Ganga Vilas

PM: Arrival at the Varanasi airport and transfer to the Ramnagar Jetty for embarkation. The Ramnagar Jetty is located 14 km to the east of Varanasi, across the Ganges River on its eastern bank.

Welcome onboard and enjoy lunch, followed by Safety Briefing.

Varanasi, known variously as Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is a major religious hub in India and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. It is also an important industrial center, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. Welcome Dinner.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

AM: Morning after breakfast, visit the Ramnagar Fort and Palace by local vehicles. The Fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of Varanasi. Built in the 18th century with creamy chunar sandstone the architecture is typically Mughal style with carved balconies, open courtyards, and scenic pavilions. It has been the home of the traditional ruler, the Kashi Naresh. The King and his family still reside on the premises. The museum has a rare collection of American vintage cars, bejeweled sedan chairs, an impressive weaponry hall, and a rare astrological clock. In addition, manuscripts, especially religious writings, are housed in the Saraswati Bhawan. Also included is a precious handwritten manuscript by Goswami Tulsidas. Many books illustrated in the Mughal miniature style, with beautifully designed covers, are also part of the collections.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. Later, we sail onward to Varanasi viewing the various “ghats” on the steps along the river bustling with devotees offering prayers and folks immersed in various activities. The ship anchors in the river.

In the evening ride the country boat to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the “Ganga Aarti” ritual, performed by a group of priests lined up on the riverbank chanting mantras and performing the prayer ritual with lamps, incense, bells, and traditional Hindu instruments to honor the river. Thousands of devotees throng the riverbank to participate in the ceremony every evening.

Return to ship for Dinner. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: In the morning after breakfast, we walk along the Ghats to see the preparations for the Dev Diwali Festival.

Hindus believe that death in this city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. The city is known worldwide for its many Ghats, which are embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. Notable being the Dashashwamedh Ghat, Panchganga Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, the last is where Hindus cremate their dead. From Manikarnika Ghat we walk through the recently developed Kashi Corridor up to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Stroll in the Vishwanath Gali (street), and experience the hustle and bustle of devotees and roadside vendors. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. Late afternoon, sail along the Ghats to experience the fervour of this special festival. (Note: sailing will be subject to permissions from the local authorities due to festival restrictions).

Dev Diwali ("the Diwali of the Gods" or "Festival of Lights of the Gods") is a special festival that is celebrated in the city of Varanasi and the surrounding region. It falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika (November - December) and takes place fifteen days after Diwali. The steps of all the Ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges River are lit with more than a million earthen lamps (diyas) in honour of the Ganges. Mythologically, the gods are believed to descend to Earth to bathe in the Ganges on this day. During Dev Deepawali, houses are decorated with oil lamps and coloured designs on their front doors. Firecrackers are burnt at night, processions of decorated deities are taken out into the streets of Varanasi, and oil lamps are set afloat on the river.

Return to the ship for a Farewell Dinner. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Disembark the ship after breakfast and transfer for your onward journey.

PM: Arrive in Varanasi in the afternoon and transfer to the jetty for embarkation. Welcome and safety briefing, then enjoy lunch on board.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard, visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays) here contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter, visit the Ghats by walking to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail a full day downstream towards Ghazipur, which is well known for its opium factory, established by the British East India Company in 1820 and still the biggest legal opium factory in the world, producing the drug for the global pharmaceutical industry.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Further sailing brings us to Ghazipur.

PM: In the afternoon visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the major figures of Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War and then for his time as the Governor-General of India, being said to have laid the true foundation of British rule. He was later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He died in Ghazipur in 1805, soon after his return to India for his second appointment as Governor-General. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a lofty dome supported by 12 Doric columns. At the center is the bust of Lord Cornwallis, below which is an epitaph in English.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail towards Buxar, in the State of Bihar, sailing past the battlefield of Chausa, where in 1539 CE, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal.

Buxar is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar, bordering the State of Uttar Pradesh. This town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, the battlefield of gods and demons, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. The discoveries from excavations have established a link between Buxar and the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. It is most famous for the battle fought here in 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-daulah the Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

PM: In the afternoon explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, which is associated with the legend of Lord Ram. It is said that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges near this ghat. He also made a “Shivling” from sand and clay and worshipped it. Located on the riverbank is the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses various types of Archaeological objects, coins, and manuscripts. It is named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection to the museum. The terracotta collection of the Mauryan and Shungan periods deserves special mention.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: This morning we sail onward towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges.

PM: In the afternoon enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail a full day to Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a center of international trade.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Disembark the ship after breakfast and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Patna visiting the Golghar, Patna Museum, and Gurudwara. The 18th-century Golghar, (closed on Mondays) literally meaning "Roundhouse", is a large beehive-shaped granary that was built "for the perpetual prevention of famine in these provinces" in 1784 by Warren Hastings, the British Governor General of India. Designed by Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers, part of the East India Company’s Bengal Army, this pillar-less building has a height of 29m. One can climb at the top of the Golghar through the spiral stairway around it. The spiral staircase was designed to facilitate the passage of the workers, who had to carry grain bags up one flight, deliver their load through a hole at the top, and descend the other stairs. The top of the Golghar presents a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges. The Patna Museum (closed on Mondays) was started in April 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artifacts found in the vicinity of Patna. Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, bronze images and sculptures, and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a collection related to the first President of India Rajendra Prasad, who hailed from the region. Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) was built to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs in 1666. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. The current shrine was built in the 1950s.

Thereafter transfer to Patna airport for your onward journey.

AM: Arrival at the Patna airport and proceed for a sightseeing tour visiting the Golghar, Patna Museum and Gurudwara.

Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. It was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural centre of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a centre of international trade. The 18th century Golghar (closed on Mondays) literally meaning "Roundhouse", is a large beehive-shaped granary that was built "for the perpetual prevention of famine in these provinces" in 1784 by Warren Hastings, the British Governor General of India. Designed by Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers, part of the East India Company’s Bengal Army, this pillar-less building has a height of 29m. One can climb at the top of the Golghar through the spiral stairway around it. The spiral staircase was designed to facilitate the passage of the workers, who had to carry grain bags up one flight, deliver their load through a hole at the top, and descend the other stairs. The top of the Golghar presents a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges. The Patna Museum (closed on Mondays) was started in April 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artefacts found in the vicinity of Patna. Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, bronze images and sculptures and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a collection related to the first President of India Rajendra Prasad, who hailed from the region. Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) was built to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs in 1666. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. The current shrine was built in the 1950s.

PM: Transfer to the Jetty in Patna for embarking the ship, followed by lunch on board while the ship sails upstream towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail a full day towards Buxar, anchoring en route.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We arrive in Buxar by late morning. Buxar is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar, bordering the State of Uttar Pradesh. This town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, the battlefield of gods and demons, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. The discoveries from excavations have established a link between Buxar and the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. It is most famous for the battle fought here in 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-daulah the Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

PM: Post lunch explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, which is associated with the legend of Lord Ram. It is said that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges near this ghat. He also made a “Shivling” from sand and clay and worshipped it. Located on the riverbank is the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses various types of Archaeological objects, coins, and manuscripts. It is named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection to the museum. The terracotta collection of the Mauryan and Shungan periods deserves special mention.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail to Ghazipur, in the State of Uttar Pradesh, sailing past the battlefield of Chausa, where in 1539 CE, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal. Ghazipur is well known for its opium factory, established by the British East India Company in 1820 and still the biggest legal opium factory in the world, producing the drug for the global pharmaceutical industry.

PM: Afternoon, visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the major figures of Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War and then for his time as the Governor-General of India, being said to have laid the true foundation of British rule. He was later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He died in Ghazipur in 1805, soon after his return to India for his second appointment as Governor-General. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a lofty dome supported by 12 Doric columns. At the center is the bust of Lord Cornwallis, below which is an epitaph in English.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail full day upstream towards Varanasi.

PM: We will moor for the night before Varanasi, subject to river tide conditions. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We sail further upstream through the day to arrive by late afternoon depending upon tide conditions in Varanasi, our final destination of the cruise, Varanasi. Known variously as Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is a major religious hub in India, and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. It is also an important industrial center, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard, visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays) here contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter, visit the Ghats by walking to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.

AM: Arrival at the Patna airport and proceed for a sightseeing tour visiting the Golghar, Patna Museum and Gurudwara.

Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. It was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, political and cultural centre of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a centre of international trade. The 18th century Golghar (closed on Mondays) literally meaning "Round house", is a large beehive-shaped granary that was built "for the perpetual prevention of famine in these provinces" in 1784 by Warren Hastings, the British Governor General of India. Designed by Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers, part of the East India Company’s Bengal Army, this pillar-less building has a height of 29m. One can climb at the top of the Golghar through the spiral stairway around it. The spiral staircase was designed to facilitate the passage of the workers, who had to carry grain-bags up one flight, deliver their load through a hole at the top, and descend the other stairs. The top of the Golghar presents a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges. The Patna Museum (closed on Mondays) was started in April 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artefacts found in the vicinity of Patna. Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, bronze images and sculptures and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a collection related to the first President of India Rajendra Prasad, who hailed from the region. Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) was built to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs in 1666. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. The current shrine was built in the 1950s.

PM: Transfer to the Jetty in Patna for embarking the ship, followed by lunch on board while the ship sails upstream towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Further sailing in the morning brings us to Simaria. Visit by walking in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people.

We continue our journey further downstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. Until the first half of the 20th century, Mokameh Ghat was an important trade and transport link for ferrying cargo and passengers by ships across the river to the northeastern parts of India. We anchor en route o Munger.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

PM: We arrive in Munger by afternoon which is one of the largest and most industrialized cities in the state of Bihar. It is a hub for railway, gun, tobacco, and dairy product manufacturing. Late afternoon thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. The Munger

Fort is built on a rocky hillock on the south bank of the Ganges River. Its history is not completely dated but it is believed that it was built during the early rule of the Slave Dynasty (12th – 13th century). The Fort had a succession of Muslim rulers followed by the Mughals, till it was finally acceded to the British. The fort became a place of considerable importance to the British in Bengal till India'a independence in 1947. The fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace, and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: This morning we sail downstream towards Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock islands in the river that are connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th-century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thereafter sail towards Bateshwarsthan.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

AM: Morning drive to the excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. In the late 8th or early 9th century, Vikramshila University, along with that of Nalanda, was one of the two most important Buddhist centers of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Samtaghat. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We will cast off early in the morning to reach the historic Farakka Lock Gate, which was built during the years 1963-75. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to come on the Hooghly River. We can also see the Farakka barrage at a distance, which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India.

PM: We continue to sail toward Jangipur. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We sail a full day towards Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning visit to the Katra mosque. Built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad – Murshid Quli Khan in 1724-25, this mosque has distinctive minarets from which the muezzin calls the faithful to Friday prayers. Thereafter proceed to visit the Hazarduari Palace (closed on Fridays), which dominates the waterfront, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824-1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors and is filled with colonial-era antiques, artwork, and manuscripts. Opposite the Palace is a vast Imambara – built by the Nawab for worship.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We sail a full day today to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Early this morning enjoy a walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. The village is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village.

PM: Sail onward to Kalna. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town center of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques that depict themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.

PM: Return to the ship walk through the local market and sail onward to Kolkata. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast, visit Kolkata’s Flower Market, a feast for the eyes. Located below and adjacent to the cantilevered Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred river Ganges, the market is bustling from the wee hours of the morning. Countless vendors and buyers exchange money for flowers and countless locals carry bales of flowers that are at least twice their weight. There are several stalls where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata, renowned for its sculpting prowess, which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them. The potters here fashioned the clay from the river beside their home into pots to be sold at the local market. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon excursion features a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Proceed to visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb (closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked there until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Optional: We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children's Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour. Enjoy cultural performances onboard.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.

PM: Embark the ship at the Jetty in Kolkata and enjoy lunch on board. The afternoon excursion features a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Proceed to visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb (closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked there until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Optional: We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children's Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour.

Enjoy cultural performances onboard. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast, visit Kolkata’s Flower Market, a feast for the eyes. Located below and adjacent to the cantilevered Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred river Ganges, the market is bustling from the wee hours of the morning. Countless vendors and buyers exchange money for flowers and countless locals carry bales of flowers that are at least twice their weight. There are several stalls where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata, renowned for its sculpting prowess, which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them. The potters here fashioned the clay from the river beside their home into pots to be sold at the local market. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch and start sailing upstream passing below the Howrah Bridge and seeing

various colonial buildings along the Ganges River.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town center of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques that depict themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.

PM: Return to the ship walk through the local market and sail onward to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Early this morning enjoy a walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. The village is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village.

PM: Sail onward to Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning visit to the Katra mosque. Built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad – Murshid Quli Khan in 1724-25, this mosque has distinctive minarets from which the muezzin calls the faithful to Friday prayers. Thereafter proceed to visit the Hazarduari Palace (closed on Fridays), which dominates the waterfront, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824-1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors and is filled with colonial-era antiques, artwork, and manuscripts. Opposite the Palace is a vast Imambara – built by the Nawab for worship.

PM: Return to the ship and sail towards Jangipur.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We will cast off early in the morning to reach the historic Farakka Lock Gate, which was built during the years 1963-75. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges revealing vast panoramas. We can also see the Farakka barrage at a distance, which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India.

PM: We continue to sail towards Samtaghat. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail full day towards Bateshwarsthan. Enjoy today on board. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning drive to the excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. In the late 8th or early 9th century, Vikramshila University, along with that of Nalanda, was one of the two most important Buddhist centers of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock islands in the river that are connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th-century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

PM: Thereafter sail towards Munger, one of the largest and most industrialized cities in the state of Bihar. It is a hub for railway, gun, tobacco, and dairy product manufacturing. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning visit to the Chandika Sthan Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti it is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. It is believed that Sati Devi's left eye had fallen at this place which subsequently developed into a place of worship.

PM: Return to ship for lunch and thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. The Munger Fort is built on a rocky hillock on the south bank of the Ganges River. Its history is not completely dated but it is believed that it was built during the early rule of the Slave Dynasty (12th – 13th century). The Fort had a succession of Muslim rulers followed by the Mughals, till it was finally acceded to the British. The fort became a place of considerable importance to the British in Bengal till India'a independence in 1947. The fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace, and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We continue our journey further upstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. Until the first half of the 20th century, Mokameh Ghat was an important trade and transport link for ferrying cargo and passengers by ships across the river to the northeastern parts of India. We arrive in Samaria by late afternoon. Visit by walking in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail a full day through the wonderful countryside to Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a center of international trade.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Disembark the ship after breakfast and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Patna visiting the Golghar, Patna Museum, and Gurudwara. The 18th-century Golghar, (closed on Mondays) literally meaning "Roundhouse", is a large beehive-shaped granary that was built "for the perpetual prevention of famine in these provinces" in 1784 by Warren Hastings, the British Governor General of India. Designed by Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers, part of the East India Company’s Bengal Army, this pillar-less building has a height of 29m. One can climb at the top of the Golghar through the spiral stairway around it. The spiral staircase was designed to facilitate the passage of the workers, who had to carry grain bags up one flight, deliver their load through a hole at the top, and descend the other stairs. The top of the Golghar presents a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges. The Patna Museum (closed on Mondays) was started in April 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artifacts found in the vicinity of Patna. Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, bronze images and sculptures, and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a collection related to the first President of India Rajendra Prasad, who hailed from the region. Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) was built to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs in 1666. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. The current shrine was built in the 1950s.

Thereafter transfer to Patna airport for your onward journey.

PM: Arrive in Varanasi in the afternoon and transfer to the jetty for embarkation. Welcome and safety briefing, then enjoy lunch on board.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard, visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays) here contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter, visit the Ghats by walking to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail a full day downstream towards Ghazipur, which is well known for its opium factory, established by the British East India Company in 1820 and still the biggest legal opium factory in the world, producing the drug for the global pharmaceutical industry.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the major figures of Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War and then for his time as the Governor-General of India, being said to have laid the true foundation of British rule. He was later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He died in Ghazipur in 1805, soon after his return to India for his second appointment as Governor-General. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a lofty dome supported by 12 Doric columns. At the center is the bust of Lord Cornwallis, below which is an epitaph in English.

PM: Thereafter sail a full day towards Buxar, in the State of Bihar, sailing past the battlefield of Chausa, where in 1539 CE, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal.

Buxar is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar, bordering the State of Uttar Pradesh. This town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, the battlefield of gods and demons, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. The discoveries from excavations have established a link between Buxar and the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. It is most famous for the battle fought here in 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-daulah the Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, which is associated with the legend of Lord Ram. It is said that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges near this ghat. He also made a “Shivling” from sand and clay and worshipped it. Located on the riverbank is the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses various types of Archaeological objects, coins, and manuscripts. It is named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection to the museum. The terracotta collection of the Mauryan and Shungan periods deserves special mention.

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges.Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail a full day to Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a center of international trade.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard we proceed for a sightseeing tour of Patna visiting the Golghar, Patna Museum, and Gurudwara. The 18th-century Golghar, (closed on Mondays) literally meaning "Roundhouse", is a large beehive-shaped granary that was built "for the perpetual prevention of famine in these provinces" in 1784 by Warren Hastings, the British Governor General of India. Designed by Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers, part of the East India Company’s Bengal Army, this pillar-less building has a height of 29m. One can climb at the top of the Golghar through the spiral stairway around it. The spiral staircase was designed to facilitate the passage of the workers, who had to carry grain bags up one flight, deliver their load through a hole at the top, and descend the other stairs. The top of the Golghar presents a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges. The Patna Museum (closed on Mondays) was started in April 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artifacts found in the vicinity of Patna. Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, bronze images and sculptures, and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a collection related to the first President of India Rajendra Prasad, who hailed from the region. Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) was built to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs in 1666. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. The current shrine was built in the 1950s.

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Simaria, anchoring en route. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Further sailing in the morning brings us to Simaria. Visit by walking in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people.

We continue our journey further downstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. Until the first half of the 20th century, Mokameh Ghat was an important trade and transport link for ferrying cargo and passengers by ships across the river to the northeastern parts of India. We anchor en route o Munger.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

PM: We arrive in Munger by afternoon which is one of the largest and most industrialized cities in the state of Bihar. It is a hub for railway, gun, tobacco, and dairy product manufacturing. Late afternoon thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. The Munger

Fort is built on a rocky hillock on the south bank of the Ganges River. Its history is not completely dated but it is believed that it was built during the early rule of the Slave Dynasty (12th – 13th century). The Fort had a succession of Muslim rulers followed by the Mughals, till it was finally acceded to the British. The fort became a place of considerable importance to the British in Bengal till India'a independence in 1947. The fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace, and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning visit to the Chandika Sthan Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti it is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. It is believed that Sati Devi's left eye had fallen at this place which subsequently developed into a place of worship.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock islands in the river that are connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th-century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thereafter sail towards Bateshwarsthan.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning drive to the excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. In the late 8th or early 9th century, Vikramshila University, along with that of Nalanda, was one of the two most important Buddhist centers of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Samtaghat. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We will cast off early in the morning to reach the historic Farakka Lock Gate, which was built during the years 1963-75. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to come on the Hooghly River. We can also see the Farakka barrage at a distance, which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India.

PM: We continue to sail toward Jangipur. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We sail a full day towards Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning visit to the Katra mosque. Built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad – Murshid Quli Khan in 1724-25, this mosque has distinctive minarets from which the muezzin calls the faithful to Friday prayers. Thereafter proceed to visit the Hazarduari Palace (closed on Fridays), which dominates the waterfront, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824-1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors and is filled with colonial-era antiques, artwork, and manuscripts. Opposite the Palace is a vast Imambara – built by the Nawab for worship.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We sail a full day today to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Early this morning enjoy a walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. The village is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village.

PM: Sail onward to Kalna. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town center of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.

PM: Return to the ship walk through the local market and sail onward to Kolkata. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast, visit Kolkata’s Flower Market, a feast for the eyes. Located below and adjacent to the cantilevered Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred river Ganges, the market is bustling from the wee hours of the morning. Countless vendors and buyers exchange money for flowers and countless locals carry bales of flowers that are at least twice their weight. There are several stalls where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata, renowned for its sculpting prowess, which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them. The potters here fashioned the clay from the river beside their home into pots to be sold at the local market. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon excursion features a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Proceed to visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb (closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked there until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Optional: We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children's Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour. Enjoy cultural performances onboard.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.

PM: Embark the ship at the Jetty in Kolkata and enjoy lunch on board. The afternoon excursion features a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Proceed to visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb (closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked here until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Optional: We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children's Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour.

Enjoy cultural performances onboard. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast, visit Kolkata’s Flower Market, a feast for the eyes. Located below and adjacent to the cantilevered Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred river Ganges, the market is bustling from the wee hours of the morning. Countless vendors and buyers exchange money for flowers and countless locals carry bales of flowers that are at least twice their weight. There are several stalls where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata, renowned for its sculpting prowess, which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them. The potters here fashioned the clay from the river beside their home into pots to be sold at the local market. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch and start sailing upstream passing below the Howrah Bridge and seeing

various colonial buildings along the Ganges River.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town center of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques that depict themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.

PM: Return to the ship walk through the local market and sail onward to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Early this morning enjoy a walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. The village is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village.

PM: Sail onward to Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning visit to the Katra mosque. Built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad – Murshid Quli Khan in 1724-25, this mosque has distinctive minarets from which the muezzin calls the faithful to Friday prayers. Thereafter proceed to visit the Hazarduari Palace (closed on Fridays), which dominates the waterfront, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824-1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors and is filled with colonial-era antiques, artwork, and manuscripts. Opposite the Palace is a vast Imambara – built by the Nawab for worship.

PM: Return to the ship and sail towards Jangipur.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We will cast off early in the morning to reach the historic Farakka Lock Gate, which was built during the years 1963-75. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges revealing vast panoramas. We can also see the Farakka barrage at a distance, which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India.

PM: We continue to sail towards Samtaghat. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail full day towards Bateshwarsthan. Enjoy today on board. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning drive to the excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. In the late 8th or early 9th century, Vikramshila University, along with that of Nalanda, was one of the two most important Buddhist centers of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, meta-physics, and logic were taught here.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock islands in the river that are connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th-century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

PM: Thereafter sail towards Munger, one of the largest and most industrialized cities in the state of Bihar. It is a hub for railway, gun, tobacco, and dairy product manufacturing. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning visit to the Chandika Sthan Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti it is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. It is believed that Sati Devi's left eye had fallen at this place which subsequently developed into a place of worship.

PM: Return to ship for lunch and thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. The Munger Fort is built on a rocky hillock on the south bank of the Ganges River. Its history is not completely dated but it is believed that it was built during the early rule of the Slave Dynasty (12th – 13th century). The Fort had a succession of Muslim rulers followed by the Mughals, till it was finally acceded to the British. The fort became a place of considerable importance to the British in Bengal till India'a independence in 1947. The fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace, and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We continue our journey further upstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. Until the first half of the 20th century, Mokameh Ghat was an important trade and transport link for ferrying cargo and passengers by ships across the river to the northeastern parts of India. We arrive in Samaria by late afternoon. Visit by walking in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail a full day through the wonderful countryside to Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a center of international trade.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard we proceed for a sightseeing tour of Patna visiting the Golghar, Patna Museum, and Gurudwara. The 18th-century Golghar, (closed on Mondays) literally meaning "Roundhouse", is a large beehive-shaped granary that was built "for the perpetual prevention of famine in these provinces" in 1784 by Warren Hastings, the British Governor General of India. Designed by Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers, part of the East India Company’s Bengal Army, this pillar-less building has a height of 29m. One can climb at the top of the Golghar through the spiral stairway around it. The spiral staircase was designed to facilitate the passage of the workers, who had to carry grain bags up one flight, deliver their load through a hole at the top, and descend the other stairs. The top of the Golghar presents a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges. The Patna Museum (closed on Mondays) was started in April 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artifacts found in the vicinity of Patna. Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, bronze images and sculptures, and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a collection related to the first President of India Rajendra Prasad, who hailed from the region. Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) was built to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs in 1666. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. The current shrine was built in the 1950s.

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail a full day towards Buxar, anchoring en route.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We arrive in Buxar by late morning. Buxar is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar, bordering the State of Uttar Pradesh. This town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, the battlefield of gods and demons, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. The discoveries from excavations have established a link between Buxar and the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. It is most famous for the battle fought here in 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-daulah the Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

PM: Post lunch explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, which is associated with the legend of Lord Ram. It is said that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges near this ghat. He also made a “Shivling” from sand and clay and worshipped it. Located on the riverbank is the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses various types of Archaeological objects, coins, and manuscripts. It is named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection to the museum. The terracotta collection of the Mauryan and Shungan periods deserves special mention.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail to Ghazipur, in the State of Uttar Pradesh, sailing past the battlefield of Chausa, where in 1539 CE, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal. Ghazipur is well known for its opium factory, established by the British East India Company in 1820 and still the biggest legal opium factory in the world, producing the drug for the global pharmaceutical industry.

PM: Afternoon, visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the major figures of Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War and then for his time as the Governor-General of India, being said to have laid the true foundation of British rule. He was later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He died in Ghazipur in 1805, soon after his return to India for his second appointment as Governor-General. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a lofty dome supported by 12 Doric columns. At the center is the bust of Lord Cornwallis, below which is an epitaph in English.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail full day upstream towards Varanasi.

PM: We will moor for the night before Varanasi, subject to river tide conditions. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: We sail further upstream through the day to arrive by late afternoon depending upon tide conditions in Varanasi, our final destination of the cruise, Varanasi. Known variously as Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is a major religious hub in India, and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. It is also an important industrial center, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard, visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays) here contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter, visit the Ghats by walking to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.