What is the best river cruise in India to book?

The following India travel blog is dedicated to providing you with information on two of the cruise operators of river cruises in India. At the start of 2020 we joined several of the cruises in India to make a detailed reconnaissance of the vessels, the activites, the routes they take and what you see and do along the way, as well as the cabin sizes and the onboard facilites. Based on this first-hand research and experience, our preferred cruises in India are those operated by Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) or those run by Pandaw. These two operators meet our standards in terms of accommodation, experience, meals and staff and we are pleased to include them in our custom made itineraries for you. These are our preferred two options for river cruises in India. Both have been tested by us and examined critically for highlights and lowlights. Both ABN and Pandaw operate cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges river in India. 

Below are detailed notes about each cruise based on travel in 2020. We believe this provides you with up-to-date and fair persepctives on both of these India river cruises. Our team of India travel experts have multiple decades of travel experience in India and around the world. They are based in Melbourne, Australia and travel to India regularly to review hotels, cruises, luxury train journeys in India, activities and guides. We pride ourselves on our India knowledge and know what we commend to you has been tested first-hand by our team. 

Additionally, you may also like to read our other India travel blog about river cruising in India which provides a general snapshot of river cruising in India and what to expect. You can read it here. 

Tips and recommendations for cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges River, India

Information about Assam Bengal Navigation in India:
We recently joined the Brahmaputra Taster, departing from Guwahati. This cruise travels both up and down stream. This cruise travels to Guwahati, Saulkuchi, Peacock Island, Pobitoria Wildlife Sanctuary and returns to Guwahati.

How big are the river vessels on an ABN cruise in India?

We were on the ABN Charaidew 11. These are the details about this vessel:

What are the cabins like on an ABN cruise?

The cabins feature polished timber floors. They are light and airy due to the ceiling to floor and wall to wall sliding glass doors and screens – allowing views of the river day and night and plenty of natural light. There is no balcony however there are two lounge chairs in the cabin and a coffee table for relaxing. The cabin has great storage - a wardrobe with hanging space, draws and a safe. There’s also an elevated storage bench for luggage and a writing desk with tea & coffee making facilities. The cabin has no TV and you don’t miss it due to the everchanging view of the river. You can observe amazing sunsets and sunrises without leaving your cabin.  All cabins have en suites with shower, lovely local bath products and hairdryers.  

What are the best features about an ABN river cruise?

The vessel is small enough to feel like a private boat and large enough to offer multiple private spaces, with the luxury of a small onboard spa. The cruise is very quiet and peaceful, and we were mesmerized by the everchanging view of the riverbanks. 

Who would this cruise suit? What type of traveller would be attracted to an ABN cruise?

The curious and thinking traveller of all ages. These cruises go to off-the-beaten track locations and offer authentic experiences mostly in quiet and peaceful locations. They present an excellent opportunity to interact with the locals and to observe their daily lives. These cruises would appeal to the active and those who appreciate the outdoors who would be keen to participate in all the onshore excursions.    

Where do the cruises stop and what parts of India do you see?

We loved the shore excursions, the anticipation of the next stop, the visit and the variety of places we stopped. We couldn’t wait until the evening briefing to learn about the next day’s activity. 

During our river cruise in India we participated in every excursion.  Leaving the main boat by tender, locally named a “Country Boat” with comfortable forward-facing seating and roof for protection from the weather, we puttered across the river to a sandy landing (there are no proper moorings as such) to where the boat boys had a make-shift ramp and a collection of bamboo poles that acted as a gang plank. There were always plenty of hands to assist to ensure safe disembarking and embarking. Some of the shore excursion during our cruise on the Brahmaptura included visits to wildlife sanctuaries, traditional silk weavers of India, riverside villages, temples and jeep rides. The average excursion is half-day, escorted by the ship’s Cruise Manager and a Naturalist when needed. 

What months of the year can you cruise on the Brahmaputra River?

The Brahmaputra River cruise season runs from November to April when the monsoon rains are over and the floods and humidity have receded, leaving the landscape lush and the temperatures warm.  The coldest months are from November to February and the water level is low. The monsoon months are typically June to September. For more information about the seasons in India, read our India weather FAQs section.

What options are there for ABN river cruises on the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers in India? 

ABN operates several different river cruises in India on the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers. Cruise lengths vary from 3 nights to longer weeklong cruises. Some of the routes offered include the Lower Ganges River Cruise, the Holy Ganges river cruise and shorter river cruises to Varanasi. On the Brahmaputra, cruises head to Kaziranga National Park (home of the endangered one-horned rhino) which allows you to travel deep into this amazing part of Assam without the hassle of travelling by road. There are 4-night cruises, and cruises of 7 and 10 nights. ABN has also just released a new cruise into Bangladesh – which will take passengers from India into Bangladesh on a river cruise. There are three river cruises running into Bangladesh in May and October in 2020. We are excited about this new journey – so don’t be surprised if you see us on board! To find out more about the route of the ABN river cruise from India to Bangladesh email us at mail@indiaunbound.com.au

What staff are onboard ABN’s river cruises in India on the Brahmaptura?

Many of the crew are behind the scenes or below deck carrying out their duties. The Crew that you see daily include the Guide who accompanies all shore excursions, the ship’s Manager, the chef at mealtimes, the bar tender and housekeeper. 

A detailed first-hand review of Pandaw India river cruise tours

We recently joined the RV Kalaw river cruise vessel, departing from Kolkata. The route was Kolkata-Baranagar-Kolkata. The vessel was travelling the Lower Ganges River upstream toward Bengal. 

How big was the vessel on a Pandaw India river cruise?

Facilities on board: Indoor Restaurant with Bar and comfortable sitting area in the Saloon bar.  Option to eat outdoors on the adjacent open covered deck. Wrap around teak deck. 

How big are the cabins on a Pandaw Ganges River cruise?

What were some of the highlights from the Pandaw cruise in India?

The boat was compact and well designed with the Saloon Bar being the heart of the boat where cruise members met for meals, drinks and quiet time on comfortable sofas. There is also the option of a spot to relax on the open deck.  A staff member was always on hand in the Saloon bar to serve a tea or coffee or mix a cocktail. We also loved the shore visits. We loved getting off the vessels in the countryside and exploring the rural areas. 

Who would this India river cruise suit? What type of traveller would be attracted to a Pandaw cruise?

Based on our experience, Pandaw is ideal for those travellers keen on cruises (we met several regular Pandaw cruise goers onboard) and first-time visitors to India. A river cruise in India will provide you with an introduction to India from the comfort of the boat. River cruises are great for travellers in India who don’t want to pack and unpack each day. They allow you to feel supported by the onboard guide, ship manager and crew who will take care of all your needs each day. The active and lovers of the outdoors would particularly enjoy the shore excursions on this cruise as well

Describe the shore visits and activities offered on the Pandaw India river cruise.

Again, we participated in all the activities and shore excursions offered by Pandaw. Some of the activities included visiting a temple the size of the Vatican, Pilgrims Bazaar’s, seeing the Dutch and French settlements along the river and other spontaneous visits along the way to small villages and communities. Most of the shore excursions took about 3-to-4 hours, including disembarking and travelling ashore via the “Country Boat”.  During these visits we saw local people going about their daily routines as well as the sights, both small and large. It was fascinating to see these lesser-visited parts of India. The shore visits were all enjoyable, accompanied by our onboard guide and crew to assist with disembarking and embarking.

When are the best times to go?

The best times to take a Pandaw river cruise in India is October to March. For both our preferred cruise operators, cruises can fill quickly with limited cabins available, so we recommend booking your birth early to secure your preferred cruise dates. Our senior travel planners can create a custom made India tour which includes a river cruise in India as well as some land arrangements pre and post your cruise. Kolkata can be a good arrival point into India and a great place to stay to settle into India with several impressive hotels and a range of sightseeing options in Kolkata. To find out what the best things to see and do in Kolkata are – read our recent Kolata travel blog and tips.  

What are some of the options for routes on river cruises in India with Pandaw?

Pandaw operates on the Brahmaptura and Ganges rivers in India. There are 7 day cruises which include a visit to Kaziranga National Park on the Brahmaputra River, while cruises operator on the Upper and Lower Ganges river. 

How can I book a river cruise in India through an Australian company?

To find about about departure dates and pricing for river cruises in India you can call our office in Melbourne, Australia toll free on 1300 89 513 or email us at mail@indiaunbound.com.au

L Harris