Ganges Voyager

AM: This morning, embark the ship in Kolkata (a city formerly known as Calcutta founded by the British Raj in 1773), the gateway to our journey along the world's holiest river, the sacred Ganges (known in this region as the Hooghly). Enjoy lunch on board. 

PM: The afternoon excursion includes a visit to 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. 

Then we return to the ship overnight. Enjoy cultural performances onboard. 

The highlight of the day: Welcome to the Big City of Kolkata, often regarded as the Cultural Capital of India. Be entertained onboard by Baul musicians, whose music represents a long heritage of preaching mysticism through songs in Bengal. Although Bauls constitute only a small fraction of the Bengali population, their influence on the culture of Bengal (Both in India & Bangladesh) is considerable. The Baul tradition has been included in the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: Guests embark on an early-morning city tour, featuring 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 visit the recently renovated Victoria Memorial Museum, which houses the largest collection of British colonial historical artifacts in India. We set sail upstream to Bandel, meaning port in Bengali. It was founded by Portuguese settlers who built the Church and a Monastery around 1660.

PM: Afternoon, visit the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centers in West Bengal, built-in 1841 by Haji Mohammad Mahasin. The two-story building and surrounding rooms provide housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms, or Madrasas that teach the Koran. The structure contains a Victorian-era clock with a winding key weighing 20kg. Large Persian chandeliers and lamps light Imambara's stunning hallways and passages.

We sail onward to Kalna.

The highlight of the day: We sail through areas where various European settlers had established East Indian Companies, leaving many remnants of their settlements from the 17th through 19th Centuries.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

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 depicting themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region. We also visit a local Weaver’s home to see the traditional Weaving of Muslin Cloth. Muslin or “malmal” is a cotton fabric of plain weave made in a wide range of weights from delicate sheers to coarse sheeting. Early muslin was handwoven of uncommonly delicate hand-spun yarn. 

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

The highlight of the day: Admire the terracotta art and temple architecture of the region and get an insight into the weaving heritage of Bengal.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: Early this morning enjoy an alk 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 the village of Plassey, which was the site of the famous battlefield, where Robert Clive of the British East India Company defeated the Mogul Nawabs in 1757. The rulers of Bengal and their French allies established the company rule in India, which spread through much of South Asia for the next 190 years.

Early evening we visit Khushbagh, a charming riverside village surrounded by scenic fields. Walk through the farmland to visit the peaceful Khush Bagh, the Moghul-style garden built by Nawab Ali-Wardi-Khan. The complex houses his family's private mosque and the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daula who was defeated by the British East India Company at the Battle of Plassey

The highlights of the day: Marvel at the deft hands of the brass smiths at work creating wonders on metal. Walk through the farmland to the peaceful garden tomb.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM: Today we sail to the sleepy village of Baranagar where we take a walk to experience rural India at its most idyllic. A lovely example of life in rural India, this village is home to several temples dating from the 18th century (1714-1793). Built by Rani Bhabani, the landlady of Natore (now in Bangladesh), the Char Bangla temple here is considered to be among the best examples of Bengal terra cotta art. 

PM: Once you're back on board, enjoy the afternoon to unwind as the ship glides along the Lower Ganges, twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards to arrive at Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial era structures. We 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 to the Palace is a vast Imambara – built by the Nawab for worship. Ride the local buggy (horse cart) 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.

The highlight of the day: Interact with villagers in Baranagar. View the grandeur of colonial heritage in Murshidabad. 

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: After a restful morning, observing the local life along the riverbanks, we stop in the village of Mayapur. Known as the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486) and is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Mayapur is also the headquarters of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (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 pilgrim’s bazaar. 

The highlight of the day: Let your soul mingle in the chants of Hare Rama Hare Krishna!

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: Morning sail to Chandernagore, established as a French colony in 1673. The French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal to establish a trading post on the riverbanks of this city, which became a permanent French settlement in 1688. Explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor's residence, now converted into the Dupleix Museum (closed on Thursdays & Saturdays) which features an exhibition of items that depict life during this period. Also visit the Sacred Heart Church, designed by French Architect Jacques Duchatz. The church was inaugurated in 1884 and stands for over two centuries to mark the beauty of the architecture during the French period.

PM: We then return to the ship and continue our journey downstream to Kolkata.

The highlight of the day: An insight into French colonial heritage.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

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

Important Note:

The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, in order to avoid the closure of monuments/museums. Last-minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. The exact time for each activity will be announced or posted by the onboard tour staff.

AM: Arrive in Kolkata in the morning and transfer to the jetty to embark the ship.

PM: Lunch onboard. 

Post lunch, proceed for a Panoramic Tour of Kolkata, featuring a view 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. We proceed to visit St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India, a painting of the Last Supper by German artist, Johann Zoffany, and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Shriaj Ud Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop.

Overnight onboard the ship.

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. 

We moor for the night on the outskirts of Kolkata city near the Bally Bridge as per tide charts.

Overnight on onboard ship.

AM: This morning we set sail upstream to Bandel, meaning port in Bengali was founded by Portuguese settlers who built the Church and a Monastery around 1660. 

PM: We visit the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centers in West Bengal, built-in 1841 by Haji Mohammad Mahasin. The two-story building and surrounding rooms provide housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms, or Madrasas that teach the Koran. The structure contains a Victorian-era clock with a winding key weighing 20kg. Large Persian chandeliers and lamps light Imambara's stunning hallways and passages.

Overnight onboard ship

AM: Today we sail further upstream to the temple town of Kalna. Ride electric rickshaws to 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: We also visit a local market selling different kinds of local seasonal vegetables and fruits.

Overnight onboard ship

AM: Early morning, we sail towards Nabadwip, arriving by the afternoon. Literally meaning New (Nab) Island (Dwip), it is the birthplace and abode of Saint Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of the Hindu Vaishnav religion and a great social reformer. Once the capital of the Sena Dynasty under King Lakshman Sena who ruled during the 12th century, the town was an important center of education, religion, and culture. Post lunch we will explore the riverbank village by walking to see the local people engaged in Handloom Weaving of Cotton fabric, mainly saris and steals/scarves, and other activities. 

PM: Ride the country boat across the river to visit Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Guests can experience the fascinating culture of these followers and their ornate, colorful decorated statues of Krishna. The new temple built to commemorate the Jubilee year of ISKCON in 2016 and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of carmaker Henry Ford, can be compared to the Vatican. It also contains a 75-foot domed planetarium. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrim’s bazaar.

Overnight onboard the ship.

AM: This morning’s sail brings us to Guptipara, a rural town, renowned for its paddy fields and the Himsagar mango. Explore the town by visiting the Vaishnav temples that contain some fantastic terracotta works. All the structures bear characteristics of the Bengal school of architecture, with carvings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics. The Ratha-Yatra (Chariot Festival) is Guptipara’s greatest festival and the temple chariot is one of the tallest and oldest in West Bengal. Visit a Potter’s home to see and interact with the artisans creating various clay items. 

PM: In the afternoon, we visit the opposite riverbank and visit the weaving village of Fulia. After the partition of India and the division of Bengal into West Bengal (in India) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), many skilled weavers from Bangladesh, came and settled here and the region become a renowned center for hand-woven fabrics. With government encouragement and support, the talented weavers soon revived their ancestral occupation and the art of exquisite weaving once again flourished. Fulia specializes in a combination of Jacquard and Jamdani Saree Weaving. Jamdani is typically handloom woven fabric using a mixture of cotton and gold thread. It is one of the most time and labor-intensive forms of handloom weaving, and the most artistic textile rich in motifs.

AM: This morning we sail further downstream to Chandernagore, which was established as a French colony in 1673. The French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal to establish a trading post on the riverbanks of this city, which became a permanent French settlement. Explore the French colonial buildings walking along the promenade, including the former French governor's residence, now converted into a museum (Closed on Thursdays & Saturdays) that features an exhibition of items that depict life during this period. Also visit the Sacred Heart Church, designed by French Architect Jacques Duchatz. The church was inaugurated in 1884 and stands for over two centuries to mark the beauty of the architecture during the French period.

PM: Return to the ship and continue our journey back to Kolkata en route we halt to visit the Serampore, an erstwhile Danish colony. Enjoy a walk in the old quarters to see the Danish Tavern, St. Olav's Church, and other Danish heritage monuments. With Serampore being a popular pit-stop for Danish and English traders in 1786 a British innkeeper called James Parr opened the Denmark Tavern & Hotel, popularly called the Danish Tavern, which became a favorite among Europeans. You’ll also visit St. Olav’s Church, locally known as the Danish Church, which was constructed by the Danish Management between 1755 and 1845. The church is not particularly Scandinavian but reflects the designs of contemporary churches in British India, in particular those in Calcutta, which were inspired by contemporaneous designs popular in Britain, such as St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London.

Continue sail to Kolkata and moor for the night. Evening farewell dinner.

Overnight onboard the ship.

AM: Following breakfast guests will disembark and transfer for their onward journey.