Day 1: Saturday: Arrive Delhi
You arrive at Delhi airport. After clearing India Immigration and Customs, you step into the receiving area where you will be met by our representative

Overnight at the hotel (No meals)

Day 2: Sunday: Delhi – board Maharaja Express
Morning after breakfast, check out at hotel and transfer to Safdarjung railway station. You will get to enjoy a traditional welcome and welcome drink. Enjoy your lunch while the train leaves for its first destination, Agra. Reach Agra and visit Agra Fort. Return back to Maharaja Express for dinner.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 3: Monday: Maharaja Express – Agra & Ranthambore
Wake-up early morning & visit the magnificent Taj Mahal by sunrise, followed by a delicious breakfast at an exclusive venue. Train departs for its next destination Ranthambore. Post on-board lunch, proceed for an exciting game drive at Ranthambore National Park. Return back to train by evening. Have dinner on-board as train departs for Jaipur.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 4: Tuesday: Maharaja Express – Jaipur
Early morning train arrives at Jaipur. Have breakfast on-board and de-board to visit the Amber Fort. Lunch on-board.

Time free to relax on-board or your may opt to explore the local markets of Jaipur your own. Later in the evening enjoy dinner at an exclusive venue in Jaipur. Later transfer back to Maharaja Express and train proceeds to Bikaner.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 5: Wednesday: Maharaja Express - Bikaner
Morning enjoy a lavish breakfast on-board. Time free to relax on train. After a lavish on-board lunch proceed to visit Junagarh fort.

Evening enjoy exclusive barbecue dinner on sand dunes with folk dance & music at an exclusive venue. Post dinner transfer back to Maharaja Express.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 6: Thursday: Maharaja Express – Jodhpur
Have an on-board breakfast as you arrive into Jodhpur. Spend morning leisurely on-board or choose from optional activities available.

Post on-board lunch proceed to explore the charms of Jodhpur in our exclusive Rajasthan luxury tour, The Indian splendor- Mehrangarh Fort followed by walking tour of the Old Clock Tower Market and then guests enjoy a joy ride on Tuk-tuks.

Enjoy special dinner at an exclusive venue. Later return back to train and train leaves for Udaipur.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 7: Friday: Maharaja Express – Udaipur
Enjoy a lavish breakfast on-board as you arrive in the city of Lakes, Udaipur. Then guests proceed for a boat ride on Lake Pichola and afterwards visit the City Palace and Crystal Gallery. Lunch will be arranged at an exclusive venue.

Rest of the day is free at leisure or relax on-board. Post dinner train leaves for its final destination, Mumbai.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 8: Saturday: Maharaja Express – Mumbai & de-board and fly to Delhi
Mumbai to Delhi by flight: 6E 168 at 1245/1500 Hrs.

Enjoy breakfast & lunch on-board as trains continues to Mumbai. Reach Mumbai and de-board. Later transfer to airport to board your flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel (B)

Day 9: Sunday: Delhi – Jorhat & board MV Mahabaahu Cruise
Delhi to Jorhat by flight: 9W 956 at 1105/1150 Hrs.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to connect with flight to Jorhat. On arrival at the Jorhat Airport, you will be met in the receiving area. 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 on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 10: Monday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – visit Majuli
DStart 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.

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’.

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 on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 11: Tuesday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise - 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. 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 on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 12: Wednesday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise - Mishing Village Visit/ Sail to Dhansiri for Boat Safari
Yoga 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 on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 13: Thursday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise - Bishwanath Ghat for traditional weavers/ Tea factory and/or Jute factory visit
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.

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 14: Friday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise - Kaziranga National Park / Sail
After breakfast, drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga National Park and get into open jeeps. 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.

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.

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 15: Saturday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise - 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 on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 16: Sunday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – Guwahati – Kolkata - Departure
Guwahati to Kolkata by flight: 9W 853 at 1600/1725 Hrs.

This morning we de-board for a short visit to the picturesque Peacock Island that is famous for the highly endangered Golden Langur and is the smallest island in the Brahmaputra. 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, disembark from the M.V. Mahabaahu and move on to Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine; the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya, granter of desires.

Thereafter, transfer to the Guwahati airport to board flight to Kolkata to connect your international flight..(B)

Day 1: Friday: Arrive Delhi
You arrive at Delhi airport. After clearing India Immigration and Customs, you step into the receiving area where you will be met by our representative.

Overnight at the hotel (No meals)

Day 2: Saturday: Delhi – board Maharaja Express
Moring after early breakfast, check out at hotel and transfer to Safdarjung railway station. You will get to enjoy a traditional welcome and welcome drink. Enjoy your lunch while the train leaves for its first destination, Jaipur. Reach Jaipur and enjoy the dinner at an exclusive venue in Jaipur. Post dinner return back to Maharaja Express.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, D)

Day 3: Sunday: Maharaja Express - Jaipur
Wake-up to a delicious on-board breakfast. Later, to take a closer look at the history of Jaipur, guests visit the ancient Amber Fort which is known for its artistic Hindu style elements. Post visiting Amber Fort return to train for lunch. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Evening enjoy dinner on-board as train leaves for Ranthambore.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 4: Monday: Maharaja Express – Ranthambore & Fatehpur Sikri
Early morning train arrives at Sawai Madhopur and you would then proceed for an exciting game drive at Ranthambore National Park. After an on board breakfast the Maharajas' express departs for the ancient Mughal capital, Fatehpur Sikri.

Post on-board lunch, as train arrives in Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to explore the deserted city, Fatehpur Sikri where once the Mughal emperor, Akbar ruled.

Return back to the comfort of Maharaja Express and enjoy dinner on-board.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 5: Tuesday: Maharaja Express - Agra
Morning train arrives in Agra and continue the Indian luxury odyssey with visit to the monumental symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, followed by breakfast at an exclusive venue.

Return back to train for lunch and then proceed to visit Agra Fort. Evening free to relax. Dinner will be served on-board as train leaves for Orchha.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 6: Wednesday: Maharaja Express – Orchha & Khajuraho
Early morning train reaches its next destination, Orchha. Post on-board breakfast visit Orchha. Enjoy your lunch on-board as train proceeds to Khajuraho. Arrive Khajuraho and proceed to visit the Western group of Khajuraho temples, the beginning of spiritual escapade in our Indian luxury odyssey.

Later return back to train for on-board dinner and train leaves for Varanasi.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 7: Thursday: Maharaja Express – Varanasi
Enjoy breakfast & lunch on-board as trains continues for Varanasi. Reach Varanasi and visit the Silk weaving centre and Sarnath. Followed by boat-ride on Ganges to witness the magnificent evening Aarti ceremony at Ganges. Post dinner at exclusive venue proceed to Maharaja Express.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 8: Friday: Maharaja Express – Lucknow
Morning have lavish breakfast on-board. Later proceed to visit Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and The Residency followed by delicious Awadhi lunch along with the live Kathak Dance performance at Vivanta by Taj.

Later return back to Maharaja Express and relax. Evening enjoy the dinner on-board.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 9: Saturday: Maharaja Express – Delhi & de-board
Enjoy breakfast & lunch on-board as trains continues to Delhi. Reach Delhi and de-board. Later transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel (B, L)

Day 10: Sunday: Delhi – Guwahati & board MV Mahabaahu Cruise – Kamakhya Temple & Peacock Island
Delhi to Guwahati by flight: 9W 827 at 1035/1300 Hrs.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to connect with flight to Guwahati. Arrive at Guwahati International Airport and with packed lunch we drive to the Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to the eternal Feminine- the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya, granter of desires.

After the Temple visit, we drive towards Pandu Port where an Assamese welcome aboard the MV Mahabaahu awaits us. After the essential safety briefing and a short presentation on the Peacock Island that is famous for its highly endangered Golden Langur, we check into our cabins.

All gather on the open deck to enjoy the first sail and scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphins. We visit the Peacock Island and return to MV Mahabaahu where we enjoy a talk on 'Kamakhya and the Occult in Assam'

An evening in the Soma Lounge followed by the ‘Kamrup Swaagat Bhoj’—a sit down welcome dinner completes the day.

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 11: Monday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – A village visit / Full day sail
SMV Mahabaahu lifts anchor early. We enjoy Yoga on the deck for an hour and move on to breakfast, while MV Mahabaahu heads on through the hills towards an island that is occupied predominantly by a Bangla speaking Muslim community who are involved in extensive farming.

After breakfast, we enjoy a talk on 'Assam, its geographical location in the national and international context and how it is acclaiming recognition. After the visit to this village, we return to the ship for lunch and sail towards Orang Point.

We enjoy A talk on 'The River Brahmaputra and the tribal life’ over a cup of tea and some snacks.

We anchor at a deserted island for the evening and enjoy sitting around a bonfire to indulge in barbequed snacks.

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 12: Tuesday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – Sail to Silghat / Visit Tea Estate or Jute Mill
MV Mahabaahu sails early and we enjoy Yoga on the deck and move on for breakfast and for a talk on 'Wild life in Kaziranga and wild life in India'

We sail on for the next couple of hours and enjoy a relaxed lunch and reach Silghat. After a talk on ‘Tea and Jute in Assam’, we take a short drive to Kaliabore Tea Estate which is a vast expanse of undulating estate with tea bushes, watching the tribal women pick tea leaves. We proceed to the tea factory to see the process of finally producing Assam Tea and coming to terms with ‘all that goes into preparing a cup-of-tea. (The tea factory is not operational from mid- December to mid -February as the tea is at its dormant stage during this time of the year)

We return to where the ship is anchored. Close by a co-operative Jute Mill is an interesting place to understand how the Jute fibre takes the form of very eco-friendly gunny bags.

By sunset, we enjoy a cultural evening on the ship. We have an early dinner and retire for the evening.

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 13: Wednesday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – Kaziranga National Park / Weaver’s village at Bishwanath Ghat
We rise very early today and after a warm cup of tea and some snacks, drive 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.

We reach the Kohora Mihimukh range of the National Park and are ready to start our morning adventure; once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer and hog deer and more and a large number of very interesting birds. The park never ceases to surprise us.

After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, we drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga and get into the open jeeps for some more wild life adventure and an extensive coverage of this magnificent park.

We return to MV Mahabaahu for a leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon.

(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.)

After the leisurely pace of the day and having recovered the lost sleep, we once again get together for A talk on ‘Silk in Assam’. We get into the tenders to reach the shores of Bishwanath Ghat. We visit the Shiva Dol in reverence of Lord Shiva and there is no way that we can avoid the women with their weaves. We enjoy a walk through the village and see how this suburban village thrives.

We return to the ship to enjoy an evening on a deserted island and then proceed to a scrumptious dinner

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 14: Thursday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – Dhansiri Boat safari
This morning MV Mahabaahu sails early towards the Eastern Range of Kaziranga for boat Safari. We enjoy breakfast and a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the life that exists alongside’.

We proceed for the safari in our tenders for about two hours. The shores are high but one can see roof turtles on protruding drift wood, water lizards, otters, elephants, wild buffaloes, rhinos, darters, herons, pied kingfishers, white throated kingfishers, serpent eagles and many more. The sightings are always determined by the weather conditions.

We return for lunch. This evening we enjoy the Chef’s Cooking Demonstration and sample the snacks followed by a leisurely evening on a deserted island with bonfire is always unusual. We enjoy dinner on MV Mahabaahu.

(Bonfire may be avoided if a suitable sandbank cannot be found or if we experience inclement weather conditions)

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 15: Friday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – Mishing Village visit
After Yoga and breakfast, we enjoy a talk on ‘Majuli the seat of Neo –Vaishnav Culture’ and then enjoy the sail towards the Mishing Village. The Mishings live on the bank of river in 'Chang ghars', houses with raised platform. All Mishing women are expert weavers. Carrying some cash would be a good idea. The indoor life of a Mishing person revolves around the kitchen area where the family can get together. We buy the ethnic colourful cotton weaves, vegetables and move on. We indulge in a Dhoti Tying and Mekhela Chaadar wearing demonstration at this village.

We return to enjoy A talk on ‘Sibsagar and the Ahom civilization’ and proceed to prepare for a Traditional Assamese evening.

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 16: Saturday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – Majuli / Sibsagar / Neamati Ghat
After breakfast, we enjoy a talk on 'Majuli' the seat of Vaishnav culture and proceed in our tenders to the mainland where a drive takes us to a scenic corner of a Satra for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers.

Next we drive to 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. We enjoy hot lunch on MV Mahabaahu as we sail towards Neamati Ghat.

Carry binoculars as the fields alongside the road will showcase purple swamp hens, adjutant storks, egrets, kingfishers, Indian rollers, bulbuls and open billed storks.

We drive through the countryside to reach Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings; a town that literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva’. We notice as we drive that 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 to the area from the north-east and were essentially of Tibeto-Burman origin.

The Sibsagar town is built around a huge man made water tank ordered by the Ahom queen. The Shiva Dol, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India.

Then we visit Talatal or Kareng 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 hosting wrestling bouts and buffalo fights and other entertainment or important meetings of the Royals and their guests.

We return to MV Mahabaahu by sunset and enjoy the farewell dinner.

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D).

Day 17: Sunday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – Jorhat – Kolkata - Departure
Jorhat to Kolkata by flight: 6E 5988 at 1300/1445 Hrs.

We start the day with Yoga and/or go for a nature walk along the swamps to catch a sight of owls, aureoles, yellow footed green pigeons, changeable eagles, adjutant storks, quails, sea gulls hunting with the dolphins and pied kingfishers, swallows and martins diving to fish.

We have a relaxed breakfast. The luggage is brought out of the cabins according to the flight schedule. We arrive at the Rowriah Airport in Jorhat a couple of hours before the flight schedule and bid adieu to the land of Ahoms.(B)

Day 1: Saturday: Arrive Delhi
You arrive at Delhi airport. After clearing India Immigration and Customs, you step into the receiving area where you will be met by our representative

Overnight at the hotel (No meals)

Day 2: Sunday: Delhi – board Maharaja Express
Morning after early breakfast, check out at hotel and transfer to Safdarjung railway station. You will get to enjoy a traditional welcome and welcome drink. Enjoy your lunch while the train leaves for its first destination, Jaipur. Reach Jaipur and enjoy the dinner at an exclusive venue in Jaipur. Post dinner return back to Maharaja Express.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 3: Monday: Maharaja Express - Jaipur
Wake-up to a delicious on-board breakfast. Later, to take a closer look at the history of Jaipur, guests visit the ancient Amber Fort which is known for its artistic Hindu style elements. Post visiting Amber Fort return to train for lunch. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Evening enjoy dinner on-board as train leaves for Ranthambore.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 4: Tuesday: Maharaja Express – Ranthambore & Fatehpur Sikri
Early morning train arrives at Sawai Madhopur and you would then proceed for an exciting game drive at Ranthambore National Park. After an on board breakfast the Maharajas' express departs for the ancient Mughal capital, Fatehpur Sikri.

Post on-board lunch, as train arrives in Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to explore the deserted city, Fatehpur Sikri where once the Mughal emperor, Akbar ruled.

Return back to the comfort of Maharaja Express and enjoy dinner on-board.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 5: Wednesday: Maharaja Express - Agra
Morning train arrives in Agra and continue the Indian luxury odyssey with visit to the monumental symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, followed by breakfast at an exclusive venue.

Return back to train for lunch and then proceed to visit Agra Fort. Evening free to relax. Dinner will be served on-board as train leaves for Orchha.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 6: Thursday: Maharaja Express – Orchha & Khajuraho
Early morning train reaches its next destination, Orchha. Post on-board breakfast visit Orchha. Enjoy your lunch on-board as train proceeds to Khajuraho. Arrive Khajuraho and proceed to visit the Western group of Khajuraho temples, the beginning of spiritual escapade in our Indian luxury odyssey.

Later return back to train for on-board dinner and train leaves for Varanasi.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 7: Friday: Maharaja Express – Varanasi
Enjoy breakfast & lunch on-board as trains continues for Varanasi. Reach Varanasi and visit the Silk weaving centre and Sarnath. Followed by boat-ride on Ganges to witness the magnificent evening Aarti ceremony at Ganges. Post dinner at exclusive venue proceed to Maharaja Express.

Overnight on-board Maharaja Express (B, L, D)

Day 8: Saturday: Maharaja Express – Delhi & de-board
Enjoy breakfast & lunch on-board as trains continues to Delhi. Reach Delhi and de-board. Later transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel (B, L)

Day 9: Sunday: Delhi – Jorhat & board MV Mahabaahu Cruise
Delhi to Jorhat by flight: 9W 956 at 1105/1350 Hrs.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to connect with flight to Jorhat. On arrival at the Jorhat Airport, you will be met in the receiving area. 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 on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 10: Monday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – visit Majuli
DStart 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.

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’.

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 on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 11: Tuesday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise - 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. 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 on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 12: Wednesday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise - Mishing Village Visit/ Sail to Dhansiri for Boat Safari
Yoga 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 on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 13: Thursday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise - Bishwanath Ghat for traditional weavers/ Tea factory and/or Jute factory visit
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.

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 14: Friday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise - Kaziranga National Park / Sail
After breakfast, drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga National Park and get into open jeeps. 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.

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.

Overnight on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 15: Saturday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise - 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 on-board on MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)

Day 16: Sunday: MV Mahabaahu Cruise – Guwahati – Kolkata - Departure
Guwahati to Kolkata by flight: 9W 853 at 1600/1725 Hrs.

This morning we de-board for a short visit to the picturesque Peacock Island that is famous for the highly endangered Golden Langur and is the smallest island in the Brahmaputra. 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, disembark from the M.V. Mahabaahu and move on to Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine; the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya, granter of desires.

Thereafter, transfer to the Guwahati airport to board flight to Kolkata to connect your international flight..(B)