Summary
Short description
Discover the history of the iconic Ganges in ultimate style & comfort
Highlights
- Indulge with all-inclusive meals & on-deck bars on the luxury river cruise ship
- Witness stunning architecture, from the spectacular ISKCON temple to the historic mosque of Hooghly Imambara
- Discover the fascinating British colonial history of Kolkata & Plassey
- Go off the tourist track as you delve into the history, landscapes & villages of the iconic Ganges
In Brief
- 1 Night Kolkata
- 1 Night Farakka
- 1 Night Baranagar
- 2 Nights Katwa
- 1 Night Mayapur
- 1 Night Chinsurah R S
- 1 Night Barrackpore
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
All-inclusive | City | History & culture | River cruise | Small group
This spectacular itinerary will see you travel in traditional style on the RV Orient Pandaw as you explore the incredible Lower Ganges. You'll sail past stunning Shiva temples, historic palaces and spectacular mosques, interspersed with traditional villages and sprawling landscapes as well as learning of the famous colonial history that took place in many of the surrounds. Enjoy the slow, unhurried pace as you chug down the historic river and explore off the tourist track – coming back to luxurious comforts in all-inclusive meals, a sundeck bar and nightly complimentary canapés. It's all bookended with the diverse delights of Kolkata and stays in luxury 5-star hotels alongside included expertly-guided tours, transfers and more.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Kolkata
Begin your holiday in relaxing style with included VIP airport lounge access before boarding your overnight flight to Kolkata, arriving on day two.
Day
2
Arrive in Kolkata
On arrival, transfer to your hotel, the Oberoi Grand Kolkata, which features a luxury spa and three stunning restaurants and is just moments from the city's colonial-era landmarks. Choose from one of the three eateries tonight, from refined elegance in threesixtythree° to traditional delights in Baan Thai and the intimate lighting of The Bar.
Stay: Oberoi Grand Kolkata (Deluxe)
Day
3
Kolkata to Farakka
After breakfast, the adventure begins as you head from Kolkata to Farakka via an ultra-scenic train journey, passing awe-inspiring mosques and palaces along the way. Stop to explore Malda, all ancient ruins and historic monuments, before you return to board the stunning RV Orient Pandaw ship. Settle in to your sprawling stateroom, featuring French windows and private decks alongside gorgeous bathrooms with stone showers. You'll be greeted with a welcome drink – perhaps enjoy it on the sprawling sundeck or top deck bar, mingling with other guests, before the first of your included dinners, themed each night with specialities including local seafood, Asian and European delights.
Stay: RV Orient Pandaw
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Baranagar
This morning your voyage truly begins as you set sail down the sacred waterway of the Lower Ganges, winding through West Bengal's verdure and past towns dotted with temples and ancient palaces. Chug past sprawling mustard fields and mango orchards before stepping on land to the sleepy city of Baranagar, where miniature terracotta-roofed temples dot the sprawling fields. Before dinner tonight, and every evening for the rest of the cruise, enjoy complimentary evening canapés as a delicious prelude to your themed dinners.
Stay: RV Orient Pandaw
Meals: B L D
Days
5-6
Murshidabad, Khushbagh & Katwa
The next two days will be spent voyaging among and exploring the spectacular landscapes and traditional towns of the Ganges. Sail past Azimganj’s riverside mansions to reach Murshidabad, the home of the Nawab’s great Hazarduari Palace that dominates the harbourfront, with highlights including the spectacular Katra Mosque, resplendent Nashipara Palace and Georgian architecture of the Katgola Palace. Day six will see you sail downstream to Khushbagh, home to a Mughul-style garden and the tomb of Siraj-ud-Daulah – the last independent Nawab of Bengal. Continue past Berhampur to the battlefield of Plassey, a site of important history where the Commander-in-Chief of British India defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah. You'll anchor in Katwa, a busy market town filled with buzzing narrow bazaars.
Stay: RV Orient Pandaw
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Matiari to Mayapur
After breakfast, continue downstream and visit bustling Matiari where you'll see the entire brassworking process; a tradition that still remains central to this village. Continue on through the countryside to Mayapur and visit the vast new ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple, a movement of 500 centres, temples and rural communities. As the headquarters of ISKCON or, as it's otherwise known, the Hare Krishna movement, the temple plays host to more than 1,000,000 singing and dancing devotees annually from around the world.
Stay: RV Orient Pandaw
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Kalna to Kolkata
Continue to the country town of Kalna today where you’ll cycle on rickshaws to stunning terracotta temples, including the marble Shiva temple that's made up of 108 shrines arranged in a ring, before passing sprawling fields to arrive back at the outskirts of Kolkata. Here, you’ll explore the imposing mosque of Hooghly Imambara, adorned with Koran scripture on its walls. This evening, perhaps head to the ship's onboard movie lecture theatre for a fascinating lecture about colonial Kolkata and the Ganges.
Stay: RV Orient Pandaw
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Chandernagore to Barrackpore
After breakfast, sail downstream past the spectacular waterfront buildings of Chandernagore, a former French colony and home to an 18th century church. Then, walk past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House and learn of India's journey to independence. Indulge in your final themed dinner this evening, perhaps before a sundowner or two on the top deck with new-found friends.
Stay: RV Orient Pandaw
Meals: B L D
Days
10-11
Kolkata
After breakfast, cruise under the Howrah Bridge to central Kolkata to disembark. On arrival, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day 11.
Meals: B L
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
11-day tailor-made cruise from £2,275 incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £2,275 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £3,260 pp. incl. flights
Prices Include:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return international flights between the UK and Kolkata
- Private airport transfers
- Train journey Kolkata-Farakka
- 1 night accommodation in a Deluxe (5*) Hotel on a B&B basis
- 7 nights river cruise aboard RV Orient Pandaw on a full-board basis including local beer and spirits
- Entrance fees
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0798
Meet the team
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