10 Great Reasons to Take a Brahmaputra River Cruise on the M/V Mahabaahu

10 Great Reasons to Take a Brahmaputra River Cruise on the M/V Mahabaahu

Brahmaputra River Cruising.

by Heidi Sarna.

The 46-passenger M/V Mahabaahu, owned by India-based Adventure River Cruises and also sold by companies like Pandaw Cruises, is one of just two riverboats offering voyages on the vast, remote and fascinating Brahmaputra River system in the eastern Indian state of Assam (the other is the humbler 24-passenger Charaidew).

With my friend Sue, I sampled a weeklong Mahabaahu cruise in late November and here’s my quick take on why this quirky, very comfortable small ship cruise needs to be on your bucket list.

RELATED: Read Heidi’s full Brahmaputra River Cruising review here.

The Sand of the Brahmaputra

The fascinating fluvial geomorphology (river geography!) of the Brahmaputra means the broad river is streaked and braided with sand bars and sand islands for much of the year, especially pronounced when the monsoon waters have receded and the river levels are low.

Further, the pristine shelves and carpets of sand are born of the sediment brought down from the massive Himalayan mountains and they create the perfect setting for surreal morning walks and yoga sessions, and pre-dinner drinks around a bonfire.

small ship cruises on the Brahmaputra

An early morning view of Brahmaputra’s wide expanse of beach-like sand. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

The Sunsets

Some of the most stunning creamy orange lingering sunsets I’ve ever seen are a daily highlight.

The sun seems bigger here than in other places around the world and even after the fiery orange ball has slipped into the horizon, for another half hour its glow leaves the darkening night sky blushing with streaks of color.

WOW sunset

Brahmaputra sunsets are out of this world. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

The Serenity of the Brahmaputra River

India isn’t generally known for peace and quiet unless you’re holed up in an ashram somewhere, but a Brahmaputra River cruise is ever so different. When not on shore or exploring via one of Mahabaahu’s two tenders, enjoy relaxing on deck as the boat glides along the wide calm river.

In between napping, reading or sipping a drink, keep a look out for leaping Ganges river dolphins and watch wooden skiffs from the Inland Waterways Authority of India marking the river’s navigable channels with bamboo poles.

Deck

Relaxing on deck along the tranquil Brahmaputra. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

The Wildlife Along the Way

The Brahmaputra River system runs right along the edge of the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site and the world’s largest habitat for more than 2,000 endangered one-horned rhinos.

On elephant, jeep and boat safaris, we easily spotted the rhinos and wild water buffalos too, the latter with their impressive arc of horns, as well as wild Asian elephants, swamp deer, gibbons, boar, and hundreds of birds species, including various types of storks, egrets, kingfishers and eagles.

Early risers up on deck may also catch sight of wildlife drinking or bathing along the riverbank.

Rhine crisp NC 9353 copy 1 e1482080837120

The endangered one-horned rhino in Kaziranga National Park. * Photo: Noni Chawla

The Excursions on a Brahmaputra River Cruise

Besides the wildlife safaris, experiences on shore included walks through fields of peanuts, turmeric and rice with our trusty naturalist and guide Venky in the lead for visits to local villages to have a peek inside the basic dwellings and bargain for locally-made textiles.

We explored tea plantations, old stone Assamese temples, monasteries and a fascinating Victorian-era jute factory, all while rarely encountering other tourists. Several folk dance and music performances, as well as plays, added even more color and culture to the ports.

Tea children dancers NC 9325 e1482128221561

The children of tea plantation workers performing a folk dance. * Photo: Noni Chawla

The Food on Mahabaahu

The river and the stops along the way are the main course, but eating on board the Mahabaahu was certainly a highlight as well. Tasty Indian dishes prepared by Indian chefs are served buffet style at lunch (as well as western options if passengers ask for them), from spicy (but not too spicy) prawn and fish curries to Indian-style eggplant, cauliflower, spinach, chickpeas and farmer’s cheese (panir) prepared myriad ways reflecting different regions of the country.

We always went back for seconds and thirds. At dinner, a western choice is offered along with a yummy Indian medley served on a thali, a metal plate holding several small bowls — the original tasting menu.

Chat yum

The yummy Indian papri chaat snack is savory and sweet. * Photo: Heidi

The Beds of the Mahabaahu

The super comfortable mattresses and Indian-made bedding from Bombay Dyeing were juuuust right, creating a sleeping nest that lulled us into peaceful slumber moments after lying down.

Our cabin’s three large windows took up most of the wall and from our twin beds we were treated to close-up views of the variable Brahmaputra and the sunsets, sandbars and life on the riverbanks without even crawling out from under the cozy duvets.

Roomy (though basic) bathrooms, a mini-fridge, TV, safe and air conditioning rounded out our very pleasant abode.

beds

The Indian-made bedding and beds are super comfortable. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

The Yoga Offered Aboard Mahabaahu & on Shore

The practice of deep, slow breathing to reach an enlightened state started in India thousands of years ago. In the spirit of getting the day off to a good start aboard Mahabaahu, an hour of yoga was offered nearly every morning by the resident yogini and cruise director, Neena.

On deck or next to the ship atop a sandbar, she guided her daily dozen or so acolytes through the holding and releasing of breathes while stretching and tapping on pressure points.

Yoga sand NC e1481962425100

Magical morning yoga on a Brahmaputra sand bar. * Photo: Noni Chawla

The Massages aboard Mahabaahu

Another thing we can thank India for are Auyervedic “mind-body” healing and health practices, and the Mahabaahu does its part offering a menu of relaxing massages, most incorporating the generous use of herb-infused mustard oil and firm kneading.

Thanks to therapist Raj and his magic hands on my neck, head, shoulders, arms and feet, my knots, tension and type-A tendencies were rubbed into oblivion. Ditto for Sue.

Hair treatments, manicures and pedicures as well as the use of a sauna and steam room are also offered.

raj massage

Raj, one of the fantastic massage therapists. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

The Camaraderie

Small ships are conducive to fostering an almost immediate sense of community with the other passengers and the crew, and our week on the Mahabaahu didn’t disappoint in that regard. Sue and I made friends easily, and the shared meals, drinks and excursions with our favorite new pals greatly added to the specialness of our very memorable Brahmaputra journey.

small ship cruises are intimate

It’s easy to make friends on the intimate Mahabaahu. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

RELATED: Read Heidi’s full review of her Mahabaahu Brahmaputra River Cruise.

RELATED: Brahmaputra River Cruise Tips. by Judi Cohen.

Interested in this cruise?

To book this awesome cruise, reach out to Adventure River Cruises; for pre- and post-cruise land/hotel tours in India, contact sister company Far Horizon Tours. Both are Indian-owned and operated.

PollyPink5 copy

 

 

 

Don’t miss a post about small-ship cruising, subscribe to QuirkyCruise.com for monthly updates & special offers!  

© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.

About The Author

Heidi Sarna

I've cruised on 100+ ships of all shapes and sizes all over the world, and it's the small quirky ones that I have always loved the most. My first small-ship cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean and southeast Asia got me hooked and so QuirkyCruise.com was born!

5 Comments

  1. Jacques M

    I want to go !!

    Reply
    • Wendy

      I want to go too!!!!

      Reply
  2. Lavanya Ray

    You’ve caught the essence perfectly, Heidi! Shall forward this to everyone who ought to be on that river and on that boat. Cheers! Lavanya

    Reply
    • Heidi

      Thank you Lavanya! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Vic

    Yes! Sign me up

    Reply

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Write A Review

CruiseCompete

CruiseCompete ad for QuirkyCruise

UnCruise BF Ad

UnCruise Ad Jan 2024

SLCL BF Ad

SLCL Black Friday offers Nov 24 2023

2023 SATW Lowell Thomas QC Win

SATW Lowell Thomas Award winner

2023 SATW Lowell Thomas QC Win 2

2023 SATW Lowell Thomas QC Win for Heidi

SC & PK’s YT Channel

PK YouTube Sea Cloud

Adsense

Sign Up box

QC Sign Up Ad Sept 22

bird

Travel Without the Crowds

SATW Proud member

Adsense

About Us


Heidi and Ted HEIDI SARNA

I'm up to 78 countries and 110+ cruises worldwide, and it's the small ship journeys that I love writing about most. And so QuirkyCruise.com was born, an excellent research tool for planning your own unforgettable small ship trip.

THEODORE W. SCULL

I have traveled between all continents by sea and cruised along three dozen rivers. Ships and travel are in my blood, and so is writing. My journeys have translated into many books and many hundreds of articles.

More...

Our Small Ship Cruise Reviews & Articles

If you can imagine it, we’ve cruised it! With reviews, articles and destination overviews, we’ve got you covered.

9 Of The Best French Barge Cruises You Should Know About

9 Of The Best French Barge Cruises You Should Know About

Best French Barge Cruises By Heidi Sarna I've enjoyed small-ship cruises of all kinds all over the world, but I'm particularly partial to barge cruises along the canals of France. Everything I truly desire when traveling is offered on a barge cruise: Delicious healthy...

American Queen Voyages Shut Down Operations

American Queen Voyages Shut Down Operations

American Queen Voyages Shut Down Operations by Ted Scull, Karl Zimmermann, Anne Kalosh & Heidi Sarna Update March 22, 2024 — Bids close March 25 for American Queen Voyages' vessels. More details from Anne Kalosh's Seatrade Cruise News reporting HERE. A deep-felt...

  • Subscribe

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter to get insider reviews, tips & deals on unusual & small-ship cruises.

  • * I would like to subscribe to the QuirkyCruise newsletters. QuirkyCruise.com will not sell your email. See PRIVACY POLICY

vegasgg

gas138

bimabet

megahoki88

kdslots777

jakartacash

coin303

caspo777

big77

max77

autospin88

gopek178

monsterbola

wajik777

vegashoki88

dolar138

bigdewa.epizy.com

dunia777.epizy.com

kencana88.epizy.com

koko138.epizy.com

harmonibet.epizy.com

bolagg.epizy.com

mayora88.epizy.com

ligagaruda.epizy.com

babe138.epizy.com

money138.epizy.com

dog69.epizy.com

situs toto

www.linkpragmaticdemo.com

www.livecasinoonline.games

nusa365

www.judibolaparlay.id

www.roletonline.org

www.slot88rtp.net

batman138

situs toto

dphokathmandu.gov.np

www.luxury333slot.com

https://www.megawin77.id/

https://www.prada88gacor.com/

https://www.asiabetslot.com/

https://www.angkasa138.id/

https://www.vip303.co/

https://www.judicuanslot.org/

https://www.fit88.co/

https://www.pragmatic77slot.com/

https://www.slot99jackpot.com/

https://www.agen388.id/

https://www.hoki303slot.org/

https://www.dewa99.id/

https://www.garuda99slot.com/