Search for some of India’s rarest, iconic animals, stay amongst the treetops like the ‘Jungle Book’ character, Mowgli, and cruise along the remote and sacred Brahmaputra River as part of a new river cruise package to the sub-continent in 2020.
Released by Australia’s Cruise Traveller in partnership with Indian river cruise company, Adventure Resorts and Cruises (ARC), the 21-night ‘Wild India’ package, links a 12-night land exploration of some of India’s best wildlife sanctuaries with a seven-night cruise on the remote Brahmaputra River in Assam, a culturally intact region in far-north-east India that sees few tourists but boasts views of the mighty Himalayas and so much wildlife it is known as the ‘Serengeti of India’. For a limited time, travellers can take advantage of savings of up to $560 per person if they book before June 30, 2019.
Departing Australia on January 13, 2020, the package gives guests one night in Delhi before setting off for their three-night stay at the Bandhavgarh National park, home to one of the highest populations of the Royal Bengal Tiger in India. Next, travellers visit the bamboo forests and grassy meadows of Kanha National Park and enjoy a three-night stay at Kanha Earth Lodge gazing over the numerous swamp deer and grazing gaurs (Indian bison) in the park. To round off the land safari experience, you will spend three nights in luxurious tree houses and explore the sanctuary of flora and fauna at Pench National Park, the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel, ‘Jungle Book.’
After spending two nights in Kolkata, travellers then board ARC’s boutique, 46-guest river ship, MV Mahabaahu, for a seven-night journey from Neamati Ghat to Guwahati on one of India’s great rivers, the Brahmaputra. Located in the mystical, culturally intact state of Assam, a rich, green land of valleys nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the cruise features aromatic Indian cuisine, complimentary excursions and activities such as morning yoga and visits to remote tribal villages. Other highlights include visiting monasteries, tea plantations, ancient palaces and Kaziranga National Park, home to the great single-horned Indian rhino, Bengal tigers, elephants, wild buffalo, monkeys and countless species of rare birds. The Brahmaputra River also boasts views of the 7000m-high Himalayas.
Departing Australia on January 13, 2020, the 21-night ‘Wild India’ package is available from A$12,565 per person, twin-share, in a river-view state room (a saving of A$450) or $13,360 per person, twin share, in a luxury cabin with balcony (a saving of $560 per person) if booked by June 30, 2019. The package includes a total of 12-nights’ land accommodation, a seven-night Brahmaputra river cruise, international return flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth, domestic flights in India and all onboard meals and excursions.
“A cruise on the Brahmaputra River offers Australians an exclusive and exotic new adventure far off the beaten tourist trail,” said ARC Chairman Sanjay Basu. “Accommodation in Assam is also very limited so a journey aboard the MV Mahabaahu offers the best, easiest and most secure way to explore the region.”
To book the ‘Wild India’ fly/cruise/touring package, visit www.CruiseTraveller.com.au/
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