.jpg)
Assam Bengal Navigation
Assam Bengal Navigation is the specialist that opened India's great rivers to the discerning traveller.
Its small, characterful ships sail the Ganges and the wild Brahmaputra, reaching tea gardens, tribal villages and one-horned rhino country that almost no one else attempts.
This is boutique, expedition-spirited cruising with a deeply personal feel, the crews local, the knowledge intimate, the encounters genuine. Comfort is understated rather than opulent, the focus always on the extraordinary land and life beyond the rail.
Assam Bengal Navigation is the cruise if you want India's rivers explored with true expertise and care.
India's great rivers, intimately
Assam Bengal Navigation
Assam Bengal Navigation's distinction is singular focus: it exists for India's great rivers and nothing else.
Long before others arrived, it was sailing the Ganges and the remote Brahmaputra, building the local knowledge and relationships that only a true specialist accumulates. Its ships are small and unpretentious, crewed almost entirely by local people, and designed to reach tea estates, tribal villages and the rhino country of Kaziranga that larger operators cannot.
The experience is intimate and immersive rather than opulent. For the rivers of India, explored with real depth, it has few genuine rivals.
"Assam Bengal Navigation is for the traveller who wants India's rivers explored with real depth. If your idea of luxury is intimate, immersive expedition cruising far off the beaten track, it has few rivals."
Cabins on ABN
Assam Bengal Navigation's cabins reflect a real commitment to place. On the Brahmaputra ships, walls are panelled in Assam bamboo rather than timber, a deliberate choice to conserve India's forests, and dressed with handlooms woven by local women whose craft the line's foundation supports.
All cabins are air-conditioned and en-suite, spacious and individually climate-controlled, with large sliding windows or French balconies framing the river. Expect Kama Ayurveda toiletries, robes and generous storage; the feel is tasteful and authentically Indian rather than lavish.
With as few as ten cabins on the smaller ships, the atmosphere is intimate. The room is comfortable, but the real luxury lies just beyond the window.
What to Expect on an ABN River Cruise
Expect immersive, expedition-spirited travel off the beaten track. With as few as a couple of dozen guests aboard, the feel is intimate and personal.
Days are spent ashore among tea gardens, tribal villages, temples and the rhino country of Kaziranga, guided by an onboard naturalist and cultural expert. Cruises are largely inclusive of meals, excursions and admissions, with local cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere.
There is no opulence here and that is the point: the focus is the extraordinary land and life beyond the rail. This is India's rivers explored with real depth and care.
ABN River Cruise Destinations
Assam Bengal Navigation exists for India's great rivers and nothing else.
Its heartland is the wild Brahmaputra through Assam, where ships like the ABN Charaidew II reach tea gardens, tribal villages and the rhino country of Kaziranga. The line also pioneered cruising on the Lower Ganges, the Hooghly between Kolkata and Farakka, and runs the main Ganges up towards Varanasi aboard the ABN Rajmahal.
For our clients, the Brahmaputra is the real prize - this true specialist's intimate ships at the core of a deeper India journey we shape around them.
Includes Flights, Cruise, Accommodation, Excursions
Includes Flights, Cruise, Accommodation, Excursions
Includes Flights, Cruise, Accommodation, Excursions
Includes Flights, Cruise, Accommodation, Excursions
Includes Flights, Cruise, Accommodation, Excursions
Includes Flights, Cruise, Accommodation, Excursions
Includes Flights, Cruise, Accommodation, Excursions
Includes Flights, Cruise, Accommodation, Excursions
If you can't find your preferred cruise - just give us a call on 03 2424 320 - we're open 7 days
We will tailor your holiday around your preferred river cruise.
