Published by The Australian, AU

From humble beginnings in the Tibetan ­Himalaya, the Brahmaputra River gathers volume and strength over its 3850km course to empty into the world’s largest delta. “This river waters more than one-third of the world’s population,” claims Sanjay Basu, creator of the MV Mahabaahu, a 23-cabin vessel that plies the mighty waterway between eastern Assam state and Kolkata. Week-long itineraries are a wonderful medley of temples, tribal minorities and ruins of the ancient Ahom kingdom. There are tea breaks on an actual tea plantation, sandbank cricket and sundeck yoga, and a visit to the shapeshifting sand island of Majuli, India’s largest. The highlight is World Heritage-listed Kaziranga National Park, home to more than a dozen of India’s endangered mammals, including the one-horned rhino and Bengal tiger. Sightings are reliable on excursions by 4WD and tender launch led by engaging naturalists. Despite major flooding in the area earlier this year, Basu says: “We are getting a tremendous number of tiger, rhino, elephant, wild buffalo, freshwater dolphin and bird sightings.” Life onboard is relaxed and comfortable with well-appointed cabins and even a pool and tiny spa. Sunset G&Ts on the roof deck are de rigueur.

Best moment A tie between sighting a Bengal tiger framed by riverbank grasses and frolicking with a baby elephant, both at Kaziranga.