BENGALTOASSAMANDTHESUNDARBANS

A 21 night reconnaissance expedition on the Kindat Pandaw through India and Bangladesh, between Kolkata to Guwhati via DhakaThe eighteen cabin Kindat Pandaw will reposition between West Bengal to Assam. Departing between the magnificent former capital of Kolkata (Calcutta), with is outstandingly splendid colonial architecture, the ship crosses Bangladesh in a two-country reconnaissance expedition that explores the Sundarbans, one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the planet and known for its swimming tigers. It is here that the Ganges and Brahmaputra outflow into the Bay of Bengal and has 10,000 square miles of mangrove, the world's largest mangrove forest. Visits will be made to national parks with trips by tender deep into the back waters. The expedition will also explore the wealth of Islamic art and architecture in Bangladesh's delta towns and the rich traditions of weaving and other crafts in the riverine communities of this vast delta that teems with human life and activity. Dhaka with its colonial buildings and excellent museums will be a highlight. Then leaving the delta the expedition will continue up the great Brahmaputra to re-enter India and continue through Assam to the colourful city of Guwhati with its Hindu temples, the country side around filled with tea gardens and plantation houses. Our new downstream departure will travel in the opposite direction.