Ganges Voyager

PM: 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. You'll be welcomed on board with a refreshing beverage followed by a safety briefing.  

This evening, delight in the Cruise Director’s Gala dinner and welcome reception. 

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: After a hearty breakfast you’ll take the country boat to explore the Botanical Gardens, the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden. The gardens were founded in 1787 by Colonel Robert Kyd, an army officer of the British East India Company primarily for the purpose of identifying new plants of commercial value, such as teak, and growing spices for trade. The gardens exhibit a wide variety of rare plants and a total collection of over 12,000 specimens spread over 109 hectares. The best-known landmark of the garden is The Great Banyan, an enormous banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) that is reckoned to be the largest tree in the world at more than 330 meters in circumference. The gardens are also famous for their enormous collections of orchids, bamboo, palms, and plants of the screw pine genus (Pandanus).

PM: Returning to the ship with lunch onboard, in the afternoon you’ll enjoy 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. 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, 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 visit the Victoria Memorial Museum, which houses the largest collection of British colonial historical artifacts in India.

The highlight of the day: Sightseeing of Kolkata’s famed Botanic Gardens and colonial heritage. 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: Depending on the tide, you set sail along the Hooghly River to reach the fishing port of Namkhana, the gateway of the Sundarbans National Park, a World Heritage Site. Cruise past the boat-building yard of Nurpur and the historic Diamond Harbour towards the Bay of Bengal. The Sundarbans are the world’s largest delta mangrove forest and habitat of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger.  

After breakfast; enjoy interaction with the Naturalist on the unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans. 

Visit the fishing port of Namkhana (time permitting) or sail forward towards the Sundarbans to visit protected areas. 

The highlight of the day: Full day sailing viewing historic sites and unique landscapes following the river to the Bay of Bengal and learning about the Sundarbans from the Naturalist. 

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM: Anchoring in the Western Sundarbans today is your first foray into this rich and unique mangrove ecosystem, scaling the Bony Camp Watchtower on an excursion to sight endangered crocodiles, terrapins, and many species of Migratory Birds. 

Sailing along the Matla river to the Hero Bhangra Islands, keep a keen eye out for Irrawaddy Dolphins and other marine life.

PM: After lunch; visit the serene Nethidopani Watchtower and experience the spectacular nature of the surroundings. Sail onward to Bali Island, a typical village whose inhabitants are engaged in farming, paddy husking, honey packing, and fishing. 

The highlight of the day: Bali Village & NGO Interaction – The Bali Nature & Wildlife Conservation Society in collaboration with the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) helps support the communities living around the Tiger Reserve, and to encourage them to view wildlife and their environment as an asset rather than a threat. Enjoy a village walk and interact with the villagers engaged in creating handicrafts, visit a local home, and witness a tribal dance.  

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM: With a gorgeous sunrise you’ll scale the Sudhanyakhali Watchtower, the most popular locale to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger; this vast habitat endows invigorating possibilities of crocodiles, wild boars, axis deer, and a wide range of migratory and local birds. 

Thereafter you’ll take a small country boat through the narrow creeks to climb the Dobanki Watchtower and enjoy a canopy walk at an elevation of 20 feet from the ground and about half a kilometer in length, to reveal the riveting flora and fauna.  

Holi is the most colorful festival of the Hindus, celebrated widely in north India. This festival has many elements of primitive and prolific rites and reveries that have defied civilization and prudery. This is a widely known festival of colors. It also has a religious purpose, symbolically signified by the legend of Holika. The night before the main Holi, bonfires are lit in a ceremony known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika). People gather near bonfires, sing, and dance. The following day Holi is celebrated when children and youth spray colored water at each other, laugh, and celebrate, while adults smear dry colored powder called gulaal on each other's faces. This festival also bridges the gap between people of different communities and age groups and people where everyone hugs each other. It is a festival of joy that gives us the message of friendship and goodwill. At least on this day, people forget social distinctions completely where there is no difference between the rich and the poor and it gives great joy to everyone when everyone forgets their cares and anxieties.

 You will be invited to the Sun Deck and celebrate this festival by playing with colors and with music and dancing. So, do not miss a chance to make it an unforgettable memory of your life. 

PM: Return to the ship for late lunch and sail to Namkhana.  

The highlight of the Day: Interaction with Fishermen at work during the creek ride. 

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM: Early this morning we sail back to Kolkata enjoying breakfast and lunch on board, arriving late in the afternoon.

Disembark and proceed with your onward journey.

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: 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.

PM: At midday, embark the ship in Kolkata. You'll be welcomed on board with a refreshing beverage followed by a safety briefing.

Post lunch, head out on a panoramic tour of Kolkata, a city formerly known as Calcutta founded by the British Raj in 1773. The tour features 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. Proceed to visit St. John's Church (closed on Sundays), 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 visit the grand Victoria Memorial (Museum closed on Mondays), which houses the largest collection of British colonial historical artifacts.

Return to the ship and sail along with the tide towards the port town of Tamluk, situated on the right bank of the Rupnarayan River.

This evening, delight in the Cruise Director’s Gala dinner and welcome reception.

The highlight of the day: Welcome to the Big City of Kolkata, often regarded as the Cultural Capital of India and the gateway to our journey along the world’s holiest river, the sacred Ganges, known in this region as the Hooghly.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM: Early this morning we arrive in Tamluk. After breakfast we ride the country boat to explore this ancient port city which was known as Tamralipta, deriving its name from the Sanskrit term “Tamra” meaning copper, which was mined nearby and traded through this port. Archaeological remains revealed the earliest occupation from Neolithic time and then a continuous settlement from about the 3rd century BC. It was a seaport, now buried under river silt. 

Tamluk functioned as an important port from where Indian sea-faring vessels sailed to distant lands. It also finds a place of mention in the works of Pliny and the great geographer Ptolemy as Taluctae and Tamalites respectively. Renowned Chinese pilgrims like Fahien, Hiuen Tsang, and Itsing who visited this place have left vivid accounts of the flourishing port city. The Archaeological Museum and Research Centre (which remains closed on Fridays) preserves the rich cultural heritage of Tamluk and adjacent regions. Its galleries exhibit collections from prehistoric tools, terracotta plaques, and seals, scroll paintings, and the development of coinage. An interesting object on display is a Roman amphora, indicating the trade contacts of this region with the Roman empire. 

PM: Return to the ship for lunch while sailing onward to Gangasagar or Sagar Island an island in the Ganges delta, lying on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal. Gangasagar literally means the confluence where the Ganges River enters the Bay of Bengal. Near the confluence is the Kapil Muni Temple. Every year on the day of Makar Sankranti (the 14th or 15th of January, when the Sun enters the Capricorn zodiac), hundreds of thousands of Hindus gather to take a holy dip at the confluence and offer prayers in the temple. The Gangasagar Mela (pilgrimage fair) is the second largest congregation of mankind after the triennial ritual bathing of Kumbha Mela. We will anchor near the island and explore the 

The highlight of the day: Visits of an ancient Copper Port and a highly revered Hindu pilgrimage site.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM: With the tide, we sail along the river towards the fishing port of Namkhana, the gateway of the Sundarbans National Park, a World Heritage Site. We cruise past the boat-building yard of Nurpur and the historic Diamond Harbour. Sundarbans are the world’s largest delta mangrove forest and habitat of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Enjoy a talk and interaction with the Naturalist on the unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans.

PM: Sail onward to arrive at Bali Island, a tribal village in the Sundarbans. In the evening enjoy a dance and drama cultural program performed by the local tribals.

The highlight of the day: View historic sites and unique landscapes following the river to the Bay of Bengal and learn about the Sundarbans from the Naturalist.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM: Anchoring in the Western Sundarbans today is your first foray into this rich and unique mangrove ecosystem. Cruise in country boats in the creek to visit the serene Nethidopani Forest Camp and experience the spectacular nature of the surroundings. It lies on the edge of the Buffer and Core Area of the Sundarbans National Park. The camp is known for a tiger Watchtower that is stationed near a sweet water pond. Keep a keen eye out for Irrawaddy Dolphins and other marine life. One can sight endangered crocodiles, terrapins, and many species of Migratory Birds.

PM: Return to the ship for late lunch. Thereafter enjoy a walk in Bali Village and interact with the villagers engaged in creating handicrafts, and visit a local home. The village inhabitants are engaged in farming, paddy husking, honey packing, and fishing. 

The highlight of the day: Experience the wilderness of Sundarbans in the morning and explore the Bali Village in the afternoon. NGO Interaction with the Bali Nature & Wildlife Conservation Society in collaboration with the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) helps support the communities living around the Tiger Reserve, and to encourage them to view wildlife and their environment as an asset rather than a threat.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM: Cruising in the creek, today we visit the Sudhanyakhali Forest Camp. The Watchtower here offers a panoramic view of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve and the wide expanse of the forest that lies beyond. It is the most popular locale to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. This vast habitat endows invigorating possibilities of crocodiles, wild boars, axis deer, and a wide range of migratory and local birds. Many colorful Fiddler Crabs as well as Hermit Crabs can be seen on the mud banks by the side of the Camp. The authorities have developed and maintained a small but nice botanical project consisting of numerous species of Mangroves. 

PM: Thereafter you’ll take a small country boat through the narrow creeks to climb the Dobanki Canopy Walkway situated at an elevation of 20 feet from the ground and about half a kilometer in length. This walkway offers a beautiful view of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve forest. Here too, like the other camps, there is a sweet water pond. Apart from the elusive Royal Bengal tiger, Chital Deer, Otter, Monitor Lizards, Wild Boars, and a variety of birds and storks like the Adjutant Storks, Jungle Fowl, Eagles, Raptors as well as Falcons can be sighted here. Also, during the winter Whistling Ducks can also be seen in and around the sweet water pond. 

The highlight of the day: Viewing wildlife from forest camp watch towers and the Dobanki Canopy Walkway.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM: Morning enjoy another creek cruise through the mangroves to further explore the Sundarbans. Late in the morning, we sail back to Namkhana, enjoying and indulging in the ship’s onboard comfort or relaxing in the sundeck watching the riveting landscapes. 

PM: Late afternoon, visit the fishing port of Namkhana, which actually is a place where mechanized fishing vessels are parked in an unorganized system for loading, unloading, repairing, and shelter. It is intriguing to observe the chaos!

The highlight of the day: Cruising through the silent mangroves during the day and observing the noisy chaos in the afternoon. A day of contrasts, indeed. 

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM & PM: Today we sail back to Kolkata, full day sailing, enjoying breakfast and lunch on board, arriving by the evening. Enjoy a Tea Tasting session while reminiscing the wondrous experience of the Sundarbans. Farewell dinner to end the journey on a joyous note. 

The highlight of the day: Tea tasting event to explore the different flavors of Indian teas to entice your palate.

Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.

AM: Disembark after breakfast and proceed with 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.