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BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER CRUISES

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India's Brahmaputra River is the 29th longest river in the world at 2,948 km long, and has a discharge of 19,200 cubic litres per second which puts northern India's great waterway in the top 10 when it comes to volume. This is a massive waterway, being the only river on Earth clearly visible from the moon during the Apollo missions. Flowing down from central Tibet through the legendary Tsangpo gorges, the Brahmaputra river opens out as it enters Assam to flow across that state and then through Bangladesh to flow out through the vast Sundarbans Delta, merging with the Ganges River, as they discharge into the Bay of Bengal.

The Brahmaputra river may be little-navigated today, but in colonial times steamer services operated as far as Dibrugarh. The river in places can be up to 20 miles wide and in the monsoon it floods the entire Assam plain. Indeed, East Bengal is not called “the wettest place on the planet" for nothing – it literally does have the world’s highest rainfall.

The river is so vast that any river cruise expedition undertaken here can be movingly wondrous, as you pass through this great emptiness of water, sand and shoal. Passengers of our Brahmaputra river cruises enjoy their trips in peace and tranquility with very little human activity on the riverbank. That means the wild life and bird life are profuse.

Longer Expeditions

River Cruise itinerary for The Brahmaputra River Cruise map for The Brahmaputra

The Brahmaputra

7 NIGHTS

Join our 7 night adventure on India's mighty Brahmaputra river cruising the scenic Assam Valley where UNESCO protected national parks and remote rural communities provide the traveller with the most wonderful and authentic experience. We are pleased to operate this new program with safaris in search of the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros and Indian tiger. We also visit tea plantations and artisan villages, temples and War Graves.

Rivers: Brahmaputra River, Brahmaputra River

Ships: RV Kindat Pandaw

from US$3,634.95 per person

Save up to 10% and No Single Supplement on selected dates

River Cruise itinerary for The Full Brahmaputra River Cruise map for The Full Brahmaputra

The Full Brahmaputra

10 NIGHTS

Sailing further into the Assam valley than ever before, Pandaw's new 10-night Full Brahmaputra expedition is a true adventure. Reaching the second largest city of Assam, Dibrugarh, some 450 km up the mighty Brahmaputra from Guwahati we explore several national parks in search of Assam's abundant wildlife as well as discovering the diverse and unique cultures of the people who live along this vast river system. This is a trip unlike any other and only available thanks to Pandaw's ultra low draft vessels.

From September 2024, Pandaw is happy to announce that our India expeditions will be all-inclusive, with complimentary local beers, spirits, mixers and soft drinks for all guests. Also included free of charge is select house wines during lunch and dinner only. Subject to availability.

Rivers: Brahmaputra River

Ships: RV Kindat Pandaw

from US$4,945.50 per person

Save up to 10% and No Single Supplement on selected dates

Combination Cruises

River Cruise itinerary for The Mighty Brahmaputra & Kerala Backwaters River Cruise map for The Mighty Brahmaputra & Kerala Backwaters

The Mighty Brahmaputra & Kerala Backwaters

15 NIGHTS

Exploring the far extremes of India from the North-East Assam region to the South-West Kerala, this combo cruise takes you 3,000 KM on two distinct small ship river expeditions in the lesser visited parts of the country. Combining Pandaw’s popular expedition along the wild Brahmaputra River with our newest itinerary sailing the backwaters of Kerala, embark on an adventure not to be missed with Pandaw.

Rivers: Kerala Backwaters, Brahmaputra River

Ships: RV Kindat Pandaw, RV Kochi Pandaw

from US$8,089.95 per person

Save up to 10% and No Single Supplement on selected dates

River Cruise itinerary for The All Ganges & Brahmaputra River River Cruise map for The All Ganges & Brahmaputra River

The All Ganges & Brahmaputra River

21 NIGHTS

Join us for a grand tour of India sailing 21 nights along the glorious Ganges & mighty Brahmaputra rivers. Inclusive of flights and transfers between Kolkata and Guwahati, Pandaw's newest combo cruise invites you to experience the best of India's waterways aboard our timeless colonial vessels. Add on one of our pre and post-cruise packages to Dehli & the golden triangle for a truly 'All India' experience.

From September 2024, Pandaw is happy to announce that our India expeditions will be all-inclusive, with complimentary local beers, spirits, mixers and soft drinks for all guests. Also included free of charge is select house wines during lunch and dinner only. Subject to availability.

Please Note: The Upper Ganges segment of this itinerary passes through the state of Bihar. In this state it is illegal to serve any drinks containing alcohol. For this reason we will not be able to serve alcohol onboard the ship.

Rivers: Ganges River, Brahmaputra River

Ships: RV Kalaw Pandaw, RV Kindat Pandaw

from US$11,194.95 per person

Save up to 10%

River Cruise itinerary for The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River River Cruise map for The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River

The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River

14 NIGHTS

There can be no river in the world as sacred as the Ganges and an expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the prettiest river journeys imaginable. The river wends its way through the lush countryside of West Bengal with its culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. A rich and vibrant rural life abounds and there is never a dull moment as we sedately ply this pleasant waterway. Combine this with the mighty Brahmaputra river in Northern India which originates high in the Himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam Valley where UNESCO protected national parks and remote rural communities provide the traveller with the most wonderful and authentic expedition.

From September 2024, Pandaw is happy to announce that our India expeditions will be all-inclusive, with complimentary local beers, spirits, mixers and soft drinks for all guests. Also included free of charge is select house wines during lunch and dinner only. Subject to availability.

Rivers: Ganges River, Brahmaputra River

Ships: RV Kalaw Pandaw, RV Kindat Pandaw

from US$7,887.45 per person

Free internal flights & transfers between ships

Brahmaputra River Ships

RV Kindat Pandaw river cruise ship

RV Kindat Pandaw

The original Kindat was built in 1886 by Yarrows in London and sank in 1920. She was named after a small Upper Chindwin town. Following experime....

River Cruise Stops

Guwahati

Guwahati

If you are taking one of our Brahmaputra River Cruises , one place you should definitely consider stopping at is Guwahati. This is a large city in India, in the state of Assam. It is a place that has so much to offer in terms of beauty and history, making it one of the most fascinating stops on any river cruise. There’s loads of things you can do in Guwahati, some of which we’ve mentioned below. The many different reasons why Guwahati has become a popular spot for people on river cruises There are a number of different reasons why Guwahati is a place that comes highly recommended when taking a river cruise. There are lots of great attractions for you to enjoy. The Brahmaputra is one of the main attractions here. Taking one of our river cruises is one of the best ways to experience the beautiful Brahmaputra river, with loads of photo opportunities along the coast of Guwahati; a great way to start your adventure. One place you will probably want to explore in Guwahati is Kamakhya Temple. This is situated 8km west of Guwahati, on Neelachal Hill. It is the most revered site in Guwahati, as well as being one of the country’s most foremost Shaktipeeths. There are also a number of lush, sprawling green tea plantations as well. You will struggle to find another place around the world with such a love for tea as Guwahati. Make sure you pick up some packets of Assam tea to take home with you while exploring this part of India. The Kamakhya temple in Guwahati You will also find that you are not going to be too far away from some of India’s most famous national parks as well, including Orang and Kaziranga. Orang is gaining popularity amongst wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to the likes of tigers, wild buffaloes, elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, and pygmy hogs. Karizanga is recognised around the world as the last undisturbed habitat of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. So, if you are someone who has a love for wildlife, you are definitely going to love everything that Guwahati has to offer. Shopping in Guwahati is a treat If you are someone who likes to pick up some souvenirs and treats while on vacation, you will not be disappointed with Guwahati. Assam is famous for its intricate handicrafts and exquisite handlooms. If you shop here, you are bound to have a delightful day. There are a number of major shopping hubs in the city, including GN Bordoloi Road, Pragjyotika Emporium, Shilpagram, and Pan Bazaar. Taking a river cruise and stopping at Guwahati As you can see, there is a lot to like about Guwahati. If you are planning on taking a river cruise, this is definitely the sort of place that you should consider stopping at in order to make the most of your experience. There is so much to see and do here, with lots of amazing attractions to explore and plenty of history to delve into.
Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park

A UNESCO accredited site, the Kaziranga National Park is located in the Nagaon and Golaghat districts of Assam in India and a stop on our Brahmaputra river cruises . This World Heritage Site is known as the home of 3/4 of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses. During the river stop at the Kaziranga National Park, you will enjoy an incredible safari, spotting the abundance of rhino’s and Indian tigers (amongst other animals) along the way. A stop off when on the Brahmaputra at the awe-inspiring park makes for an incredible visit. A vast expanse which showcases the natural beauty of Assam, the best time of year to visit is between November to April (the park is closed between May and October). Rhinos at Kaziranga National Park Key Facts About Kaziranga National Park It is home to over 2200 Indian one-horned rhinoceros It was founded in 1908 by Mary Curzon It is located on the edge of two Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots Made a World Heritage Site in 1985 It is abundant with elephants, swamp deer, wild water buffalo, wild boar and other fascinating animals One of the two parks that have rhino habitats in Assam Top Attractions to Visit in Kaziranga Throughout the safari, you will see numerous animals and learn incredible facts along the way from a knowledgeable tour guide. An attraction in itself, it is a must-see when you are on your Pandaw river cruise. Whether it’s your first safari or you have been on one before, you will have your breath taken away by the beauty of this national park. What The Destination is Famous For Kaziranga is known for its extraordinary population of wildlife, lush greenery and prominent conservation projects. In 2006, the national park was declared a tiger reserve, due to the increase in population - it is one of the only places in the world that the population of tigers has increased, rather than declined. Alongside tigers and rhinos, the park has been recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International due to the population of black-necked storks, Asian Openbill, white-fronted geese, Baer’s pochard duck, ferruginous ducks and other birds which migrate to the park every summer. Its incredible wildlife conservation projects mean that the popularity of the park has steadily grown throughout the years – making it one of the most-visited and beloved tourist attractions in Assam. In terms of the flora in the park, Indian gooseberry, elephant apple, the cotton tree and kumbhi are amongst some of the most flourishing trees that you can spot in the park when on your safari. Filled with alluvial savannas, marshland and tropical forests, you will feel at one with nature during the trip. A far cry from the nearby bustling city of Nagaon, it makes the perfect rest bite when you are on your cruise either down the Hooghly, Lower Ganges or Brahmaputra river. No matter which river cruise you choose, you will be in awe from the moment that you arrive at the Kaziranga National Park and will want to visit again and again.

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Travel Blogs

Read our collection of interesting travel blogs for the areas we cruise through, from news to historic blogs.

Brahmaputra River Climate

Brahmaputra River climate chart

Brahmaputra River Optional Extensions

Darjeeling Exporation

Darjeeling Exporation

Nestled high in the Himalayas in the north of West Bengal, Darjeeling, the crown jewel of British colonial hill stations is rightly known as the....
Ancient Kingdom Of Bhutan

Ancient Kingdom Of Bhutan

Combine your Pandaw river expedition with a visit to the ancient Kingdom of Bhutan, one of the world’s most intriguing countries. Discover Bhuta....
Bhutan & Kolkata

Bhutan & Kolkata

Combine your Pandaw river expedition with a visit to the ancient Kingdom of Bhutan, one of the world’s most intriguing countries. Discover Bhuta....
Cardamon Hills

Cardamon Hills

Discover Kerala away from the backwaters and waterways featured during your cruise on this 5 - night journey into the hills and plains to experi....
Explore Kolkata

Explore Kolkata

Experience Indian life at full pace in Kolkata, this colourful and cultural city, perhaps India’s most soulful city and certainly the most over ....
The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle

Explore India’s ‘Golden Triangle, ’ three of the most iconic cities in India on this curated 6-night extension tour to your Pandaw Expedition. T....
The Land of Buddha

The Land of Buddha

Visit the places where Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and taught his disciples on this 4 night spiritual adventure. Explore the ancient....
Discover Varanasi

Discover Varanasi

Gain a deeper appreciation of Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. From the rituals performed on the banks of the River Ganges to the narro....