After travelling around eight of India’s most remarkable cities, my husband and I promised ourselves we would return to this magical country in coming years. Happily, this opportunity came much sooner than expected, when an invitation arrived from Far Horizon Tours to experience the Indian state of Assam on their river cruise ship, the
M.V. Mahabaahu, sailing on a Brahmaputra river cruise.
To say I was excited was an understatement and I felt incredibly privileged since only six European Cruise Specialists were invited. We couldn’t resist booking a couple of extra nights in Delhi (where our cruise began) prior to our experience, to visit some of the places we didn’t have time for last year. On the top of our list, as highly recommended by Bella, Cruise Select’s India Holidays Specialist, was the Gandhi Museum, by far the best museum we have ever visited, although we are by no means museum connoisseurs!. The museum is set in beautiful peaceful gardens and we were the only two people there apart from our guide – what a bonus!
Anyway, about our Bramaputra river cruise!
BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER CRUISE REVIEW: DAY 1
Assam stands out as one of India's most captivating and varied states, with the MV Mahabaahu offering the ideal means to unwind and relish the splendor of this frequently overlooked region. While traversing Assam by land can be challenging, a serene voyage along the Brahmaputra brings travelers in proximity to the most enchanting locales in this breathtaking state.
We took a short flight from Delhi to Dibrugarh (worth noting the weight limit for internal flights is 15 kilos). The vehicle transfer to the luxury cruise ship was fully air-conditioned and clean, and we were even provided with a lovely packed lunch in a basket. The transfer was close to four hours, and we passed through many small villages. The rules of the road in India, or should I say ‘what rules?’ are like no other place I have visited! However somehow it added to our adventure holiday and I felt completely at ease.
We stopped at a roadside market where locals travel from far and wide to buy and sell fresh vegetables, fish, fruit, spices and various other necessities. Flights are now available to Johat, reducing the transfer time to 45 minutes.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the surroundings, our group arrived at Neamati Ghat. The fading light created a sense of anticipation and excitement as we made our way down the sandy track towards the awaiting river cruise ship, the majestic M.V. Mahabaahu. With the helpful guidance of the crew members, we navigated the path with a mix of eagerness and curiosity, eager to embark on our journey along the serene waters of the river.
We were greeted with smiles, garlands, refreshing fruit juice and a very welcome cold towel. We found our cabin, unpacked and made our way to the Mungri Mungram restaurant where our welcome dinner was waiter-served. This was our only formal, served meal as the rest of the meals were all buffet-style.
M.V. MAHABAAHU CRUISE AMENITIES
The Bramaputra river cruise ship buffet offered plenty of choice, featuring Assam’s regional cuisines which used locally-sourced produce. The food was good quality, very tasty and lightly spiced although extra chilies and spices were always available! Don’t worry if your tastes are not as exotic as the scenery; there are always a couple of international dishes to choose from too!
Our accommodation onboard M.V. Mahabaahu for this Bamaputra river cruise was a balcony cabin. It was fairly compact but air-conditioned, and had plenty of wardrobe and drawer space for a week’s luxury cruise. The bathroom was well equipped with an excellent shower and even a powerful hairdryer, so I need not have packed my own! As expected, the balcony was small, but offered a wonderful, private vantage point to take in the idyllic scenery.
BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER CRUISE ARTICLES
MV MAHABAAHU CRUISE BRAHMAPUTRA, ASSAM VIDEO
