Case closed. We were looking for the perfect holiday for crime fiction lovers, and we think we’ve found it. Death on the Brahmaputra sets off on its sophomore voyage starting 16 January 2026 for 12 days of exquisite food, outstanding views, relaxation and luxury as you float from Kolkata up the gorgeous Brahmaputra River.
Oh, and there’s mystery too. Did we mention that? Because passengers will be joined on the cruise by Abir Mukherjee, one of our favourite crime authors and winner of Best Crime Thriller at this year’s British Book Awards. That was for a standalone set in the US, but Abir’s Wyndham and Banerjee series is where he made his name and, set in 1920s Calcutta, every title is rich in the exact setting you’ll experience on this voyage.
We’ve covered Abir’s work since he won the Telegraph Harvill Secker writing competition in 2015, enabling him to publish A Rising Man in 2016, and his latest is out this November. The Burning Grounds will be the sixth novel in this beautifully written series and will be the perfect nighttime reading on this once-in-a-lifetime cruise.
Soak in the Assamese atmosphere
Death on the Brahmaputra gives you the chance to truly breathe in this fascinating setting. Your journey will begin with two nights in Kolkata, with tours of the city’s historical areas accompanied by Abir Mukherjee, taking in the colonial buildings stalked by detective Sam Wyndham and his colleague Surendrenath Banerjee in the novels.
You’ll visit an Indian coffee house to see where Indian nationalism first germinated and explore North Kolkata, learning about the rise of the Bengali Renaissance with a visit to the home of poet Rabindranath Tagore. On the other hand, you’ll take in the offices of the East India Company and the colonial cemetery, and partake of an evening exploring Kolkata noir and Bengali detective fiction.
Luxury cruise
Drifting up the Brahmaputra on a seven-night cruise, passengers will enjoy the luxury of the ABN Sukapaha. Cabins are air conditioned and offer panoramic views of the river and life on its banks. Bamboo panelled, the feel is 100 per cent authentic, there’s a spa for further relaxation and a saloon boasting a library replete with the best Bengali noir.
Cane furniture, traditional handlooms and artworks furnish the vessel, highlighting Assam’s arts and crafts heritage, to enjoy as you take in the life along the Lohit – meaning blood – a major tributary of the Brahmaputra. Its vibrant red waters are very apt, considering the theme of the cruise…
Literary masterclasses with Abir Mukherjee
You’ll be joined on your cruise by British Asian author Abir Mukherjee, whose roots are in Kolkata, and who will deliver three masterclasses for anyone interested in how to craft a crime novel.
Crime Writing
First up, Abir will focus on the basics of a crime novel – weaving a plot, developing characters, using your setting, refining the tone of voice and how to generate suspense.
Historical Fiction
Join Abir in the saloon on the ABN Sukapaha for a deep dive into writing historical fiction. This includes similarities and differences with contemporary crime writing, how to carry out research and how to find your voice. What is the ‘conceit at the heart of historical mysteries?’ Find out in this session as Abir demonstrates how he brought 1920s Calcutta to life in his novels.
The Road to Publication
The information every budding crime author needs. Agents, editors, publishers and finding your audience are explored in this talk on the sundeck. Every author’s journey is different, and Abir will offer insights gained from his unique route into publishing – a very complex industry.
Each masterclass includes coffee and refreshments. It’s also important to note that while these sessions are optional, during last year’s cruise even the passengers not aiming to become authors joined in to take inspiration from Abir’s experiences.
What else?
There’s so much more packed into this 12-day experience. Guests will enjoy excursions to Kaziranga National Park, home to tigers, elephants, water buffalo, hundreds of bird species and the vulnerable Indian rhino.
You’ll venture to the Jorhat tea estate to see how one of India’s most famous exports is grown and harvested, with lunch and a fantastic tea tasting. And you’ll visit the world’s largest river island, Majuli, a microcosm of Assamese culture and largely undeveloped. A sensational Assamese lunch will be served.
Plus, going beyond the works of Abir Mukherjee, Death on the Brahmaputra will give you the chance to discover a range of Kolkata crime authors and explore the colourful heritage of Bengali detective fiction.
“Death on the Brahmaputra is more than a tour, it’s a wonderful experience: a look into the history of a fascinating part of the world; a chance to visit tea gardens and national parks and one of the most unique cities in the world; and to write your own crime fiction, all while travelling in luxury and style, sampling some of the best cuisine India has to offer and making memories that’ll stay with you forever.” – Abir Mukherjee
Book today…
Visit the Sampan Travel website for an in-depth itinerary.
Dates: 16-27 January 2026
Outline itinerary: 16-18 Jan arrival and exploration in Kolkata; 18-26 cruise the Brahmaputra River on the luxury ABN Sukapaha vessel; 26-27 return to Kolkata and departure flights.
US prices: $8499 per person in a shared twin or double room cabin; $9999 per person in a single cabin.
UK prices: £6731 per person in a shared twin or double room cabin; £7919 per person in a single cabin.
Availability: Only 11 cabins available; booking open.
Contact: Email Bertie Alexander on bertie@sampantravel.com or WhatsApp to +44 7378 149 695.
This feature was produced with support from Sampan Travel. Tour photos (c) Assam-Bengal Navigation.
