Dancing Monks and the Riverine culture

Dancing Monks and the Riverine culture

ABN Sukapha – Your boutique expedition ship

The ABN Sukapha is the second ship to join the ABN fleet in Assam and joined it in 2006. It has been designed to closely resemble the ABN Charaidew I, both as a result of popular demand and reasons of practicality, retaining many of the features which make the original vessel popular but adding a small spa. The furniture on board is locally made; object d’a rts in the saloon are from Bengal; and fabrics are all locally sourced by the finest artisans in all of the state. The ship houses a total of 12 cabins (with a maximum capacity of housing 24 guests), all on the upper deck. In an effort to conserve India’s forests, her cabins are bamboo panelled. The main deck houses the dining room and the spa while the upper deck has a lovely saloon and a mini library with panoramic windows. The sundeck, at the very top, is very spacious.

Onboard Features

Vast sundeck with sun-loungers or steamer chairs | Large sliding glass windows with panoramic views | Spacious air-conditioned saloon with a mini library and recorded entertainment | In-house spa – with choice of treatments
THE CABINS
Spacious cabins with individual climate control | Generous cupboard space and under-bed storage | Minibar and tea/coffee | Intercom and in-room electronic safe | Ensuite shower/WC with Biotique toiletries | High quality linens, slippers and hair drier

Get in touch

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Itinerary
Dancing Monks & Riverine Culture on
ABN Sukapha

Silghat – Kaziranga – Dhansiri Mukh – Majuli Island – Neamati Ghat

Highlights: 
● Cruise the Brahmaputra river – one of the greatest rivers in the Indian Subcontinent – on your  expedition ship, the ABN Sukapha.
● Discover the rural idyll of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands and a microcosm of Assamese culture.
● Watch in delight as the ‘dancing monks’ of Majuli perform Sattriya, a graceful classical dance from Assam originating in the 15th century.
● Wake up in the mornings to panoramic views of Assam’s natural beauty from your cabin.
● Immerse yourself in the tribal culture on walks through the indigenous riverside villages
● Savour tribal cuisines and  blends of Assam tea at a cooking demonstration and tasting session.
● Experience the magic of an Assamese sunset as you relax on on the sundeck loungers.
● Keep an eye out for the endangered Gangetic river dolphin – a wondrous sight on the river.
● Cruise along the Kaziranga national park and spot wild animals from the ship decks.

Your Cruising Itinerary 
The Brahmaputra river valley is not only blessed with abundant forest cover, but also a unique culture that’s rooted in a simple, agrarian, self-sufficient way of life for the Assamese people. On this boutique expedition cruise up the Brahmaputra river, discover one of the highlights of Assam – Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands and a microcosm of Assamese culture that can be accessed only by ferry or country boats. Furthermore, we will be crossing Kaziranga National Park on your right with expansive views of the flora and fauna of this scenic park. Many a times, our cruise guests have been lucky enough to spot wildlife on these banks, especially the royal Bengal tiger who loves to bask in the winter sun. And no trip to Assam can be complete without a taste of its delightful cuisine and tea, so there’ll be plenty of interesting dishes to try from indigenous cuisines and of course lots of cups of the finest tea-garden fresh tea!

DAY 1 – Welcome aboard – Silghat – Kaziranga – Dhansiri Mukh
Arrive at Silghat by 10 AM.(The ship will depart at 10:30 sharp) Board your ship and after the check-in formalities set sail for an exciting expedition aboard the ABN Sukapha – your home for the next three nights. As you settle in the ship will start it’s cruise cruise upstream with Kaziranga National Park on the right bank Wild elephants may sometimes be spotted and, once, memorably, even a tiger straight from the ship. By the evening it will anchor near Dhansiri Mukh. 

DAY 2 – Riverine village and Gangetic River Dolphins
Today morning as you cruise further upstream keep a look out for the endangered Gangetic River Dolphins. Later in morning the ship will stop for you to disembark and walk  through a charming riverside village.nkside village, getting an insight into the life of rural Assam. Riverine village lifestyle of Assam – As you walk through the village, with it’s lush green fields of vegetables and corn you will get an insight into life in rural Assam. Our accompanying guide and naturalist will guide you through the walk and guide you as you discover the simplicity of the lifestyle and inter act with the residents. 
Back on the ship you cruise along, enjoying the idyllic settings of the Brahamaputra and it’s banks. As the night falls the ship will dock by a deserted sandbank where you will enjoy a bonfire and  a BBQ.

DAY 3 – Majuli and the Dancing Monks
Today morning as you enjoy your breakfast the ship will sail upstream and dock at Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands. 
Majuli Island – A microcosm of Assamese culture, Majuli represents the rural idyll of Assam. A stronghold of the peaceful religion of neo-Vaishnavism, the elegant island satras — some for celibate monks, some for families — showcase a unique way of life where the faithful live simply, offering worship through “gayan-bayan” (songs and musical instruments) and readings.
On your visit to Majuli, you will visit a monastery, with an eclectic museum, at Auniati, and then enjoy a Sattriya performance by the ‘dancing monks’ at Kamalabari monastery.

Later in the day return onboard and continue your cruise to Neamati Ghat on the opposite bank.

DAY 4 – Disembark
Today after breakfast, disembark and depart for your onward journey.