MV Mahabaahu, a luxurious Indo-Bangla marine passenger vessel set sail on Brahmaputra
A Monitor Report
1 June, 2019
Dhaka : MV Mahabaahu, a luxurious Indo-Bangla marine passenger vessel set sail on Brahmaputra on April 29 from Assam for its first voyage to Kolkata, making a stop at Dhaka on May 6.
Dazzling sandbars, lush forests, close encounters with wildlife and ancient architecture - these are some of the delights that MV Mahabaahu offers to the guests.
Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Sundarbans, Mosque City of Bagerhat (Bangladesh) and Manas National Park in Assam - are among its stopovers.
They stayed on Assam for 7 days and left its Pandu port on a 17 day voyage with 43 persons on board including 10 foreign tourists, 8 British and 2 Indian. The rest are crew members.
They reached Dhaka on May 6 and again started for Kolkata on May 9. In September, they will start for Sundarbans from Kolkata.
"Our effort is to offer tourists to experience this 'off beat path' on the deliciously lush landscape where more than 700 rivers braid through the country.
Travelling by boat provides a fabulous opportunity to see the country differently,” said Neena Morada, Cruise Director, MV Mahabaahu.
This allowed the country to reveal its intricate weave of majority Muslims, Christian Adivasi Tribal, Buddhists and Hindu Cultures. Hilsha fishing with otters, floating markets and clay pottery are part and parcels of Bangla life which the guests got to enjoy.
In October last year, India and Bangladesh signed a new river route protocol, according to which tourist vessels from Assam will sail through Bangladesh for Kolkata. Following the treaty, MV Madhumati, RV Bengal Ganga and now MV Mahabaahu set sail.
MV Mahabaahu is a joint venture between Adventure Resorts and Cruises Limited and Assam Tourism Development Corporation. The local support in Bangladesh is provided by tour operator Journey Wallet Ltd.
"Foreigners are excited to take this trip. They used to cruise to Assam and Kolkata only. Now, they are getting to enjoy Bangladesh on the way. This 18-20 day long voyage on Assam-Bangladesh-Kolkata route is profitable for the ship companies and tour operators too. Many industries will benefit. The government will earn foreign currency as well," said Motiur Rahman, Managing Director, Journey Wallet Ltd.
The luxurious ship runs on three engines. It has a capacity of 44 persons. There are various categories of rooms. And the ship is equipped with all the 5-star facilities - spa, gym, game room, bar, restaurant etc. There are also local products displayed on the ship that foreigners can shop as per choice.
Accommodation costs Rs. 18,000 per person per night. Guests need to pay extra for additional facilities.
Source:
Bangladesh Monitor
A Cruise Down the Brahmaputra
Cruise down the Brahmaputra on the luxurious MV Mahabaahu.
WHAT IS THE MAHABAAHU EXPERIENCE?
THE BRAHMAPUTRA
Cruising the Brahmaputra, one of the great rivers of the world, on the truly luxurious MV Mahabaahu is surely one of life’s great pleasures. The Brahmaputra River originates in Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo, and is considered holy by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Civilizations have lived along the river for thousands of years, many in isolation from each other due to the extensive forests. The Brahmaputra is the only river in India to be given a male name and travels 2,900 km from Tibet, through India to Bangladesh where it flows into the Bay of Bengal.
ABOUT ASSAM
Assam is one of India’s most fascinating and diverse states and the MV Mahabaahu is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the beauty of this oft forgotten region. Land travel in Assam is often difficult, but gliding along the Brahmaputra gets you close to the most wonderful destinations in Assam. Assam is home to many indigenous tribal groups, and along the way you will get to interact with them on village visits, and see their traditional tribal handicrafts being made. They are the perfect souvenir of this amazing trip.
ABOUT MV MAHABAAHU
With only 23 aesthetically designed spacious cabins and suites, and five decks, you can be assured of never feeling crowded. There is always somewhere for a moment of quiet contemplation.
Each accommodation is equipped with air conditioning, attached bathrooms, flat screen TV with satellite connection, mini bar, telephone and electronic safe.
On cruising days, you can delight in sunbathing on the Donyi Deck, taking a dip in the rooftop swimming pool, and just watching the world float by. You should keep your binoculars handy to glimpse the rare freshwater Gangetic dolphins as well as other plentiful wildlife. Enjoy a sunset cocktail on deck, and watch as the sun sets slowly across the jungles and river.
Just imagine evenings under the stars of the Indian sky, the Assamese jungle and the river flowing past, the mighty Himalaya close by, and then retiring after a sumptuous meal and conversations with new friends to your luxurious cabin for a wonderful peaceful sleep.
THE CRUISE
You will cruise through a natural history paradise, where there are over 850 bird species, fresh water dolphins, and plentiful elephants, wild buffalo, tigers and the endangered single horned rhino in the national parks. Escorted shore excursions to tea estates and national parks, evening talks about some of the unique features and cultures of Assam, and cultural performances will truly showcase this pearl of India, all the while ensuring your comfort and enjoyment aboard the MV Mahabaahu.
Shore visits are conducted via two tenders, escorted by our Excursion Officer to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
All our cruising is done between 6.00am and 5.00pm to ensure safe passage and comfortable nights on board.
FUN FACT: As it happened recently, it is even possible to possible to spot tigers in the wild from the deck of the boat. Now if that isn’t an adventurous cruise, then what is?
DINING
The fine dining on board offers you lavish local Assamese dishes, Indian and Continental cuisine prepared fresh by our chefs onboard. Fine wines, beers and spirits are available in the bar and with meals, as well as plentiful tea and coffee in our lounge. Meet your fellow passengers and enjoy a drink and conversation as our experienced crew pilot you through this wondrous scenery.
Our chef holds cooking classes, where you can learn how to prepare local dishes and delicacies, which you can then enjoy with a cup of tea.
RELAXATION
For those times when you want to relax and reflect, the lower deck has a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room, as well as massage from our certified masseurs.
You’ll always look your best after a visit to our salon and hair spa, ready for another night of convivial companionship and fascinating entertainments on board.
If you prefer to settle in a comfortable chair with a book, the onboard library has books catering to many interest and you are sure to find something to whet your appetite. Perhaps you will find a four for one of our board games too!
Morning yoga is the perfect way to greet the day, pay homage to nature and uplift your senses. If you have never tried yoga, the Brahmaputra is an ideal place to start.
Visiting unspoiled places, experiencing tribal cultures, encountering rare and wonderful wildlife, all from the luxury of the magnificent MV Mahabaahu, is surely an experience you deserve.