Our family trip to India began not with a brochure or an online search, but with a conversation over dinner back home in the United States. Close friends of ours had traveled to India years ago and spoke so vividly about their experience that it stayed with us. They told us, “If you ever go, do it properly—and travel with the same team we did.” That recommendation shaped everything that followed.
We wanted something meaningful for our family: wildlife, nature, and time together, but without the stress that can come with long-distance travel. What was planned for us was a beautifully balanced journey through northeastern India, combining wildlife encounters with a luxury river cruise aboard Assam Bengal Navigation on the Brahmaputra River. From the moment we landed, we knew we were in good hands.
Assam was completely new to us, and that sense of discovery made it especially exciting. Our first stop was Kaziranga National Park, home to the famous one-horned rhinoceros. Staying at an elegant lodge near the park allowed us to experience the wild while enjoying refined comforts—spacious rooms, thoughtful service, and meals that became a highlight of each day.
Early morning safaris were unforgettable. Mist hung low over the grasslands as we spotted rhinos, wild buffalo, elephants, and an astonishing variety of birds. Our kids were captivated, asking endless questions, and the naturalists were patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate.
What we loved most was the rhythm of the days. Safaris were balanced with relaxed afternoons—time by the pool, quiet reading, and long conversations over lunch. It never felt rushed, which made the wildlife experiences even more impactful.
From Kaziranga, we transitioned seamlessly to our Assam Bengal Navigation river cruise. Boarding the ship felt like stepping into a floating boutique hotel. The cabins were beautifully designed, the decks inviting, and the crew incredibly warm. Travelling by river turned out to be perfect for a family. There was no constant moving from hotel to hotel; instead, India came to us slowly, unfolding along the banks of the Brahmaputra.
Each day brought a new perspective—village walks where children waved and followed us laughing, visits to tea estates, encounters with monks at riverside monasteries, and excursions to river islands rich with birdlife.
We were lucky enough to spot the endangered Gangetic river dolphin, a moment that left all of us quietly awestruck. Mornings on deck with coffee as the river drifted by became a cherished routine, while evenings were spent sharing stories under wide, star-filled skies.
Luxury on this journey wasn’t about extravagance; it was about ease, care, and authenticity. Meals onboard were outstanding—fresh, regional Indian dishes alongside options familiar enough for our kids to feel at home. The crew somehow remembered everyone’s preferences, and our children were treated not as an afterthought, but as welcome guests.
Looking back, what made this trip truly special was how thoughtfully it was put together. We felt supported at every step without ever feeling managed. That trust allowed us to be fully present as a family, soaking in moments we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.
As we flew home, tired but deeply fulfilled, we understood why our friends spoke so fondly of their own journey. We were grateful to have experienced India in this way—through wildlife, water, and warmth—and especially grateful that we traveled with Pankaj from Indus Bound, who made the entire journey feel personal, effortless, and unforgettable.
**Contributor post
ZooNation’s Ebony Scrooge: A Christmas Cracker at Sadler’s Wells East
