November 20 - December 6, 2025

Assam

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Escorted By: David and Roslyn Craig

17 Days

41 Meals

Journey Leader

CT Rating

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Our Riverboat • mv MAHABAAHU

Bordered by Bhutan and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh to the north, and Bangladesh and West Bengal to the south, Assam is a stunningly beautiful region renowned for its wildlife. Kaziranga National Park, named 'the Serengeti of India' by National Geographic, along with Nameri and Manas National Parks, teem with diverse wildlife such as tigers, elephants, wild buffalo, and white rhinos. 

This departure is currently fully booked, but you can still join our waitlist and we'll notify you if any spots become available!

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CT Rating 3.5/5 - CHALLENGING

All members must be in good physical health, willing and prepared for the challenges of this adventure. Our accommodations in hotels and on the riverboat are very comfortable with varied meal options. Our excursions include jeep safaris (over rough roads and tracks), river rafting (in rubber boats), two-hour leisurely forest treks and an elephant ride (one hour, 4 persons per elephant). Alternative excursions are available for those with limitations. Off-boat excursions may encounter rough roads, limited facilities, and conditions typical of a developing country. We are visiting during the dry winter season and temperatures will range from cool evenings to hot days. Members must be ready to experience the reality that is remote India.

Tour Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and vibrant life of Kolkata with in-depth sightseeing
  • Visit the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
  • Explore three renowned national parks: Kaziranga, Nameri, and Manas
  • Assam Big Six: opportunities to see single-horned rhinos, Asiatic elephants, long-horned buffalo, Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, and swamp deer
  • Cruise 400 km through vast wetlands, home to 482 bird species
  • Enjoy 100 km of cruising by Kaziranga NP
  • Visit the world’s largest inhabited riverine island, Majuli
  • Cultural Insights: explore tea plantations, weaving crafts, silk production, and visit local villages, private homes, and temples!

Inclusive Features

  • Return economy group airfare from Canada to Kolkata, plus domestic flights in India
  • Accommodations in selected deluxe hotels in Kolkata as indicated or similar
  • 10-night fully inclusive cruise on the mv Mahabaahu in Assam
  • All excursions from the riverboat including walking tours, jeep safaris, river cruises, and an elephant excursion
  • 41 meals included as shown in the itinerary (B - 14 breakfasts, L - 14 lunches, D - 13 dinners)
  • Services of your Canadian journey leaders, plus professional naturalists and guides in India
  • All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services
  • India visa fee for Canadian passport holders
  • Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with purchase of group airfare

Itinerary

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Have any questions? Contact Stacey at sharper [at] craigtravel.com or call 1-800-387-8890

mv MAHABAAHU

The award-winning mv Mahabaahu offers a comfortable base for exploring the Brahmaputra and Assam. Large-windowed cabins, half with balconies, provide excellent views of the river and passing villages. Amenities include a dining room with diverse continental and Indian menus, the cozy Soma bar/lounge with daily happy hour, and a sun deck featuring a small pool. The spa offers Ayurvedic therapies, massages, a gym, jacuzzi, and steam room. A small elevator connects most decks. With a maximum capacity of 46 passengers, the attentive crew and serene itinerary ensure a peaceful introduction to India.


The riverboat offers cabins in four categories:


Cat 1 - Superior with double picture windows (195 sq ft)
Cat 2 - Deluxe with private balcony (250 sq ft)
Cat 3 - Luxury with private balcony (280 sq ft)
Cat 4 - Suite with private balcony (330 sq ft)

Deck Plan (500.02 KB)
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Supplement to Upgrade to Higher Category

Category – Stateroom Description (Deck)

C2 Outside Deluxe (with private balcony)

Single

$4,445

Double / Twin

$995

Category – Stateroom Description (Deck)

C3 Outside Luxury (with private balcony)

Single

$4,655

Double / Twin

$1,285

Category – Stateroom Description (Deck)

C4 Outside Suite (with private balcony)

Single

$6,795

Double / Twin

$2,145

Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars Per Person (Category C1)

Cruise/Land Only (join / leave at Kolkata hotels)
$6,995
Toronto
$9,395
Ottawa / Montreal
$9,495
Halifax / Winnipeg
$9,645
St. John’s / Fredericton
$9,695
Regina / Saskatoon
$9,845
Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver
$9,695
Victoria
$9,745
Single Supplement (hotels & cat C1)
$3,695

Do you have any questions about this journey? Don't hesitate to contact us!

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Join our waitlist

This departure is currently fully booked, but you can still join our waitlist and we'll notify you if any spots become available!

Yes, I'd like to join the waitlist

Final payment is due on July 17, 2025. Deposit is $1,500 per person.

Rates are per person based on sharing a twin/double Category C1 outside cabin with windows, and sharing a twin/double room at hotels. Stateroom categories are subject to availability at the time of booking. See deck plan on our website for more details on the various categories available. Rates, taxes, and fees are from October 2024 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Prices and escort based on a minimum of 20 travellers.

Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to our Inclusive Features for more details. 

Insurance is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window – please contact our staff to receive a quote. Your coverage starts on the effective date of your confirmation of coverage. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to our terms and conditions.

Note: River cruising in India is an adventurous experience. Assam’s tourism infrastructure is being developed to meet growing interest. Our expedition-style cruise ensures onboard satisfaction. Shore-side staff will prioritize your comfort during expeditions. While we use the best equipment available, expect varying vehicle and road standards. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Please note that this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions, and may be adjusted for your safety and comfort by the Captain/Cruise Director. The Brahmaputra River experiences seasonal changes, with islands and sand bars appearing and disappearing between sailings. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Check out some of our frequently asked questions before booking your journey.

What are Craig Journeys all about?

Our goal is to offer meaningful authentic experiences that inspire a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit. Through immersive sightseeing and engaging interactions with local people and cultural sites, we strive to foster a greater appreciation of our global community.

We go to great lengths to ensure the physical comfort of our members, providing excellent accommodations, delicious cuisine, comfortable transportation, and more. At the same time, we encourage them to embrace and engage with local customs.

Why should I book with Craig Travel?

All of our tours are carefully planned to provide a comfortable pace, quality accommodations, in-depth sightseeing, and fully inclusive pricing. We encourage you to compare our offerings with other tours available. Check to see exactly what is included and what extras you may be required to pay.

What do you mean by 'Fully Inclusive' pricing?

Almost all Craig Tours and Cruises include all prepaid costs, encompassing airfare and related taxes, hotel accommodations and/or cruise expenses with taxes and service fees, most meals as described for each departure, sightseeing with entrance fees, gratuities for included services (such as guides, drivers, hotel staff, porters), and even airport transfers. For those residing in southern Ontario, we provide transfers between your home and the airport in most areas, while other passengers receive a special credit or an overnight stay at an airport hotel, depending on the circumstances.

Not included in the published prices are personal services and items such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, and beverages with meals or otherwise (according to local customs; for example, beverages like water, tea, and coffee are typically not included in Europe except during breakfast). Shore excursions on ocean cruises are not included unless specified.

While taxes and fees are included in our prices, they always remain subject to change. Consequently, we may need to collect supplements to cover tax and fee increases that cannot be absorbed.