Brahmaputra Calling

Brahmaputra flows high and mighty through the heart of Assam. Cruising through the serene waters of this historical river it transports its travellers to a different world, to say the least. You can enjoy a cruise vacation during the dry seasons between October to April. One of the vessels, RV Sukafa, a small cruise ship named after the founder of the glorious Ahom dynasty of Assam, takes you on a trip to Sibsagar and beyond.

Sibsagar has Assam’s most striking monument Shiva Dol Mandir – a distinct Assamese type temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and reportedly the tallest in India. A few kilometre away is the Rang Ghar Pavilion, which is an elegant two storey building, its glory dating back to 1744, and built by Ahom Monarchs ruling India for over 600 hundreds. This Pavilion restricted for the Royals was formerly used to observe contest between elephants and buffalos.

A visit to Sibsagar is just an insight into Assam’s distinctive history, and engaging voyage along the river would prove to be even more enchanting. Brahmaputra might be overshadowed by its primary cousin Ganges, but it is no less impressive at this time of the year. Just beyond the horizon to its north, lies the mountain ranges of Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet, to its South the provinces of Nagaland and Manipur. In a watery thoroughfare, which sleeps effortlessly undisturbed in a peaceful world, much away from the chaos of the cities. The river is shallow during this season and the routine is to stop sail during the nights as the fog and sand banks makes it necessary to drop its anchors. From Sibsagar the vessel cruises towards Majuli, the largest river island in the world. From Kamalabari Ghat, where the launch is stationed, road transport takes the traveller to the “Satras” for which Majuli is famous.

As the boat carries you from Majuli towards the West, you could see Parakeets, Pelicans, and Cormorans fly by. One can enjoy river dolphins, popping up now and then through the blue waters. As one proceeds, herds of elephants can be sighted on the river banks, signalling the approach to the famous Kaziranga National Park. On a lucky day deers, Indian Bison, and Wild buffaloes could be sighted too close to the water edge. The cruise ends at the disembarkation point for the KNP. The lure of seeing of one horned rhino and even a tiger is not as promising as one has to leave the comfort of the boat and company of the serene river. But of course the journey continues as one can take drive from here to the park. The Kaziranga National Sanctuary has lot to offer to its visitors from Elephant Safaris through the dense forest to Jeep Safaris to fishing to bird watching and enjoying the local cultural activities. A two nights stay in a lodge in an around Kaziranga isn’t much costly compared to the comforts one get in this alluring seclusion.