MV MAHABAAHU DOWNSTREAM CRUISE 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS PROGRAM

Transcription

1 MV MAHABAAHU DOWNSTREAM CRUISE 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS PROGRAM Day 1 Sunday Arrive Jorhat / Neamati Ghat / Board MV Mahabaahu / deserted island Day 2 Monday Majuli Visit Majuli is the seat for Vaishnavism and a cultural cosmos Day 3 Tuesday Tea estate home hosted lunch / Sail Day 4 Wednesday Mishing Village Visit / Sail to Dhansiri for Boat Safari Day 5 Thursday Bishwanath Ghat for traditional weavers / Tea factory and / or Jute factory visit Day 6 Friday Kaziranga National Park / Sail Day 7 Saturday Full day sail dotted with a village visit Day 8 Sunday Peacock island / Kamakhya and airport transfer

2 Day 1: (Sunday): Arrive Jorhat / Neamati Ghat / Board MV Mahabaahu / Deserted Island. (M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail at 15:00 hours) On arrival at the Jorhat Airport, you will be met in the receiving area and with packed lunches drive to Neamati Ghat to board the MV Mahabaahu. We gather for introductions, safety briefing and are ushered to the cabins. All gather on the open deck to enjoy the first sail and scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphins. The evening starts with a talk and orientation on Majuli, the seat of Vaishnavism in Assam. Soon the MV Mahabaahu drops anchor, and we proceed for Welcome Dinner. Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu (L, D) Day 2: (Monday): Majuli Visit Majuli is the seat for Vaishnavism and a cultural cosmos Start the day with Yog and enjoy an early breakfast as we sail towards Majuli Island, which is one of the largest river island systems of the world. Majuli, which literally means land between two rivers, is a cosmos of Assamese culture where various philosophies co-exist and thrive; ancient monasteries dedicated to preservation and development of culture and art have existed here since the 15 th Century. After breakfast we take a short boat ride to the mainland where a drive takes us to a scenic corner of Garamur Satra for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers. Move to Kamlabari Satra to witness another performance by the Vaishnavite priests in the temple premise. Walk through the humble dwellings of the monks and talk about their daily chores and this is an insight into their chosen path. Enjoy an early lunch as we sail and then after a detailed talk and orientation on Sibsagar and the Ahom Civilization we embark on an excursion to Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings; a town that literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva. 2

3 We visit the Talatal or Karen Ghar which was the Palace of the Ahom Kings and after a leisurely stroll in and around the monument, we go on to Rang Ghar which was a place for entertainment for the Royals and their guests. Proceed to Sibsagar town where on its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Dol, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India. By late evening, we return to MV Mahabaahu and proceed on to the dinner. Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 3: (Tuesday): Tea estate home hosted lunch/sail Early birds can start the day with Yog on an island/or a jog/or a walk with the naturalist and then join others for breakfast. After breakfast, enjoy a talk on Silk in Assam and an orientation of the tea-estate visit. We move on to the tea estate for a nice leisurely Assamese theme lunch. This is an insight into the affluent families that comprise the economy of Assam and have been into tea business for not less than a hundred years. A talk by professionals on tea and tea-tasting too is on the agenda. We drive back to the MV Mahabaahu by late afternoon to enjoy a relaxed sunset as we sail out to a deserted island. In the evening, we enjoy a talk on Assam, its geographical location and importance. Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu (B, L D) Day 4: (Wednesday): Mishing Village Visit/ Sail to Dhansiri for Boat Safari Yog enthusiasts enjoy an early morning Yogic walk and a Yoga session as others enjoy a walk with the naturalist, the MV Mahabaahu sails onwards to a Mishing Village. After breakfast we gather for a short orientation on The Mishing tribals and then leave in our tenders for the visit. Generally the Mishing live on the bank of the River. They live in Chang ghar, a house with a raised platform. Almost all Mishing women are expert weavers. After climbing up to the house platform and exploring Mishing homes, purchasing some of their weavings and fresh vegetables and more, we return to the comfort of the M.V. Mahabaahu for lunch and to set sail. (Carrying cash would be a good idea) Embark on a boat safari adventure after lunch to the Eastern Range of the Kaziranga National Park at the point where the two waters of the Dhansiri River and the Brahmaputra River meet We return to the MV Mahabaahu and enjoy a cooking demonstration by the Chef with freshly cooked Indian snacks and Assamese tea or coffee. Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 5: (Thursday): Bishwanath Ghat for traditional weavers/ Tea factory and/or Jute factory visit 3

4 As we indulge in Yog the MV Mahabaahu sails towards Bishwanath Ghat; also called "Gupta Kashi We enjoy breakfast and gather for a talk on Tea & Jute in Assam and a short orientation on Bishwanath Ghat. We take the tenders to visit this charming village. Visit the Shiva temple in reverence of Lord Shiva and there is no way that we can escape the women with their weaves and enjoy an excellent bargaining hour for the home-spun weaves. (We carry cash to the village to buy silk and cotton weaves by the villagers to encourage local craft). We sail on for the next couple of hours and enjoy lunch. After lunch we get together for a talk on Kaziranga and the wild life in India. We take a short drive to the tea estate and enjoy a nature walk to this verdant undulating tea garden that straddles on the bank of the river Brahmaputra. Witness the bagania women plucking the tea leaves and to finally see the process of producing Assam Tea and coming to terms with all that goes into preparing a cup of tea. (The tea factory is operational from mid-march to mid-december) We visit the Jute mill from mid-december to mid-march. The Jute mill is the bread and butter of 600 local workers and runs in three shifts; one can see the complete process of producing gunny bags from the Jute fibre. By sunset, we are ready to drive back to MV Mahabaahu to enjoy a cultural evening followed by dinner and then to retire early for tomorrow s elephant safari. (In the month of October and May when Kaziranga National Park is closed we enjoy an additional boat safari at the confluence of Diphlu and Brahmaputra River before reaching Bishwanath Ghat). Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 6: (Friday): Kaziranga National Park / Sail We rise very early and after tea/coffee, depart before sunrise for 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. We reach the Kohora Mihimukh and start our morning adventure; a once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer, hog deer and more. After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga and get into open jeeps to hunt for more wildlife. 4

5 Return to the MV Mahabaahu for lunch and a relaxed afternoon while we cruise the River. (In October and May when Kaziranga National Park is closed we do a short Jeep Safari in the outer area of the Kaziranga National Park. Elephant safari is not possible but one can opt for elephant joy ride on the outskirts of the park. During these two months we have an additional Boat Safari in a very picturesque area at the confluence of Diphlu and Brahmaputra River.) Return to the ship for early lunch and take time off to catch up on the lost sleep for a couple of hours as MV Mahabaahu sails towards Guwahati. Enjoy a relaxed evening followed by dinner. Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 7: (Saturday): Full day sail dotted with a village visit A full day of cruising today, passing by inhabited islands that may or may not survive the flood season. Activities onboard include a talk this morning on The Brahmaputra River and the life that exists alongside and scanning the River for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphins, bird watching from the deck or enjoying the spa. We look out for an interesting village and spend an hour on this village excursion. This evening, we enjoy a talk on Kamakhya and the Occult in Assam together with a short orientation on the visit to the Peacock Island. Tonight, anchor at an island and enjoy a Farewell Dinner where a toast is made to Devi Kamakhya for the journey safely completed and the one ahead. Overnight onboard MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D) Day 8: (Sunday): Peacock Island / Kamakhya and airport transfer This morning we deboard for a short visit to the picturesque Peacock Island that is famous for the highly endangered Golden Langur (flight times permitting) and is the smallest island in the Brahmaputra. It would be a good idea to have one s binoculars and cameras at hand. The island is also famous for Umananda temple and attracts a large number of devotees on Shivaratri. Close at hand is the light tower on a beautiful rocky outcrop from colonial times. After breakfast, we place the suitcases outside our cabins, pen down our experience on MV Mahabaahu in the Guest Book and place the feedback forms in the specified box. We settle all extras and relax till we move on to Kamakhya Temple (flight times permitting). This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine; the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya, granter of desires. We drive onward from the temple to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport with packed lunch. (B, packed L) Shubh Yatra / May God be with you on your onward journey 5

6 WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION: There are four distinct seasons in Assam - summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. The best time to visit Assam is in the autumn and winter seasons, i.e. from October to April, which is also the festive season of Assam. While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night. Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months. Kaziranga National Park is open from 1st November until the 30 th of April. During October and May, the Park has a Partially Open status which means that the Park will be open but that not all roads may be navigable as they work to restore them to pre-monsoon standards. Please note, there are no elephant-backed or jeep safaris between May and October. Boat safaris will be offered instead during these months. During the months that the Kaziranga National Park is closed, we are able to explore the shores of the Park with our expedition boats. We will cruise the Park shoreline and many of the riverine islands that are home to a number of animals and a wide variety of birds. During the peak winter season of mid-december to mid-february, the itinerary will be adjusted according to daylight hours as the M.V. Mahabaahu does not sail during darkness. In order to provide for full coverage of the Kaziranga National Park during these winter months, we will not visit Bishwanath Ghat. RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER: River cruising in this part of the world is an adventurous experience. Assam is still in the developing stages of tourism and the developing infrastructure is rushing to keep pace with the rapidly growing interest in this part of India. As such, our voyage is an expedition-style cruise with all creature comforts on-board. Our shore-side staff will make every effort to attend to your comfort during onshore expeditions. However, vehicles and roads may not be of the same standard that you have experienced elsewhere, although we use the best of what is available locally. Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort. The Brahmaputra River is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Islands and sand bars can appear and disappear between one sailing and the next. Also, being one of the highest precipitation zones in the world, our program is subject to weather and River conditions. Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation. Price Chart for M.V. Mahabaahu Cruise Program All prices are in Indian rupees on a twin sharing basis Prices are valid for October, 2015 until April, 2016 Except for the 20 th December until 10 th January period Accommodation Superior Cabin without Balcony Superior Cabin with Balcony Suite Cabin (Double Occupancy Only) 6

7 Price Per Person on Twin Sharing Basis INR 157,500* INR 168,000* INR 245,000* Single Room Supplement INR 140,000* INR 157,500* INR 245,000* Full Charter INR 7,784,000* Above Cruise Prices are not inclusive of 3.50% G. S. Tax and any further tax levied by the government of India. Meal Plan details: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner. TOTAL CABINS = Superior Cabins without balcony 9 Superior Cabins with balcony 2 Suite Cabins The above Air fare supplements in economy class are based on Special Fares available now which are subject to change at the time of issuance of the flight tickets. OUR QUOTE FOR THE CRUISE INCLUDES: Accommodation on the M.V. Mahabaahu on a full board basis. All Entrance fees to the Monuments and National Parks as per the itinerary. 1 Glass Domestic wine/beer with Farewell and Welcome dinners. All excursions/lectures/performances and activities as per the itinerary. Services of English speaking naturalist during sightseeing at all the places as per the itinerary. Assisted Arrival & Departure transfers at Guwahati and Jorhat. Land transport by Air-Conditioned vehicles except in Kaziranga and Majuli Island. THE ABOVE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, imported wines & spirits, camera/video camera fee at monuments/national Park, medical expenses, Baggage Insurance / Accident policy / Hospital expense, Salon/massages, airport departure tax etc. 3.50% Service tax. Any tipping. Suggested Tipping for the ship s crew is INR 4,000 per person for the cruise and for the naturalist and Destination Manager we also recommend INR 4,000 per person for the cruise. Tips to safari and vehicle drivers are not included and we suggest an amount of approximately INR 1,400 per person. Any Insurance. Any further taxes levied by the Government of India. Evacuation charges in case of medical emergencies. Insurance is available on request. Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplanes delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc. International & Domestic Air fares. Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions. A supplement for the peak period of 20 th December, 2015 until 5 th January, 2016 will be quoted on request. Terms and Conditions GUEST BOOKING CONTRACT: 7

8 NOTIFICATION Information contained in the FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS CRUISE brochure, website or advertising materials is not an offer or a contract. The transportation of guests and baggage on the MV MAHABAAHU river cruise vessel is provided solely by FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS and is governed by the terms and conditions printed on the Guest Booking Contract. For complete information on terms and conditions, itinerary, liability of FAR HORIZON, and all sections mentioned below, refer to the Guest Booking Contract below. PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT POLICY: A deposit for cruise fare of 25% per person is required to secure a confirmed booking. For Charter bookings this deposit is NON REFUNDABLE. 90 DAYS PRIOR TO DATE OF SAILING: 75% Per Person For the Christmas and New Year holiday, the full balance must be paid 120 days prior. All reservations are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due date. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of the airfare is received. At the time of booking a 25% deposit for Airfare will be required. Upon full payment by the participant(s) of the amount specified as the Full Fare (Invoice to be referred), FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS agrees to arrange for the provision of the services as described herein and as modified by any supplementary marketing materials. Upon receipt of your deposit or full payment or upon the issuance of the Guest Booking Contract directly or by a Booking agent or upon receipt of a confirmation letter or final invoice from us, both the Guest and the Carrier will be fully bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Guest Booking Contract. RESERVATIONS To make a reservation, Please contact: / 78 / 79 or Toll Free: id: tour@shaktitourism.com MODES OF PAYMENT Bank wire transfer which is subject to bank wire fee PayPal system with additional 5% Transaction fee Through Amex, Master and Visa credit card with an additional 3% Transaction fee CANCELLATION POLICY All cancellations must be in writing. The following cancellation terms will be applicable for all written cancellations received prior to departure up to the scheduled time of departure. CANCELLATION TERMS FOR CHARTER BOOKINGS APPLICABLE ON THE FULL FARE: 25% of the price will be charged for cancellation after the deposit has been paid days prior, 50% of the charter cost will be charged days prior, 75% of the charter cost will be charged 60 days and less, 100% of the charter cost will be charged CANCELLATION TERMS FOR FIT AND GROUP DEPARTURES APPLICABLE ON THE FULL FARE: 120 to 90 days prior, 25% per person of the fare paid will be charged days prior, 50% per person will be charged days prior, 75% per person will be charged 45 days and less, 100% per person will be charged 8

9 *Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise package as mentioned in the price chart. Note: for Christmas and New Year Departures, 100% cancellation is charged 90 days and under from the sailing date. REVISIONS/CHANGES Once a cruise booking has a deposit or air is paid in full, all changes are subject to a US$50 charge per change, provided the said change is prior to 90 days before date of departure/sailing. The following situations are considered as Revisions and penalties will apply: Changes to departure date Substitutions of itinerary Substitution of another person for original booked guest(s) Changing to a promotional fare DOCUMENTS Documents will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to departure. TRANSFERS Only round trip airport-to-ship transfers are included. TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION/VISAS All guests must have passports valid for six months following disembarkation and necessary visas when boarding. Guests are advised to check with their Booking agent to determine which documents they must obtain. Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name or you may be denied boarding. FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS accepts no responsibility for obtaining required visas or for advising guests of visa or other immigration requirements. CHILDREN/MINORS We accept children onboard sharing a cabin with parents or guardians. They will be the sole responsibility of the parents/ guardians and must never be left unattended. For Children of 15 years and above, a separate cabin will need to be booked. DISABLED GUESTS We ask that you advise us at the time of booking of any disability or special needs you may have while on your FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS Cruise itinerary. Most transportation services, including the motorcoaches, are not equipped with elevators or wheelchair ramps. FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS India will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of travelers with disabilities, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so, or there is a denial of service by vessel operators, air carriers, hotels, restaurants or other independent suppliers. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a guest for walking, dining, getting on and off vessels, motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their wellbeing. The guest assumes the full risk of use and of any prohibitions imposed by vendors. TIPS It is customary to give cruise gratuities, subject to your satisfaction of services rendered. Gratuities on board and on land are not included in your Full Fare. 9

10 FAR HORIZON & SHAKTI TRAVELS FAR HORIZON & SHAKTI TRAVELS acts solely as a Sales Agent for the all direct guests or Booking Agents of the vessels described in FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS advertising. RESPONSIBILITY FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS accepts no liability or responsibility, whether occasioned by railroad, motor coach, private car, boat, aircraft or any other conveyance, for any injury, damages, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason or defect, through the acts or defaults of any company or person, or in carrying out the arrangements of the cruise, as a result of any cause beyond the control of Far Horizon. Guests specifically release FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS from any and all claims for loss or damage to baggage or property or from personal injuries or death, or from loss or delay, arising out of the acts, omissions or negligence of any independent contractors, such as air carriers, hotels, shore excursion operators, restaurateurs, transportation providers, medical personnel or other providers of services or facilities. All arrangements made for guests with independent contractors, including medical services, are made solely for convenience to participants and are done at the participant s own risk. Medical personnel are independent contractors. FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS specifically disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind. Tickets, vouchers and any other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of which may limit supplier s liability). FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to any and all liability limitations, immunities and rights applicable to them or any of them under the Strasbourg Convention on the Limitation of Liability of Owners of Inland Navigation Vessels (CLNI), with protocols and amendments, together with the further provisions of the International Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976, with revisions and amendments (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Convention ), if and as applicable, and by those other and further limitations of liability set forth in the statutory and general maritime law of the United States, (including Title 46 U.S. Code Section , 188), as well as any other applicable nation s laws limiting liability. FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein shall be entitled to claim the benefit of whichever law, regulation, treaty or doctrine provides the greatest legal protections to FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS and the owners and operators of the vessels identified herein. REFUSAL OF PASSAGE FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS shall not be required to refund any amount paid by any guest who must leave the cruise prematurely for any reason, nor shall FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS or the owners of the vessel identified herein be responsible for the lodging, meals, return transportation or other expenses incurred by such guest. However, facilitation of all services to the said affect would be made on request and paid for by the guest. ADVANCED, CANCELLED OR DELAYED SAILING FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS reserves the right to withdraw and/or cancel a cruise or to make changes in the itinerary and hotel accommodations whenever, in its sole judgment, or in the judgment of the vessel owner, conditions warrant it. In the event of charters of the vessel, truces, lockouts, riots or stoppage of labor from whatever cause or for any other reason whatsoever, the owner of the vessel identified herein may, at any time, cancel, advance or postpone any scheduled cruise and may, but is not obliged to, substitute another vessel or itinerary and shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to guests by reason of any such cancellation, advancement or postponement. 10

11 ACTS OF GOD, STRIKE, OR OTHER CONDITIONS BEYOND CONTROL Neither FAR HORIZON / SHAKTI TRAVELS nor the owners of the vessels identified herein shall be liable for delay or inability to perform any condition described herein or any part thereof caused by or arising out of strikes, lockout or labor difficulties or shortages whether or not the carrier is party thereto, or explosion, fire, collision, standing or foundering of the vessel or breakdown or failure of or damage to the vessel or its hull or machinery or fittings howsoever and wheresoever any or the same may arise or be caused, or civil commotion, riot, insurrection, war, government restraint, requisitioning of the vessel, political disturbance, acts or threats of terrorism, inability to secure or failure of supplies including fuel, Acts of God, or other circumstances beyond their control. TRAVEL PROTECTION Travel Protection is not included in the listed fares. It is the individual responsibility of each guest. 11