HANDCRAFTED EXPERIENCES OF EASTERN INDIA DESTINATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES RIVER CRUISES BOUTIQUE LODGES AND RESORTS TEXTILES AND HANDICRAFTS

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1 JTI GROUP HANDCRAFTED EXPERIENCES OF EASTERN INDIA DESTINATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES RIVER CRUISES BOUTIQUE LODGES AND RESORTS TEXTILES AND HANDICRAFTS

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3 Contents p. 5 JTI Group p. 6 Eastern Odyssey p. 10 Jungle Travels India Namaste! This year, JTI Group turns 29 and continues to be recognised as a forerunner in East India s tourism and hospitality industry, offering incredible experiences with our collection of brands in wildlife and birding, cultural immersion tours, river cruising, boutique lodges and resorts, and textile and handicrafts. To date, we are the first and only company based in Northeast India to have won the National Tourism Award. Constantly looking to improve and grow our products and services, we have a number of exciting news to share. Under Eastern Odyssey, we have launched MV Rudra Singha, our new elegant houseboat that now makes it possible to cruise the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra river to areas hitherto unexplored by boat. Assam Bengal Navigation, the pioneer in Indian river cruising, turns 15 this year. As India s first, largest and most experienced river cruise operator, we are proud to announce that we have begun design work on our fourth cruise ship that will set sail on the Ganges in due course. In April 2016, the state of Assam was honoured when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton, chose to visit Kaziranga National Park. And that the royal family chose to stay at Diphlu River Lodge, our boutique safari lodge, further reaffirms our ecotourism ethos and standards of excellence. JTI Group has always maintained that as our family of brands grows, the local communities that support us in our tourism endeavours too should grow. Under Assam Bengal Navigation, we have set up ABN Foundation, pledging to contribute 5% of all bookings to the causes of local community development, wildlife conservation and environment protection. This brochure aims to provide just a flavour of what s on offer in Eastern India. This region is fast-emerging as the next favoured destination, offering discerning travellers fascinating experiences to write home about. We look forward to welcoming you to Eastern India! Ashish Phookan Founder and CEO, JTI Group p. 12 JTI Holidays p. 15 Assam Bengal Navigation p. 22 Diphlu River Lodge and Bansbari Lodge p. 25 Tribal Heritage p. 26 ABN Foundation 3

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5 INTRODUCING JTI GROUP JTI GROUP IS A FAMILY-OWNED AND -MANAGED ENTERPRISE THAT IS COMMITTED TO CRAFTING UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES AND CHAMPIONING RESPONSIBLE TOURISM. Comprising river cruises, boutique lodges and resorts, destination management services, and textiles and handicrafts, JTI Group is a collection of brands that all operate under the same management and maintain an equal standard of excellence. In 1989, in a tiny back-room with nothing more than a telephone and a solid knowledge of the destination, husband-wife traveller duo Ashish and Jahnabi Phookan established Jungle Travels India Pvt Ltd, an award-winning boutique travel company that has been in operation for over 29 years. Today, Jungle Travels India Pvt Ltd remains the registered name of the enterprise but we refer to ourselves as JTI Group to encapsulate all our other new products and services. Our destination management services operate under two companies: Jungle Travels India, which focuses on wildlife and birding tours in Eastern India; and Eastern Odyssey, a cultural travel specialist that crafts bespoke experiences in Eastern India. In 2003, Ashish and Jahnabi Phookan partnered with Andrew and Grania Brock to found Assam Bengal Navigation, an Indo-British joint venture offering boutique river expeditions on the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers. Our pioneering effort in opening up India s waterways to tourism won us the National Tourism Award in We are also the largest and most experienced river cruise operator in India. JTI Group has also expanded into creating boutique lodges and resorts in the vicinity of Assam s national parks. Bansbari Lodge is a simple but comfortable lodge outside Manas National Park and Diphlu River Lodge is an award-winning lodge, built on ecotourism principles, located on the periphery of Kaziranga National Park. We are also in the process of building a resort outside of Manas National Park; landscaping work is currently underway. Weaving is an intrinsic part of Assam but handspun textiles may soon become a lost art. Tribal Heritage, under JTI Group, was established to preserve Assam s rich textile heritage by offering skills training in design and hand-weaving to rural men and women. Our philosophy at JTI Group is simple: travel and do good. In April 2017, our commitment to rural community development, wildlife conservation and environment protection will be legitimised in the form of the ABN Foundation. Every time you travel with Assam Bengal Navigation, ABN Foundation will pay it forward to the communities and national parks you visited. Delivering the most exclusive experiences in East India, JTI Group is honoured to introduce travellers to our part of the world. 5

6 Eastern Odyssey is a boutique travel specialist of Eastern India, from Varanasi to the Indo-Myanmar border, from the Eastern Himalayas to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Bhutan, our next-door neighbour. EASTERN ODYSSEY We focus on bespoke private travel and small group tours to Eastern India. Whether your interest is in cultures and customs, wildlife and birding, or hiking, biking and other types of adventures, Eastern Odyssey can plan, prepare and arrange everything for you so that you can have the best introduction to our corner of the world. We also conduct photography, textiles, tea and other special interest tours. WHY EASTERN INDIA? Eastern India is a wondrous collection of varied cultures, topography, and flora and fauna. This stretch of India prides itself on its sacred rivers, diverse cultures, the lofty Himalayas, exotic tribes, abundant wildlife and birding, and swathes of forests. UNCOVER THE SECRETS OF INDIA S EASTERN CORNERS, AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REGION ALTOGETHER. From the holy Ganges to the mighty Brahmaputra river; from idyllic Majuli, a microcosm of culture and the world s largest river island, to Tawang Monastery, the second largest monastery in the world; from the living root bridges of Nongriat to the rhinos and tigers of Kaziranga, National Park, Eastern India is a land of staggering diversity and an unexplored region for many. 6

7 You could rub shoulders with the tattooed Konyak tribesmen of Nagaland one day and two days later, find yourself mesmerised with the 13th century Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. It is this polarity that makes Eastern India such an exciting destination to discover. AUTHENTIC, LOCAL EXPERIENCES At Eastern Odyssey, our aim is to offer you authentic experiences that go beneath the surface of a destination. Gain firsthand knowledge of the history and everyday life of a place from locals; immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions of tribes and communities; and step back in time as you discover some of the last remote frontiers of this diverse region. This might mean a conversation with a wildlife conservationist, an invite to a tribal chief s home or a delightfully humble meal at a homestay. Whichever experience you choose, there will always be an earnest attempt by Eastern Odyssey to create a connection between you and the places you visit, the people you meet and the experiences you feel. As a small way of being true to our commitment of offering authentic experiences to travellers, Eastern Odyssey employs only local guides who we train and support to cultivate their interest. TOP 5 EXPERIENCES IN EASTERN INDIA 1. Spend a week or two weeks cruising the Ganges, India s most sacred river and lifeline to millions of people. 2. Hike through evergreen forests and valleys or visit the Buddhist monasteries of the states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. 3. Experience the staggering wildlife diversity of the greenest part of India - go on safaris to UNESCO World Heritage Sites for close encounters with rhinos, tigers, gibbons and exotic birds. 4. Learn about the customs, traditions and histories of the tribes of Nagaland at the Hornbill Festival, a vibrant display of colour and a photographer s dream. 5. Go on a cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra river, rated one of the world s top 10 adventurous cruises by CNN - visit national parks, ancient temples and tribal villages along the way. 7

8 TASTE OF ASSAM: TEMPLES, TIGERS & TEXTILES MV Rudra Singha Spend three nights/four days in your comfortable riverboat and sail up and down the Brahmaputra river, checking off the best of Assam s temples, textiles and wildlife. Visit the Umananda and Aswaklanta temples, two important shrines of worship for the local populace that date back to the 18th century; Enjoy a bicycle ride through Vijayanagar, a tiny town bustling with activity; Go from home to home in Sualkuchi to learn about Assamese silks; watch in awe as weavers deftly use their handlooms to create beautiful garments; Track rhinos and tigers by jeep safari in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary; Go on a guided walk through old Guwahati s streets and visit the local museum. In February 2017, Eastern Odyssey launched MV Rudra Singha, a tastefully appointed, air-conditioned houseboat for private river cruises on the entire stretch of the Brahmaputra river in the Assam plains. Built to sail all the way upstream to river ports near the remote, mountainous state of Arunachal Pradesh, where the mighty Brahmaputra river starts its tumultuous journey from Tibet, MV Rudra Singha is well-equipped to explore seldom navigated parts of the region. Assam is arguably one of India s most beautiful states, with its tea gardens, river islands, national parks and temples. Located close to Southeast Asia, Assam was ruled by the Ahom dynasty (kings of Thai stock) for 600 years and, as such, has cultures and customs that have been influenced by those of the kingdoms of Myanmar, Bhutan, Thailand and other parts of that region. Large parts of Assam are carpeted in greenery from evergreen forests to dense grasslands making this state a very suitable home for rhinos, elephants, tigers and other wildlife. The state is also renowned for its tea, an industry that was brought to life during the British Raj. The mighty Brahmaputra river is Assam s lifeline, depositing silt along its course and contributing to the rich fertility of its soil. The river bed is often 20 or 30 km across, a calm vista of sand spits and water. Deep water channels change their course from week to week, making every cruise an adventure. Watch out for the endangered Gangetic Dolphin, a sight not uncommon along these waters, and discover bucolic riverside scenes as your boat sails past towns and villages. 8

9 Experience riverside idyll as you glide down the Brahmaputra river of Assam, one of India s greenest states. FEATURES AND TECHNICALITIES MV Rudra Singha is built by local craftsmen in the traditional style of Assamese Pansoinau (flatbottomed large boat), entirely made of local wood and elegantly adorned with local weavings. The houseboat is perfect for couples and small families to explore the Brahmaputra river and the numerous attractions close to its banks. A crew of four Captain, sailor, chef and cruise manager/ guide will be present at all times to ensure your comfort. A unique feature of MV Rudra Singha is its shallow draft that enables it to glide through the shallowest of channels on the river, even at the peak of winter (dry season) in Assam. This capability of the houseboat enables travellers to explore tribal communities and wildlife reserves across Assam and up to the upper reachers of the Brahmaputra river, near the Eastern Himalayas. In other words, MV Rudra Singha takes travellers to places hitherto unexplored by boat. MV Rudra Singha is 70 ft. (l) x 13 ft. (w) and is equipped with modern on-board waste-water treatment plant, safety equipment (including life jackets, life buoys and a fire-fighting system), and an electric generator with a battery pack that ensures a quiet night. The cabin is 121 sq. ft. and has double or twin occupancy. It is air-conditioned with a private bathroom and a lounge that offers panoramic views. On prior request, the lounge can also be converted into an additional bedroom with a sofa bed. 9

10 JUNGLE TRAVELS INDIA GO DEEP INTO THE WILDERNESS OF INDIA FOR CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH RHINOS, TIGERS AND EXOTIC BIRDS. Jungle Travels India is an award-winning destination management company that specialises in wildlife and birding tours throughout India and with particular emphasis on Eastern India. For over 29 years now, we have been leading wildlife and birding tours to some of India s best national parks and sanctuaries, including lesser-known ones that may not be large in size but are still teeming with life. One of 17 megadiverse countries in the world, India is incredibly rich in wildlife and birds. There are 103 national parks and 537 wildlife sanctuaries in India, out of which 37 national parks and 137 wildlife sanctuaries are located in India s eastern belt. Within this belt, Northeast India deserves special mention for its abundant flora and fauna. Supporting the world s highest density of the Royal Bengal Tiger (Kaziranga National Park) and the One-horned Rhinoceros (Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary), Northeast India is also home to more than 850 species of birds, including hornbills, White-winged Wood Duck, Firetailed Myzornis, Bengal Florican and Temminck s Tragopan, making this region one of the most biodiverse in the country. In addition to India s eastern belt, other areas of the country are also notable for their diversity in flora and fauna. 10

11 Central India has many renowned national parks such as Bandhavgarh, Pench, Kanha and Satpura national parks that present ample opportunity to spot tigers, gaur, nilgai and chital. Gir National Park, in West India, is the only home of the Asiatic lion and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia. Ranthambore National Park, in Northwest India, is one of the best places in India to spot big cats, and Periyar National Park, in South India, is an important elephant and tiger reserve. WHY TRAVEL WITH JTI? Simply put, with many years of experience comes not only improved services and excellent client feedback but also an extremely detailed knowledge of the land. In Eastern India, we employ our own naturalists, spotters and guides, which means that you can be sure of receiving the highest level of service that has been vouched and vetted by us. All of our clientfacing employees (including your tour vehicle drivers) are young men and women who have grown up in villages near the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries or the adjoining region. Whilst some were experienced naturalists and guides before joining JTI, many have been trained by us to become the best in their fields. JTI is also conscious of the damage that tourism - unless checked and conducted properly - can have on a place and its residing community. We follow responsible tourism practices and engage partners in other areas of India who lead their operations with the same ethos. Just as we have done in our 29 years of operations, JTI will continue to go to great lengths to ensure that your experience in India is a memorable experience. MEET A JTI NATURALIST Abidur Rahman is a gifted naturalist who has been leading birding and wildlife tours in Eastern India and other parts of the subcontinent for the past 12 years. Born and brought up near the Eastern range of Kaziranga National Park, Abidur developed a deep respect and appreciation for the natural world from a young age. He is not only a professional naturalist but also a conservation activist who has contributed valuable work to the Threatened Birds of India Project, the Bengal Florican Conservation Project and many others. He is a member of the Bombay Natural History Society and Indian Bird Conservation Network. 11

12 JTI HOLIDAYS ESTABLISHED IN 1989, JTI HOLIDAYS IS THE FIRST AND MOST EXPERIENCED IATA AGENT IN NORTHEAST INDIA. AS A FORERUNNER IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY OF THE REGION, WE OFFER GROUP TOURS AND PERSONALISED HOLIDAYS TO ANY DESTINATION WORLDWIDE. JTI Holidays provides specialist travel information and services in bespoke international and domestic luxury travel, special interest tours and small group tours to travel enthusiasts from Northeast India. We are proud to be the first IATA accredited travel agency and the first to be a part of the American Express network in all eight states of Northeast India, making us the most experienced and reputable one in the region. JTI Holidays looks after the end-to-end management of all your travel needs. We provide the following services: international tour packages by global group travel operators specialist small group tours visas and foreign exchange services Our small group tours deserve special mention. Designed for 8 friends or family, these cost-effective small group tours allow travellers to explore Europe, Asia and the Americas in the comfort of a chauffeured car, local guides with deep knowledge for the region, personalised service, and the luxury of privacy and travelling at their own pace. This year, JTI Holidays is also introducing a loyalty program that will offer our clients exclusive promotions and holiday discounts to share among their friends and family. Whether you wish to glide over the Bayan temples of Myanmar in a hot-air balloon or go on a winery tour of France; seek blessings at the Golden Temple at Amritsar or relax on the beaches of the Caribbean, JTI Holidays can plan and prepare every detail for you. hotel bookings group tours MICE and incentive travel. 12

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15 ASSAM BENGAL NAVIGATION ESTABLISHED IN 2003, ASSAM BENGAL NAVIGATION CO. IS THE LARGEST AND MOST EXPERIENCED RIVER CRUISE OPERATOR ON THE GANGES AND BRAHMAPUTRA RIVERS AND THE PIONEER OF LONG-DISTANCE RIVER CRUISING IN INDIA. Anyone who has travelled by train or plane through India, or who has been driven on Indian roads, will be amazed to learn that there is actually a way to travel through the country in total serenity and comfort. It is, in fact, possible to cruise for some 1750 miles on the rivers and inland waterways of India, passing through great cities, alongside wildlife sanctuaries and historical monuments and into the heart of rural India. Assam Bengal Navigation are pioneers in this exploration. A sister concern of JTI Group, Assam Bengal Navigation is an Indo-British joint venture founded by Ashish and Jahnabi Phookan along with their partners, Andrew and Grania Brock. With three cruise ships, we are the largest and most experienced operator on Indian rivers. In 2003, we pioneered long-distance river cruising in India with our boutique expedition cruises on the Brahmaputra river in Assam, and in 2007, we were also the first to run cruises on the Ganges. Our first riverboat, the ABN Charaidew, with 12 air-conditioned en-suite cabins was joined in 2006 by her near-identical sister ship ABN Sukapha. Cruises operate on the Brahmaputra River from October to April and virtually all through the year on the Ganges. The size of our fleet increased with the launch of ABN Rajmahal in 2014, a 22-cabin riverboat specifically designed for water levels on the Ganges. We also own and operate two boutique lodges. Diphlu River Lodge is an award-winning lodge located on the periphery of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park and Bansbari Lodge in Manas National Park, on the other hand, is simpler in style but still comfortable. Experience counts for everything and our expertise in the field of river cruising and hospitality is unrivalled. We were awarded the Indian National Tourism Award for Innovation in

16 ABN RAJMAHAL & ABN SUKAPHA The Ganges cruises presents a variety of delights, with a fascinating mix of visits each day. From stunning and little-known terracotta temples to the echoing corridors of princely palaces; from the impressive archaeological sites associated with the life of Buddha to the walks through villages and amongst rice paddies and fields of jute, the Ganges cruises offers travellers a chance to experience the heart of India, far from the bustle of the big cities and into the quaint little towns and villages on the banks of the river. Worshipped as a goddess, the Ganges is the most sacred river to the Hindus; it is also the cultural and economic lifeline to millions of Indians who along its 2525 km course and depend on it it for their daily needs. Once a significant trade route, the historical importance of the Ganges is proven by the many former provincial or imperial capitals that sprung up along its banks over the centuries. Assam Bengal Navigation cruises the 1200 km of navigable river between Kolkata and Varanasi, with ABN Rajmahal being the first and only riverboat to sail this entire stretch. SIGHTS ALONG THE GANGES In Kolkata, visit the Victoria Memorial, a structure built during the British Raj to rival the Taj Mahal. From there, cruise up to the riverside towns of Chandernagore, an erstwhile French colony, and Murshidabad, the capital of the Nawabs of Bengal and once larger than London. Explore the terracotta temples of Kalna and the Mughal fort of Chunar; learn about India s colonial history at Plassey and the spread of Buddhism at Nalanda, an 8th century stupa and monastery. Arresting to all the senses, Varanasi is the world s oldest continuously inhabited town and a culture enthusiast s dream. Experience the evening aarti ceremony, a very powerful and uplifting ritual, and take rowing boats at dawn past the busy and colourful bathing ghats. ABN RAJMAHAL ABN Rajmahal, the latest addition to our fleet, was built in Kolkata and launched in She has been designed specifically for river conditions on the Ganges; with her extra-shallow draught and reduced 16

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18 air draught, she will be able to cruise further upstream than any of her competitors, making her the only riverboat to access the ghats of Varanasi. ABN Rajmahal has 22 spacious, air-conditioned cabins over two decks, all with floor-to-ceiling sliding windows and French balconies. In addition to the double/twin cabins on both decks, there are 4 single cabins for which no supplement is charged. The decor is stylish and fresh, using hand-blocked cotton textiles with traditional Indian motifs, while the floors are polished teak. There is a comfortable saloon and bar as well as a dining room and a spa. The very large sundeck, with both open and shaded areas, offers generous amounts of seating in both comfortable rattan chairs and teak steamer chairs. ABN SUKAPHA ABN Sukapha was built in Kolkata in She has 12 air-conditioned cabins (10 x twin-bedded, 2 x doublebedded) with large sliding windows. In an effort to conserve India s forests, the interiors are bamboo-paneled, airconditioned and roomy with en suite bathrooms. There is a spa and a saloon with a library. The dining room is on the main deck and a spacious sundeck at the very top. Fabrics on board have been handwoven by Bodo tribal villagers; the comfortable rattan chairs are locally sourced and made; and our gift shop stocks only arts and crafts made by local artisans. 18 LIFE ON BOARD ALL ABN CRUISE SHIPS Enjoy a cup of tea on the sundeck in the early hours of the morning when the sun has just risen and rural life begins to unfold on the banks. While sailing times vary, guests are able to watch lush scenery glide by as they dig into a hearty breakfast. Excursions differ each day but there is usually plenty of time for relaxation; return the waves of village children on their way to school or enjoy a glass of beer on the sundeck from the honesty bar. Our chef s talents are much appreciated, whether for the continental dishes usually served at lunchtime or for the varied Indian cuisine at dinner. Most guests tend to have a drink beforehand in the saloon - a good time to chat over the day s experiences and to discuss the next day s programme with our guide. Those wishing to unwind further can indulge themselves at the spa on board (on our Ganges cruises). Coffee in the saloon, accompanied by a liqueur, is a fitting prelude to a comfortable night far from the hurly-burly of modern life.

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20 ABN CHARAIDEW One of Asia s major rivers, the Brahmaputra river flows through three countries: born in Tibet, reaching maturity in India, and ending its journey to the sea in Bangladesh. It bears many names along its course: Tsangpo in Tibet, Lohit or Brahmaputra in India, and Jamuna in Bangladesh. Navigable for most of its length, the Brahmaputra is known for its floods, which are essential to the ecosystems of the wildlife sanctuaries along its banks. The river bed, miles wide, forms a natural corridor for birds and mammals, while industry and development are absent from the scene. Wilderness and wildlife are, in fact, the dominant aspects of the Brahmaputra cruise but the distinctive nature of Assamese culture is also equally fascinating. Assam was the only area of India that remained unconquered by the Mughals; instead, the influence of Buddhist traditions of Southeast Asia spread through the land. Rated by CNN as one of the world s top 10 adventurous cruises (albeit of a gentler variety), the Brahmaputra cruises are a passage to a little-known corner of the subcontinent and the natural and cultural treasures it harbours. SIGHTS ALONG THE BRAHMAPUTRA On the Brahmaputra, our cruises take you to riverside villages where the locals will be as enchanted by us as we by them. Our guide will be able to fill in about their background and to point out the differences between the various tribal communities, whether they be Mishing, Dimasa, Kachari or Bodo. Where we cannot moor the riverboat alongside the bank, we take our country boat to explore temples such as Kamakhya, where tantric rites are practised, or the ruins of the Ahom dynasty, kings of Thai stock who ruled Assam for 600 years. 20

21 The riverine island of Majuli is also another highlight of the Brahmaputra cruises. A stronghold of the peaceful religion of neo- Vaishnavism, Majuli s elegant island satras showcase a unique way of life where the faithful live simply, offering worship through music and readings. On certain mornings, rise early to go on wildlife safaris with our expert naturalists. Venture deep into the UNESCO World Heritage of Kaziranga National Park, and come across rhinos, tigers, elephants and wild water buffaloes in their natural habitat. A favourite evening is a barbeque on a mid-river sand island around a campfire. The wilderness setting under a vast canopy of stars adds to the appreciation of our chef s kebabs, cooked to perfection. ABN CHARAIDEW Built in Guwahati in 1973 and entirely rebuilt there in 2003, ABN Charaidew is 38m x 8.5m in size. The grand old lady of our fleet, she has 10 twin-bedded and 2 double-bedded cabins with en-suite bathrooms. All cabin accommodation is on the upper deck, as is a bar and saloon opening onto a front deck. A dining room with full-length opening glass doors on each side is on the lower deck, while a large top sundeck offers additional comfortable open-air seating in shade or sun. Local handloom fabrics specially woven for us and comfortable cane sofas and chairs contribute to the attractive décor. 21 SERVICES ON ALL ABN CRUISE SHIPS Shore excursion programme including all admissions Maximum 20 guests per guide on all excursions Cold tower service after excursions Welcome drink after excursions Shoe-cleaning after excursions Turndown service in all cabins Expertly trained culinary staff Acclaimed combination of Indian and Western dishes Wide choice of wines, spirits and beer Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water throughout trip Welcome reception Farewell reception Local on-board song and dance performances Vast sundeck, both open and shaded, with sunloungers or steamer chairs Spa with a choice of treatments (except ABN Charaidew)

22 DIPHLU RIVER LODGE & BANSBARI LODGE DIPHLU RIVER LODGE Established in 2008, Diphlu River Lodge is a boutique safari lodge that is spectacularly situated on the periphery of Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam. It is separated from the park only by its namesake river, a watering hole for wild buffaloes and elephants. The lodge exemplifies rustic luxe and was adjudged as the first runner-up in the Best Wildlife Resorts in India category by Lonely Planet, placing between billiondollar hospitality chains of the Oberoi and Taj group of hotels. In April 2016, Diphlu River Lodge was also honoured to have had the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton, stay with us on their maiden trip to India. Cottages and other areas Purposely built to blend into surrounding foliage and terrain, Diphlu River Lodge has 12 twin-bedded, air-conditioned thatch-and-bamboo cottages on stilts that is set amid paddy or mustard farmland (depending on the season); this style of architecture was inspired by the simple tribal homes of the Mishing people of Assam. Besides comfortable beds, each cottage has a pleasant sit-out as well as a writing desk, mini-bar and a small fridge. Our complimentary selection of tea and coffee and an electric kettle is also at hand. The bathroom has a rain shower and a roomy dressing area. The main area where guests dine and congregate in the evenings to socialise over a sundowner is called Machaan. The Machaan has lounge areas with balconies on 22

23 two floors that face the park, a perfect vantage point to watch the wild. While walking around the lodge, one can also spot over 57 species of birds. Our chef is a talented individual from a nearby village who uses fresh produce from our organic garden or from the local market to rustle up Indian, Assamese and continental fare. Meals are typically in the style of a buffet. Diphlu River Lodge is a proud supporter of local artisanship - the unique weaves and artefacts that adorn the lodge are all handmade, fair trade products by local artisans. Shop our curated collection of handicrafts and handlooms from our in-house boutique or visit our in-house weaving unit to learn more about handloom textiles. Responsible tourism Committed to responsible tourism, Diphlu River Lodge takes great care to ensure that nature, the wild and local communities always come first. This means recycling our greywater, practising organic farming, providing hospitality training to young men and women from neighbouring villages, starting an in-house weaving unit, and subscribing to a low light and noise policy within the lodge premises, among other initiatives. Additionally, Diphlu River Lodge is associated with the Ecotourism Society of India, the peak advocacy body for ecotourism, and is part of Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT), a global campaign that supports responsible tourism as a way to save the Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife. BANSBARI LODGE The Bansbari Lodge is situated in prime position right at the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Manas National park, with tea gardens on one side, jungle and views of the Himalayan foothills on the other. The 16 large twin-bedded rooms all have attached bathrooms and the lodge is simply but comfortably furnished. There is a welcoming atmosphere to the lodge, which includes an attractive dining room and a lobby where you can relax on sofas, browsing through books from our library. In fine weather, tables and chairs are set outside for breakfast and the spacious grounds are fast becoming a delightful garden in which to stroll. Each bedroom has comfortable twin beds, a writing/dressing table, cane chairs to relax in, and en suite bathrooms. Our policy at Bansbari Lodge is to generate local employment opportunities by training men and women from nearby villages and using locally sourced furniture and hand-spun fabrics. 23

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25 TRIBAL HERITAGE WITH A SINGULAR MISSION OF PRESERVING THE HANDWOVEN TEXTILES OF ASSAM, TRIBAL HERITAGE PROVIDES WEAVERS AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT TO CONTINUE THEIR CRAFT. Assamese women weave fairy tales in their looms, said Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 when he first visited the state. Weaving has been an intrinsic part of Assam s culture and heritage and a cottage industry of the state as the women are traditionally the weavers in Northeast India, unlike the rest of the country. The silks and weaves of this state in Northeast India are beautifully unique, with intricate patterns of native animals, human figurines, flowers and birds that depict everyday rural scenes. Assam also has the Geographical Indicator status for Muga, the golden silk which is endemic to Assam. Tribal Heritage started with one enterprising woman weaver, Anjali, who understood the design intervention that we wanted to provide to make her hand-weaves more appealing for urban women. She would go village to village to engage rural women in their looms and collect at the months end from them. This provided a sustainable livelihood generation model at the doorsteps of the rural women weavers. Today, Tribal Heritage has its own weaving centre in Kaziranga National Park with Anjali managing women as well as men weavers in our own looms. It is located right next to our wildlife lodge, the Diphlu River Lodge. Our guests have the opportunity to observe at close quarters basic bamboo looms and the heavier wooden looms that are used for the tedious and intricate craft of hand-weaving. This has led to a greater appreciation of the handloom over the machine-run loom and an acceptance of the price differences involved that our weavers get to benefit from. Tribal Heritage provides an enabling environment for an experiential textile tourism model and a training ground for learning design and weaving skills. Our ethos remains to revive, sustain and celebrate the weaving heritage of Assam s tribal communities. Alongside Tribal Heritage, Jahnabi and her partner, Jesmina Zeliang, also set up Konyak, a fair trade platform for the grassroots artisans of Northeast India. With three boutiques in Assam, Konyak takes pride in introducing the world to the handicrafts and handlooms of Northeast India. JTI Group, under Tribal Heritage, runs textile tours and workshops in Assam. From the riverside town of Sualkuchi to the island hamlet of Majuli, explore weaving hubs, interact with talented weavers and try your hand at the loom as you learn more about Assam s history and future in handwoven textiles. 25

26 ABN FOUNDATION LAUNCHING OFFICIALLY IN APRIL 2017, THE ABN FOUNDATION IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION THAT AIMS TO SUPPORT WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION EFFORTS. As a company, Assam Bengal Navigation has always prided itself on adhering strongly to the principles of responsible tourism. Since our inception, we have invested heavily in many rural community development initiatives; one such example is our choice to train and employ young men and women from villages in hospitality and English language skills. In April 2017, we are taking our existing efforts a step further and formalising ABN s philanthropy into a legitimate charitable body, the ABN Foundation. With the aim to support wildlife conservation, rural community development and environmental protection efforts, ABN Foundation pledges to contribute 5% of every tour booked with Assam Bengal Navigation to fund these causes. By travelling with Assam Bengal Navigation on the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers and to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kaziranga and Manas national parks, you can be assured that your support of our cruises and boutique lodges will be paid forward to the villages, forest officials and other NGOs operating in these areas. EXISTING AND PLANNED INITIATIVES Through Assam Bengal Navigation s 15-year history, we have been involved in hospitality and English language training, women s empowerment through the set-up of weaving microenterprises, talent development, reforestation programs and education sponsorships. The planned initiatives for 2017 include investments in health and hygiene programs in rural communities, our fair-trade weaving unit, more education sponsorships for employees children and flood relief efforts. Financial contributions to local schools and the wildlife rescue centre in Kaziranga National Park will also be made. In future, ABN Foundation also plans to organise skilled volunteer programs. We believe that working in tandem with rural communities and local non-profit organisations is one of the most effective ways by which we can foster the growth of sustainable and responsible tourism in India.We are dedicated to positively impacting lives and livelihoods in the communities along the rivers and national parks we operate in. 26

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28 3B, DIRANG ARCADE, GNB ROAD, CHANDMARI, GUWAHATI , ASSAM, INDIA W: E: info@jtigroup.co.in T: Member: