There can be no river in the world as sacred as the Ganges River and an expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the prettiest river journeys imaginable. The river wends its way through the lush countryside of West Bengal with its culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. A rich and vibrant rural life abounds and there is never a dull moment as we sedately ply this pleasant waterway.
You will start or end our newly updated 7 night itinerary in either the former colonial capital of Kolkata or Farakka, location of the famous Farakka Barrage where the sacred Ganges flows into the Hoogly River. With one-way first class train ticket included between Farakka and Kolkata this is the perfect way to explore West Bengal in true Pandaw comfort and style.
Highlights
• Land at the country town of Kalna and take cycle rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples
• Visit the brass-working village of Matiari, a charming riverside village
• Walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah – the last independent Nawab of Bengal – and his family
• Walk through the fields of the delightfully sleepy village of Baranagar to visit its three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples
Transfer from the meeting point at the Oberoi Grand to embark and sail at noon. Sail past the old Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore to land and take a walk through the cantonment - past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House.
After breakfast sail upstream and land at the country town of Kalna and take cycle rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples, as well as the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 lesser shrines. Sail on through the night to a mooring near Matiari.
Visit the brass-working village of Matiari, a charming riverside village. Interact with the locals of Matiari and witness the whole primitive process of beating out brass water pots and other vessels. Later, cruise on and visit the battlefield of Plassey where, in 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of British India, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, to change the course of Indian history. Moor close to Murshidabad for the night.
This morning, walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah – the last independent Nawab of Bengal – and his family. Continue a little way upstream to where the great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect in 1837, the palace hosts an extensive collection of pictures, china, weapons and other objects. Carry on to visit the great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace. Built in classical Georgian style by rich local merchants, Katgola Palace represents the other side of the coin of the 'White Mughal' period when English and Indian cultures came close to fusion. Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.
Continue up the Hoogly which transforms into a charming waterway twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards. Morning walk through the fields of the delightfully sleepy village of Baranagar to visit its three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples. This is rural India at its most idyllic. Visit the Jain temples at Azimganj and the Bara Bari Palace and continue downstream.
Explore the village of Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrims’ bazaar.
Sail to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th century church and Dupleix’s House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Sail upstream past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Koran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. Sail into the night to a mooring near Kalna.
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Kolkata airport or hotel.
Itineraries are subject to change.
27 September, 2024 to 04 October, 2024
Katha Pandaw
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Book now
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Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
10 main deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
4 upper deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
25 October, 2024 to 01 November, 2024
Katha Pandaw
|
|
|
Book now
|
Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
10 main deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
4 upper deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
16 November, 2024 to 23 November, 2024(reverse)
Katha Pandaw
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|
|
Book now
|
Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
10 main deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
4 upper deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
26 December, 2024 to 02 January, 2025
Katha Pandaw
|
|
|
Book now
|
Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
10 main deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
4 upper deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
03 January, 2025 to 10 January, 2025(reverse)
Katha Pandaw
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|
|
Book now
|
Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
10 main deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
4 upper deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
11 January, 2025 to 18 January, 2025
Katha Pandaw
|
|
|
Book now
|
Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
10 main deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
4 upper deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
02 February, 2025 to 09 February, 2025(reverse)
Katha Pandaw
|
|
|
Book now
|
Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
10 main deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
4 upper deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
10 February, 2025 to 17 February, 2025
Katha Pandaw
|
|
|
Book now
|
Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
10 main deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
4 upper deck
170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
Panoramic French window
Kimonos and slippers
Spa-branded amenities
Unlimited mineral water
Electric mini safe
AC with individual control
Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
Premium mattresses
Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
Mirror
Multi-configuration plugs
Generous closet space and under-bed storage
Hair dryer
Daily nightly turndown service
24h laundry service
Complimentary evening canapés
Yoga mats in all cabins
Additional charges:
Port Charges. From: 65 USD pp
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin categoryWelcome cocktail party
• Signature hors d’oeuvres at cocktails each evening
• Afternoon tea with cakes or cookies when cruising
• Celebration cake and gift on birthdays and anniversaries
• Cookery demonstrations and classes using local produce
• All scheduled excursions
• At least two cultural performances per cruise
• Tour of the engine rooms, galley and working parts of the ship
• Film presentations on local culture and history
• Local mineral water
• Cold towels on deck all day
• Jugged coffee, tea and tisanes on deck from sunrise till sunset
• Crew gratuities are included in your cruise program price
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs
• Port taxes where applicable
• Gratuities for land guides/drivers
• Spa service including foot, head and body massages (Mekong only)
• Personal laundry service
• Local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes are all complimentary. All other drinks will be charged.