Eastern Legends, Wildlife and Mystic River Cruise

Explore Dalhousie Square with landmarks like St.John’s Church, the imposing High Court, the Governor's House surrounded by vast gardens, General Post Office and Writer’s Building which is the seat of the state government. Visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, on top of which a charming one-winged fairy is perched forever, and St. Paul’s Cathedral that offers an oasis of calm amidst the bustle. Visit Mother Teresa’s House, where many devotees pay respects at this most-revered nun’s tomb. Examine the Indian Museum with its many objet-d'-arts. Embrace Bengali high art at the famous Tagore House where the late Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore composed some of his many great works. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Mother Teresa House closed On Thursdays & National holidays, Victoria Memorial & Indian Museum closed On Mondays & National holidays.)

Take a delightful 5-day river boat cruise on the Brahmaputra River, visiting pretty little villages along the way and taking a safari trip to the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Board the ABN Charaidew at Guwahati and sail downstream, making an overnight stop by the Vijaynagar Village, nestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra. Explore the village next morning after breakfast, before sailing further upstream to the little silk weaving town of Sualkuchi. Discover Assam’s venerable silk tradition by visiting local workshops and learning about the weaving and manufacturing process. Drive up to the sacred pilgrimage site of Hajo and stop by a temple and a hilltop shrine with a heart-warming, panoramic view of rural Assam. Return to the cruise boat for the night and sail back upstream to Guwahati the next morning. Take a short trip around Guwahati before boarding your river boat. Drive up Nilachal Hill to visit one of the most ancient and revered Hindu temples in India—the Kamakhya temple—dedicated to the Mother Goddess. Stop by the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery to pay your respects. Shop for local arts and crafts before taking a country boat across the river to the charming little Peacock Island with its resident Golden Langur monkeys. Return to the cruise and sail upstream to discover the region’s rich wildlife at the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its healthy population of the highly endangered Asian One-Horned Rhinoceros. Experience an exhilarating jeep safari into the parklands, spotting exotic birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. You may either drive up to the World Heritage, Kaziranga National Park, or returning to Guwahati the next day.

Buckle up for an hour and a half long drive to Sibsagar, that used to be the power center of the Assamese kings of the Ahom dynasty. Originally belonging to the Shan ethnic group, they converted to Hinduism at one point. Learn about their unique culture and architecture which is a curious and fascinating blend of Indian and Southeast Asian features. Explore the remains of the civilization, with its impressive palaces and peaceful temples reminiscent of stupas. Don’t forget to check out the temple tank here, whose claim to fame is that of being the world’s largest hand-excavated reservoir. (Half Day, Time of Day: Morning, Duration: 6 hrs with 1.5 hrs drive to and fro each; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate)