The textiles of Assam a cruise on the Bramhaputra and the city of Kolkata

We shall visit the village of Sualkuchi on the Brahmaputra River. From there we take a comfortable cruise on the river, to admire local wildlife, jungle and the Himalaya in the distance. 

Our tour ends in Kolkata (Calcutta), well known as the capital of the British Raj until 1911, but distinguished also by its rich cultural and artistic heritage in painting, writing, sculpture and music.

OCT 02/SAT
Arrangements begin with transfer from Kolkata airport to hotel. Hotel check-in at 2 PM. Arrival at Kolkata international airport in the evening and transfer to the Oberoi Grand (Deluxe Rooms)

Oct 03/SUN
We set off for the domestic airport for the flight to Guwahati. Jet 9W 2153 dep CCU at 1010/arr Guwahati 1120. In the evening we shall visit the Assam Emporium where we will see different handicrafts and textiles of Assam
Kiranshree Portico – 2 nights (Club Rooms) OR
Hotel Dynasty – 2 nights (Club Rooms)

Oct 04/MON
(Drive from Guwahati to Sualkuchi -35 kms /1 hour - Hajo –15 kms)
After breakfast we drive to Sualkuchi - the silk village of Assam which is situated on the bank of the river Brahmaputra. The village presents ample opportunities to experience the see and watch the making of Assamese silk and Muga Silk. Return to Guwahati.

Oct 05/TUE
Embark cruise – 3N – Jetty is 6 km from town of Guwahati
Short sightseeing tour of the city. Drive up Nilachal Hill to see the holy Kamakhya temple. With its tantric rites and animal sacrifice, the more squeamish may prefer to content themselves with the exterior. Visit the poignant Commonwealth War Graves cemetery. Finally walk through a local market before embarking on our cruise vessel. We set sail and cruise for about an hour and a half upstream to Kuruaon on the north bank.

Oct 06/WED
The day is spent cruising upstream, with hills rising on either side. Battling against strong currents, we reach an idyllic stop at Ganesh Pahar, where we can explore a delightfully serene hinterland lying under jungle-covered slopes.

Oct 07/THU
Leaving the hills behind, we enjoy our first taste of the wilderness experience, sandbanks like icebergs on either side. We may make a short stop to visit a bank side village, creating a sensation as we do. We moor for the night in a lunar landscape of sand islands, with hopefully the Himalayas in view and providing a contrasting backdrop in the distance.

Oct 08/FRI
Disembark and drive to Guwahati & fly to Kolkata in the evening.
 9W 2483 departs at 1940/arrive 2105.
Oberoi Grand – 05 nights (Deluxe Rooms)
Rising early, we take to our country boat for another cruise up a side stream, this time into the Orang National Park. Here in this rarely visited park, we take jeeps and ride through forest and grassland looking for rhino, deer and other wildlife. Around 11 AM drive to Guwahati (120 km/4 hr), late lunch at local restaurant and later transfer to Guwahati airport

Oct 09/SAT
Full day city tour Dalhousie Square (Covering Raj Bhavan, High Court, St. John’s Church, GPO, Town Hall, Writer’s Building and other important colonial buildings), Flower Market, Walk across the Howrah Bridge and visit the railway station. Take a local ferry to North Kolkata and visit Kumhartoli (The Potter’s Village), Jain Temple. After lunch visit South Park Street Cemetery, Mother Teresa’s Home and Indian Museum.

Oct 10/SUN
After early breakfast proceed for an excursion to Bishnupur (155 kms / 04 hrs approx). On arrival at Bishnupur enjoy Bengali lunch at Tourist Lodge. After lunch enjoy rickshaw ride and visit Ras Mancha, Dalmadal Cannon, Jor Bangla Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Malleswar Temple, Lalji Temple, Mrinmoyee Mandir, Shyam Rai Temple, Malla King's Fort and Kirti Bhawan Museum. Evening drive back to your hotel in Kolkata (155 kms / 04 hrs approx)

Oct 11/MON
Full day city tour visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, Maidan, National Library, Drive across Vidyasagar Setu and visit Botanical Garden. After lunch, there will be a number of options, including a visit to the New Market.

Oct 12/TUE
After breakfast proceed for an excursion to Barrackpore. On our way back to Kolkata visit College Street Book Market, Indian Coffee House, Marble Palace and Victoria Memorial.

Oct 13/WED
Depart Kolkata in the morning (Hotel check-out time is 12 Noon). Arrangements end with assisted transfer to Kolkata airport

• We shall arrange an evening outing to a performance of Bengali music.
• It may be possible to go to the Kolkata races
• The programme in Kolkata can be changed and adapted according to the interests of those travelling.  We will be visiting a school and a weaving cooperative.

PRICE: £2498 for two people sharing a room.

A deposit of £350 should be paid to Quo Vadis Travel Pvt Ltd on or before March 30 2010 to secure a place.  The balance is payable on or before August 2nd (ie 60 days before travelling). Payment details will be provided.

What is included:

• ACCOMMODATION: 11 night hotel accommodation in a double/twin room with attached bath inclusive of presently applicable local taxes. In general, hotel check-in time is 12 Noon (2 PM at Oberoi Grand Kolkata) and checkout time is 12 Noon but can vary. Hotels and room categories used have been mentioned in above itinerary. Single Room supplement has been provided for single room occupancy.
• MEALS: Full board. Meals start with dinner on Oct 2 and end with lunch on Oct 13
• TRANSPORT: All ground transportation, as detailed in the itinerary, for airport/hotel transfers, drives and all sightseeing by air-conditioned chauffeur driven Mini coach or Innova cars with complimentary supply of bottled water and soft drinks. 
• Services of English speaking local professional guides for sightseeing as per itinerary. 
• Entrance fee and still camera fee to the monuments & museums on sightseeing
• Assistance in major cities by representatives of our network of local offices
• Porterage at airports & hotels
• Game viewings in game reserve will be by open jeep/canter & on package basis as offered by hotels per government regulations. 
• Present economy class airfare Kolkata/Guwahati/Kolkata

What is not included:

• Any pre or post tour arrangements in Delhi or Mumbai.
• Video cameras fee at monuments/museums – this is paid at the time of entry.
• Expenses of personal nature - these can include:
  • tips to guides/drivers/porters
  • alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages/mineral water at hotels
  • shopping
  • laundry
  • room service
  • telephone/internet/fax charges
  • excess baggage handling etc.
• Travel/health insurance.
  You must have adequate cover.
• Visa fee to India & international airfares + airport taxes
  (Taxes are mostly collected when you purchase the tickets)
• Any optional visits or tours as may be suggested in the itinerary
• Anything not specified in the itinerary or inclusions