Assam Bengal Navigation

25/05/2024

At the end of it all, we are all seeking ‘connection’ and it is so beautiful if laden with heartfelt curiosity and compassion.

These are visuals from a riverine village that we have not come across in our recent years of cruising the mighty Brahmaputra. The community was so genuinely excited, curious and ever so kind as they welcomed our cruise guests into their beautiful village. Did you know that we may not come across this village again next year as the river channels continuously change? Each year, we have a surprise encounter to connect with a variety of different villages of the kindest riverine communities all rooted in nature.

07/05/2024

Cycling gives you the freedom to explore into paths less trodden by ‘development’. Which means that it gives you access to explore deep into the wildly beautiful rural villages of Assam which we treasure and ⚓️

Here is our naturalist taking our guests out to explore the rural countryside of Assam which is spectacularly special, authentic and filled with the kindest indigenous communities.

Assam and all of northeast India is so blessed to be surrounded by abundance of nature. The capitalistic city folk are creeping in quickly but we hope that we can fight hard to preserve one of the last great vestiges of greenery in India before concrete ‘development’ takes over.

25/04/2024

Diphlu River Lodge is more than just a jungle abode; it’s a cherished legacy, a testament to grandparents’ (pic 5) unwavering commitment to Assamese hospitality and the celebration of nature. 🌿 Here, amidst the embrace of Kaziranga jungle, guests are welcomed into a home that exudes the warmth and comfort of Assamese old-style living, crafted lovingly by the local community.

Jagadish Phookan, Antara’s grandfather, retired early from Assam Oil during the British Era to embrace a life akin to Mowgli in the Kaziranga jungle with his family. In the 1970s, just before the onset of insurgency, they founded the Kamrup Komplex, a haven that welcomed all who sought solace amidst the wild. Today, as Diphlu River Lodge, we honor their wild-hearted spirit and dedication to their land, community, and culture.

PS - At the heart of it all is also glorious home-made food, a favourite being Antara’s grandmother’s cherished recipe—the tantalizing Khao Suey (pic 2), a flavorful homage to her Burmese chef, also a dear friend, learned during the British oil days.

20/04/2024

Vignettes of Brahmaputra river cultures ⚓️

18/04/2024

Let’s delve into the often-overlooked wonders of our ecosystem—the intricate tapestry of flora and fauna that grace the landscapes of Assam. This region boasts an astonishing diversity spread across its seven national parks and eighteen wildlife reserves.
However, it’s disheartening to observe a disproportionate emphasis on one jewel in the crown—Kaziranga National Park. While it has indeed attracted a record number of tourists, this singular focus risks overshadowing the myriad other natural wonders waiting to be discovered.
We advocate for a shift in perspective, one that celebrates the richness of Assam’s biodiversity beyond the iconic trio of tiger, rhino, and elephant. From the tiniest insects to the towering trees, every living being plays a vital role in sustaining our precious ecosystem. Let’s shine a spotlight on the lesser-known marvels, including the mighty Asiatic wild buffaloes, symbols of both strength and gentleness, also known as the ancestor of the domesticated water buffalo but never to be mistaken for one.
By broadening the conversation to encompass all facets of natural beauty, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of life. Embracing principles of regenerative tourism, we can ensure that the benefits of conservation extend not only to flagship species but also to the entire spectrum of flora, fauna, and the communities that depend on them. Needless to say, our dear Kaziranga truly needs to protect itself from the pitfalls of mass tourism.

PS - These incredible photos have been captured by our recent cruise guest who has kindly shared these pictures for us to use 🙏

15/04/2024

Cultural discovery …. and yet, every time local ingenuity emerges more prominently than any other that we ⚓️

10/04/2024

Golden hour 🥂

02/04/2024

Best places to travel to in 2024 - Brahmaputra river valley in Assam

Thank you for featuring our home land, Assam and our pioneering Brahmaputra River cruise journeys onboard our boutique expedition ships - the ABN Charaidew II and the ABN Sukapha

“Home to a fascinating blend of Indigenous tribes, awe-inspiring landscapes, traditional mountain villages and UNESCO-inscribed national parks, the eastern Indian region of Assam has cultural and natural wonders just waiting for travelers to explore — without the crowds you might find in better-known South Asian destinations.”

Click on the link below to read more on our Brahmaputra river cruise voyages offered in the American market by and Travel

From the jungles of Costa Rica and the beaches of Bali to the high deserts of Bolivia and the streets of Paris, here are the best places to travel in 2024.

01/04/2024

We are always in awe as we bask in the glory of the mighty Brahmaputra. ⚓️

31/03/2024

You can always find solace among the trees 🌿


🌱🌲🌳🍃🌿

24/03/2024

As the beat goes, ‘ free your soul’ ⚓️

“We are privileged with the freedom to explore a world beyond our own, encountering cultures that cherish the joys of simplicity, find sustenance in nature, and foster bonds that bind communities together—a precious gift entrusted to us. It is our duty to not only appreciate this gift but also to educate others about its significance and to wield it responsibly for the greater good.”

Private boat life onboard on the bringing to you our Assamese by brought to life by our cherished local crew, our brand ambassadors that we 🙏

21/03/2024

Golden hour with samosa and chai adda ⚓️

20/03/2024

Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Kaziranga National Park, our sanctuary, the Diphlu River Lodge, stands as a testament to our deep-rooted reverence for nature. With a deliberate rustic charm, we celebrate the vibrant wildlife and rich biodiversity that defines this precious ecosystem. More than just a place to stay, we strive to be a guiding light in sustainable tourism, setting a standard for eco-village living in harmony with nature.

Our commitment runs deep, extending beyond the allure of trendiness. It’s a heartfelt responsibility to safeguard the natural heritage of Kaziranga, to nurture our land and its community, and to protect the environment for generations to come. Inspired by the legacy of my grandfather, who pioneered the first wildlife lodge here in the 1970s, we carry forward his wild-hearted vision, ensuring that our sanctuary remains a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Warmly,

🙏

17/03/2024

We believe that discerning travelers seek more than just opulence; they yearn for journeys that resonate on a deeper, more meaningful level. They desire conscious exploration, connecting with destinations on a spiritual and personal level while ensuring their travel leaves a positive impact on both themselves and the communities they encounter. This is why they choose to journey with a company guided by conscious values, ensuring every experience is not only enriching but also purposeful for all involved.

14/03/2024

Exploring the rural countryside along the banks of the greatest Himalayan rivers is the highlight for many of our cruise guests as it offers an insight into soulful India, without the distress and chaos of city life. Heart of India lies in its villages that we ⚓️

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12/03/2024

‘Assamese women weave dreams on their looms’ said Gandhi then and it still holds true today as almost every rural village home in the deep green hinterland of Assam and along the Brahmaputra River, will have women weaving their own clothes in looms.

08/03/2024

Nothing quite like witnessing this majestic apex creature on the hunt that we ⚓️
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🐅🐵🐯🌳🌳

02/03/2024

Not a temple, nor a palace, this structure is Rang Ghar, known as first Ampitheatre or first Pavilion of Asia, built in the year 1744 A.D by the Ahom dynasty that once ruled Assam.

The roof of the structure is shaped like an inverted royal Ahom long boat (navigation was this dynasty’s forte) where there are the projecting heads of two small MAKARAS or JALAHASTIS facing reverse towards north and south. The Rang Ghar was built specially for enjoyment of recreational/sports activities by the royal families and public of the Ahom dynasty.
History
Discover cultural heritage along the mighty with , your and family company bringing you once-in-a-lifetime transformational voyages through India’s greatest ⚓️

27/02/2024

With 7 national parks and 18 wildlife reserves in the state of Assam, Kaziranga offers a plethora of wildlife but it is not the only highlight for wildlife in northeast India.

Mostly terrestrial animals, Bengal monitors are carnivores and scavengers. Their typical diet consists of beetles, grubs, orthopterans, scorpions, snails, ants and other invertebrates. They also feed on frogs, fish, lizards, snakes, rodents and ground birds.

Wildlife
♥️
🐅🐵🐯🌳🌳

26/02/2024

Travelling with Like-Minded People is the New Solo Travel 🙌 ⚓️

21/02/2024

Cycle into the rural countryside of Assam whilst you gently cruise the mighty Brahmaputra on your private houseboat.

Our fantastic local crew will ensure that your discovery of the natural and cultural heritage of Assam is a seamlessly designed voyage of utmost comfort. This is all 🙏

15/02/2024

You will want to spend most of your time on the sundeck watching the beauty of the natural and cultural world pass by.

13/02/2024

House-full of guests from around the world, loving their once (twice)-in-a-lifetime Himalayan river journeys with us, all such a delight for all of us.

12/02/2024

The Ganges is considered a tirtha which means a crossing point between heaven and earth. At a tirtha, prayers and offerings are thought most likely to reach the gods and, in the other direction, blessings can descend most readily from heaven. The Ganges has been revered from the earliest times and is regarded as the holiest of rivers.

25/01/2024

Are you prepared for a cruise that transcends the ordinary? Join us as we navigate through the soulful heart of India, where every moment becomes a celebration of culture, community, and conservation.

15/01/2024

Oh, this Lahé (gently, slow) Life of Assam ♥️

11/01/2024

Oh, the people you will meet!
One of the greatest things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are and it restores your faith in humanity. Also that, media and other people’s views should not form your view of the world.
Be the change you want to see in the world and ⚓️

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08/01/2024

The sundeck is where we bask in ⚓️
This is the sundeck onboard our specially designed boutique ship, ABN Rajmahal is built to cruise the Ganges consciously.

07/01/2024

This majestic beauty 🐯

There has been a greater increase of tiger sightings in Kaziranga as of 2023 and the start of 2024 is looking even brighter.

Please note that Kaziranga does have one of the highest density of tigers but they are very shy, elusive and are not as accustomed to seeing humans in flocks unlike the other tiger-centric national parks of India. So you must build your patience, trust your guide’s expertise and gently track this apex creature to witness them in all its glory and when you do, it is divine. Yet, most importantly, take in the beauty of the jungle that is home to these incredible wild beings of all sizes as they are all equally beautiful.