Without a doubt the best way to travel through and see the amazing state of Assam. The constantly changing views of the mighty Brahmaputra river and eastern Himalayan backdrop will take your breath away. The excursions provided just the right amount of history and culture led by our knowledgeable, enthusiastic and personal guides from amongst the cruise staff. For us, the highlight was Kaziranga National Park. Boat, elephant and jeep safaris provided ample opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and wildlife. Time on board was delight with lots of options in terms of areas in which to relax and staff to spoil you. The cabins are extremely well equipped, spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The showers are powerful and hot! We enjoyed some of the best food we have ever had. I was inspired to take up eating desserts! Amazing regional Indian and Continental options were available at every meal. The sailing and transfers on the tenders were smooth throughout. We cannot recommend this experience enough. Do not miss it. Read Less

To sail in Assam down the wide and wonderful Brahmaputra at sunset is a magic like no other. Balm for the soul. The antithesis of city living . The whole thing was a treat: the empty beauty of this ever changing riverscape as well as the grace and aimiability of these resourceful village tribes people, constantly made aware of the bounty of nature - and its opposite, the very real threat of destruction specifically via monsoon and land erosion. Hardworking people - a privilege to meet them all - and yes, the jute factory too was an experience in harsh reality. Dickensian. Our eyes opened and interest stimulated. We stopped too for the Khaziranga National Park - getting up so early to get there, seeing the kids on their way to school at 6am - seriously. As well as all manner of animals ( for instance the incongruous looking Indian one horned rhino... seeing is believing), the park was teeming with birds. I can normally never distinguish them on the trees, but with the aid of a patient guide and excellent binoculars hired from our boat - I saw a myriad of beautiful birds. ...and back on board - a hot towel, a drink , all outdoor shoes cleaned and promptly delivered back to cabin. Great laundry service. and the food was superb as well as lavish- both Indian , which was irresistible, and good European style food too - something for everyone. The trip was worth it for the food alone! Too, we enjoyed our wonderful host , Neena, whose high standards are reflected everywhere, particularly in the friendly and helpful staff. Oh - and before I go - the best thing, don't miss it - yog (!) on deck 8 am. with Neena - most enjoyable and you don't even need to be fit to do it ! Thank you for the experience of another world.- and one final word - you will see the chart below, the cabin was average, but it was fine with a good shower, and all efficiently cleaned - don't let this rating put you off a splendid trip Read Less

A wonderful, unique opportunity to explore river life in India. The company covers every tiny detail to ensure enjoyment, right from the off. They meet you and allocate a car to share for trips, just three or four to a car. The cabins are comfy and well kitted out. Water is plentiful and your personal canister handed out for all tours. The food is varied and delicious, covering a variety of cuisines in India, plus a milder continental option for main course. The catering staff will do anything for you, and are delightful. The onboard naturalist/ tour guide gives talks prior to each trip, which enhances the understanding and enjoyment, and our young man Mayuresh knew so much about birds too. Neena runs the whole experience with a gentle calm, and takes the morning yoga sessions (yog to her). Where else could you stretch out to the morning sun on a deserted island? There is a paramedic on board, so please say immediately if you don’t feel well. He accompanied every trip and was on hand with medication when my husband gashed his leg against a protruding obstacle. Because the river is shallow, we were the only ship in the area, visiting tiny villages on silt islands, and the mooring was stunningly good. At the bank the crew would ensure a safe spot, put down a gangplank and stand with a pole to provide a handrail. Even those unsteady on their feet felt safe. There was such care and attention to detail in every aspect of the trip it made an incredible, unforgettable experience. And the naturalist compiled a video of each day’s events, shown after dinner, which created a record of the holiday to purchase on a USB stick, just to prove you really were on that amazing, different world! Read Less

The cruise was part of a trip including "The golden triangle" and Kolkata. We had expected it to be the climax of the trip, and it exceeded our expectations. The service and staff were exceptional. The meals were varied and very good. Most meals, the wonderful manager Mrs Singh joined us, recommended what to choose and informed us about what the food contained and how it was made. It could e.g. be Assam specialities. The excursions were all interesting and of high class and the crew always had some surprise to come up with. One interesting excursion was to the Mishing village on a small island in the river, where the people were self-supporting and usually not had very much contact with the rest of the country. They seemed very happy with their life and were of course very interested in us. Another memorable excursion was by tender boat on the riverbank of Kaziranga national park with rich animal life. We had already given up the hope to see a tiger, and started our trip back sipping on a glass of wine provided by the crew, when they shouted "Tiger". The guide told us that it was the same very unusual white spotted female tiger they had seen before exactly on the same spot and at the same time of day marking its fox. Of course because it is a river cruise boat, there was not space for a theater with entertainment neither a gym, but there was a spa and yoga exercises for those interested. The boat was about half occupied on our cruise which may have contributed to the exceptional service, but still we highly recommed this experience. Read Less

This was a trip along the Brahmaputra river and was extremly varied and included many different experiences. We visited villages, including artisan villages, temples and tea plantations. National park including safari. We saw single horned rhinoceros, elephant, water buffalo, wild boar and more. On an offshore trip on the tender we were fortunate enough to see a very rare golden faced Bengal tiger, endangered turtles and eagles. We were treated to several different performances depicting local gods and fables. Were privileged to see monks performing their song and dance for God and allowed to tour their conclave. We toured a hemp factory and a tea drying and packaging factory. On board we were treated like honoured guests, every member of the crew were warm and welcoming. The chefs were exceptional. We were always very well looked after both on the boat and on shore visits. I very highly recommend this trip. Read Less

This was our second cruise on the Mahabaahu. The first was a week long cruise in October, 2018 downstream on the Brahmaputra River. It was a great cruise. Service was excellent and the ports we stopped at were amazing. When we received notification that the Mahabaahu was planning a 21 day cruise from Kolkata, India to Guwahati, through Bangladesh. We were excited to rejoin the boat and explore what has been virtually tourist free. We were definitely not disappointed. This was a trip of lifetime and lived up to the standards that we expected on the Mahabaahu. The ports we stopped at were to say the least amazing. Service by the crew was amazing. Considering the area we were in a lot of what we were experiencing was brand new both to ourselves as well as the crew. We were looked after extremely well and I felt safe throughout the cruise. Food on board lived up to the expectations that we experienced on the last cruise. Dining was diverse and well prepared with generally a choice every night. Our cabin on this cruise was great!! Spacious with lots of space for storage. Although entertainment on board was limited we dd have several evenings when local artists (musicians, dancers) came on board. These evenings were interesting and well received. On those days/evenings when we were due to go ashore the cruise naturalist, Mayuresh, gave us a short talk on topics relevant to the shore excursion. Out thanks to go out to all the crew and In particular Neena, the cruise director for an amazing once in a lifetime experience. My wife and I are eagerly looking forward to Adventure River Cruises upcoming cruise on the Ganga. Read Less

First l should say, I am not a cruiser. However, In April I had the pleasure of boarding the MV Mahabaahu for an expeditionary adventure cruise down the Brahmaputra River and I loved every moment. The Mahabaahu has cruises available up or downstream; My choice was 8 days downstream from Jorhat to Guwahati and I discovered the necessity for the cruise vessel to be accompanied by a pilot boat which navigates safe passage on the fast-flowing Bramhaputra River with its ever changing landscapes and shifting sands. It is fascinating to watch this progress with the Captain from the wheelhouse. Onboard a resident naturalist provides informative talks to guests prior to on-shore excursions and of an evening there is a slide show. These varied experiences ranged from colourful cultural dances, visits to building remnants of the Ahom Dynasty as well as several villages which specialise in weaving, fishing or farming. A visit to Assam would not be complete without a wander through the famous Assamese tea estates or an extensive safari within the World Heritage Kaziranga National Park. The Mahabaahu crew members are super friendly, helpful and attentive. Nothing is too much trouble. Creative chefs produced a selection of delectable daily menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner and I loved the blended fruit drinks offered after excursions not to mention the evening cocktails which always kept my tastebuds guessing. This may have been my first luxury river cruise however, Neena our cruise director, together with the wonderful Mahabaahu crew members, have ensured I will return for another. Highly recommended Read Less

This was a most unique experience, sailing up a river whose geography keeps changing as sandbanks and the mainland coast are continually eroded by the fast-flowing Brahmaputra. The cruise contained a great deal of variety, from visiting Assamese villages which carry on a subsistence lifestyle, to taking a wildlife safari to look for tigers. The service from Mahabaahu's crew and cruise directors was excellent and friendly. They were very careful to look after us during the onshore excursions. They also gave us some background on what we were going to see, so that we actually learned something about the area and its history and culture. The boat normally has capacity for about 45 passengers, so it is possible to get to know most people during the week-long trip. It also has more of a family/community feel than cruising with 100 or more people. I would thoroughly recommend this trip, as being quite a different experience to anything else that might be available. Read Less

We wanted to go to India on this river and to see, particularly, the Kaziranga National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), home of one-horned rhinos. Also, to do something unusual, off the beaten track. The ship was small and intimate but also spacious enough to accommodate dining and entertainment. Staff were outstanding - very professional, caring, pleasant, cheerful. Nothing was too much trouble. Considerable thought went into the itinerary and excursions. There was a lovely, family feel to the cruise and the guests were all treated with respect and encouraged to mix. Food was excellent and cleanliness and hygiene top rate. There is a swimming pool which is a bonus, especially as it is a smaller ship (40 guests maximum). Excursions were all very well organised and we felt looked after and very well catered for at all times. A very unusual destination and definitely worth seeing if you enjoy wildlife and culture. We saw tea estates and some local, cultural dancing. Also lots of temples. All top quality and very interesting. Highly recommended. Read Less

The collection from the airport was not great. We waited for another couple to arrive on a different flight and share the taxi with us for over an hour. Having made a fuss the decision was made for us to continue by ourselves. This should have been dealt with much quicker. We travelled from Guwahati to Jorhat. We had a suite (101) which was comfortable and kept very clean. The additional cost over the standard balcony room was not worth it. We did have dinner in the room on two occasions but the first was a bit of a trial and not very well organised. The staff were delightful and very helpful. We enjoyed most of the excursions off the boat. The tenders used were excellent. There is not much to see whilst cruising but we enjoyed relaxing, both on the top deck and the room's small balcony. Food was very good - we had the non-veg Indian selection for all dinners. What I really did not like was the inability to seat as a twosome for most meals. The first night we were all split up to sit with random guests - I hated being next to two gun-toting far-right Americans who I avoided thereafter. Apart from breakfast we always had to sit with others. I would have preferred having the choice to sit by ourselves sometimes but the dining room had only one sitting with insufficient room for tables for two. Drinks were absurdly expensive which was somewhat money-grabbing considering the overall cost of the week. The naturalist's lectures were delivered in boring monotone. Overall we enjoyed it and I am pleased we did the cruise. Read Less

The whole cruise from start to finish was excellent. The staff and crew couldn't do enough to ensure our comfort and overall experience. Cabin, food, service were all first class. Shore visits to local villages along the river were exceptional and couldn't be any better!! We would strongly recommend this cruise to those seeking a uniquely real adventure in India and specifically Assam Province. The cruise director Neena, had a great rapport with all the passengers. She hosted the passengers as if they were her personnel guests. The crew on board were absolutely amazing and couldn't have done any more for us than they did. My wife and I have done several small river boat cruises in Asia and the cruise down the Brahmaputra on the MV Maahabahu. Overall this was probably the best small boat cruise we have been on. Looking forward to 2020 when hopefully we will be able to cruise with Neena and ARC again on the Ganges!!! Read Less

This was my first ever cruise so I have nothing to compare it to, but I have travelled extensively in India and Asia so I know what geninue hospitality and welcome feels like and the crew on MV Mahabaahu delivered it in full. The ship itself is small compared to the large ocean cruisers or even those plying the European rivers, but it did make the cruise seem more intimate (there were only 16 guests on board for the 5 nights we were onboard). The excursions were well arranged and both fun and educational. The highlight of which has to be the elephant back, jeep and river safaris within the Kaziranga National Park - well worth the early morning start, and although we didn't spot any tigers, the elephants, buffalo, one horned rhino were in ample supply, with the occassional sighting of river dolphins throughout the trip. The food onboard was excellent with a great choice for breakfast and lunch, and a themed selection each evening (choice of Indian or continental and of vegetarian or non veg). After each shore excursion our shoes were collected, cleaned and returned to our rooms, whilst we enjoyed cold towels and delicious ginger drink. In fact for me it wss the little things that made the difference, such as being given bottled water, in a woven holder, when going ashore, or the fact the crew were prepared with umbrellas and plastic coats (which you wouldnt win any fashion parade but did the job) when the rain came in. There was plenty to do when cruising but mostly I watched the world go buy, enjoying Assam tea, and hoping that I might just glimpse that elusive tiger (the closest I eventually got was seeing tiger foot prints along one of the deserted river Islands we had moored to for a bonfire and evening drinks and nibbles. All in all a wonderful experience and can't wait to find an excuse to return. Read Less

Loved the opportunity to sail through a part of India where I could see both various wildlife in their natural environment and observe local village life. Our shore excursions were very interesting both culturally and nature wise. At Kaziranga National Park, we had an early morning elephant safari, followed by an afternoon jeep safari. For me the highlight of the experience was twofold. Spotting a tiger with its prey was so exciting as was riding an elephant. Sitting astride a nursing mother, while learning about the habits of female elephants was also thrilling. Watching rhinos with their young was great. For bird watchers these safaris were fantastic. We had the opportunity to visit some villages where we could observe women weaving, visit local markets, talk with students and generally observe village life. We were able to enter temples and homes, plus we saw several local performances. In addition, our meals on the ship exposed us to local cuisine, which I found great. While on the ship, we also experienced local music and dances, which complemented our onshore experiences. The overall service we received onboard was excellent. Read Less

It is an area of India I have wanted to explore for many years and cruising the river enabled me to reach remote villages and wildlife parks not otherwise easily reached and to see them from a different perspective. The MV Marahabaahu is a charming ship combining most 21st century needs with a subtle Indian character which I liked very much and think is what most people booking this type of holiday want. The Cruise Director, Neena, did an excellent job - including taking early morning yoga classes which those who attended thoroughly enjoyed. PK, who led the excursions was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, preparing us for the next day with advice and photos/videos of what we were likely to see. The staff accompanying us on wildlife excursions were quite amazing in their ability to spot and identify birds and animals that few of us had any idea were there which added greatly to our enjoyment. All the crew were outstanding, anticipating our needs with courtesy and genuine smiles. Looking back, I think my favourite experience was the very last afternoon when a few of us walked along the ghat for a couple of hours with Sandip. The sense of peace and tranquillity was so relaxing, there were a few families along the way, we saw some lovely birds and Sandip knew a great deal about the local agriculture. We felt we were in truly rural India and well off the usual tourist routes - just perfect! Read Less

Somewhere different to travel in India. The whole cruise from start to finish was EXCELLENT. The staff and crew couldn't do enough to ensure our comfort and overall experience. Cabin, food, service were all first class. All activities undertaken were well planned and most interesting. All visits to shore villages were well chosen and showed the local life. We would strongly recommend this cruise to our friends and we will now be able to tell them about all the wonderful experiences we had, travelling in such a unique ship. ALL the points listed above could be discussed in far greater length talking personally to other people. The cruise director Neena Morada, had a quiet rapport with all her staff and passengers alike. She hosted the passengers as if they were her personnel guests, in all this she was ably assisted by the Ships Purser, who in his turn, could not have done any more for us. Read Less

This cruise was was excellent in all aspects with top-notch service and daytime explorationof nature and non-touristy communities. . Anyway, the day-to-day activities included side-trips to the Kamakhya temple; Peacok Island; a Bangla village; the town of Silghat with its jute factory and tea estate and dances by local groups; Kaziranga National Park with an elephant ride amongst the rhinos and a jeep cruise; bonfire on the dunes; the weaving village Bishwanath Ghat; trip to Mishing village, also with weavers; trip to Majuli Island with a dance of prayer by monks and other performances; trip to Sibasagar; trip to a tea plantation with a discussion of tea production. There were many other evening activities. The meals were excellent and produced by a very good chef in an extraordinarily small kitchen. Take a tour of the boat and be impressed with how everything works. Read Less

We were very lucky to have enjoyed celebrating our 40th (Ruby) wedding anniversary on this trip and could not have bettered it in any way. From the moment we arrived we were looked after by an amazing staff, fun, efficient, friendly and accommodating. The ship sits perfectly within its surroundings and provides modern and homely facilities. Food was plentiful, varied and just delicious. The attention to detail shown throughout the trip made all the difference. Small things such as the welcome ceremony on arrival and cool drinks every time you return to the ship, and larger things like the Assamese evening and bonfire parties were really appreciated The itinerary provided us with so many new experiences from Elephant safaris to yoga on the beach - all framed by the many smiling faces of the local villagers. Thanks Neena and all your staff for a week we will never forget. We will see you all again !!! Vera and Peter Clay England Read Less

We had been wanting to visit India for a number of years and investigated various ways of travelling through the country - special train journeys etc., however, when we learned of the mv Mahabaahu and its itinerary on the Brahmaputra River, we immediately made a reservation. Prior to the boat trip we made arrangements with Far Horizon Tours to put together an itinerary for us covering The Golden Triangle (New Delhi/Agra/Jaipur) - we spent a wonderful week under the care of courteous guides and drivers before arriving in Guwahati, Assam, to join the Mahabaahu. Neena and her crew were most welcoming and went out of their way to ensure that we had a memorable journey upstream. Organisation of side trips to villages, temples, archaeological sites, tea estates etc. were well orchestrated despite occasional changes to plans due to the changing conditions of the river which was recovering from the recent monsoon season. The food on board the boat was good although we suggested that more local cuisine be served, rather than attempts at European cuisine. Our balcony cabin was adequate - clean; the cabin staff were unobtrusive and maintained a high standard. Shoes were cleaned after each excursion and left at the cabin door. Entertainment on board was exceptional with visits by local dancing groups. We can highly recommend this company, especially the lovely Neena and her exceptional crew. Read Less

Having Travelled around India alone using local transport since the early seventies I am addicted. However my wife had never been despite several attempts to persuade her to try. We have cruised regularly, so when I saw this cruise advertised I felt this to be a great opportunity to get her on board. Well Calcutta I knew would be chancy for her because of the crowds and the obvious poverty, but once on the boat and in comfort I was sure things would fine although in an alien area. Fortunately it proved to be the case. The on land travel was all in comfortable 4X4 type vehicles with careful drivers for all trips, The boat was really comfortable, clean and fit for purpose. Cabins were excellent as were the other facilities. The top of the boat was perfect for observing what was happening on the banks. The food was very good and varied, although the one attempt at European food was mixed. Stick to what you know would be my suggestion. The crew were all terrific and helpful. A special mention must be made for our resident guide, a magic ornithologist who also had a wealth of knowledge about all the other trips to architectural sights, on safaris and village life. He runs early morning bird walks before breakfast which were terrific. Strangely only two people took advantage of these. Don't miss them even if your not a real birdie. They were brilliant. The two safaris in the Kazaringa were fabulous. Indeed all of the trips collectively gave a wonderful insight into life in Assam. On a different note, the massages were something else, When have you had eight or ten hands working on you at the same time. But totally safe and not intrusive. Even my wife indulged. Coming back to my wife she loved it all, bar Calcutta. Even to the point of going shortly afterwards to Sri Lanka. Some success. My only moan was that the prices stated for drinks and other purchases were not as they seemed as they added all sorts of taxes when the bill was printed. Sharp practice. They did say that they would rectify the situation. I hope so because it's sad to finish an absolutely brilliant trip on a potentially sour note. But don't let that stop you going. Read Less

Sailing up the mighty Brahmaputra River in North India with Pandaw River Cruises was a truly amazing adventure. I had always dreamed of seeing the real India and when we saw this opportunity to explore the Assam region by boat we couldn’t resist. The ship itself was wonderful - a real floating hotel. The cabins were beautifully appointed and spotless (I’d recommend a balcony birth so you can watch the ever changing scenery slip by and enjoy an evening cocktail as the sun set) the crew were superb and really looked after us. The food was delicious with a great range of both western and Indian delicacies. Dinner was a very social affair we made some great friends and had many laughs with our fellow passengers. What really set this trip apart was the sense of discovery. Every morning we woke up to watch the majestic river reveal new landscapes. Our itinerary was jammed packed with the most amazing experiences. Everyday we had excursions to temples, local villages and tea plantations. I have to make a special of Venkatesh, our resident naturalist, historian and all round lovely guy. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the animals, birds and plant life and was always fascinating to talk with. When we visited temples he could describe in detail the symbolism, spiritualism and beliefs. Every evening we were treated to talks on the wildlife and could watch the amazing sunsets from the 360- degree sundeck One evening we disembarked to a deserted island to enjoy a bonfire barbeque and cocktails under the starlight sky. The highlights of the trip had to be the two safaris to Kaziranga National Park. The first was by jeep which allowed us to cover a lot of ground and see as much of the abundant wildlife, culminating at sunset with a stunning view of the animals gathered at a watering hole. Our second was on elephant back which allowed us to get really close to the wildlife. At one point we were within feet of a basking Rhino, a truly amazing sight. Sailing with Pandaw is more than just a holiday it’s a truly unique and immersive experience, a trip of a lifetime. If you’re interested in getting off the beaten track and seeing slices of life that the regular tourism would miss out on then this is the trip for you. It was an unforgettable journey and I can’t recommend it enough. Read Less

We opted for the Upstream one, in the mighty Brahmaputra River. Our trip began with the visit to the Kamakhya Temple, a great start to the cruise. It was a wonderful experience with excellent service and cabins. In the seven days we witnessed the local culture through dance(Bihu), drama (mask dance), music, orchestra, the local wildlife by elephant safari, boat safari and jeep safari, local hand craft with tours to the villages such as Majuli Island and local tea in a tea estate. An extremely eventful week. My children loved every part of it. It was relaxing to cruise with views of river dolphins swimming with the cruise. We recommend the cruise to anyone looking for a complete package and a tour to love part of India. We spent the New Year in the Cruise and had an overnight celebration on the New Year in one of the River Island. One of the most memorable holiday. Read Less

This was the most amazing experience, so well looked after by Neema the boat's captain and crew. The boat was well equipped, comfortable cabin's and great food onboard. Mooring at night on newly formed sank banks after the monsoon for BBQ's and social occasions was great fun and visiting the real Assam a not to be missed opportunity. Visits to the Kasaranga National Park, local Mishing tribe villages and Marjuli Island monastry were real highlights. The tour started with 2 days in Kolcata at an excellent 5 star hotel providing us with an opportunity to spend time exploring the city in complete safety. Although when first stepping out we felt overwhelmed by the crowds, poverty and noise but what a city! As part of the package we did have a city tour with a local guide who was superb and very knowledgeable. The tour concluded at the house of Mother Theresa, this house does close on time so if you want to visit leave plenty of time to do so. We would return to do the same thing tomorrow with the same crew. Read Less

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This was part of a larger tour. This was definitely the best part. Cute boat, we only had about 24 guests on board and probably 10-12 staff. This was a once in a lifetime experience for us. There were no docks, we just pulled up at the side of the sand banks and tenthered for the night. There were no set times or places, we just went according to the tides. We stopped at Majuli island and walked around the village. An amazing and eye opening experience : we visited Jute factories, tea plantations, nature reserves, amongst other places. The boat was dark timber but quite modern. Our balcony room (110) was a great size ..plenty of room and storage , with a balcony which was great for the washing. Food was Indian with plenty to suit western palates. We had BBQ ‘s and drinks out on the Sandhills. Just wonderful ... Staff.... Excellent tour manager and Naturalist onboard. All staff , so friendly and accommodating... can’t rave about this trip enough. The calm after the madness of the GOLDEN TRIANGLE part of the trip. We went jan/feb 2015 Read Less