Legendary India. Mumbai

Transcription

1 Legendary India India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great-grandmother of tradition. - Mark Twain UDAIPUR: THE CITY OF LAKES - Stay in Beautiful Hotel Overlooking Lake Pichola, Famous for Lake Palaces - Relaxing Boat Ride on the Lake at Sunset. - Visit the stunning Jagdish Temple built in Walk the Garden of Maidens & Lotus Pools / Explore Maharajah s Palace - Evening Scenic Dinner on the Mountain Overlooking the City DELHI: A CAPITAL BOTH OLD AND NEW - Visit Sikh Gurdwara - Sikh House of Worship - Experience Old Delhi and Narrow Alleys & Historic Sites - Explore a Historic and Traditional Bazaar for Shopping - Ride a Rickshaw into the Heart of Chandni Chowk (Silver Square) - Visit the UNESCO site of Qutub Minar in the Plains of Delhi (c.1192) AGRA AND THE TAJ MAHAL - Visit Village of Abhaneri & Marvel Chand Baori Step Well - Explore the Itmad ud Daula, the Inspiration for the Taj - Visit Mehtab Bagh Garden for Unique Taj Mahal View - Dramatic Sunrise Visit to Legendary Taj Mahal (UNESCO) - Visit the UNESCO Red Fort of Agra Enjoy Mohhabat Taj Show Mumbai RIVER CRUISE ON BRAHMAPUTRA - Week-Long River Cruise on Stunning Brahmaputra River - Wonderful included Cultural & Nature Touring on Riverboat - Elephant-back Safari & 4X4 Adventure in legendary Kaziranga NP - Tea Plantation Visit, Beach Bonfire, Village Visits & More - Boat Safaris and Cultural Performances - True Expedition Feel with Only 45 People on Riverboat LEGENDARY MUMBAI (BOMBAY) - Stay at the fabulous 5-Star Taj Mahal Palace Hotel right at Gates of India - Witness the Daddawala - Famous Delivery Men of Mumbai - Explore Gandhi historic headquarters in the Heart of the City - Visit Acclaimed Chatrapati Shivaji Museum (Prince of Wales Museum) - Visit the Dharavi in Mumbai, a city-within-a-city - Explore historic Crawford Market (1869) - A Raj Era Arcade JAIPUR: THE PINK CITY - Hotel on shore of Mansagar Lake with Jal Mahal Views - Witness Breathtaking White Marble Birla Temple - Visit Famous Amber Fort of Jaipur & Palace of the Winds - Tour City Palace, Royal Residence & Jantar Astronomical Instruments - Explore local markets in Jaipur, famous for Gems SARFARGARH FORT & VILLAGE VISIT - Explore the Stunning Sarfargarh Fort, built in the 1700s - Be a Maharana for the Night and Stay Right in the Historic Fortress - Open 4x4 Adventure to Visit to Remote Gypsy Tribe in Rajasthan

2 Pre-Stay In Dubai Most flights to India require a change of planes somewhere on the journey. So we thought, why not make that stop-over amazing? So we added a destination that is exhilarating, fascinating and on many a travelers bucket list, Dubai. Prior to our grand journey to India, we will spend 4 nights in Dubai right in the heart of the city. We have included wonderful touring: journey to the top of the tallest building in the world, be a Bedouin and enjoy a desert safari with BBQ, have dinner on the Dubai Canals, explore and shop in the historic Souk marketplace and even a stroll in one of the most incredible gardens in the world. From Dubai, it s just a 3-hour flight on to India.

3 Day By Day Tour Highlights Feb 13 Day 1 Depart USA to Dubai Feb 14 Day 2 Arrive Dubai Feb 15 Day 3 Dubai, UAE Feb 16 Day 4 Dubai Feb 17 Day 5 Dubai Feb 18 Day 6 Dubai / Mumbai, India Feb 19 Day 7 Mumbai Feb 20 Day 8 Mumbai Feb 21 Day 9 Mumbai / Udaipur, India Feb 22 Day 10 Udaipur Feb 23 Day 11 Udaipur / Sardargarh Feb 24 Day 12 Sardargarh / Jaipur Feb 25 Day 13 Jaipur Feb 26 Day 14 Jaipur / Agra Feb 27 Day 15 Agra Feb 28 Day 16 Agra / Delhi Mar 01 Day 17 Delhi Mar 02 Day 18 Delhi Mar 03 Day 19 Delhi / Riverboat Boarding Mar 04 Day 20 Brahmaputra River/Village Mar 05 Day 21 Brahmaputra / Tea Estate Visit Mar 06 Day 22 Brahmaputra / Kaziranga Safari Mar 07 Day 23 Brahmaputra / Boat Safari Mar 08 Day 24 Brahmaputra / Fishing Village Mar 09 Day 25 Brahmaputra / Majuli / Sibsagar Mar 10 Day 26 Jorhat, India / Dubai (Overnight) Mar 11 Day 27 Dubai / USA Amazing 27-Day Tour Across Beautiful India Includes 7-Night Riverboat Journey All Cultural Touring Included on Riverboat 4-Night Stop-over in Dubai with Touring Many Fairytale Historic Hotels & Resorts Included Stop-over on Return Flight to USA Elephant & 4x4 Safari in Kaziranga N.P. Wildlife Boat Safaris & Remote Exploration Multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites Many Cultural Performances & Interactions Overnight Stay in Historic Fortress All Internal Airfare in India Included Exploration Across 8 Indian Cities & Villages All Land Tour Gratuities Includes / Not Ship All Taxes Included / India Visa Not Included Fully Escorted By Mark & Vicki Stewart Our Hotel in Sardargarh

4 OUR RIVERBOAT In the shadow of the Himalayas on India s exotic river, the Brahmaputra, we chosen the best and most beautiful expedition riverboat in the region, the MV Mahabaahu. With only 45 total guests and designed for this remote section of India, this riverboat will offer us a wonderful experience as we explore the flora & fauna along this mighty river. This section of the Brahmaputra passes right by Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site. This park hosts two-thirds of the world s one-horned Rhinoceros and the largest concentration of tigers in the world. The Mahabaahu has a total of five decks. The facilities include a swimming pool, spa, restaurant and an open-top deck where you can watch the busy life of the waterside villages pass by as well as watch for wildlife. Along with the onboard naturalists and guides, we will step ashore to explore remote villages and amazing natural landscapes. This section of the tour even includes a safari morning on elephant-back. We will spend a week of the India tour in this very remote northeastern section of the country in a true off-the-beaten-path relaxing experience that is far away from tourist crowds, a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure in a part of India few know exist.

5 THE TOUR HOTELS HISTORIC TAJ MAHAL PALACE MUMBAI TRIDENT HOTEL UDAIPUR SARDARGARH HERITAGE HOTEL ITC MUGAL HOTEL AGRA TAJ PALACE NEW DELHI TRIDENT HOTEL JAIPUR MANZIL HOTEL DOWNTOWN DUBAI

6 Simple & Straightforward - Beautiful Hotel & Resort Stays Included - 7-Night Riverboat Journey & Touring - Includes All Guides & Cultural Experiences - Full 4-Night Pre-Program in Dubai w/touring - Multiple UNESCO Sites Visited - Amazing 55 Meals Included on Tour - All Gratuities & Porterage on Land Portion - All Airport Transfers Included (w/ group air) - Fully Escorted By Mark & Vicki Stewart Reserve Today Limited Space 27-Night Tour! $7,999pp - INCLUDES INTERNAL INDIA AIR Group International Air - $1,199pp (Economy from LAX) (Business Class Available) DEPOSIT $1,900 pp (Non-refundable) TOUR DATES FEB 13 to MAR 11, 2019

7 Day 1: Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019 : Depart USA Direct flight on award-winning Emirates Airlines non-stop to Dubai. Day 2: Thursday, Feb 14, 2019 : Arrive Dubai After a pleasant direct flight on Emirates Airlines, you ll arrive in Dubai in the early evening. We start our 4-night stay in this gleaming desert city with lots of fun and exciting exploration of the city from sea to sky to desert. Day 3: Friday, Feb 15, 2019 : Dubai Touring Our hotel is located nearly in the shadow of the world s tallest Building, the Burj Khalifa, in the very heart of Downtown Dubai. We are just a block off the magnificent musical fountains that dominate this area creating an almost waterfront/boardwalk feel. We ll start out the day with a journey up to top of this architectural marvel, and a visit the 125 th floor. You will check off two world records today - a visit to the world s tallest building and also a ride on the world s fastest elevator. We ll explore the desert city with a local guide and experience the energy of the different areas of Dubai from the Marina to Jumeirah Beach. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the city. (B) Day 4: Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 : Dubai Touring Today we step back into the past as we visit the Al Fahidi Al Bastakiya Historical District, the atmosphere is like being transported into an Arabian Nights novel. With sandstone-colored buildings and Arabian architecture, the area is filled with art, culture and some of the oldest buildings in Dubai. Enjoy the smell of exotic spices, the green trees against the desert colors, and the picturesque alleys and fantastic shops. We ll explore this area with our local guide and learn about the way Dubai was through the centuries. Free afternoon to explore the areas around the hotel or maybe the famous Dubai Mall. (World s largest). This evening we set sail for a dinner on the picturesque Dubai Creek. (B,D)

8 Day 5: Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 : Dubai Touring Experience a morning free to visit one of the local museums or enjoy a show at the fountain just a few steps from the hotel. In the afternoon, we ll be picked up by 4x4 vehicles for an adventure in the desert. Enjoy a ride on the famous dunes that surround the city before arriving at an exciting replica Bedouin Camp in the desert. Our outdoor BBQ dinner this evening includes music, dance and the spirit of the Arabian peninsula. Lots of great foods, henna tattoos and a chance to relax and enjoy a cool evening sky in the desert. After an evening in the desert, we ll return to the hotel and our last night in the city. (B,D) Day 6: Monday, February 18, 2019 : Arrive Mumbai We have a short flight on Emirates from Dubai to Mumbai this morning. (3 hrs). The great part abut our 4-night layover in Dubai is that you are now on the local time and no jetlag for the start of touring in India. Our local guide will meet the group right on arrival in Mumbai for our transfer to the beautiful Taj Hotel, located in the best location in the city. With a rich heritage dating back over a century, the Taj Mahal Palace represents Mumbai s first harbor landmark and the site of the city s first licensed bar. The hotel s architectural design unifies Moorish, Oriental, and Florentine elements and its 560 rooms display many Indian influences, such as alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, and high archways. After time to relax, we ll enjoy a dinner together to toast our India adventure. (B,D) Day 7: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 : Mumbai Today, on a full day sightseeing, you ll experience India s most populous city, with some 13 million residents, as well as its commercial and entertainment capital, home to the world-renowned Bollywood film industry. After breakfast, we begin at the waterfront Gateway of India monument, an impressive 85-foot high arch built by the British in 1924 to serve as a ceremonial entrance to the country. When India gained its independence in 1948, the last British battalion formally passed through the Gateway. Next encounter a unique Mumbai business over 100 years old, the world-renowned dabbawala deliverymen who punctually bring office workers freshly made lunches from their homes in lunchboxes. Their legendary efficiency has invited observation by universities and companies worldwide: between 4,000 5,000 dabbawalas deliver 175, ,000 lunches each day with only one estimated mistake per every 6,000,000 deliveries. We ll follow this with a visit to Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundromat. Later, we ll visit the revered two-story Mani Bhawan, Gandhi s headquarters in Mumbai from 1917 to After lunch at a local restaurant this afternoon, we ll tour the acclaimed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum (formerly Prince of Wales Museum) with collections of art, archaeology, and natural history. Dinner will be at the famous Khyber Restaurant near the hotel. (B,L,D)

9 Day 8: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 : Mumbai After breakfast, we embark on an unusual yet rewarding excursion this morning to Dharavi, Mumbai s giant city within a city with approximately 800,000 inhabitants living in less than a square mile area. Cottage industries and small businesses thrive here, accounting for Dharavi s estimated annual economy of more than $650 million USD. We ll learn about life in the slum, including the resilience and resourcefulness of the residents. We ll explore the Crawford Market (ca. 1869), the huge Raj-era arcade prized for its architecture that blends Gothic, Norman, and Flemish styles. Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling s father, designed its friezes and stone fountains. In 1882 this became the first Indian market to receive electricity. We return to the hotel in the afternoon where you can enjoy the hotel facilities or relax after a morning of exploration. Dinner tonight is on your own in this pulsating, melting pot city. (B) Day 9: Thursday, February 21, 2019 : Fly Mumbai- Udaipur Today, we take a quick flight to scenic Udaipur. It is described as the City of Sunrise, standing in a valley amid green hills on the banks of the Lake Pichola. After breakfast, we ll transfer to Mumbai airport to connect with our flight to Udaipur. After arrival, enjoy an independent lunch in the hotel and some time to settle in at the beautiful Trident Hotel, a true Indian fantasy hotel. This late afternoon, we ll enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, watching the sunset across the Lake and Palace area, a wonderful way to feel like a true Maharaja. Dinner will be today at Amet Haveli/ Raaj Bagh, which is right beside beautiful Lake Pichola. (B,D) Day 10: Friday, February 22, 2019 : Udaipur We will explore this beautiful city with a half-day city tour by visiting the Jagdish Temple, the largest and most venerated temple in Udaipur. Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharaja Jagat Singh, the temple is decorated with friezes and enshrines a blackstone image of Vishnu. Walk about the Garden of Maidens (Sahelion Ki Bari), which consists of an ornamental lotus pool with delicately carved cenotaphs of black and white marble and soapstone. You can explore the rest of the Maharajah s City Palace, an imposing edifice of granite and marble standing atop a ridge overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola and the exquisite Lake Palace. Return to the hotel for lunch on our own. Afternoon at leisure. This evening we will go for a dinner at hotel situated on the mountain with an overlook of the entire city to mesmerize your senses. (B,D)

10 Day 11: Saturday, February 23, 2019 : Drive Udaipur Sardargarh (59 miles/2.5 hrs. approx.) Today after breakfast, we are off to Sardargarh. We ll be staying in a historic fortress, something you will never forget. Sardargarh, one of the magnificent forts of Rajasthan, is an extravagant creation of a bygone era, placed amidst the mountains and deep forests of Chuppun. The magnificent fort of Sardargarh is situated north of Udaipur and was erected by Sardar Singh Dhodhia as a fortress to oversee his domain of Lawah. The beautiful rooms of china and mirror were greatly defaced by an explosion of a powder magazine long ago. The accident collapsed half the fortress, and caused a restoration that took five years. After arrival, we ll have a guided tour of the historical fort followed by a lunch at the hotel. In the later afternoon, we ll visit a local tribe of gypsies and travel by open jeep to learn more about rural living and about the people who live in the remote regions of Rajasthan. Returning back to our hotel, we ll enjoy dinner followed by relaxing like a Maharaja. (In our historic fortress home!) (B,LD) Day 12: Sunday, February 24, 2019 : Drive Sardargarh Jaipur (186 miles) After an early breakfast, we re off to Jaipur, the famous Pink City of Rajasthan. Jaipur, the largest city of Rajasthan, is an epitome of magnificence and vibrance. Jaipur is rich in heritage, culture and architecture and the city if filled with wonderful fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis. Beyond these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewelry, a shopper s delight. As we drive to Jaipur, we will stop at a local hotel for a relaxing lunch. In Jaipur, in the later afternoon, experience an overview tour of the city and also visit stunning Birla Temple (Laxmi Narayan Mandir), the Hindu temple made of pure white marble that enshrines Lord Vishnu and counts as one of Jaipur s most popular attractions. Day 13: Monday, February 25, 2019: In Jaipur Today morning after breakfast go for full day 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.

11 Day 13: Monday, February 25, 2019 : Jaipur Exploration Vastu Shastra, a traditional Hindu system of design based on directional alignment, was the principle used by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who founded Jaipur, the first planned city of India, when he moved his capital city from Amber to Jaipur in The walled city of old Jaipur divided into chowkris (wards) by the main streets and chaupars (crossroads) was further divided into sub wards. Planned for functionality, mobility and social distribution, these sub wards housed the population of the city according to jati (caste). Referred to as mohallas, these wards formed communities of specific professions and as a result strong social bonds formed. Jai Singh sent many personal invitations to noted merchants and craftsmen from across Asia offering generous tax concessions and gifts of land if they would relocate to the new city. In its prime the city housed scholars, poets, writers, musicians, dancers and highly skilled craftspeople in specialist karkhanas (workshops). This ensured a steady output of utility items including art and crafts that these karkhanas produced and thus contributed to the wealth, prestige, prosperity and preservation of the city. Some 280 years later the original old walled city of Jaipur still survives. The city s incredible history, architecture and crafts are all still here to be discovered, stories of old can still be heard and the skills handed down through generations can still be observed in practice. We ll visit the City Palace in the afternoon, which now houses the royal residence and museums all with a fine collection of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts and paintings. Afterwards a stopover at the giant sun dial of Jantar Mantar wraps up the day of exploration. Explore the local markets or visit a jeweler s workshop as Jaipur has been famous for centuries for its gems. The evening, we ll have dinner with a local noble family to know more about life, history and culture of this famed pink city. (B,D) Day 14: Tuesday, February 26, 2019 : Drive Jaipur Agra (102 miles) In the morning we will travel to Agra stopping at the village of Abhaneri to witness an architectural marvel: the Chand Baori step well. Overcoming the perpetual issue of water scarcity during summer months, inhabitants of northern India began constructing unique step wells in the 6th century to collect this precious resource. The 9th-century ruler King Chand built this astounding structure one of India s largest and most visually arresting with 3,500 symmetrical steps descending three of its sides totaling 13 stories of descent into the 100-foot-deep well. We ll continue onward to the ancient Mughal stronghold of Agra, arriving this afternoon. On the way, we ll stop for lunch at Bharatpur before arriving in Agra. Our home, the ITC Mughal, is a luxury hotel in Agra and a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. We ll drive across the Yamuna River to visit the forerunner of the Taj Mahal the elaborately ornate Itmad ud Daula. Many historians believe that this monument was the Inspiration for Shah Jahan to build the famous Taj, it is known as the Petit Taj.

12 Afterwards we continue to the Itmad-ud-daula to explore the Mehtab Bagh gardens situated north of the Taj Mahal complex on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, in the flood plains. The garden complex, square in shape, is perfectly aligned to the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. The most important attraction of Mehtab Bagh is the Taj Mahal itself. But this is a unique spot because you can get an amazing picturesque view of The Taj from here. A bonus Taj view! (B,L) Day 15: Wednesday, February 27, 2019 : Agra This morning, savor a travel highlight as you embark on a sunrise tour of the legendary Taj Mahal. This 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. In 1632, some 20,000 laborers and artisans from around the world spent 22 years constructing what became Mumtaz s mausoleum. 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 the marble to form dazzling patterns. After our morning visit to the Taj, we ll return back to the hotel for breakfast, a dazzling morning. After breakfast, we are off to the imposing Red Fort of Agra. 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, was imprisoned here at the end of his life by his own son. Unbelievably his cell looked out on the Taj Mahal across the river, which housed the remains of his true love. Tonight it s music as we witness the Mohhabat the Taj show based on the chronicles that depict the legacy behind the Taj Mahal. This show has been created to represent the eternal love story of Shahjahan and Mumtaj with exciting dance and music. (B,D) Day 16: Thursday, February 28, 2019 : Drive Agra Delhi (131 miles) We are Delhi bound this morning, the dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. Historic evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, with Hindu mythology predating that by another 500 years. Captured by the British in 1803, they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, and 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 as well as in India.

13 After lunch, drive past India Gate, a 125-foot 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 has become the official residence of the President of India. (B,D) After that, visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. It was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, a 17th century Indian ruler. It is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The premises house a sacred pond in which devotees bathe. They believe that this would wash off their misdeeds and thus allow them to attain peace of mind. The Langars or the community kitchen proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs. Anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal irrespective of caste, color or class. Day 17: Friday, March 01, 2019 : Delhi We set out to explore Delhi today. On our tour of Old Delhi, we will explore this exotic locale with its narrow dirt roads, myriad people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Also, we ll visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Muslim mosques in India. A bicycle rickshaw will take us into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square so named because of the silver merchants). Drive past the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort, a 17 th -century fort complex constructed in red sandstone by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in the walled city of Old Delhi that served as the residence of the Mughal Emperors. The Red Fort has been a symbol of power since the reign of Shah Jahan. It witnessed the change in Indian history from Mughal rule to British rule, and was the place where Indian independence was first celebrated, and is still celebrated today. After lunch in a local restaurant we ll visit Delhi s most striking monument, The Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in 1192 by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Built in red sandstone and marble, it has a height of ft and contains 379 stairs. A soaring conical tower, it is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture and is the tallest minaret in all of India. Tonight is an independent dinner and a chance to relax at the hotel. (B,L) Day 18: Saturday, March 02, 2019 : Delhi Explore Dehli on your own or relax in the Hotel and enjoy the facilities. Fun!

14 Day 19: Sunday, March 3 : Fly Delhi/Guwahati / Kamakhya Temple / MV Mahabaahu (Riverboat) After breakfast, we ll transfer to Delhi airport for a flight to eastern India and the river town of Guwahati. Upon arrival at Guwahati International Airport we ll drive through the busy streets to the Kamakhya Temple. This temple is devoted to Kama Khya, the eternal Feminine the goddess of desire. After the Temple visit, it is an exciting moment as we drive to Pandu Port to become river travelers. After check-in, we ll gather on the open deck to enjoy the sail away on the amazing Brahmaputra River. The beautiful riverboat Mahabaahu has only 23 cabins, and it will be our luxury home for the next 7 nights on the river. You re going to love the experience as we step away from the bustling cities and into countryside life. THE RIVERBOAT We ll step back ashore later for a short visit to picturesque Peacock Island, the smallest island on the Brahmaputra, famous for the highly endangered Golden Langur. It would be a good idea to have binoculars and cameras at hand. In the evening, enjoy an educational talk on Kamakhya and the occult in Assam. The riverboat MV Mahabaahu (above) drops anchor along the river bank before we experience our welcome dinner onboard. Our first Indian sunset on the river. (B,L,D)

15 Day 20: Monday, March 4, 2019 : M.V. Mahabaahu / Village Visit/ Full-Day River Sail The Mahabaahu lifts anchor early. Experience optional Yoga on the deck for an hour before breakfast. In the morning, a talk on Assam, its geographical location in the national and international context and how it is acclaiming recognition. Our riverboat sails towards an island that is occupied predominantly by a Bangla-speaking community who are involved in extensive farming. These people stay on the river banks in winters when the river subsides as the land is rich for growing crops. Come summer, floods caused by the melting snows of the Himalaya along with the deluge of the monsoons causes the river to rise by eight and a half meters and submerge this world under its torrential flows. The villagers are prepared to leave only to return next season and so the cycle starts again. After visiting this village, we ll return to the ship for lunch and sail towards the Orang Point. Evening sets in and over a cup of tea and a sunset, we have a talk on the River Brahmaputra and the tribal life that surrounds the river. (B,L,D) We ll anchor at a deserted island for the evening and enjoy a bonfire and a barbeque. (weather permitting)

16 Day 21: Tuesday, March 5, 2019 : M.V. Mahabaahu / Sail to Silghat / Visit Tea Estate and/or Jute Mill The Mahabaahu sails early and you can enjoy Yoga on the deck before breakfast. Today s talk is on the Wildlife in famous Kaziranga National Park, with an overview of the wildlife of India. We sail for the next couple of hours and enjoy a relaxed lunch before reaching Silghat. A talk today about Tea, Jute & Silk in Assam, before we take a short drive to Kaliabore Tea Estate which is a vast undulating property where lush tea bushes abound. Experience the tea factory firsthand to see the processing of the Assam Tea, getting an insight into all that goes into preparing the treasured cup-of-tea. Before returning to the ship, we will visit a co-operative Jute Mill, which is an interesting place to understand how the Jute fiber takes the form of very eco-friendly gunny bags. Tonight is a fun cultural evening on the boat followed by an early dinner and a relaxing evening on the river. Magic! (B,L,D) Day 22: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 : M.V. Mahabaahu / Kaziranga National Park / Weaver s Village After an early safari wake-up call with tea/coffee, we set out towards the Kaziranga National Park. The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian rhinoceros, but the park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, tiger, deer, Asiatic wild buffalo and a rich variety of birds. Once we reach the Kohora Mihimukh range of the National Park, we are ready to start our morning adventure by elephant-back to search for the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer & hog deer plus very interesting birds. This legendary park never ceases to surprise travelers. After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, we ll drive on to Bagori, on the Western Range of Kaziranga and experience an open-jeep safari for more wildlife adventures. After our day of animal sightings, we ll return to the Mahabaahu, setting sail towards Bishwanath Ghat and an afternoon on the river. Later we ll take excursion boats to reach the shore of Bishwanath Ghat. As we walk through the village, we ll be struck by the simplicity of life while the weaver women surround us with their silk and cotton weaves. A great chance for fun interaction with local people in the area. (B,L,D)

17 Day 23: Thursday, March 7, 2019 : M.V. Mahabaahu / Boat Safari Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a talk on The River Brahmaputra and the life that exists alongside. We will set off on a boat safari viewing turtles on protruding drift wood, water lizards, otters, rhinos, wild buffaloes, elephants, darters, pied kingfishers, white-throated kingfishers, heron, serpent eagles and many more birds and animals. We ll return to the ship for lunch. This evening, we have the Chef s Cooking Demonstration with samples. The evening on a deserted island with bonfire is always a highlight. (B,L,D) Day 24: Friday, March 8, 2019 : M.V. Mahabaahu / Mishing Village Visit After Yoga and breakfast, the riverboat sails towards a Mishing Village. The Mishings live on the bank of river in Chang Ghars, houses with raised platforms. All Mishing women are expert weavers and you can buy the local cotton and also indulge in a dhoti tying and Mekhela Chaadar wearing demonstration. It s a perfect chance to get a local outfit for tonight s Assamese evening onboard the riverboat. We ll return to the riverboat for a talk on Sibsagar and the Ahom civilization and get ready for a traditional Assamese evening of fun on the river with the staff onboard. (B L,D) Day 25: Saturday, March 9, 2019 : M.V. Mahabaahu / Majuli Visit / Neamati Ghat / Sibsagar After breakfast, enjoy a talk on Majuli the seat of Neo Vaishnav Culture and then we ll board our excursion boats to the mainland. A drive takes us to a scenic corner of a Satra (Monastery) for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers. We will also visit Kamlabari Satra to witness the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the rhythm of cymbals, drums and chanting in the temple premise. The humble dwellings of the monks are a revelation of utmost simplicity. Enjoy lunch on the riverboat as we sail toward Neamati Ghat. After lunch, we drive through the countryside to reach Sibsagar, the ancient city, built around a huge man-made water tank ordered by the Ahom queen. This is a town that literally means the ocean of Lord Shiva. We ll notice the district is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire of the Ahoms. Sibsagar was the capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came in the 13th Century AD from the northeast and were essentially of Tibeto-Burman origin. The Shiva Dol, constructed in 1734, is believed to be one of the highest Shiva temples in India. We ll visit the palace of the Ahom Kings and after a leisurely stroll in and around the monument, we ll go to Rang Ghar which was a place for hosting wrestling bouts and buffalo fights. Rang Ghar was used for entertainment and important meetings for the Royals and their guests. Sunset onboard for the farewell dinner tonight.(b,l,d)

18 Day 26: Sunday, March 10, 2019 : M.V. Mahabaahu / Neamati Ghat / Jorhat / Tea Estate & Departure Morning is at leisure to enjoy, maybe Yoga, some bird-watching or perhaps an early morning indulgence in the spa plus a relaxing breakfast awaits on the river. We ll say goodbye to the wonderful crew of the Mahabaahu and become land travelers again. On our drive to the Jorhat airport, we ll have a treat visiting a tea estate to enjoy a traditional Assamese lunch. It is our last moments in India as we step aboard our flight to Dubai. India is a country whose people, culture and magic stays with you. With a new connection and a new understand with this unique and ancient land, you ll take home the heart of it. After our flight from Kolkata to Dubai, we ll have an overnight in Dubai right at the airport due to our late evening arrival. Nothing like cool white sheets and a little relaxing between flights. Day 27: Monday, March 11, 2019 : Dubai to USA flight. This morning, you ll board the direct flight from Dubai to Los Angeles on Emirates Airlines. You ll arrive the same day in Los Angeles. We hope you had an unforgettable journey in India and Dubai.