Assam Bengal Navigation

Assam Bengal Navigation is a conscious collection, offering unique experiences along India’s greatest Himalayan Rivers - the iconic Ganges and the mighty Brahmaputra. Local community-engaged expeditions for discerning travellers seeking authentic experiences in off-the-beaten-path gems. Once-in-a-lifetime journey of the two very special regions, otherwise rather inaccessible, but best experienced through its waterways.

Rooms: 4 ships 10-22 cabins and 12 Lodge cottages

Opening year: 2003

Last renovation: 2019

Sustainability: 

·        Self-funded ABN foundation supports the remote riverine indigenous community through village-based social projects or support change makers in these communities involved within three pillars of education, environment and community development. 

·        Across all our collection, we practice waste management and have almost eliminated single use plastic wherever possible. We have necessary sewage treatment plants and water treatment plants plus oil water separators on ships.

·         For our community-led safari lodge in Kaziranga National Park being located in an annual flood-prone area, we have ensured only natural boundaries for animal crossing safety, vernacular style cottages built on stilts, grey water collection reused for irrigation, composting, low noise and lighting and organic farming. 

·        our naturalists create awareness in villages about the cruelty of poaching, reducing plastic bag usage and general environmental care.

·        Collectively planted over 100,000 trees located in the two UNESCO world (natural) heritage sites in Assam that support conservation efforts here.

Community interactions: 

·        Since 2003, we have cultivated a relationship with the remote riverine village communities that we visit along the rivers by supporting them in various capacities that they are comfortable with, such as local employment, skilling and training, purchasing of their local produce or local services,

·        Through our ABN Foundation, we are adopting rural education centres, humanitarian aid and awareness programs.

·        We invested in health and hygiene programs in rural communities, aiding more schools by working with local teachers, and developing our fair-trade weaving unit to support rural women.

Certifications: 

Responsible Tourism Society of India, Swachhata Green leaf rating 

Management: 

Local owner, Local management