payment 60 days prior to arrival CANCELLATION TERMS FOR GROUPS: ➢ 25% Cancellation if cancelled between 59 – 46 days from the day of arrival. ➢ 100% Cancellation if cancelled 45 days or less from the day of arrival.

SPECIAL NOTES:

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night.

Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort.

Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation

BOOKING CONTRACT - M.V. MAHABAAHU

Terms and Conditions GUEST BOOKING CONTRACT:

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT POLICY:

A deposit for cruise fare of 25% per person is required at the time of booking. For Charter bookings this deposit is NON REFUNDABLE

90 DAYS PRIOR TO DATE OF SAILING: 75% Per Person

For the Christmas and New Year holiday, the full balance must be paid 120 days prior.

RESERVATIONS To make a reservation, contact your local Booking agency or call ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES – MV MAHABAAHU directly on the contact details mentioned below.

Contact number: + 91-9599-755-353

Email id: [email protected]

*Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart.

Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date.

DOCUMENTS Documents will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.

TRANSFERS Only round trip nearest airport-to-ship transfers are included.

Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name or you may be denied boarding.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES accepts no responsibility for obtaining required visas or for advising guests of visa or other immigration requirements.

TIPS It is customary to give cruise gratuities, subject to your satisfaction of services rendered. Gratuities on board and on land are not included in your Full Fare.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES acts solely as a Sales Agent for the all direct guests or Booking Agents of the vessels described in ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES advertising.

RESPONSIBILITY

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES specifically disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind.

Tickets, vouchers and any other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of which may limit supplier’s liability).

REFUSAL OF PASSAGE

ADVANCED, CANCELLED OR DELAYED SAILING

ACTS OF GOD, STRIKE, OR OTHER CONDITIONS BEYOND CONTROL

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES will determine the amount of any refund due. If the air ticket is lost, the guest is responsible for the cost of its replacement.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES has no responsibility for any change in travel plans caused by airline delays or for any act, omission or event.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Travel Protection is not included in the listed fares. It is the individual responsibility of each guest.

Kolkata with MV Mahabaahu (Upstream Cruise)

Kolkata | MV Mahabaahu | Kolkata 09 Nights / 10 Days

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1 Friday :Arrive Kolkata Day 2 Saturday :Kolkata Day 3 Sunday :Fly Kolkata / Guwahati & board MV Mahabaahu Day 4 Monday :MV Mahabaahu Day 5 Tuesday :MV Mahabaahu Day 6 Wednesday :MV Mahabaahu Day 7 Thursday :MV Mahabaahu Day 8 Friday :MV Mahabaahu Day 9 Saturday :MV Mahabaahu Day 10 Sunday :Deboard at Jorhat & flight to Kolkata

Route Map

Day 1: Friday: Arrive Kolkata

After clearing immigration and customs, step into the receiving area where our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Arrive at your hotel and check-in.

Overnight at the hotel (No Meals)

Overnight at the hotel (B)

Day 3: Sunday: Fly Kolkata / Guwahati by 6E – 207 at 1045/1150 hrs. (M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail at 1400 hours) Kamakhya Temple, board MV Mahabaahu and sail past Peacock Island Today morning after breakfast check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport to board your flight to Guwahati. Arrive at the Guwahati Airport and you will be taken on a drive through the busy streets to the Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to Kamakhya, the eternal Feminine - the Goddess of desire. After taking blessings from the Goddess of Desire, drive towards the MV Mahabaahu. You are welcomed and ushered in to our cabins and soon after we enjoy lunch on board. You peel away from the Sarai-ghat bridge that supports a rail and a road and marks the narrowest stretch of Brahmaputra. We sail past the Peacock Island and notice the hills around Guwahati that make it picturesque. Use the afternoon to settle in and this evening we gather on the Sun Deck You raise a toast to the River Brahmaputra and enjoy this sundowner and look out for the Gangetic Dolphins that hunt in these deep waters. Soon after you gather for a safety briefing and a presentation on the ship’s facilities as we sip on Assam tea. This evening, gather in the lounge for drinks and move on for a sit-down Chef’s Welcome Dinner in the Ship’s Restaurant ‘Mungri Mungram’. You are briefed on the program for the following day.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 4: Monday: M. V. Mahabaahu / Village Visit/ Full Day Sail This is a very relaxed morning. You can sleep in or be on the top deck to experience a session of Yoga and enjoy a peep into the traditional wisdom of the gurus from ancient times. Relish a laid-back relaxed breakfast from 0800 to 1000 hrs, a talk on Kamakhya temple and an orientation on the Bangla Village. You interact with the village folk and try to understand their simple and satisfied subsistence lifestyles. These folks who live off the Brahmaputra river, both for farming and fishing make a choice of living on fertile unclaimed sand bars. They understand that they can enjoy the privilege of owning large expanse of land only till the river decides to remain benevolent. The river claims their land during the monsoon and they must return to their haven on mainland or create one. The river starts receding from October to mid-Feb and slowly the snow-melt in the Himalayas starts creating volume and an indication to get ready. April showers add to the water levels. You return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some leisurely hours reading a book or indulging in a steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi or an Ayurvedic Massage or any other treatment. You can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or be on the sun deck to enjoy the river in its process of devouring or adding to the sand of the sand bars. In the evening, along with some ‘chai and pakoras’, an ethnic Indian snack, you enjoy a talk on 'Assam, its geographical location, the role of River Brahmaputra, the tribal life and commercial Ventures; Tea, Silk & Jute that Assam is famous for' Enjoy a relaxed dinner on the MV Mahabaahu.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 5: Tuesday:

M.V. Mahabaahu / Sail to Silghat / Visit Tea Estate And / Or Jute Mill

We sail along Singri and Tezpur and under the Kaliabhamura bridge and reach Silghat where the ship docks.

After an early lunch you walk to the Jute Mill to witness the complete process in a co-operative mill for turning the golden fibre into a gunny bag. All the families in Silghat and the Jute Mill have formed a special ecosystem for themselves. From here we drive to the Tea-Estate to see the women plucking tea-leaves and also to the tea-factory to see the leaves turn into grains for packing. (The tea-factory is operational till mid Nov and after mid-Feb).

You enjoy the State Dance of Assam, ‘Bihu’ by young village boys and girls and return to the ship.

Thereon, enjoy the evening in the lounge and then have a leisurely time in the dining enjoying the cuisine for the day.

The program for the following day is announced. You book your wake up calls at the reception for the following morning’s early start.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 6: Wednesday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Kaziranga National Park This day you wake up much before dawn and sip away at a strong cup of Assam tea, some coffee and cookies. Some fresh fruit, juice and some dry fruits are on display too. An hour’s drive takes you to a resort in Kaziranga for use of facilities before you get ready for an elephant ride. You ride into the early morning mist and as the sun rays force the mist to thin, You witness wildlife up close and personal; swamp and hog deer, Asiatic water buffaloes and Rhinos; all happily grazing within yards of each other. An hour of elephant back saga through tall elephant grass leaves us nonplussed and wanting. You drive to a resort where breakfast will be waiting. Energize yourself on regular continental breakfast along with a lavish display of Indian cuisine like dosas, idlis, coconut chutney, poori aaloo, paranthas and much more. Soon you drive towards the range for a jeep safari to explore more of the wildlife. You look for the Asiatic Wild Elephants, the striped cats, the Wild Water Buffalo with enormous horn span, the hog deer and the swamp deer and of course the one horned-rhinoceros that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for. The Jeep Safari ends by 1030 hours when you head back to the Cruise witnessing the paddy fields fed by the Brahmaputra as your wheels cautiously maneuver along the Karbi Anglong bends. The bird life is an experience in this Park. This afternoon you board the ship at 1200 hrs, enjoy lunch and settle in for a restful afternoon. For those of you who like to watch the world go by, you make yourself comfortable on the sun-deck as the ship sails towards Diphlu. This perched up position on Deck 5 facilitates the best view and understanding of the river and the sand bars. It is interesting to observe the ever-changing landforms and the migratory birds finding their nesting spots. This section of the sail is especially fascinating as the ship moves in the river’s meanders. You enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on the open deck and watch the sun lowering itself. As the sun sinks into the horizon the navigation team locates an untouched deserted island and the ship is moored for the night. The beverages are set and the seating arranged. The aroma of the barbecued snacks fills the air and soon the guests step out on the island. Drinks in hand we indulge in talks, charades, camp fire songs and story-telling and enjoy the star laden skies with the ambience of water all around. We pay homage to the Brahmaputra River by floating oil lamps. You move to the ship’s restaurant to enjoy a sit- down dinner. After dinner the spirit of the evening moves into the lounge and you watch a documentary/movie for an hour and retire to the comfort of your cabins. Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 7: Thursday

M.V. Mahabaahu / The Weaving Community of Bishwanath Ghat / Boat Safari We sail very early towards Bishwanath Ghat. After breakfast, you shall given an orientation on Bishwanath Ghat, the Boat Safari and Mishing Village. Visit this tiny sub- urban village on the banks of Brahmaputra and sprinkled with temples and is a cosmos of weavers, fishermen, farmers and boat makers. Bishwanath Ghat wakes up once a week to the presence of MV Mahabaahu and the travellers of the world and excitement shoots across. The sound of the shuttle on tense warp and raised alternate weft moving back and forth is music to the weavers of this community. A Shiva Dol (temple) from the times of Ahoms looms over and a promenade along the outcrop of rocks and swinging country boats adds beauty to the area. The weavers display their stories on their colourfully woven fabric and wait in anticipation. Return to the ship for lunch and sail on towards the Eastern Range (Agoratoli) to explore the Eastern Range of Kaziranga and view the wildlife from the river side. This afternoon, post lunch; take our tenders to wander and study the shores of Agoratoli Range of Kaziranga and observe how the river carves and shapes Kaziranga each year; you notice tree trunks in the river that had enjoyed some summers and others that are ready to give way and of course the forest that is holding strong. This evening you return to the Ship at Sunset. The Chef is ready with his cooking demo when you step onto the ship. Spend an hour in the lounge and then on to dinner. The program for the following day is announced. Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 8: Friday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Mishing Village Visit / Assamese Theme Evening

Yoga, a good breakfast and leisurely hours of the morning set the happy pace of a good sail.

Return to the ship for lunch and continue upstream towards Majuli.

After some sail, siesta and sunset, meet for a talk on Sibsagar and Majuli along with the orientation on these visits together with the home-hosted lunch at a tea-estate with a Planter’s family.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 9: Saturday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Majuli Visit / Neamati Ghat / Sibsagar An early breakfast and we sail out to Majuli in the tenders to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island. Enjoy Gayan Bayan, a religious dance by the priests. We drive to a different part of Majuli to watch Dashavatar by young Vaishnav girls and an episode from Ramayana - Mukha Bhavana. These performances are a peep into the varied and rich culture of Assam. Return to MV Mahabaahu for lunch and sail to Neamati Ghat. If you are not too tired, you can undertake another road excursion to Shivasaagar to understand the history of Assam through the Ahom monuments or else we can indulge in an hour and a half of nature walk on the bund of Neamati Ghat to discover more Rural life and some birds that nest along a rain-fed swamp. The group that goes to Shivasagar will return by 1900 hrs and the others can enjoy an hour in the lounge. We look forward to the Chef’s ‘Alvida Bhoj’, Farewell Dinner on the river Brahmaputra. Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 10: Sunday: Nature Walk / Home-hosted lunch with a Tea Planter’s Family Jorhat-Kolkata by flight 6E - 5988 at 1310/1500 hrs This day the nature enthusiasts wake up early to enjoy a walk on the Bund at Neamati Ghat. This is a walk through a narrow village where the huts/homes have sprouted along the two sides of a 12 ft wide bund. The bund has the Brahmaputra River on one side and a monsoon or rainwater swamp on the other side making it an ideal space for bird life. Owls, owlets, orioles, quails, partridges, adjutant stalks and woodpeckers are an integral part of this space. Star fruit, wild figs, bananas, tamarind trees abound in the area. At this early hour one can see the village waking up, milking cows, gardening, farming, children in uniform cycling to school and the fishermen fishing out their fresh catch from the net. This walk is an informal way of peeping into the simple unpretentious Assamese village life. Return to the ship for an early morning breakfast and deboard the ship at 0900hrs to drive to a tea estate for a home-hosted early lunch prior to boarding the flight. At the tea estate we meet the Planter’s family that has been in the tea-business for over a century, enjoy a tea-talk with professionals, walk around the Planter’s residence, the tea- estate that supports several herbs. After a delicious home hosted ethnic Assamese lunch and warm hospitality, you bid farewell to the hosts and drive to the airport to board your flight to Kolkata. (B, L)

***Happy Journey***

Price Chart

Hotel & Meal Plan Chart:

*Note- Meals not included in the chart below are on own.

Meal Day Date City Hotel with Room Category Plan Arrive Kolkata The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata No Day 1 Friday (Deluxe Room) Meals The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata Day 2 Saturday Kolkata B (Deluxe Room) Fly Kolkata /Guwahati & Day 3 Sunday B, L, D board MV Mahabaahu Day 4 Monday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 5 Tuesday MV Mahabaahu MV Mahabaahu B, L, D (Superior Cabin,Deluxe Cabin, Day 6 Wednesday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Luxury Cabin,Suite Cabin) Day 7 Thursday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 8 Friday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 9 Saturday MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Deboard at Jorhat B,L Day 10 Sunday No Hotel Services & fly to Kolkata

Note- B – Breakfast, L-Lunch & D- Dinner

Land Price:

Land prices based on per person in twin sharing room Prices are based on Indian Rupees (INR) Prices are valid from 01st October 2021 to 15th April 2022 (Except peak period: 20 Dec 2021- 10 Jan 2022)

Pax Grid Per Person prices

Cruise Price:

TOTAL CABINS = 23. ➢ 12 Superior Cabins without balcony ➢ 7 Deluxe cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Luxury Cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Suite Cabins

Airfare Supplement:

SPECIAL FARE Day SECTOR FLIGHT SCHEDULE CLASS (PER PERSON) Day 3 Kolkata /Guwahati 6E 207 1045/1150 hrs. Economy TBA Day 10 Jorhat/ Kolkata 6E 5988 1310/1500 hrs. Economy TBA

The above mentioned special airfare and schedule are subject to change by the airlines without any prior information. Fare applicable will be as available at the time of issuance of flight tickets.

• Baggage allowance on Indigo within India is 15 kg check-in baggage + 7 kg hand baggage (Economy class)

Terms and conditions

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE INCLUDES:

• Accommodation at M.V Mahabaahu on twin sharing basis on a full board plan. • All Entrance fees at the Monuments and National Parks as per the itinerary. • 1 Glass of Domestic wine/beer with Welcome and Farewell dinners. • All excursions/lectures/performances and activities as per the itinerary. • Services of English speaking naturalist / Destination Manager during sightseeing at all the places as per the itinerary. • Assistance on all Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by Air-Conditioned vehicles except in Kaziranga and Majuli Island.

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages, airport departure tax etc. • Any Insurance. We highly recommend that you get your travel and health insurance done prior to your trip. • Any further tax levied by the government of India. • Evacuation charges in case of medical emergencies, insurance is available on request. • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplanes delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc. • Govt. service tax 5 % • Any tipping, Suggested Tipping for the ship’s crew is INR 4,000 per person for the cruise and for the naturalist and Destination Manager we also recommend INR 4,000 per person for the cruise. Tips to safari and vehicle drivers are not included and we suggest an amount of approximately INR 1,400 per person. • International & Domestic Air fares. • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions. • Supplement would be applicable for Christmas and New Year Eve Dinner.

OUR LAND QUOTE INCLUDES:

OUR LAND QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc. • Any Insurance. We highly recommend that you get your travel and health insurance done prior to your trip. • Any Tipping • Visa Fees • Any meals or beverages that are not specified in the above inclusions. • Bottled water at breakfast. • International & domestic Air fares • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and air plane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc. • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions • Any further taxes levied by the government of India

PAYMENT/CANCELLATION TERMS FOR LAND TOURS: PAYMENT TERMS FOR FIT: ➢ 25% deposit - 60 days prior to arrival + 100 % for internal airfare if quoted. ➢ 75% payment - 45 days prior to arrival CANCELLATION TERMS FOR FIT: ➢ 25% Cancellation if cancelled between 59 – 46 days from the day of arrival. ➢ 100% Cancellation if cancelled 45 days or less from the day of arrival. PAYMENT TERMS FOR GROUPS: ➢ At the time of booking: 100 % for internal airfare if quoted. ➢ 100% payment 60 days prior to arrival CANCELLATION TERMS FOR GROUPS: ➢ 25% Cancellation if cancelled between 59 – 46 days from the day of arrival. ➢ 100% Cancellation if cancelled 45 days or less from the day of arrival.

SPECIAL NOTES:

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night.

Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort.

Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation

BOOKING CONTRACT - M.V. MAHABAAHU

Terms and Conditions GUEST BOOKING CONTRACT:

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT POLICY:

A deposit for cruise fare of 25% per person is required at the time of booking. For Charter bookings this deposit is NON REFUNDABLE

90 DAYS PRIOR TO DATE OF SAILING: 75% Per Person

For the Christmas and New Year holiday, the full balance must be paid 120 days prior.

RESERVATIONS To make a reservation, contact your local Booking agency or call ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES – MV MAHABAAHU directly on the contact details mentioned below.

Contact number: + 91-9599-755-353

Email id: [email protected]

*Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart.

Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date.

DOCUMENTS Documents will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.

TRANSFERS Only round trip nearest airport-to-ship transfers are included.

Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name or you may be denied boarding.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES accepts no responsibility for obtaining required visas or for advising guests of visa or other immigration requirements.

TIPS It is customary to give cruise gratuities, subject to your satisfaction of services rendered. Gratuities on board and on land are not included in your Full Fare.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES acts solely as a Sales Agent for the all direct guests or Booking Agents of the vessels described in ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES advertising.

RESPONSIBILITY

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES specifically disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind.

Tickets, vouchers and any other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of which may limit supplier’s liability).

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to any and all liability limitations, immunities and rights applicable to them or any of them under the Strasbourg Convention on the Limitation of Liability of Owners of Inland Navigation Vessels (CLNI), with protocols and amendments, together with the further provisions of the International Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976, with revisions and amendments (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Convention”), if and as applicable, and by those other and further limitations of liability set forth in the statutory and general maritime law of the United States, (including Title 46 U.S. Code Section 181-186, 188), as well as any other applicable nation’s laws limiting liability. ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to claim the benefit of whichever law, regulation, treaty or doctrine provides the greatest legal protections to ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein.

REFUSAL OF PASSAGE

ADVANCED, CANCELLED OR DELAYED SAILING

ACTS OF GOD, STRIKE, OR OTHER CONDITIONS BEYOND CONTROL

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES will determine the amount of any refund due. If the air ticket is lost, the guest is responsible for the cost of its replacement.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES has no responsibility for any change in travel plans caused by airline delays or for any act, omission or event.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Travel Protection is not included in the listed fares. It is the individual responsibility of each guest.

Kolkata, Bhutan with MV Mahabaahu Downstream Cruise

Kolkata | MV Mahabaahu | Bhutan

15 Nights / 16 Days I T I N E R A R Y Day 1: Saturday : Arrive Kolkata Day 2: Sunday : Fly Kolkata / Jorhat & board MV Mahabaahu Day 3: Monday : M.V. Mahabaahu Day 4: Tuesday : M.V. Mahabaahu Day 5: Wednesday : M.V. Mahabaahu Day 6: Thursday : M.V. Mahabaahu Day 7: Friday : M.V. Mahabaahu Day 8: Saturday : M.V. Mahabaahu Day 9: Sunday : Deboard at Guwahati & fly to Paro then drive to Thimphu Day 10: Monday : Thimphu Day 11: Tuesday : Thimphu - Punakha Day 12: Wednesday : Punakha - Paro Day 13: Thursday : Paro Day 14: Friday : Paro fly to Kolkata Day 15: Saturday : Kolkata Day 16: Sunday : Departure

Route Map

Day 1: Saturday Arrive Kolkata After clearing immigration and customs, step into the receiving area where our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Arrive at your hotel and check-in.

Overnight at the Hotel (No meal)

Day 2: Sunday Fly Kolkata / Jorhat by 6E – 5989 at 1030/1200 hrs & transfer to Neamati Ghat / Board MV Mahabaahu (M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail at 1400 hours) Today morning after breakfast check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport to board your flight to Jorhat. Arrive in Jorhat where the representatives of MV Mahabaahu receive you and thereafter drive away to Neamati Ghat to board MV Mahabaahu. You are welcomed and ushered in to our cabins and soon after we enjoy lunch on board. Use the afternoon to settle in and this evening we indulge in a short local sail to enjoy the hues of the sun as it dips into the horizon. Raise a toast to the River Brahmaputra and enjoy this sundowner and look out for the Gangetic Dolphins that hunt in the vicinity of Neamati Ghat. Gather for a safety briefing and a presentation on the ship’s facilities as we sip on Assamese tea. Join us for a talk on the Shivasaagar, the Home-hosted lunch at a tea estate and Majuli, as an orientation before your visit these places. This evening gather in the lounge for drinks and move on for a sit-down Chef’s Welcome Dinner in the Ship’s Restaurant ‘Mungri Mungram’. You are briefed on the program for the following day once again. Guests also decide if they would like to go to Shivasaagar the next morning or would like to spend the morning relaxing on board. We all meet for Lunch at the Tea-estate. Wake-up calls are noted down according to the visit opted for.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 3: Monday: Sibsagar/ Home-hosted lunch with a Planter’s family at their Tea-Estate After an early morning light breakfast, drive along the river and through the Assamese countryside, laden with huts, fish ponds and beetle trees. You witness road side vegetable vendors selling home-grown vegetables and fruits and some fresh catch of fish from the river. Reach Shivasaagar, the Ahom stronghold where monuments speak of an era of 13th Century, when the north- east was ruled by a Tibeto-Burman race that adopted the neo-Vaishnav philosophy of the locals. Visit the tallest Shiva Temple of India, Shiva Dol; Talatal Ghar, the Ahom Palace; the Rang Ghar, an amphi-theatre. Later, arrive at the Planter’s family home on the Tea-Estate and get a feel of the luxury, expanse and history of the years invested in growing one of the best aromatic teas in the world. Assamese tea is famous round the globe and is one of the only two places in the world which has native tea plants, the other being Southern China. We are welcomed by the guests and we help ourselves to the buffet of ethnic Assamese cuisine. After a relaxed meal and authentic Assam Tea we indulge in some tea-tasting and a talk by the professionals. This evening you return to the Ship at Sunset, freshen-up and step into the Lounge and enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Dining area. You are briefed on the program for the following day and we call it a day or continue in the lounge.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 4: Tuesday: Majuli Island visit/ A Bonfire Evening with Barbequed snacks and Beverages on a deserted island, a unique experience This day the nature enthusiasts wake up early to enjoy a couple of hours of walk on the Neamati Bund which is a raised platform that juts out above the river. On one side is the river that constantly cuts and adds sand and on the other side a swamp fed by rain water which is a natural breeding space for birds. Enjoy a walk through this narrow village where the huts/homes have sprouted along the two sides of a 12 ft wide bund. At this early hour one can see the village waking up, milking cows, gardening, farming, children in uniform cycling to school and the fishermen fishing for a fresh catch from the net. This walk is an informal way of peeping into the simple unpretentious Assamese village life. After breakfast, MV Mahabaahu sails towards Majuli. You take our tenders to go ashore Majuli to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island. Sail away in our tenders to Majuli to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island. Enjoy Gayan Bayan, a religious dance by the priests. Drive to a different part of Majuli to watch ‘Dashavatar’’ by young Vaishnav girls and an episode from Ramayana—Mukha Bhavana. These are a peep into the varied and rich culture of Assam. You have lunch on board and enjoy the sail towards the Deserted Island. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on the sun deck and watch the sun lowering itself. As the sun sinks into the horizon the navigation team locates an untouched deserted island moor for the night. The beverages are set and the seating arranged. The aroma of the barbecued snacks fills the air and soon the guests step out on the island. Drinks in hand we indulge in talks, charades, camp fire songs and story-telling and enjoy the star laden skies with the ambience of water all around. You pay homage to the Brahmaputra River by floating oil lamps. Move in to the ship’s restaurant to enjoy a sit-down dinner. After dinner the spirit of the evening moves into the lounge, watch a documentary/movie for an hour and retire to the comfort of your cabins. Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 5: Wednesday: Mishing Village Visit / Boat safari This morning enjoy Yoga or a walk on the untouched silver sands of the island. After breakfast sit through a short orientation on the Mishing Village Visit and the Evening Boat Safari at Agoratoli. You take our tenders to the Mishing Village to witness life on Chang Ghars of Bamboo scaffolding, bamboo roofs and matted bamboo walls. The Mishing women arrange their looms beneath their raised homes and weave bright and colourful ethnic designs in their waft and warp. This village provides an opportunity to add Mishing woven fabric to your wardrobe or home décor. Return to the ship and the ship sails away towards the Eastern Range of Kaziranga. After a sumptuous lunch and some rest, you get into our tenders to study the shoreline of the Eastern Range of Kaziranga and understand how the mighty Brahmaputra shapes and re-shapes the Banks. This area is the confluence of Dhansiri and Brahmaputra and promotes itself as a playground for Gangetic dolphins, tiny Assamese roof turtles and fish eating avians. Any wildlife we see is a bonus. Enjoy the Chef’s cooking demo and a talk on Assam, its geographical location, the role of River Brahmaputra, the tribal life and commercial Ventures like Tea, Silk and Jute that Assam is famous for. This will be followed by a short orientation on the Jute Mill and the Tea Estate Enjoy a relaxed lounge hour followed by dinner

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 6: Thursday Weaver’s village at Bishwanath Ghat/ Sail to Silghat/ Tea Estate visit and/or Jute Mill This morning we enjoy Yoga on the Sun Deck as the ship sails towards Bishwanath Ghat; to this tiny sub- urban village on the banks of the Brahmaputra which is sprinkled with temples and is a cosmos of weavers, fishermen, farmers, boat makers. Bishwanath Ghat wakes up once a week to the presence of MV Mahabaahu and the travellers of the world and excitement shoots across. The sound of the shuttle on tense warp and raised alternate weft moving back and forth is music to the weavers of this community. A Shiva Dol (temple) from the times of Ahoms looms over and a promenade along the outcrop of rocks and swinging country boats adds beauty to the area. The weavers display their stories on these colourfully woven fabrics and wait in anticipation. Bishwanath Chariali is the 6th Range of Kaziranga. Sail along Kaziranga and reach Silghat where the ship docks. After a relaxed lunch and some leisure, you walk to the Jute Mill to witness the complete process in a co- operative mill for turning the golden fibre into a gunny bag. All the families in Silghat and the Jute Mill have formed a special eco-system for themselves.

From here drive to the Tea-Estate to see the women plucking tea-leaves and also to the tea-factory to see the leaves turn into various grains for packing (The tea-factory is operational till mid Nov and after mid-Feb). Enjoy the State Dance of Assam, ‘Bihu’ by young village boys and girls and return to the ship. Over tea-coffee and snacks enjoy A talk on 'Kaziranga and wildlife in India' and an orientation on the Elephant and Jeep Safaris. (The tea factory is not operational from mid-December to mid-February as it is time for pruning the tea bushes) The evening leads us to the lounge and an early dinner. Wake up calls must be requested at reception for a 3:30 am coffee and light snacks in the restaurant. The group will depart for Kaziranga at 0400 hrs.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 7: Friday:

Kaziranga National Park (An early morning Elephant Safari and a Post breakfast Jeep Safari) Today wake up much before the dawn and sip away at a strong cup of Assam tea, some coffee and cookies. Some fresh fruit, juice and some dry fruits are on display too. An hour of drive takes you to a resort in Kaziranga for use of facilities before we get ready for an elephant ride. You ride into the early morning mist and as the sun rays force the mist to thin, we witness wild life up close and personal; swamp and hog deer, Asiatic water buffaloes and Rhinos; all happily grazing within yards of each other. An hour of elephant back saga through tall elephant grass leaves us nonplussed and wanting. Drive to a resort where breakfast will be waiting. Energize yourself on regular continental breakfast along with a lavish display of Indian cuisine like dosas, idlis, coconut chutney, poori aaloo, paranthas and much more. Soon drive towards the range for a jeep safari to explore more of the wild life. You look for the Asiatic Wild Elephants, the striped cats, the Wild Water Buffalo with enormous horn span, the hog deer and the swamp deer and of course the one horned-rhinoceros that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for. The Jeep Safari ends by 1030 hours, when you head back to the Cruise witnessing the paddy fields fed by the Brahmaputra as our wheels cautiously maneuver around the Karbi Anglong bends. This evening Enjoy an Assamese themed evening; Assamese freshly caught fried fish for snacks, Assami Mekhla Chaadar and Dhoti Kurta with Ahomia music and Ahomia dance moves and to top it all an Assamese Dinner Menu.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 8: Saturday:

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 9: Sunday

Guwahati - Paro by flight: KB 541 at 1435/1555 hrs. & Drive to Thimphu by Road: (Approx. 60 kms / 37 miles/ 1½ hours drive)

This morning you are docked at Pandu in Guwahati. Enjoy breakfast on the ship and deboard at 0900 hrs. You get into our cars and drive to the famous Shakti Peeth of Kamakhya Devi, the Goddess of Desire. This temple is located on Nilachal hill. (Kamakhaya Devi Temple visit is not possible if Guwahati/Paro flight schedule will change) Post the temple visit, drive to the Guwahati Airport with countless memories of Assam and packed lunch to board your flight to Paro. Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan's National Air Carrier. The green walls of the hills known as dooars or gateways, in to Bhutan from the plains of India rise ever higher as the plane flies north towards theTibetan border. Silvery rivers rush along the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens. Farm houses dot the hillsides on either side of the plane. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it. You will be received by our representative at the airport and transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Thimphu, earlier a small settlement was developed in to a town and became the new capital of Bhutan. The city sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chuu river valley, with several government offices located around Trashichoe Dzong, the 17th Century fortress monastery is today the seat of Bhutanese government. The main thoroughfare is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. Visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D) Day 10: Monday Thimphu After breakfast, start with a visit of National Library (closed on sat & sun ), which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. Also visit nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School (closed on Saturday & Sunday) , the Institute offers a six- year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Also visit the Textile (closed on Sunday) and Folk heritage Museum – both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life Simply Bhutan - an exclusive project under the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. It is a living Museum and Studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. The infrastructure portrays ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulator by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Tashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.

Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D) Day 11: Tuesday Thimphu – Punakha by road: (Approx. 80 kms / 50 miles/ 3½ hours drive) (Altitude 1300 m) Today morning drive to Punakha across Dochu La (3,088m/ 10,130 ft.) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 mt), Kangphugang (7,170 m ) Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. En-route, take a short excursion to Chimi Lakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as „Divine Madman‟. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning „field‟. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.

Thereafter visit the majestic Punakha Dzong built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King.

Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D) Day 12: Wednesday Punakha – Paro by road: (Approx. 125kms/ 79 miles/ 4½ hours drive) (Altitude 2200m) Breakfast at the Hotel , then drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country's only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valley in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Later in the afternoon proceed to visit: Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. After the visit walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 13: Thursday Paro

Morning after breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

Later on the drive back to Paro, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D) Day 14: Friday

Paro –Kolkata by flight: KB 210 at 1240/1340 hrs.

After clearing immigration and customs, step into the receiving area where our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Arrive at your hotel and check-in.

Overnight at the Hotel (B) Day 15: Saturday Kolkata After breakfast, visit Flower Market. It is a 130 year old flower market, the largest in Kolkata, and one of the biggest in Asia. People travel all over the city and suburbs to sell flowers here. Later visit the College Street, the largest second-hand book market in the world and largest book market in India. Visit the Victoria Memorial (Closed on Monday). This marble-white monument is one of the most fascinating landmarks of Kolkata. Here, come face to face with miniature paintings and images of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen Victoria. Of special importance are the Queen's dresses, the famous Rosewood piano, the Whispering Gallery in the dome and numerous artillery weapons used in the Battle of Plassey. Next, visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in the Indo-Gothic style of architecture, and was built in the year 1847 by Major W.N. Forbes of the East India Company. The height of the Cathedral is 201 ft. This Cathedral has the rare distinction of being the first Episcopal Church built in this part of the world. The peak of St. Paul's Cathedral has been designed as a replica of the famous Canterbury Cathedral's Henry Tower. Thereafter visit Mother Teresa’s House, called ‘Nirmal Hriday,’ and also visit Shishu Bhawan, located near her house. Mother Teresa’s great work of caring for abandoned children on the streets of Kolkata is carried out at this center. Watch the children’s face light up with just one smile of yours.

Overnight at the Hotel (B) Day 16: Sunday

Kolkata Departure

After breakfast transfer to Kolkata airport to board your International flight for onward journey.

(B)

* Happy Journey *

Price Chart 2021-22

Hotel & Meal Plan Chart:

*Note- Meals not included in the chart below are on own.

Day Date City Hotel with Room Category Meal Plan The Oberoi Grand Day 1 Saturday Arrive Kolkata No Meal (Deluxe)

Day 2 Sunday Fly Kolkata / Jorhat & B, L, D board MV Mahabaahu Day 3 Monday M.V. Mahabaahu MV Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 4 Tuesday M.V. Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 5 Wednesday M.V. Mahabaahu (Superior Cabin,Deluxe Cabin, B, L, D Day 6 Thursday M.V. Mahabaahu Luxury Cabin,Suite Cabin) B, L, D Day 7 Friday M.V. Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 8 Saturday M.V. Mahabaahu B, L, D

Deboard at Guwahati Taj Tashi Day 9 Sunday B, L, D & fly to Paro then drive (Deluxe) to Thimphu Taj Tashi Day 10 Monday Thimphu B, L, D (Deluxe) Day 11 Tuesday Thimphu - Punakha Dhensa Boutique Resort (Suite) B, L, D Hotel Zhiwaling Day 12 Wednesday Punakha - Paro B, L, D (Junior Suite) Hotel Zhiwaling Day 13 Thursday Paro B, L, D (Junior Suite) The Oberoi Grand Day 14 Friday Fly Paro /Kolkata B (Deluxe) The Oberoi Grand Day 15 Saturday Kolkata B (Deluxe) Day 16 Sunday Departure - B

Land Price: KOLKATA & BHUTAN TOUR

BELOW LAND PRICES ARE BASED ON PER PERSON IN TWIN SHARING ROOM PRICES BASED IN UNITED STATES DOLLAR (USD)

Prices are Valid from 1st October 2021 till 15th April 2022

Pax Range Oct & Nov 20 Dec'20 Jan & Feb'21 Mar & Apr'21 2 Guests USD 3345 USD 2655 USD 2655 USD 3345 3 Guests USD 3124 USD 2487 USD 2487 USD 3124 4-6 Guests USD 3071 USD 2434 USD 2434 USD 3071 Single room supplement USD 1463 USD 999 USD 999 USD 1463

Land tour prices are NET & NON COMMISSIONABLE

Cruise Price:

Price Chart for M.V. Mahabaahu Cruise Program

All prices are in INR on a twin-sharing basis

Prices are valid for October, 2021 until April, 2022

Except for the Christmas & New Year Eve Supplement

Superior Cabin Deluxe Cabin with Luxury Cabin with Suite Cabin Accommodation without Balcony Balcony - (2) Balcony (12) (2) (7)

Price per person INR 1,68,000* INR 2,10,000* INR 2,24,000* INR 2,59,000* on Twin sharing

Single Room INR 1,50,500* INR 1,82,000* INR 2,24,000* INR 2,59,000* Supplement

Full Charter INR 89,04,000

TOTAL CABINS = 23. ➢ 12 Superior Cabins without balcony ➢ 7 Deluxe cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Luxury Cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Suite Cabins

Airfare Supplement:

Days SECTOR FLIGHT SCHEDULE SPECIAL FARES

Day 2 Kolkata / Jorhat 6E 5989 1030/1200 Hrs.

Day 9 Guwahati / Paro KB 541 1435/1555 hrs To be advised

Day 14 Paro/ Kolkata KB 210 1240/1340 hrs

The above Airfare supplement in economy class (based on Special Fares available as of now which are subject to change at the time of issuance flight tickets).

*Baggage allowance in all domestic flights within India is 15 kg check-in baggage + 7 kg hand baggage (Economy class) *Baggage allowance in Drukair (KB) is 30kg check-in baggage + 7 kg hand baggage (Economy class)

Terms and conditions

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE INCLUDES:

• Accommodation at M.V Mahabaahu on twin sharing basis on a full board plan. • All Entrance fees at the Monuments and National Parks as per the itinerary. • 1 Glass of Domestic wine/beer with Welcome and Farewell dinners. • All excursions/lectures/performances and activities as per the itinerary. • Services of English speaking naturalist / Destination Manager during sightseeing at all the places as per the itinerary. • Assistance on all Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by Air-Conditioned vehicles except in Kaziranga and Majuli Island.

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages, airport departure tax etc. • Any Insurance. • Any further tax levied by the government of India. • Evacuation charges in case of medical emergencies, insurance is available on request. • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplanes delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc. • Govt. service tax 5 % • Any tipping, Suggested Tipping for the ship’s crew is INR 4,000 per person for the cruise and for the naturalist and Destination Manager we also recommend INR 4,000 per person for the cruise. Tips to safari and vehicle drivers are not included and we suggest an amount of approximately INR 1,400 per person. • International & Domestic Air fares. • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions. • Supplement would be applicable for Christmas and New Year Eve Dinner.

OUR LAND QUOTE INCLUDES: • Accommodation in twin sharing room as per the above mentioned hotels or similar in the room category specified. • All Entrance fees at the Monuments as per the itinerary. • Services of English speaking local guide during the sightseeing as per the itinerary in Kolkata. • Services of accompany English speaking Bhutanese tour guide in Bhutan. • Assistance at the airports. • Bottled water during the road travel & and sightseeing. • All Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by exclusive using AC Transportation in India (Non AC Transportation in Bhutan). • Bhutan Govt. royalty taxes. • Bhutan visa fees. • All currently applicable taxes. OUR LAND QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

SPECIAL NOTES:

INPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER:

Additional services, if any, during the trip have to be paid for by the clients. Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels, and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you in written. In the event of any of the above-mentioned hotels not becoming available, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next be available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable).

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night.

Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER

River cruising in this part of the world is an adventurous experience. Assam is still in the developing stages of tourism and the developing infrastructure is rushing to keep pace with the rapidly growing interest in this part of India. As such, our voyage is an expedition-style cruise with all creature comforts on-board. Our shore- side staff will make every effort to attend to your comfort during onshore expeditions. However, vehicles and roads may not be of the same standard that you have experienced elsewhere, although we use the best of what is available locally.

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort.

Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation

BOOKING CONTRACT - M.V. MAHABAAHU

Terms and Conditions GUEST BOOKING CONTRACT:

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT POLICY:

A deposit for cruise fare of 25% per person is required at the time of booking. For Charter bookings this deposit is NON REFUNDABLE

90 DAYS PRIOR TO DATE OF SAILING: 75% Per Person

For the Christmas and New Year holiday, the full balance must be paid 120 days prior.

RESERVATIONS To make a reservation, contact your local Booking agency or call ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES – MV MAHABAAHU directly on the contact details mentioned below.

Contact number: + 91-9599-755-353

Email id: [email protected]

*Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart.

Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date.

DOCUMENTS Documents will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.

TRANSFERS Only round trip nearest airport-to-ship transfers are included.

Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name or you may be denied boarding.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES accepts no responsibility for obtaining required visas or for advising guests of visa or other immigration requirements.

TIPS It is customary to give cruise gratuities, subject to your satisfaction of services rendered. Gratuities on board and on land are not included in your Full Fare.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES acts solely as a Sales Agent for the all direct guests or Booking Agents of the vessels described in ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES advertising.

RESPONSIBILITY

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES specifically disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind.

Tickets, vouchers and any other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of which may limit supplier’s liability).

REFUSAL OF PASSAGE

ADVANCED, CANCELLED OR DELAYED SAILING

ACTS OF GOD, STRIKE, OR OTHER CONDITIONS BEYOND CONTROL

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES will determine the amount of any refund due. If the air ticket is lost, the guest is responsible for the cost of its replacement.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES has no responsibility for any change in travel plans caused by airline delays or for any act, omission or event.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Travel Protection is not included in the listed fares. It is the individual responsibility of each guest. Kolkata, Bhutan with MV Mahabaahu Upstream Cruise

Kolkata | Bhutan | MV Mahabaahu

15 Nights / 16 Days I T I N E R A R Y Day 1 Saturday Arrive Kolkata Day 2 Sunday Kolkata Day 3 Monday Fly Kolkata to Paro & drive to Thimphu Day 4 Tuesday Thimphu Day 5 Wednesday Thimphu - Punakha Day 6 Thursday Punakha - Paro Day 7 Friday Paro Day 8 Saturday Fly Paro to Guwahati flight Day 9 Sunday Board MV Mahabaahu Day 10 Monday MV Mahabaahu Day 11 Tuesday MV Mahabaahu Day 12 Wednesday MV Mahabaahu Day 13 Thursday MV Mahabaahu Day 14 Friday MV Mahabaahu Day 15 Saturday MV Mahabaahu Day 16 Sunday Deboard MV Mahabaahu-Fly Jorhat to Kolkata flight & departure

Route Map

Day 1: Saturday Arrive Kolkata

After clearing immigration and customs, step into the receiving area where our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Arrive at your hotel and check-in.

Overnight at the Hotel (No meal)

Day 2: Sunday Kolkata After breakfast, visit Flower Market. It is a 130 year old flower market, the largest in Kolkata, and one of the biggest in Asia. People travel all over the city and suburbs to sell flowers here. Later visit the College Street, the largest second-hand book market in the world and largest book market in India. Visit the Victoria Memorial (Closed on Monday). This marble-white monument is one of the most fascinating landmarks of Kolkata. Here, come face to face with miniature paintings and images of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen Victoria. Of special importance are the Queen's dresses, the famous Rosewood piano, the Whispering Gallery in the dome and numerous artillery weapons used in the Battle of Plassey. Next, visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in the Indo-Gothic style of architecture, and was built in the year 1847 by Major W.N. Forbes of the East India Company. The height of the Cathedral is 201 ft. This Cathedral has the rare distinction of being the first Episcopal Church built in this part of the world. The peak of St. Paul's Cathedral has been designed as a replica of the famous Canterbury Cathedral's Henry Tower. Thereafter visit Mother Teresa’s House, called ‘Nirmal Hriday,’ and also visit Shishu Bhawan, located near her house. Mother Teresa’s great work of caring for abandoned children on the streets of Kolkata is carried out at this center. Watch the children’s face light up with just one smile of yours.

Overnight at the Hotel (B)

Day 3: Monday Kolkata –Paro by flight: KB 211 at 1235/1415 hrs & Drive to Thimphu by Road:(Approx. 60 kms / 37 miles/ 1½ hours drive) After early breakfast, drive to the airport to board flight to Paro. Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan's National Air Carrier. The green walls of the hills known as dooars or gateways, in to Bhutan from the plains of India rise ever higher as the plane flies north towards theTibetan border. Silvery rivers rush along the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens. Farm houses dot the hillsides on either side of the plane. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it. You will be received by our representative at the airport and transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Thimphu, earlier a small settlement was developed in to a town and became the new capital of Bhutan. The city sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chuu river valley, with several government offices located around Trashichoe Dzong, the 17th Century fortress monastery is today the seat of Bhutanese government. The main thoroughfare is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. Visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D) Day 4: Tuesday Thimphu After breakfast, start with a visit of National Library (closed on sat & sun ), which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. Also visit nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School (closed on Saturday & Sunday) , the Institute offers a six- year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Also visit the Textile (closed on Sunday) and Folk heritage Museum – both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life Simply Bhutan - an exclusive project under the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. It is a living Museum and Studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. The infrastructure portrays ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulator by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Tashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D) Day 5: Wednesday Thimphu – Punakha by road: (Approx. 80 kms / 50 miles/ 3½ hours drive) (Altitude 1300 m) Today morning drive to Punakha across Dochu La (3,088m/ 10,130 ft.) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 mt), Kangphugang (7,170 m ) Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. En-route, take a short excursion to Chimi Lakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as „Divine Madman‟. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning „field‟. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang. Thereafter visit the majestic Punakha Dzong built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu

rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 6: Thursday Punakha – Paro by road: (Approx. 125 kms/ 79 miles/ 4½ hours drive) (Altitude 2200m) Breakfast at the Hotel , then drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country's only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valley in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Later in the afternoon proceed to visit: Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. After the visit walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D) Day 7: Friday Paro

Overnight at Hotel (B, L, D) Day 8: Saturday

Paro –Guwahati by flight: KB 540 at 1120/1140 hrs

Early this morning transfer to Paro airport to board your flight to Guwahati. On arrival our representative will meet you at the receiving area & transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel (B) Day 9: Sunday Guwahati / Board MV Mahabaahu (M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail at 1400 hours) Kamakhya Temple, board MV Mahabaahu and sail past Peacock Island After breakfast, check out from your hotel and you will be taken on a drive through the busy streets to the Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to Kamakhya, the eternal Feminine - the Goddess of desire. After taking blessings from the Goddess of Desire, drive towards the MV Mahabaahu. You are welcomed and ushered in to our cabins and soon after we enjoy lunch on board. You peel away from the Sarai-ghat bridge that supports a rail and a road and marks the narrowest stretch of Brahmaputra. We sail past the Peacock Island and notice the hills around Guwahati that make it picturesque. Use the afternoon to settle in and this evening we gather on the Sun Deck You raise a toast to the River Brahmaputra and enjoy this sundowner and look out for the Gangetic Dolphins that hunt in these deep waters. Soon after you gather for a safety briefing and a presentation on the ship’s facilities as we sip on Assam tea. This evening, gather in the lounge for drinks and move on for a sit-down Chef’s Welcome Dinner in the Ship’s Restaurant ‘Mungri Mungram’. You are briefed on the program for the following day.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu ( B,L,D)

Day 10: Monday:

M.V. Mahabaahu / Village Visit/ Full Day Sail This is a very relaxed morning. You can sleep in or be on the top deck to experience a session of Yoga and enjoy a peep into the traditional wisdom of the gurus from ancient times. Relish a laid-back relaxed breakfast from 0800 to 1000 hrs, a talk on Kamakhya temple and an orientation on the Bangla Village. You interact with the village folk and try to understand their simple and satisfied subsistence lifestyles. These folks who live off the Brahmaputra river, both for farming and fishing make a choice of living on fertile unclaimed sand bars. They understand that they can enjoy the privilege of owning large expanse of land only till the river decides to remain benevolent. The river claims their land during the monsoon and they must return to their haven on mainland or create one. The river starts receding from October to mid-Feb and slowly the snow-melt in the Himalayas starts creating volume and an indication to get ready. April showers add to the water levels. You return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some leisurely hours reading a book or indulging in a steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi or an Ayurvedic Massage or any other treatment. You can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or be on the sun deck to enjoy the river in its process of devouring or adding to the sand of the sand bars. In the evening, along with some ‘chai and pakoras’, an ethnic Indian snack, you enjoy a talk on 'Assam, its geographical location, the role of River Brahmaputra, the tribal life and commercial Ventures; Tea, Silk & Jute that Assam is famous for' Enjoy a relaxed dinner on the MV Mahabaahu.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 11: Tuesday:

M.V. Mahabaahu / Sail to Silghat / Visit Tea Estate And / Or Jute Mill

We sail along Singri and Tezpur and under the Kaliabhamura bridge and reach Silghat where the ship docks.

You enjoy the State Dance of Assam, ‘Bihu’ by young village boys and girls and return to the ship. Thereon, enjoy the evening in the lounge and then have a leisurely time in the dining enjoying the cuisine for the day.

The program for the following day is announced. You book your wake up calls at the reception for the following morning’s early start.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day12: Wednesday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Kaziranga National Park

This day you wake up much before dawn and sip away at a strong cup of Assam tea, some coffee and cookies. Some fresh fruit, juice and some dry fruits are on display too. An hour’s drive takes you to a resort in Kaziranga for use of facilities before you get ready for an elephant ride.

You ride into the early morning mist and as the sun rays force the mist to thin, You witness wildlife up close and personal; swamp and hog deer, Asiatic water buffaloes and Rhinos; all happily grazing within yards of each other. An hour of elephant back saga through tall elephant grass leaves us nonplussed and wanting.

You drive to a resort where breakfast will be waiting.

Energize yourself on regular continental breakfast along with a lavish display of Indian cuisine like dosas, idlis, coconut chutney, poori aaloo, paranthas and much more.

The Jeep Safari ends by 1030 hours when you head back to the Cruise witnessing the paddy fields fed by the Brahmaputra as your wheels cautiously maneuver along the Karbi Anglong bends.

The bird life is an experience in this Park. This afternoon you board the ship at 1200 hrs, enjoy lunch and settle in for a restful afternoon. For those of you who like to watch the world go by, you make yourself comfortable on the sun-deck as the ship sails towards Diphlu. This perched up position on Deck 5 facilitates the best view and understanding of the river and the sand bars. It is interesting to observe the ever-changing landforms and the migratory birds finding their nesting spots.

This section of the sail is especially fascinating as the ship moves in the river’s meanders. You enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on the open deck and watch the sun lowering itself. As the sun sinks into the horizon the navigation team locates an untouched deserted island and the ship is moored for the night. The beverages are set and the seating arranged. The aroma of the barbecued snacks fills the air and soon the guests step out on the island. Drinks in hand we indulge in talks, charades, camp fire songs and story-telling and enjoy the star laden skies with the ambience of water all around. We pay homage to the Brahmaputra River by floating oil lamps. You move to the ship’s restaurant to enjoy a sit-down dinner. After dinner the spirit of the evening moves into the lounge and you watch a documentary/movie for an hour and retire to the comfort of your cabins.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 13: Thursday

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 14: Friday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Mishing Village Visit / Assamese Theme Evening

Yoga, a good breakfast and leisurely hours of the morning set the happy pace of a good sail.

Return to the ship for lunch and continue upstream towards Majuli.

After some sail, siesta and sunset, meet for a talk on Sibsagar and Majuli along with the orientation on these visits together with the home-hosted lunch at a tea-estate with a Planter’s family.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 15: Saturday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Majuli Visit / Neamati Ghat / Sibsagar An early breakfast and we sail out to Majuli in the tenders to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island. Enjoy Gayan Bayan, a religious dance by the priests. We drive to a different part of Majuli to watch Dashavatar by young Vaishnav girls and an episode from Ramayana - Mukha Bhavana. These performances are a peep into the varied and rich culture of Assam. Return to MV Mahabaahu for lunch and sail to Neamati Ghat. If you are not too tired, you can undertake another road excursion to Shivasaagar to understand the history of Assam through the Ahom monuments or else we can indulge in an hour and a half of nature walk on the bund of Neamati Ghat to discover more Rural life and some birds that nest along a rain-fed swamp. The group that goes to Shivasagar will return by 1900 hrs and the others can enjoy an hour in the lounge. We look forward to the Chef’s ‘Alvida Bhoj’, Farewell Dinner on the river Brahmaputra. Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 16: Sunday Nature Walk / Home-hosted lunch with a Tea Planter’s Family / Airport Departure from Jorhat This day the nature enthusiasts wake up early to enjoy a walk on the Bund at Neamati Ghat. This is a walk through a narrow village where the huts/homes have sprouted along the two sides of a 12 ft wide bund. The bund has the Brahmaputra River on one side and a monsoon or rainwater swamp on the other side making it an ideal space for bird life. Owls, owlets, orioles, quails, partridges, adjutant stalks and woodpeckers are an integral part of this space. Star fruit, wild figs, bananas, tamarind trees abound in the area. At this early hour one can see the village waking up, milking cows, gardening, farming, children in uniform cycling to school and the fishermen fishing out their fresh catch from the net. This walk is an informal way of peeping into the simple unpretentious Assamese village life. Return to the ship for an early morning breakfast and deboard the ship at 0900hrs to drive to a tea estate for a home-hosted early lunch prior to boarding the flight. At the tea estate we meet the Planter’s family that has been in the tea-business for over a century, enjoy a tea-talk with professionals, walk around the Planter’s residence, the tea- estate that supports several herbs. After a delicious home hosted ethnic Assamese lunch and warm hospitality, you bid farewell to the hosts and drive to the airport to board your flight to Kolkata. (B, L)

* Happy Journey * Price Chart 2020-21

Hotel & Meal Plan Chart:

*Note- Meals not included in the chart below are on own.

Day Date City Hotel with Room Category Meal Plan The Oberoi Grand Day 1 Saturday Arrive Kolkata N.A (Deluxe) The Oberoi Grand Day 2 Sunday Kolkata B (Deluxe) Fly Kolkata to Paro & Taj Tashi Day 3 Monday B, L, D drive to Thimphu (Deluxe) Taj Tashi Day 4 Tuesday Thimphu B, L, D (Deluxe) Dhensa Boutique Resort Day 5 Wednesday Thimphu - Punakha B, L, D (Suite) Hotel Zhiwaling Day 6 Thursday Punakha - Paro B, L, D (Junior Suite) Hotel Zhiwaling Day 7 Friday Paro B, L, D (Junior Suite) Vivanta By Taj Day 8 Saturday Fly Paro to Guwahati B (Deluxe) Guwahati – Board MV Day 9 Sunday B, L, D Mahabaahu Day 10 Monday M.V. Mahabaahu B, L, D MV Mahabaahu Day 11 Tuesday M.V. Mahabaahu B, L, D (Superior Cabin,Deluxe Cabin, Day 12 Wednesday M.V. Mahabaahu B, L, D Luxury Cabin,Suite Cabin) Day 13 Thursday M.V. Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 14 Friday M.V. Mahabaahu B, L, D Day 15 Saturday M.V. Mahabaahu B, L, D Deboard M.V. Day 16 Sunday Mahabaahu & fly - B, L Jorhat-Kolkata

Land Price: KOLKATA & BHUTAN TOUR

BELOW LAND PRICES ARE BASED ON PER PERSON IN TWIN SHARING ROOM PRICES BASED IN UNITED STATES DOLLAR (USD)

Prices are Valid from 1st October 2020 till 15th April 2021

Land tour prices are NET & NON COMMISSIONABLE

Cruise Price:

Price Chart for M.V. Mahabaahu Cruise Program

All prices are in INR on a twin-sharing basis

Prices are valid for October, 2021 until April, 2022

Except for the Christmas & New Year Eve Supplement

Superior Cabin Deluxe Cabin with Luxury Cabin with Suite Cabin Accommodation without Balcony Balcony - (2) Balcony (12) (2) (7)

Price per person INR 1,68,000* INR 2,10,000* INR 2,24,000* INR 2,59,000* on Twin sharing

Single Room INR 1,50,500* INR 1,82,000* INR 2,24,000* INR 2,59,000* Supplement

Full Charter INR 89,04,000

TOTAL CABINS = 23. ➢ 12 Superior Cabins without balcony ➢ 7 Deluxe cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Luxury Cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Suite Cabins

Airfare Supplement:

Days SECTOR FLIGHT SCHEDULE SPECIAL FARES

Day 3 Kolkata /Paro KB 211 1235/1415 Hrs.

Day 8 Paro/Guwahati KB 540 1120/1140 hrs To be advised

Day 16 Kolkata-Jorhat 6E 5988 1310/1500 hrs.

The above Airfare supplement in economy class (based on Special Fares available as of now which are subject to change at the time of issuance flight tickets).

Terms and conditions

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE INCLUDES:

• Accommodation at M.V Mahabaahu on twin sharing basis on a full board plan. • All Entrance fees at the Monuments and National Parks as per the itinerary. • 1 Glass of Domestic wine/beer with Welcome and Farewell dinners. • All excursions/lectures/performances and activities as per the itinerary. • Services of English speaking naturalist / Destination Manager during sightseeing at all the places as per the itinerary. • Assistance on all Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by Air-Conditioned vehicles except in Kaziranga and Majuli Island.

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages, airport departure tax etc. • Any Insurance. • Any further tax levied by the government of India. • Evacuation charges in case of medical emergencies, insurance is available on request. • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplanes delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc. • Govt. service tax 5 % • Any tipping, Suggested Tipping for the ship’s crew is INR 4,000 per person for the cruise and for the naturalist and Destination Manager we also recommend INR 4,000 per person for the cruise. Tips to safari and vehicle drivers are not included and we suggest an amount of approximately INR 1,400 per person. • International & Domestic Air fares. • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions. • Supplement would be applicable for Christmas and New Year Eve Dinner.

SPECIAL NOTES:

INPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER:

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night.

Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER

River cruising in this part of the world is an adventurous experience. Assam is still in the developing stages of tourism and the developing infrastructure is rushing to keep pace with the rapidly growing interest in this part of India. As such, our voyage is an expedition-style cruise with all creature comforts on-board. Our shore- side staff will make every effort to attend to your comfort during onshore expeditions. However, vehicles and roads may not be of the same standard that you have experienced elsewhere, although we use the best of what is available locally.

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort.

Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation

BOOKING CONTRACT - M.V. MAHABAAHU

Terms and Conditions GUEST BOOKING CONTRACT:

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT POLICY:

A deposit for cruise fare of 25% per person is required at the time of booking. For Charter bookings this deposit is NON REFUNDABLE

90 DAYS PRIOR TO DATE OF SAILING: 75% Per Person

For the Christmas and New Year holiday, the full balance must be paid 120 days prior.

RESERVATIONS To make a reservation, contact your local Booking agency or call ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES – MV MAHABAAHU directly on the contact details mentioned below.

Contact number: + 91-9599-755-353

Email id: [email protected]

*Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart.

Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date.

DOCUMENTS Documents will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.

TRANSFERS Only round trip nearest airport-to-ship transfers are included.

Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name or you may be denied boarding.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES accepts no responsibility for obtaining required visas or for advising guests of visa or other immigration requirements.

TIPS It is customary to give cruise gratuities, subject to your satisfaction of services rendered. Gratuities on board and on land are not included in your Full Fare.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES acts solely as a Sales Agent for the all direct guests or Booking Agents of the vessels described in ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES advertising.

RESPONSIBILITY

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES specifically disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind.

Tickets, vouchers and any other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of which may limit supplier’s liability).

REFUSAL OF PASSAGE

ADVANCED, CANCELLED OR DELAYED SAILING

ACTS OF GOD, STRIKE, OR OTHER CONDITIONS BEYOND CONTROL

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES will determine the amount of any refund due. If the air ticket is lost, the guest is responsible for the cost of its replacement.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES has no responsibility for any change in travel plans caused by airline delays or for any act, omission or event.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Travel Protection is not included in the listed fares. It is the individual responsibility of each guest.

Golden Triangle with M.V. Mahabaahu, (Downstream Cruise)

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1: Monday : Arrival-Delhi Day 2: Tuesday : Delhi Day 3: Wednesday : Delhi - Agra Day 4: Thursday : Agra - Jaipur Day 5: Friday : Jaipur Day 6: Saturday : Jaipur - Kolkata Day 7: Sunday : Kolkata - Jorhat – MV Mahabaahu Day 8: Monday : MV Mahabaahu Day 9: Tuesday : MV Mahabaahu Day 10: Wednesday : MV Mahabaahu Day 11: Thursday : MV Mahabaahu Day 12: Friday : MV Mahabaahu Day 13: Saturday : MV Mahabaahu Day 14: Sunday :MV Mahabaahu – Kolkata & Departure

Day 1: Monday

Arrive Delhi

After clearing immigration and customs, our representative will meet you at the receiving area and escort you to your hotel. Thereafter, arrive at the hotel and check-in.

Delhi is a dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. While historic evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, Hindu mythology predates that by another 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 and when they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, they commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is slightly surprising with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture which is among the most striking in the world. Overnight at the Hotel (No Meals)

Day 2: Tuesday

Delhi

After breakfast, experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi.

On the tour of “Old Delhi,” you will head out to explore this exotic locale with its narrow dirt roads, myriads of people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Drive past the Red Fort, and visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Muslim mosques in India.

A bicycle rickshaw will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants).

Drive past India Gate, a 42-metre archway built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War and Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy. Today, it is the official residence of the President of India.

From here, visit the capital's most striking monument; the 70-meter high Qutab Minar. Post visit of monument return back to the hotel and relax, rest of the day will be at leisure.

Overnight at the Hotel (B)

Day 3: Wednesday

Drive Delhi / Agra (210 kms / 130 miles / 5 hrs approx) After breakfast, depart for Agra. Agra's history is largely recognized with Mughal Empire, the place was established much before it and has linkages since Mahabharata, the Mythological history. The golden age of the city began with the Mughals. Akbar made it the center of art, culture, commerce and learning. During the peaceful reign of Shah Jahan, his passion for architecture came to the fore and the world-famous architectural masterpieces were constructed including the Taj Mahal. Visit the imposing Red Fort of Agra (also known as Agra Fort). A creative, architectural, and strategic masterpiece, the Fort is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In a cruel twist, Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and whose grandfather built the original Fort and who also assumed the throne himself, was imprisoned here at the end of his life by his own son – in a room looking out on the Taj Mahal across the river. This evening, savor a travel highlight as you embark on a tour of the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb of white marble built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who had implored her husband to build a monument symbolizing their undying love for each other. Some 20,000 laborers and artisans from around the world spent 22 years constructing what became Mumtaz’s mausoleum, which was begun in 1632. Along with its exquisite symmetry, the Taj features striking examples of pietra dura, a decorative art in which craftsmen embed precisely cut semi- precious stones in marble to form dazzling patterns. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel (B) Day 4: Thursday

Drive Agra / Jaipur (260 kms / 161 miles / 6 hrs approx)

After breakfast, check-out and drive to Jaipur. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the sandstone city, was the glorious but short-lived imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest of Mughal emperors. Lying on a rocky ridge, it boasts of palaces, forts and mosques representing a variety of architectural styles.

On arrival, check-in to the hotel.

This evening a local family will host you for the dinner at their private home

Overnight at the Hotel (B, D)

Day 5: Friday

Jaipur

This was the home of India’s legendary Hindu warriors, whose historic forts, palaces, and gardens lend a timeless quality to this storied region. Called the “pink city” for its buildings of rose-hued sandstone, Jaipur today retains the exquisite symmetry of its original construction, as well as the eight historic gates that protected the city centuries ago.

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Jaipur including a visit to the Amber Fort, and a photo stop at the Palace of the Winds, the Hawa Mahal in the morning. Amber Fort, is a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Kachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728 and considered the pinnacle of Rajput architecture.

We tour the unoccupied citadel this morning, to admire the fresco-covered portal, the impressive room of mirrors, walls of jewel-encrusted marble, and the royal apartments offering beautiful panoramic

views of the surrounding valleys.

We continue on to Jantar Mantar, the incredible open-air Royal Observatory (ca. 1728) housing oversized astronomical instruments and a UNESCO World Heritage site; and City Palace, former residence of the Maharajas of Jaipur, built in the shape of the city itself and now converted to a museum that houses the rulers’ magnificent art collections. Explore the local markets as Jaipur is most famous for its handicrafts. Overnight at the Hotel (B)

Day 6: Saturday

Fly Jaipur/Kolkata (by flight 6E 498 at 1245/1455 hrs.) After breakfast, transfer to Jaipur airport to connect with flight to Kolkata. Arrive Kolkata and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel (B) Day 7: Sunday

Fly Kolkata / Jorhat by 6E – 5989 at 1030/1200 hrs & transfer to Neamati Ghat / Board MV Mahabaahu (M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail at 1400 hours)

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B,L, D)

Day 8: Monday: Sibsagar/ Home-hosted lunch with a Planter’s family at their Tea-Estate After an early morning light breakfast, drive along the river and through the Assamese countryside, laden with huts, fish ponds and beetle trees. You witness road side vegetable vendors selling home- grown vegetables and fruits and some fresh catch of fish from the river.

This evening you return to the Ship at Sunset, freshen-up and step into the Lounge and enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Dining area.

You are briefed on the program for the following day and we call it a day or continue in the lounge.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 9: Tuesday: Majuli Island visit/ A Bonfire Evening with Barbequed snacks and Beverages on a deserted island, a unique experience This day the nature enthusiasts wake up early to enjoy a couple of hours of walk on the Neamati Bund which is a raised platform that juts out above the river. On one side is the river that constantly cuts and adds sand and on the other side a swamp fed by rain water which is a natural breeding space for birds. Enjoy a walk through this narrow village where the huts/homes have sprouted along the two sides of a 12 ft wide bund. At this early hour one can see the village waking up, milking cows, gardening, farming, children in uniform cycling to school and the fishermen fishing for a fresh catch from the net. This walk is an informal way of peeping into the simple unpretentious Assamese village life. After breakfast, MV Mahabaahu sails towards Majuli. You take our tenders to go ashore Majuli to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island. Sail away in our tenders to Majuli to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island.

Enjoy Gayan Bayan, a religious dance by the priests. Drive to a different part of Majuli to watch ‘Dashavatar’’ by young Vaishnav girls and an episode from Ramayana—Mukha Bhavana. These are a peep into the varied and rich culture of Assam. You have lunch on board and enjoy the sail towards the Deserted Island. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on the sun deck and watch the sun lowering itself. As the sun sinks into the horizon the navigation team locates an untouched deserted island moor for the night. The beverages are set and the seating arranged. The aroma of the barbecued snacks fills the air and soon the guests step out on the island. Drinks in hand we indulge in talks, charades, camp fire songs and story-telling and enjoy the star laden skies with the ambience of water all around. You pay homage to the Brahmaputra River by floating oil lamps. Move in to the ship’s restaurant to enjoy a sit-down dinner. After dinner the spirit of the evening moves into the lounge, watch a documentary/movie for an hour and retire to the comfort of your cabins.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 10: Wednesday: Mishing Village Visit / Boat safari This morning enjoy Yoga or a walk on the untouched silver sands of the island. After breakfast sit through a short orientation on the Mishing Village Visit and the Evening Boat Safari at Agoratoli. You take our tenders to the Mishing Village to witness life on Chang Ghars of Bamboo scaffolding, bamboo roofs and matted bamboo walls. The Mishing women arrange their looms beneath their raised homes and weave bright and colourful ethnic designs in their waft and warp. This village provides an opportunity to add Mishing woven fabric to your wardrobe or home décor. Return to the ship and the ship sails away towards the Eastern Range of Kaziranga. After a sumptuous lunch and some rest, you get into our tenders to study the shoreline of the Eastern Range of Kaziranga and understand how the mighty Brahmaputra shapes and re-shapes the Banks. This area is the confluence of Dhansiri and Brahmaputra and promotes itself as a playground for Gangetic dolphins, tiny Assamese roof turtles and fish eating avians. Any wildlife we see is a bonus. Enjoy the Chef’s cooking demo and a talk on Assam, its geographical location, the role of River Brahmaputra, the tribal life and commercial Ventures like Tea, Silk and Jute that Assam is famous for. This will be followed by a short orientation on the Jute Mill and the Tea Estate Enjoy a relaxed lounge hour followed by dinner

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) 8

Day 11: Thursday Weaver’s village at Bishwanath Ghat/ Sail to Silghat/ Tea Estate visit and/or Jute Mill This morning we enjoy Yoga on the Sun Deck as the ship sails towards Bishwanath Ghat; to this tiny sub-urban village on the banks of the Brahmaputra which is sprinkled with temples and is a cosmos of weavers, fishermen, farmers, boat makers. Bishwanath Ghat wakes up once a week to the presence of MV Mahabaahu and the travellers of the world and excitement shoots across. The sound of the shuttle on tense warp and raised alternate weft moving back and forth is music to the weavers of this community. A Shiva Dol (temple) from the times of Ahoms looms over and a promenade along the outcrop of rocks and swinging country boats adds beauty to the area. The weavers display their stories on these colourfully woven fabrics and wait in anticipation. Bishwanath Chariali is the 6th Range of Kaziranga. Sail along Kaziranga and reach Silghat where the ship docks. After a relaxed lunch and some leisure, you walk to the Jute Mill to witness the complete process in a co-operative mill for turning the golden fibre into a gunny bag. All the families in Silghat and the Jute Mill have formed a special eco-system for themselves. From here drive to the Tea-Estate to see the women plucking tea-leaves and also to the tea-factory to see the leaves turn into various grains for packing (The tea-factory is operational till mid Nov and after mid-Feb). Enjoy the State Dance of Assam, ‘Bihu’ by young village boys and girls and return to the ship. Over tea- coffee and snacks enjoy A talk on 'Kaziranga and wildlife in India' and an orientation on the Elephant and Jeep Safaris. The evening leads us to the lounge and an early dinner. Wake up calls must be requested at reception for a 3:30 am coffee and light snacks in the restaurant. The group will depart for Kaziranga at 0400 hrs.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 12: Friday: Kaziranga National Park (An early morning Elephant Safari and a Post breakfast Jeep Safari) Today wake up much before the dawn and sip away at a strong cup of Assam tea, some coffee and cookies. Some fresh fruit, juice and some dry fruits are on display too. An hour of drive takes you to a resort in Kaziranga for use of facilities before we get ready for an elephant ride. You ride into the early morning mist and as the sun rays force the mist to thin, we witness wild life up close and personal; swamp and hog deer, Asiatic water buffaloes and Rhinos; all happily grazing within 9 yards of each other. An hour of elephant back saga through tall elephant grass leaves us nonplussed and wanting. Drive to a resort where breakfast will be waiting. Energize yourself on regular continental breakfast along with a lavish display of Indian cuisine like dosas, idlis, coconut chutney, poori aaloo, paranthas and much more. Soon drive towards the range for a jeep safari to explore more of the wild life. You look for the Asiatic Wild Elephants, the striped cats, the Wild Water Buffalo with enormous horn span, the hog deer and the swamp deer and of course the one horned-rhinoceros that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for. The Jeep Safari ends by 1030 hours, when you head back to the Cruise witnessing the paddy fields fed by the Brahmaputra as our wheels cautiously maneuver around the Karbi Anglong bends. This evening Enjoy an Assamese themed evening; Assamese freshly caught fried fish for snacks, Assami Mekhla Chaadar and Dhoti Kurta with Ahomia music and Ahomia dance moves and to top it all an Assamese Dinner Menu.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 13: Saturday: A Bangla Village Visit and sail past Peacock Island

10 and fishing make a choice of living on fertile unclaimed sand bars. They understand that they can enjoy the privilege of owning large expanse of land only till the river decides to remain benevolent. The river claims their land during the monsoon and they must return to their haven on mainland or create one. The river starts receding from October to mid-Feb and slowly the snow-melt in the Himalayas starts creating volume and an indication to get ready. Sail on towards the Peacock island and enjoy the hills that surround Guwahati. We get together on the top deck to sail into Guwahati as the sun sets behind the Sarai Ghat road and rail bridge. Sarai Ghat marks the narrowest stretch of the river as 1.3 kms. Dock into Pandu Port and this marks the end of Cruising. You get together in the lounge for a relaxed evening. This evening enjoy the Chef’s ‘Alvida Bhoj’—A Farewell Dinner

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 14: Sunday: Guwahati – Kolkata by flight: 6E 394 at 1225/1355 hrs. This morning you are docked at Pandu in Guwahati. Enjoy breakfast on the ship and deboard at 0900 hrs. You get into our cars and drive to the famous Shakti Peeth of Kamakhya Devi, the Goddess of Desire. This temple is located on Nilachal hill. Post the temple visit, drive to the Guwahati Airport with countless memories of Assam and packed lunch to board your flight to Kolkata On arrival in Kolkata, board connecting flight to onward destination.

(B, L)

***Happy Journey***

Price Chart

Hotel & Meal Plan Chart:

*Note- Meals not included in the chart below are on own.

DAY DATE ITINERARY HOTEL & ROOM CATEGORY MEALS Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel Day 1 Monday Arrive Delhi N.A (Deluxe Room) Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel Day 2 Tuesday Delhi B (Deluxe Room) ITC Mughal Day 3 Wednesday Delhi / Agra B (Mughal Room) ITC Rajputana Day 4 Thursday Agra / Jaipur B, D ( Executive Club) ITC Rajputana Day 5 Friday Jaipur B ( Executive Club) Day 6 Saturday Jaipur / Kolkata Holiday Inn- Deluxe Room B Kolkata / Jorhat/ M.V. M.V. Mahabaahu Day 7 Sunday Mahabaahu (Superior Cabin) B,L,D M.V. Mahabaahu Day 8 Monday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu Day 9 Tuesday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu Day 10 Wednesday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu Day 11 Thursday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu Day 12 Friday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu Day 13 Saturday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu - Day 14 Sunday Guwahati Kolkata & - B, L Departure

Note- B – Breakfast, L-Lunch & D- Dinner

Land Price:

Land prices based on per person in twin sharing room Prices are based on Indian Rupees (INR) Prices are valid from 01st October 2021 to 15th April 2022 (Except peak period: 20 Dec 2021- 10 Jan 2022)

Pax Grid Per Person prices

1 Pax INR 143478 2 Pax INR 78999 3 – 4 Pax INR 76287 5 – 6 Pax INR 70173 Single room supplement INR 40120 Special Note: Above Land tour cost is net and non-commissionable

Cruise Price:

Price Chart for M.V. Mahabaahu Cruise Program All prices are in INR on a twin-sharing basis Prices are valid for October, 2021 until April, 2022 Except for the Christmas & New Year Eve Supplement Superior Cabin Deluxe Cabin Luxury Cabin Suite Cabin Accommodation without with Balcony with Balcony - (2) Balcony (12) (7) (2) Price per person INR 1,68,000* INR 2,10,000* INR 2,24,000* INR 2,59,000* on Twin sharing Single Room INR 1,50,500* INR 1,82,000* INR 2,24,000* INR 2,59,000* Supplement Full Charter INR 89,04,000

TOTAL CABINS = 23. ➢ 12 Superior Cabins without balcony ➢ 7 Deluxe cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Luxury Cabins with balcony 13

➢ 2 Suite Cabins

Airfare Supplement:

SPECIAL FARE Day SECTOR FLIGHT SCHEDULE CLASS (PER PERSON) Day 6 Jaipur - Kolkata 6E 498 1245/1455 hrs. Economy TBA Day 7 Kolkata / Jorhat 6E 5989 1030/1200 hrs. Economy TBA Day 14 Guwahati / Kolkata 6E 394 1225/1355 hrs. Economy TBA

The above mentioned special airfare and schedule are subject to change by the airlines without any prior information. Fare applicable will be as available at the time of issuance of flight tickets. • Baggage allowance on Indigo within India is 15 kg check-in baggage + 7 kg hand baggage (Economy class)

Terms and conditions

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE INCLUDES:

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages, airport departure tax etc. • Any Insurance. • Any further tax levied by the government of India. • Evacuation charges in case of medical emergencies, insurance is available on request. • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplanes delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc. • Govt. service tax 5 % • Any tipping (Suggested Tipping for the ship’s crew is INR 4,000 per person for the cruise and for the naturalist and Destination Manager we also recommend INR 4,000 per person for the 14

cruise. Tips to safari and vehicle drivers are not included and we suggest an amount of approximately INR 1,400 per person). • International & Domestic Air fares. • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions. • Supplement would be applicable for Christmas and New Year Eve Dinner.

OUR LAND QUOTE INCLUDES:

OUR LAND QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

➢ 100% Cancellation if cancelled 45 days or less from the day of arrival. PAYMENT TERMS FOR GROUPS: ➢ At the time of booking: 100 % for internal airfare if quoted. ➢ 100% payment 60 days prior to arrival CANCELLATION TERMS FOR GROUPS: ➢ 25% Cancellation if cancelled between 59 – 46 days from the day of arrival. ➢ 100% Cancellation if cancelled 45 days or less from the day of arrival.

SPECIAL NOTES:

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night.

Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.

Please note, there are no elephant-backed or jeep safaris between May and the first half of October. Boat safaris will be offered instead during these months. During the months that the Kaziranga National Park is closed, we are able to explore the shores of the Park with our expedition boats. We will 16 cruise the Park shoreline and many of the riverine islands that are home to a number of animals and a wide variety of birds.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort.

Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation

BOOKING CONTRACT - M.V. MAHABAAHU

Terms and Conditions GUEST BOOKING CONTRACT:

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT POLICY:

A deposit for cruise fare of 25% per person is required at the time of booking. For Charter bookings this deposit is NON REFUNDABLE

90 DAYS PRIOR TO DATE OF SAILING: 75% Per Person

For the Christmas and New Year holiday, the full balance must be paid 120 days prior.

RESERVATIONS To make a reservation, contact your local Booking agency or call ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES – MV MAHABAAHU directly on the contact details mentioned below.

Contact number: + 91-9599-755-353

Email id: [email protected]

CANCELLATION TERMS FOR FIT AND GROUP DEPARTURES APPLICABLE ON THE FULL FARE: 120 to 90 days prior, 25% per person of the fare paid will be charged 18

89-76 days prior, 50% per person will be charged 75-46 days prior, 75% per person will be charged 45 days and less, 100% per person will be charged

*Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart.

Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date.

DOCUMENTS Documents will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.

TRANSFERS Only round trip nearest airport-to-ship transfers are included.

Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name or you may be denied boarding.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES accepts no responsibility for obtaining required visas or for advising guests of visa or other immigration requirements.

DISABLED GUESTS We ask that you advise us at the time of booking of any disability or special needs you may have while on your ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES itinerary. Most transportation services, including the motor 19 coaches, are not equipped with elevators or wheelchair ramps. ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of travelers with disabilities, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so, or there is a denial of service by vessel operators, air carriers, hotels, restaurants or other independent suppliers.

TIPS It is customary to give cruise gratuities, subject to your satisfaction of services rendered. Gratuities on board and on land are not included in your Full Fare.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES acts solely as a Sales Agent for the all direct guests or Booking Agents of the vessels described in ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES advertising.

RESPONSIBILITY

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES specifically disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind.

Tickets, vouchers and any other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of which may limit supplier’s liability).

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to any and all liability limitations, immunities and rights applicable to them or any of them 20 under the Strasbourg Convention on the Limitation of Liability of Owners of Inland Navigation Vessels (CLNI), with protocols and amendments, together with the further provisions of the International Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976, with revisions and amendments (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Convention”), if and as applicable, and by those other and further limitations of liability set forth in the statutory and general maritime law of the United States, (including Title 46 U.S. Code Section 181-186, 188), as well as any other applicable nation’s laws limiting liability. ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to claim the benefit of whichever law, regulation, treaty or doctrine provides the greatest legal protections to ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein.

REFUSAL OF PASSAGE

ADVANCED, CANCELLED OR DELAYED SAILING

ACTS OF GOD, STRIKE, OR OTHER CONDITIONS BEYOND CONTROL

CRUISES, therefore, all tickets should be returned to: ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES: Attention Air Refunds.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES will determine the amount of any refund due. If the air ticket is lost, the guest is responsible for the cost of its replacement.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES has no responsibility for any change in travel plans caused by airline delays or for any act, omission or event.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Travel Protection is not included in the listed fares. It is the individual responsibility of each guest.

Golden Triangle with M.V. Mahabaahu, (Upstream Cruise)

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1: Tuesday : Arrival-Delhi Day 2: Wednesday : Delhi Day 3: Thursday : Delhi - Agra Day 4: Friday : Agra - Jaipur Day 5: Saturday : Jaipur Day 6: Sunday : Jaipur - Guwahati – MV Mahabaahu Day 7: Monday : MV Mahabaahu Day 8: Tuesday : MV Mahabaahu Day 9: Wednesday : MV Mahabaahu Day 10: Thursday : MV Mahabaahu Day 11: Friday : MV Mahabaahu Day 12: Saturday : MV Mahabaahu Day 13: Sunday :MV Mahabaahu – Kolkata & Departure

Route Map:

Day 1: Tuesday

Arrive Delhi

After clearing immigration and customs, our representative will meet you at the receiving area and escort you to your hotel. Thereafter, arrive at the hotel and check-in.

Day 2: Wednesday

Delhi

After breakfast, experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi.

A bicycle rickshaw will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants).

From here, visit the capital's most striking monument; the 70-meter high Qutab Minar. Post visit of monument return back to the hotel and relax, rest of the day will be at leisure.

Overnight at the Hotel (B)

Day 3: Thursday

Drive Agra / Jaipur (260 kms / 161 miles / 6 hrs approx)

On arrival, check-in to the hotel.

This evening a local family will host you for the dinner at their private home

Overnight at the Hotel (B, D)

Day 5: Saturday

Jaipur

views of the surrounding valleys.

Overnight at the Hotel (B)

Day 6: Sunday

Fly Delhi/Guwahati (by flight SG 341 at 0815/1100 hrs.) (MV Mahabaahu sets Sail at 14:00 Hours)

Today morning after breakfast check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport to board your flight to Guwahati. Arrive at the Guwahati Airport and you will be taken on a drive through the busy streets to the Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to Kamakhya, the eternal Feminine - the Goddess of desire. After taking blessings from the Goddess of Desire, drive towards the MV Mahabaahu. You are welcomed and ushered in to our cabins and soon after we enjoy lunch on board. You peel away from the Sarai-ghat bridge that supports a rail and a road and marks the narrowest stretch of Brahmaputra. We sail past the Peacock Island and notice the hills around Guwahati that make it picturesque. Use the afternoon to settle in and this evening we gather on the Sun Deck You raise a toast to the River Brahmaputra and enjoy this sundowner and look out for the Gangetic Dolphins that hunt in these deep waters. Soon after you gather for a safety briefing and a presentation on the ship’s facilities as we sip on Assam tea. This evening, gather in the lounge for drinks and move on for a sit-down Chef’s Welcome Dinner in the Ship’s Restaurant ‘Mungri Mungram’. You are briefed on the program for the following day.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 7: Monday: M. V. Mahabaahu / Village Visit/ Full Day Sail This is a very relaxed morning. You can sleep in or be on the top deck to experience a session of Yoga and enjoy a peep into the traditional wisdom of the gurus from ancient times. Relish a laid-back relaxed breakfast from 0800 to 1000 hrs, a talk on Kamakhya temple and an orientation on the Bangla Village.

You interact with the village folk and try to understand their simple and satisfied subsistence lifestyles. These folks who live off the Brahmaputra river, both for farming and fishing make a choice of living on fertile unclaimed sand bars. They understand that they can enjoy the privilege of owning large expanse of land only till the river decides to remain benevolent. The river claims their land during the monsoon and they must return to their haven on mainland or create one. The river starts receding from October to mid-Feb and slowly the snow-melt in the Himalayas starts creating volume and an indication to get ready. April showers add to the water levels. You return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some leisurely hours reading a book or indulging in a steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi or an Ayurvedic Massage or any other treatment. You can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or be on the sun deck to enjoy the river in its process of devouring or adding to the sand of the sand bars. In the evening, along with some ‘chai and pakoras’, an ethnic Indian snack, you enjoy a talk on 'Assam, its geographical location, the role of River Brahmaputra, the tribal life and commercial Ventures; Tea, Silk & Jute that Assam is famous for' Enjoy a relaxed dinner on the MV Mahabaahu.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 8: Tuesday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Sail to Silghat / Visit Tea Estate And / Or Jute Mill Come alive with a relaxed cup of coffee or Assam tea, some Yoga and a laid-back leisurely breakfast followed by a talk on 'Kaziranga and wildlife in India' and orientation on 'Kaziranga Park Visit' along with an orientation for visiting the Jute Mill and the Tea Estate.

We sail along Singri and Tezpur and under the Kaliabhamura bridge and reach Silghat where the ship docks. After an early lunch you walk to the Jute Mill to witness the complete process in a co-operative mill for turning the golden fibre into a gunny bag. All the families in Silghat and the Jute Mill have formed a special ecosystem for themselves. From here we drive to the Tea-Estate to see the women plucking tea-leaves and also to the tea-factory to see the leaves turn into grains for packing. (The tea-factory is operational till mid Nov and after mid-Feb). You enjoy the State Dance of Assam, ‘Bihu’ by young village boys and girls and return to the ship. Thereon, enjoy the evening in the lounge and then have a leisurely time in the dining enjoying the cuisine for the day. The program for the following day is announced. You book your wake up calls at the reception for the following morning’s early start. Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) 7

Day 9: Wednesday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Kaziranga National Park This day you wake up much before dawn and sip away at a strong cup of Assam tea, some coffee and cookies. Some fresh fruit, juice and some dry fruits are on display too. An hour’s drive takes you to a resort in Kaziranga for use of facilities before you get ready for an elephant ride. You ride into the early morning mist and as the sun rays force the mist to thin, You witness wildlife up close and personal; swamp and hog deer, Asiatic water buffaloes and Rhinos; all happily grazing within yards of each other. An hour of elephant back saga through tall elephant grass leaves us nonplussed and wanting. You drive to a resort where breakfast will be waiting. Energize yourself on regular continental breakfast along with a lavish display of Indian cuisine like dosas, idlis, coconut chutney, poori aaloo, paranthas and much more. Soon you drive towards the range for a jeep safari to explore more of the wildlife. You look for the Asiatic Wild Elephants, the striped cats, the Wild Water Buffalo with enormous horn span, the hog deer and the swamp deer and of course the one horned-rhinoceros that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for. The Jeep Safari ends by 1030 hours when you head back to the Cruise witnessing the paddy fields fed by the Brahmaputra as your wheels cautiously maneuver along the Karbi Anglong bends. The bird life is an experience in this Park. This afternoon you board the ship at 1200 hrs, enjoy lunch and settle in for a restful afternoon. For those of you who like to watch the world go by, you make yourself comfortable on the sun-deck as the ship sails towards Diphlu. This perched up position on Deck 5 facilitates the best view and understanding of the river and the sand bars. It is interesting to observe the ever-changing landforms and the migratory birds finding their nesting spots. This section of the sail is especially fascinating as the ship moves in the river’s meanders. You enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on the open deck and watch the sun lowering itself. As the sun sinks into the horizon the navigation team locates an untouched deserted island and the ship is moored for the night. The beverages are set and the seating arranged. The aroma of the barbecued snacks fills the air and soon the guests step out on the island. Drinks in hand we indulge in talks, charades, camp fire songs and story-telling and enjoy the star laden skies with the ambience of water all around. We pay homage to the Brahmaputra River by floating oil lamps. You move to the ship’s restaurant to enjoy a sit-down dinner. After dinner the spirit of the evening moves into the lounge and you watch a documentary/movie for an hour and retire to the comfort of your cabins. Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 10: Thursday M.V. Mahabaahu / The Weaving Community of Bishwanath Ghat / Boat Safari We sail very early towards Bishwanath Ghat. After breakfast, you shall given an orientation on Bishwanath Ghat, the Boat Safari and Mishing Village. Visit this tiny sub-urban village on the banks of Brahmaputra and sprinkled with temples and is a cosmos of weavers, fishermen, farmers and boat makers. Bishwanath Ghat wakes up once a week to the presence of MV Mahabaahu and the travellers of the world and excitement shoots across. The sound of the shuttle on tense warp and raised alternate weft moving back and forth is music to the weavers of this community. A Shiva Dol (temple) from the times of Ahoms looms over and a promenade along the outcrop of rocks and swinging country boats adds beauty to the area. The weavers display their stories on their colourfully woven fabric and wait in anticipation. Return to the ship for lunch and sail on towards the Eastern Range (Agoratoli) to explore the Eastern Range of Kaziranga and view the wildlife from the river side. This afternoon, post lunch; take our tenders to wander and study the shores of Agoratoli Range of Kaziranga and observe how the river carves and shapes Kaziranga each year; you notice tree trunks in the river that had enjoyed some summers and others that are ready to give way and of course the forest that is holding strong. This evening you return to the Ship at Sunset. The Chef is ready with his cooking demo when you step onto the ship. Spend an hour in the lounge and then on to dinner. The program for the following day is announced.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 11: Friday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Mishing Village Visit / Assamese Theme Evening

Yoga, a good breakfast and leisurely hours of the morning set the happy pace of a good sail. We sail on to the Mishing Village to witness life on Chang Ghars of Bamboo scaffolding, bamboo roofs and matted bamboo walls. The Mishing women arrange their looms beneath their raised homes and weave bright and colourful ethnic designs in their waft and warp. This village provides an opportunity to add Mishing woven fabric to your wardrobe or home décor.

Return to the ship for lunch and continue upstream towards Majuli.

After some sail, siesta and sunset, meet for a talk on Sibsagar and Majuli along with the orientation on these visits together with the home-hosted lunch at a tea-estate with a Planter’s family.

Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 12: Saturday: M.V. Mahabaahu / Majuli Visit / Neamati Ghat / Sibsagar An early breakfast and we sail out to Majuli in the tenders to experience the neo-Vaishnav culture of the world’s largest inhabited riverine island. Enjoy Gayan Bayan, a religious dance by the priests. We drive to a different part of Majuli to watch Dashavatar by young Vaishnav girls and an episode from Ramayana - Mukha Bhavana. These performances are a peep into the varied and rich culture of Assam. Return to MV Mahabaahu for lunch and sail to Neamati Ghat. If you are not too tired, you can undertake another road excursion to Shivasaagar to understand the history of Assam through the Ahom monuments or else we can indulge in an hour and a half of nature walk on the bund of Neamati Ghat to discover more Rural life and some birds that nest along a rain-fed swamp. The group that goes to Shivasagar will return by 1900 hrs and the others can enjoy an hour in the lounge. We look forward to the Chef’s ‘Alvida Bhoj’, Farewell Dinner on the river Brahmaputra. Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 13: Sunday: Nature Walk / Home-hosted lunch with a Tea Planter’s Family Jorhat-Kolkata by flight 6E - 5988 at 1310/1500 hrs This day the nature enthusiasts wake up early to enjoy a walk on the Bund at Neamati Ghat. This is a walk through a narrow village where the huts/homes have sprouted along the two sides of a 12 ft wide bund. The bund has the Brahmaputra River on one side and a monsoon or rainwater swamp on the other side making it an ideal space for bird life. Owls, owlets, orioles, quails, partridges, adjutant stalks and woodpeckers are an integral part of this space. Star fruit, wild figs, bananas, tamarind trees abound in the area.

At this early hour one can see the village waking up, milking cows, gardening, farming, children in uniform cycling to school and the fishermen fishing out their fresh catch from the net. This walk is an informal way of peeping into the simple unpretentious Assamese village life. Return to the ship for an early morning breakfast and deboard the ship at 0900hrs to drive to a tea estate for a home-hosted early lunch prior to boarding the flight. At the tea estate we meet the Planter’s family that has been in the tea-business for over a century, enjoy a tea- talk with professionals, walk around the Planter’s residence, the tea-estate that supports several herbs. After a delicious home hosted ethnic Assamese lunch and warm hospitality, you bid farewell to the hosts and drive to the airport to board your flight to Kolkata. (B, L)

***Happy Journey***

Price Chart

Hotel & Meal Plan Chart:

*Note- Meals not included in the chart below are on own.

DAY DATE ITINERARY HOTEL & ROOM CATEGORY MEALS Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel Day 1 Tuesday Arrive Delhi N.A (Deluxe Room) Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel Day 2 Wednesday Delhi B (Deluxe Room) ITC Mughal Day 3 Thursday Delhi / Agra B (Mughal Room) ITC Rajputana Day 4 Friday Agra / Jaipur B, D ( Executive Club) ITC Rajputana Day 5 Saturday Jaipur B ( Executive Club) Jaipur / Guwahati / M.V. Mahabaahu Day 6 Sunday Mahabaahu (Superior Cabin) B,L,D M.V. Mahabaahu Day 7 Monday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu Day 8 Tuesday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin)

M.V. Mahabaahu Day 9 Wednesday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu Day 10 Thursday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu Day 11 Friday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu Day 12 Saturday M.V. Mahabaahu B,L,D (Superior Cabin) M.V. Mahabaahu Day 13 Sunday (Jorhat)-Kolkata & - B, L Departure

Note- B – Breakfast, L-Lunch & D- Dinner

Land Price:

Land prices based on per person in twin sharing room Prices are based on Indian Rupees (INR) Prices are valid from 01st October 2021 to 15th April 2022 (Except peak period: 20 Dec 2021- 10 Jan 2022)

Pax Grid Per Person prices

1 Pax INR 136242 2 Pax INR 74972 3 – 4 Pax INR 72259 5 – 6 Pax INR 67130 Single room supplement INR 38400 Special Note: Above Land tour cost is net and non-commissionable

Cruise Price:

Balcony (12) (7) (2)

Price per person INR 1,68,000* INR 2,10,000* INR 2,24,000* INR 2,59,000* on Twin sharing Single Room INR 1,50,500* INR 1,82,000* INR 2,24,000* INR 2,59,000* Supplement Full Charter INR 89,04,000

TOTAL CABINS = 23. ➢ 12 Superior Cabins without balcony ➢ 7 Deluxe cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Luxury Cabins with balcony ➢ 2 Suite Cabins

Airfare Supplement:

SPECIAL FARE Day SECTOR FLIGHT SCHEDULE CLASS (PER PERSON) Day 6 Jaipur - Guwahati SG 341 0815/1100 hrs. Economy TBA Day 13 Guwahati / Kolkata 6E 394 1225/1355 hrs. Economy TBA

Terms and conditions

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE INCLUDES:

• Assistance on all Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by Air-Conditioned vehicles except in Kaziranga and Majuli Island.

THE QUOTE FOR MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

OUR LAND QUOTE INCLUDES:

OUR LAND QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Any Tipping • Visa Fees • Any meals or beverages that are not specified in the above inclusions. • International & domestic Air fares • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and air plane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc. • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions • Any further taxes levied by the government of India

SPECIAL NOTES:

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night.

Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort.

Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation

BOOKING CONTRACT - M.V. MAHABAAHU

Terms and Conditions GUEST BOOKING CONTRACT:

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT POLICY:

A deposit for cruise fare of 25% per person is required at the time of booking. For Charter bookings this deposit is NON REFUNDABLE

90 DAYS PRIOR TO DATE OF SAILING: 75% Per Person

For the Christmas and New Year holiday, the full balance must be paid 120 days prior.

RESERVATIONS To make a reservation, contact your local Booking agency or call ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES – MV MAHABAAHU directly on the contact details mentioned below.

Contact number: + 91-9599-755-353

Email id: [email protected]

MODES OF PAYMENT • Bank wire transfer which is subject to bank wire fee

• Through Amex with an additional 4.35% Transaction fee , Master and Visa credit card with an additional 3.10% Transaction fee

*Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart.

Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date.

DOCUMENTS Documents will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.

TRANSFERS Only round trip nearest airport-to-ship transfers are included.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION/VISAS

All guests must have passports valid for six months following disembarkation and necessary visas when boarding. Guests are advised to check with their Booking agent to determine which documents they must obtain.

Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name or you may be denied boarding.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES accepts no responsibility for obtaining required visas or for advising guests of visa or other immigration requirements.

TIPS It is customary to give cruise gratuities, subject to your satisfaction of services rendered. Gratuities on board and on land are not included in your Full Fare.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES acts solely as a Sales Agent for the all direct guests or Booking Agents of the vessels described in ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES advertising.

RESPONSIBILITY

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES specifically disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind.

Tickets, vouchers and any other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of which may limit supplier’s liability).

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to any and all liability limitations, immunities and rights applicable to them or any of them under the Strasbourg Convention on the Limitation of Liability of Owners of Inland Navigation Vessels (CLNI), with protocols and amendments, together with the further provisions of the International Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976, with revisions and amendments (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Convention”), if and as applicable, and by those other and further limitations of liability set forth in the statutory and general maritime law of the United States, (including Title 46 U.S. Code Section 181-186, 188), as well as any other applicable nation’s laws limiting liability. ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to claim the benefit of whichever law, regulation, treaty or doctrine provides the greatest legal protections to ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein.

REFUSAL OF PASSAGE

ADVANCED, CANCELLED OR DELAYED SAILING

ACTS OF GOD, STRIKE, OR OTHER CONDITIONS BEYOND CONTROL

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES will determine the amount of any refund due. If the air ticket is lost, the guest is responsible for the cost of its replacement.

ADVENTURE RESORTS & CRUISES has no responsibility for any change in travel plans caused by airline delays or for any act, omission or event.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Travel Protection is not included in the listed fares. It is the individual responsibility of each guest.

Cochin with Cruising on the Kerala Backwaters (North to South)

9 Nights / 10 Days

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1 Arrive Cochin Day 2 Cochin Day 3 Cochin board RV Vaikundam Day 4 RV Vaikundam Day 5 RV Vaikundam Day 6 RV Vaikundam Day 7 RV Vaikundam Day 8 RV Vaikundam Day 9 RV Vaikundam Day 10 Deboard / Cochin & Departure

The Backwaters

Kerala has an extensive network of water-ways that lace the interior coastline, almost along the entire stretch of around 600kms. Being a land with copious rainfall, has a profuse overflow of fresh water that runs into canals and streams where the running waters tumbles in an effusive surge through hills and mountain passes, to join 40 odd rivers in the State. This labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons formed by the inimitable craftsmanship of nature is the Backwaters and these water bodies give life to its unique eco system.

The destination called by National Geographic as the Green Venice of the East due to the green coconut trees making the backwaters into a shade of emerald, with splashes of red setting sun offers a very serene tropical destination. The water-ways are teaming with a lot of life as most villages are connected only through wooden boats. Villages, temples, churches, coir handloom, cultural centers, paddy fields, market places, wooden boat building yards, long regatta snake boats, traditional toddy tapping, home hosted meals, beaches, homes of Catholic Saint Chavara, festivals, makes this experiencing a very living cultures destination.

Our experiential cruise from the modern port city Cochin (Kochi) to the ancient port town Alleppey (Alappuzha), passing through Kottayam, the land of latex and spices, will be enlightening as well as relaxing holidaying.

Vaikundam (The abode of Gods)

The river cruise boats of today are modified version of the traditional Kettuvallom or Rice barges of the past which had been in use for transporting of produces and goods from interior farms to the markets. Today they are comfortable cruising homes to unwind and relax immersing in the pristine nature and inexplicable energy along the meandering network of the Backwaters.

RV Vaikundam has nine well-appointed cabins with attached bathrooms on the lower deck and, well-functional kitchen, air-conditioned and exquisitely set dining hall and open lounge on its upper deck. The wooden hull of the boat is made by joining planks of local wood ‘Aanjili,’ using strong coir rope on the segments above waterline while, below waterline copper tacking is done to keep the hull both strong and traditional. The wood is coated with caustic black resin made by boiling cashew kernel and fish oil. The wood is periodically treated with the Neem oil and Fish oil. The rooms are made using wooden panels, bamboo poles and bamboo mats, following the traditional practices.

The boat has been featured in National Geographic Channel in Europe, Nat Geo People’s Dream Cruise program worldwide and Master Chef program of Channel Nine of Australia. Has played host to personalities like the then Prime Minister of India Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee and famous comedian Russell Brand.

Day 1: Arrive Cochin You arrive at Cochin airport. After clearing India Immigration and Customs, step into the receiving area where you will be met by our representative.

Check-in to the hotel near the airport. Overnight at the hotel (D)

Day 2: Cochin We have a walking tour of Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the epicenter of the spice trade for centuries. It remains a densely populated place housing people from different ethnic groups and faiths in very close quarters. Mattancherry is home to a small Jewish community whose origin dates back nearly 2000 years, during the period of King Solomon, when large scale trade took place between the Middle East and the Malabar Coast. Our touring today reveals Kochi’s multi-layered past, a rich brew of Arab, Portuguese, British, and Dutch influences. We begin with the Dutch Palace, actually built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The Dutch renovated and expanded it a century later, earning it its name. The palace also contains some of India’s finest mythological murals; the walls depict scenes from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (please note: the Dutch Palace closes on Fridays and Saturdays. Then we see St. Francis, India’s first European church (ca. 1510), famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 while on his third visit to India. Not immune to the turbulence of the colonial era, the originally Catholic St. Francis changed hands – and denominations – with each new power that took control of Kochi, becoming a Protestant Dutch Reformed church under the Dutch in 1663 then Anglican under the English in 1804. Next we pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets unique to Kochi. These iconic land-based nets

combine elegance and ingenuity, their massive frames balanced by counterweights manipulated by teams of up to six men. Long believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century or possibly travelers from Kublai Khan’s court, these nets actually trace their origin to Portuguese settlers from Macau.

Overnight at the hotel (B,D)

Day 3: Cochin board RV Vaikundam

After breakfast, check-out and proceed to witness the Kalaripayattu performance, Regarded as the oldest and most scientific in the world, kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is an integral of the Malayali culture. Bodhidharama, a Buddist monk, who visited China during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Ling dynasty, is believed to have presented the world with a self-defense system; from which evolved almost all the present day martial are forms. Scholars believe that his philosophy was influenced by the ancient martial culture of malabar - kalaripayattu the mother of all martial arts.

Thereafter, we arrive at Maradu jetty in Ernakulam (the urban area of Cochin) to embark on the River Cruise Boat RV Vaikundam.

After having the tradional lunch onboard, We set sail, gently cruising by the islands interspersed along rivers, lake, coastal estuaries and lagoons, leaving the skyscraper lined horizon of the city of Cochin behind. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch and relax onboard.

Our guide onboard will talk about Cochin, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, and its geographical, cultural and social significance.

We drop the anchor at the ancient village, Vaikom. We will have a short walk to visit the cultural centre to watch Kathakali, the traditional dramatic and mimetic dance form, which plays stories from epics. It is a unique blend of dance, music, action, literature and make-up. We will experience the short tuk tuk ride to the ancient temple of Shiva. The architecture of temples in Kerala is based on ancient science of construction and geographical features of the land. As per the traditional architecture, each element of temple represents an element of human body and, a temple is not only the space for spiritual enlightenment but also the venue for harmonious social networking.

Return to boat and relax. . Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

Day 4: Vaikom – Chenganda – Kumarakom

After breakfast we sail to Chenganda village. The people of this rustic village are having a laid-back and peaceful life.

We will visit the village spending time with the coir weavers, the shell harvesters and farmers, engaging in conversation about the riparian life and watching various indigenous techniques of fishing. Chenganda village is devoted to making coir, which tomorrow might save the world from plastic

Return to our boat and cruise to Thanneermukkom. The barrage at Thanneermukkom built across Vembanad, the largest lake of Kerala, divides the lake into two; one half with perennial salty water and the other with fresh water enriched by rivers.

This afternoon, we will visit the house of a Syrian Christian family for a home hosted lunch. This house is located on an island which was made by the men of the house, by reclaiming land from Backwaters. A walk in the farm will be educative. The hostess will demonstrate the preparation of traditional Syrian Christian cuisine. You may also try your hand at cooking and listen to the story of her family, of three generations of laborious men, and equally strong women who supported their pioneering spirit.

Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D) Day 5: Kumarakom – Kavalam

Having an early and light breakfast, set out for escorted canoe ride to watch the migratory as well as endemic birds of Kumarakom-which is a cluster of lagoons of Vembanad lake at the backdrop of mangroves, paddy fields and coconut groves. Waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck are some of the endemic species seen here. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.

Return to the boat, refresh and while cruising elaborate breakfast will be served. While cruising the lake we pass by expanses of the oldest paddy cultivating regions reclaimed from the bed of the Lake – Vembanad. These paddy fields are below sea level. Lunch will be served while cruising. We arrive in Kavalam where river Pampa reverses its course and drain into Lake Vembanad. You may take the ferry to explore the region, walk along the dykes surrounding the expanses of paddy fields and interact with the farmers and women’s collective. As we cruise, along the way we interact with toddy tappers, who collect the sap of coconut palm and make the alcoholic beverage – Toddy. Learn about the process of making toddy and an opportunity to taste it! We continue the cruise till dusk, through the remote interiors of Kavalam. Dinner on board. Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D) Day 6: Kavalam – Kainakari – Mankompu

After breakfast cruise to Kainakari, passing through the oldest and core regions of paddy cultivation on reclaimed land from the lake.

We will take the country boat to cruising through the narrow canals, get closer to the laid-back, yet harmonious, life along the wa y. We will stop to visit the Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Chavara which is now preserved as a museum. Saint Chavara, the first canonized Catholic male saint of Indian origin, was the co- founder of the first congregation for men, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate – C.M.I, and of a similar one for women, Congregation of the Mother of Carmel C.M.C. He had dedicated his life for the upliftment of the poorest among the poor. Return to boat. After having lunch onboard, cruise to Mankompu village. While cruising, we will have an informative lecture by an Ayurveda doctor to know about this 5000-years old Science of life – Ayurveda, which is still being practiced by the local people. Cruise to Mankompu village where we will witness a cultural performance. Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D) Day 7: Mankompu – Champakkulam – Changankari Excursion to Aranmula

After early breakfast, we drive to an ancient village, Aranmula, famous for its metal mirrors. The technical know-how behind the making of this unique metal mirror is confined to only some households of master craftsmen in Aranmula. These mirrors have the distinctive feature of 100% reflection unlike the common mirror. These mirrors are unique to this locale and haven’t yet been replicated anywhere else in the world.

We will then visit the ancient temple of Lord Krishna “Aranmula Sree Parthasarthy Temple”. The story goes that the temple had its idol brought here in a raft made with “Aru (six)” pieces of “Mula (bamboo)”. This is what gave the place Aranmula its name as well. Dedicated to the Hindu Deity Lord Krishna, the temple is situated on the banks of the Pamba River.

We will have a traditional lunch at a beautiful house of a local family, situated along the bank of Pampa River.

Post lunch we will visit the institute intended for promotion and presentation of Traditional Architecture and Mural Painting.

Return to boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise watching the laid-back village of farmers.

We will drive back to board our boat and will sail to Champakkulam village. Kerala’s old spice trade used to pass through this town enroute to Cochin and other ports on the west coast. Champakkulam settled more than 1000 years ago by Syrian Christian traders, who later converted to Roman Catholicism under the Portuguese. We will visit the St. Mary’s Church, one among the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary’s Church or Champakkulam Church in Alappuzha is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas in AD 427.

We may meet and interact with the tailors and the local artisans (open on weekdays) who make biblical heroes.

Continue cruising to the remote village –Changankari, passing through the serene canals.

Dinner on board. . Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D) Day 8: Changankari – Thottappalli

Early this morning we can enjoy a leisurely walk in the laid-back village. After breakfast, we will continue our sailing towards the coastal village, Thottappalli, passing by the spillway at the southern area of Kuttanad, which prevents the saline water at river mouth from flooding the low-lying paddy fields. We get to know about indigenous practices of paddy cultivation on reclaimed land at lower altitude than the Sea.

Honouring your cruise with us, we plant a sapling of coconut. Coconut tree is considered as the ‘Kalpavriksha ‘or the Divine tree of Kerala because all parts of coconut tree are useful in one way or the other: the water inside is a healthy drink; the fresh kernel and the oil extract from dried kernel are inevitable components of South Indian cuisine; fibre from the coconut husk is used to make coir, mats and geotextile; the palm fronds are used for thatching roof; the wood suitable for making furniture and all the dried parts of coconut make good firewood. Last, but not the least, the toddy – the boost for the labourers toiling in the fields.

We will drop anchor at Thottapalli and will enjoy a walk to the beach to see the life along the coast.

Return to the boat and dinner on-board. Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D) Day 9: Thottappalli – Karumadi – Kanjippadom

After breakfast, we will board the vehicle for a short drive (approx. 30 min) to visit an ancient sacred grove where serpents are worshipped, the only temple in Kerala having female priests. We will walk inside to see the rituals going on. The cult of snake worship in Kerala is closely interwoven with the life of the people and is a component of its rich cultural heritage.

We then continue our drive (approx. 45 minutes) to an ancient village Mannar (45minutes) which is famous for bell metal craft to watch casting of traditional lamps, ornate locks, bells, cauldrons and various types of vessels being used in temples. Fine clay, which is easily available on the bank of the river and rivulets flowing through the region, is being used for the lost wax method of casting of these bell metal products (The workplace remains closed on Sundays and religious holidays).

Return to the boat for lunch as we sail to a quaint village Karumadi. We will take a walk around a small shrine preserving the ruin of a sculpture of Buddha that dates back to the 11th century, made of solid black granite.

We will drop anchor at Kanjippadom, where we will explore the village by a leisurely walk. We will also visit the boat building yard to understand the traditional method of wooden boat building by joining wooden planks using coir, cotton and natural resin known as Kettuvallom.

Tonight, we celebrate our sojourn over farewell dinner on board RV Vaikundam.

Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D) Day 10: Kanjippadom – Punnamada & Disembark at Alleppey

After breakfast we cruise to Punnamada lake. Punnamada Lake is the venue of the annual Snake boat race which held on 2nd Saturday of August every year. People gather in large numbers to watch nearly 100 ft long boats compete against each other to the tune of old boat songs.

We disembark by 9.30 AM. After taking a walk through the market place of Alleppey.

Thereafter, transfer to Cochin airport to connect with flight to onward destination.

(B)

***End of Tour*** Price Chart

Hotel & Meal Plan Chart:

*Note- Meals not included in the chart below are on own.

DAYS CITY HOTEL OPTION MEALS Taj Malabar (Superior Charm City View Day 1 Arrive Cochin D T/W) Taj Malabar (Superior Charm City View Day 2 Cochin B,D T/W) Day 3 Board Kerala Cruise RV Vaikundam/Kerala Cruise B, L, D Day 4 Kerala Cruise RV Vaikundam/Kerala Cruise B, L, D Day 5 Kerala Cruise RV Vaikundam/Kerala Cruise B, L, D Day 6 Kerala Cruise RV Vaikundam/Kerala Cruise B, L, D Day 7 Kerala Cruise RV Vaikundam/Kerala Cruise B, L, D Day 8 Kerala Cruise RV Vaikundam/Kerala Cruise B, L, D Day 9 Kerala Cruise RV Vaikundam/Kerala Cruise B, L, D Deboard at Alleppey - Drive to Day 10 N.A B Cochin & Departure

BELOW LAND TOUR PRICES ARE BASED ON PER PERSON IN TWIN SHARING ROOM PRICES BASED IN INDIAN RUPEE (INR) PRICES VALID FROM 1ST OCTOBER’ 2021 TO 15TH APRIL 2022 RATES ARE NOT VALID FROM (20TH DECEMBER 2021 TO 10TH JANUARY 2022)

Price Per Person DETAILS

Per person prices for 2 paying pax INR 44392 Per person prices for 3 - 4 paying pax INR 41183 Per person prices for 5 - 6 paying pax INR 35817 Per Person prices for 7 - 9 paying pax INR 35933 Per person prices for 10-12 paying pax INR 33483 Per person prices for 13 - 14 paying pax INR 32164 Per person prices for 15 - 16 paying pax INR 31578 Per person prices for 17-18 paying pax INR 31129 Single Room Supplement INR 25667 Special Note: Prices are net and non-commissionable

Price Chart for RV VAIKUNDAM All prices are in Indian Rupees (INR) on PER CABIN PER NIGHT (Minimum 7 nights stay) (MINIMUM 7 NIGHTS STAY) BELOW MENTIONED PRICES ARE VALID FROM 1ST OCTOBER’ 2021 TO 15TH APRIL 2022

RV VAIKUNDAM Particulars Deluxe cabin (08) Luxury Cabin (01) Per Cabin Per Night INR 32340 INR 40260 (Single/Double)

*Prices are inclusive of all meals and activities as per the itinerary. *Above Cruise prices are Commissionable by 20% for the FIT booking (up to 9 guests), 35% for the GIT (10 or more guests). * 5% GST will be charged extra on the special cruise prices.

Terms and Conditions

OUR QUOTE INCLUDES: • Accommodation on twin sharing basis as per the above mentioned Hotels OR Similar in base category rooms as per above mentioned meal plan. • All Entrance fees at the Monuments as per the itinerary. • All excursions and activities as per the itinerary • Services of English speaking local guides during the sightseeing as per the itinerary. • Assistance at the airports. • Mineral water during the road travel • All Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by exclusive using (Cochin) ➢ 2 pax : Air-conditioned Innova Car ➢ 3-6 Pax : Air-conditioned Tempo Traveller ➢ 7-12 Pax : Air-conditioned Mini Coach ➢ 13-18 Pax : Air-conditioned Large Coach (28 Seater) ➢ AC Innova / Similar for the sightseeing during the Backwater Cruising • All currently applicable taxes.

OUR QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE: • Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc. • Any Insurance • Any tipping. • Services of accompanying tour director • Any meals or beverages that are not specified on the above inclusions. • Christmas & New Year Evening dinner supplement. • International & Domestic Air fares. • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and air plane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc. • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions. • Any further tax levied by the government of India.

Payment & Cancellation:

CANCELLATION TERMS FOR CHARTER BOOKINGS APPLICABLE ON THE FULL FARE: • 25% of the price will be charged for cancellation after the deposit has been paid • 90-75 days prior, 50% of the charter cost will be charged • 74-59 days prior, 75% of the charter cost will be charged • 60 days and less, 100% of the charter cost will be charged

CANCELLATION TERMS FOR FIT AND GROUP DEPARTURES APPLICABLE ON THE FULL FARE: • 120 to 90 days prior, 25% per person of the fare paid will be charged • 89-76 days prior, 50% per person will be charged • 75-46 days prior, 75% per person will be charged • 45 days and less, 100% per person will be charged

*Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart.

Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date.

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT POLICY: • A deposit for cruise fare of 25% per person is required to secure a confirmed booking. For Charter bookings this deposit is NON REFUNDABLE. • 90 DAYS PRIOR TO DATE OF SAILING: 75% Per Person • For the Christmas and New Year holiday, the full balance must be paid 120 days prior.

SPECIAL NOTES

• Hotel Check-In 1400 hours, Check-out time 1200 NOON. • Prices are subject to change with any increase in the cost. • Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary. • In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we intimate you of the supplement price.

*** Important Notes/Disclaimer:

Additional services, if any, during the trip have to be paid for by the clients. Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels, and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you. In the event of any of the above-mentioned hotels not becoming available, 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.

Cochin with Cruising on the Kerala Backwaters (South to North)

9 Nights / 10 Days

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1 - Arrive Cochin Day 2 - Cochin Day 3 - Cochin / Alleppey RV Vaikundam Day 4 - RV Vaikundam Day 5 - RV Vaikundam Day 6 - RV Vaikundam Day 7 - RV Vaikundam Day 8 - RV Vaikundam Day 9 - RV Vaikundam Day 10 - Deboard / Cochin & Departure The Backwaters

Vaikundam (The abode of Gods)

Day 1: Arrive Cochin

You arrive at Cochin airport. After clearing India Immigration and Customs, step into the receiving area where you will be met by our representative.

Check-in to the hotel near the airport. Overnight at the hotel (No Meals)

Day 2: Cochin Cochin

We have a walking tour of Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the epicenter of the spice trade for centuries. It remains a densely populated place housing people from different ethnic groups and faiths in very close quarters. Mattancherry is home to a small Jewish community whose origin dates back nearly 2000 years, during the period of King Solomon, when large scale trade took place between the Middle East and the Malabar Coast.

Next we pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets unique to Kochi. These iconic land-based nets combine elegance and ingenuity, their massive frames balanced by counterweights manipulated by teams of up to six men. Long believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century or possibly travelers from Kublai Khan’s court, these nets actually trace their origin to Portuguese settlers from Macau.

Then we see St. Francis, India’s first European church (ca. 1510), famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 while on his third visit to India.

Not immune to the turbulence of the colonial era, the originally Catholic St. Francis changed hands – and denominations – with each new power that took control of Kochi, becoming a Protestant Dutch Reformed church under the Dutch in 1663 then Anglican under the English in 1804.

Overnight at the hotel (B)

Day 3: Boarding at Alleppey / Punnamada / Kanjippadom

Board RV Vaikundam this afternoon at Punnamada in Alleppey. Punnamada Lake is the venue of the annual Snake boat race which held on 2nd Saturday of August every year. People gather in large numbers to watch nearly 100 ft long boats compete against each other to the tune of old boat songs.

Our welcoming team on-board will help you with smooth check-in, followed by the safety briefing.

We set sail. Unwind, as the boat leaves behind the bustling township and cruises gently to the villages interspersed along the tranquil emerald green water world of rivers, lakes, lagoons, canals and coastal estuaries, expanses of paddy fields, swaying tall coconut trees, banana plantations and variety of tropical fruit bearing trees. Enjoy the traditional lunch and relax on-board.

Our guide on-board will brief us about Alleppey – the Green Venice of the East, its geographical, cultural and social significance.

Return to the boat and dinner on-board

Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

Day 4: Kanjippadom – Karumadi – Thottappalli

We will continue our sailing towards the coastal village, Thottappalli, passing by the spillway at the southern area of Kuttanad, which prevents the saline water at river mouth from flooding the low-lying paddy fields. We get to know about indigenous practices of paddy cultivation on reclaimed land at lower altitude than the Sea.

We will drop anchor at Thottapalli and will enjoy a walk to the beach to see the life along the coast.

Return to the boat and dinner on-board. Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

Day 5: Excursion

Thottappalli – Changankari

Early this morning we can enjoy a leisurely walk in the laid-back village.

After breakfast on-board, honouring your cruise with us, we plant a sapling of coconut. Coconut tree is considered as the ‘Kalpavriksha ‘or the Divine tree of Kerala because all parts of coconut tree are useful in one way or the other: the water inside is a healthy drink; the fresh kernel and the oil extract from dried kernel are inevitable components of South Indian cuisine; fibre from the coconut husk is used to make coir, mats and geotextile; the palm fronds are used for thatching roof; the wood suitable for making furniture and all the dried parts of coconut make good firewood. Last, but not the least, the toddy – the boost for the labourers toiling in the fields. While cruising, we will have an informative lecture by an Ayurveda doctor to know about this 5000-years old Science of life – Ayurveda, which is still being practiced by the local people.

We will reach the remote village Changankari this evening, where we will drop our anchors.

Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

Day 6: Changankari – Champakkulam – Mankompu Excursion to Aranmula

After early breakfast, we drive to an ancient village, Aranmula, famous for its metal mirrors. The technical know- how behind the making of this unique metal mirror is confined to only some households of master craftsmen in Aranmula. These mirrors have the distinctive feature of 100% reflection unlike the common mirror. These mirrors are unique to this locale and haven’t yet been replicated anywhere else in the world.

We will have a traditional lunch at a beautiful house of a local family, situated along the bank of Pampa River. Post lunch we will visit the institute intended for promotion and presentation of Traditional Architecture and Mural Painting.

We may meet and interact with the tailors and the local artisans (open on weekdays) who make biblical heroes. Cruise to Mankompu village where we will witness a cultural performance

Dinner on board.

Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

Day 7: Mankompu – Kainakari – Kavalam

This day after breakfast we cruise to Kainakari.

We will take the country boat to cruising through the narrow canals, get closer to the laid-back, yet harmonious, life along the way.

We will stop to visit the Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Chavara which is now preserved as a museum. Saint Chavara, the first canonized Catholic male saint of Indian origin, was the co-founder of the first congregation for men, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate – C.M.I, and of a similar one for women, Congregation of the Mother of Carmel C.M.C. He had dedicated his life for the upliftment of the poorest among the poor.

Return to the boat. Lunch onboard, while cruising to Kavalam, where the river reverses its course and drain into Lake Vembanad. You may take the ferry to explore the region, walk along the dykes surrounding the expanses of paddy fields and interact with the farmers and women’s collective.

As we cruise, along the way we interact with toddy tappers, who collect the sap of coconut palm and make the alcoholic beverage–Toddy. Learn about the process of making toddy and an opportunity to taste it! We continue the cruise till dusk, through the remote interiors of Kavalam.

Dinner on board. Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

Day 8: Kavalam – Kumarakom

Early this morning, we set out by country boat to watch the migratory and endemic birds of Kumarakom, which is a cluster of lagoons of Lake Vembanad, at the backdrop of mangroves, paddy fields and coconut groves. Waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck are some of the endemic species seen here. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.

Relax on the boat, enjoying the gentle breeze and the beauty of the vastness and serenity of the majestic lake.

Dinner on board.

Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

Day 9: Kumarakom – Chenganda – Vaikom

After breakfast we sail to Chenganda village. The people of this rustic village are having a laid-back and peaceful life.

Return to boat and have lunch on-board

We will experience the short tuk tuk ride to the ancient temple of Shiva. The architecture of temples in Kerala is based on ancient science of construction and geographical features of the land. As per the traditional architecture, each element of temple represents an element of human body and, a temple is not only the space for spiritual enlightenment but also the venue for harmonious social networking.

Return to boat and relax.

Tonight, we celebrate our sojourn over farewell dinner on board.

Overnight onboard RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)

Day 10: Vaikom – Cochin

After breakfast, we set sail, gently cruising by the islands interspersed along rivers, lake and coastal estuaries. We talk about Cochin, the Queen of Arabian Sea, its geographical, cultural and social significance.

Arrive at Maradu for disembarkation. Drive to the nearby village Nettoor, to visit a Kalari – an authentic training centre for traditional martial art Kalaripayattu, which is said to have given birth to all martial arts.

After witness the performance, we proceed to Cochin airport to connect with flight to onward destination. (B)

***End of Tour***

Price Chart

Hotel & Meal Plan Chart:

*Note- Meals not included in the chart below are on own.

Price Per Person DETAILS

Per person prices for 2 paying pax INR 44392

Per person prices for 3 - 4 paying pax INR 41183

Per person prices for 5 - 6 paying pax INR 35817

Per Person prices for 7 - 9 paying pax INR 35933

Per person prices for 10-12 paying pax INR 33483

Per person prices for 13 - 14 paying pax INR 32164

Per person prices for 15 - 16 paying pax INR 31578

Per person prices for 17-18 paying pax INR 31129

Single Room Supplement INR 25667

Special Note: Prices are net and non-commissionable

RV VAIKUNDAM Particulars Deluxe cabin (08) Luxury Cabin (01) Per Cabin Per Night INR 32340 INR 40260 (Single/Double)

Terms and Conditions

Payment & Cancellation:

*Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart.

Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date.

SPECIAL NOTES

*** Important Notes/Disclaimer:

Additional services, if any, during the trip have to be paid for by the clients. Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels, and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you. In the event of any of the above-mentioned hotels not becoming available, 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.