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.

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: Arrival in Kolkata and transfer to the jetty for embarkation.

PM: Begin sailing upstream to Bandel enjoying lunch onboard. In the evening visit the Hooghly Imambara, a famous Shiya pilgrimage centre that provides housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms. We sail onward to Kalna.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: After breakfast ride e-rickshaws through the town to visit the Rajbari Temple complex. The Nabakailas Temple contains 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terracotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics and various aspects of day-to-day life.

PM: Return to the ship walking through the local vegetable market. Begin sail towards the shore-side village of Matiari, while having lunch onboard.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: Early today walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village. Return to the ship for breakfast and sail towards Khushbagh.

PM: Lunch onboard. In the evening walk through farmland to visit the Mughal-style Garden built by Nawab Ali Wardi Khan. It houses the Nawab’s private mosque and the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daula whom the British East India Company defeated at the Battle of Plassey.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: After breakfast explore the village of Baranagar, a lovely example of life in rural India. Visit the 18th-century Char Bangla terracotta temple, built by Rani Bhabani, the landlady of Natore. Return to ship and sail to Murshidabad.

PM: Lunch onboard. Thereafter visit the Hazarduari Palace which dominates the waterfront. Ride e-rickshaws to the Katra mosque, which has distinctive minarets. 

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: After a restful morning, enjoying breakfast and observing the local life along the riverbanks, we arrive in Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

PM: Post lunch stroll in the pilgrim’s bazaar, meet Krishna followers, and visit the temple, which is comparable in size to the Vatican. The temple has been largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of car maker Henry Ford.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: Today we sail to Chandernagore which was established as a French colony. Post breakfast explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor's residence, now converted into a museum that features an exhibition of items that depict life during this period. Also, visit the Sacred Heart Church which marks the beauty of the architecture during the French period.

PM: Return to the ship and continue our journey to Kolkata while enjoying lunch onboard. We arrive in Kolkata by evening.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: After breakfast, a Panoramic Tour of Dalhousie Square’s heritage buildings; St. John's Church and, Victoria Memorial.

PM: Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb. Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity and worked here until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, where we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Return to the ship.

Celebrate Diwali by lighting earthen lamps and enjoy a cultural performance onboard.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

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

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

PM: Lunch onboard. Thereafter a panoramic tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Dalhousie Square; St. John's Church, and the Victoria Memorial. 

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: After breakfast, visit the Flower Market, 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 renowned for its sculpting prowess.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch and begin sail upstream passing below the Howrah Bridge and seeing various colonial buildings along the Ganges River to Bally Bridge.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: We sail further upstream to Bandel while enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard.

PM: Post lunch we visit the Hooghly Imambara, a famous Shiya pilgrimage center that provides housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: We sail to Kalna enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. Upon arrival ride e-rickshaws to visit the Rajbari temple complex. The Nabakailas temple contains 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terracotta plaques depicting themes of Hindu epics and day-to-day life.

PM: Return to the ship walking through the local vegetable market.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: Today sail to Nabadwip while having breakfast and lunch. Upon arrival walk in the riverbank village known for its handloom weaving of cotton fabric, mainly saris and stole/scarves, and other activities.

PM: Ride the country boat across the river to Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Stroll in the pilgrim’s bazaar, meet Krishna followers, and visit the temple, which is comparable in size to the Vatican. 

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: This morning a short sail brings us to Guptipara. After breakfast explore the town visiting the Vaishnav temples that contain some fantastic terracotta works. Also, visit a potter’s home to see and interact with the artisans creating various clay items.

PM: Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter sail to the opposite bank and visit the weaving village of Fulia which specializes in a combination of jacquard and jamdani saree weaving. 

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: Enjoying breakfast onboard, sail to Chandernagore which was established as a French colony. Upon arrival explore the colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor's residence, now converted into a museum that features items depicting life during that period. Also, visit the Sacred Heart Church.

PM: Return to the ship and sail to Serampore. Post lunch walk in the old quarters to see the Danish Tavern, St. Olav's Church, and other Danish heritage monuments. Continue sail to Kolkata, arriving by the evening.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganges Voyager

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

PM: Arrival in Kolkata and transfer to the Botanical Garden Jetty for embarking MV Ganges Voyager. Welcome onboard followed by a Safety Briefing and Lunch.

Post lunch proceed Panoramic Tour of the Heritage Buildings in Dalhousie Square - The Square was named in memory of Lord Dalhousie who was the Governor General of India from 1847 to 1856. The Dalhousie Square is surrounded by some of Kolkata's most enduring Raj-era monuments like the magnificent GPO (General Post Office), the regal Raj Bhawan, the St. John's Church, and the Gothic-style Writer's Building.

Dinner & overnight stay onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: Morning is at leisure with breakfast onboard. The ship will sail as per tide conditions full day upstream to Fulia passing below the cantilevered Howrah Bridge and seeing various colonial buildings along the Ganges River.

PM: Enjoy lunch onboard.

Dinner & overnight stay onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: Morning excursion by e-rickshaws of Fulia, a textile town located beside the river Ganges. 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.

PM: Return to ship and sail onward to the shore-side village of Matiari.

Dinner & overnight stay onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: Take an early walk in the village to see and experience master craftsmen at work, utilizing recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village.

PM: Return to the ship and sail full day to Jiaganj, arriving by the evening, which is renowned for Baluchari weaving.

Dinner & overnight stay onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: After breakfast proceed to visit the 18th-century Char Bangla Temple in the nearby village of Baranagar. Built by Rani Bhabani, the landlady of Natore (now in Bangladesh), here is considered among the best examples of Bengal’s terra cotta art.

PM: Return to ship for lunch. Post lunch ride the Toto (e-rickshaw) to see Baluchari sari weaving, famous for their elaborate ‘palloo (border or anchal). Thereafter visit the Kathgola Palace (by e-rickshaws) a historical building belonging to the Dugar family, a Marwari Jain business house.

Dinner & overnight stay onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: After a restful morning, enjoying breakfast and observing the local life along the riverbanks, we arrive at Nabadwip, the abode of Saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of the Hindu Vaishnav sect and a social reformer. Nabadwip is blessed with numerous old and new temples belonging to different Hindu sects. Explore the riverbank village by walking to see the local people engaged in handloom weaving of cotton fabric, mainly saris and scarves.

PM: Return to ship and sail onward to Kalna.

Dinner & overnight stay onboard Ganges Voyager

AM: After breakfast visit a local Weaver’s home to see the traditional weaving of Muslin Cloth. Also visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 aat chala (eight slope-roofed) shrines. Return to ship and sail to Chandernagore which was established as a French colony. explore the charming colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor's residence, now converted into a museum that features items depicting life during that period. Also, visit the 150-year-old Sacred Heart Church.

PM: Return to the ship and continue our journey to Kolkata while enjoying lunch onboard. We arrive in Kolkata by evening.

Dinner & overnight stay onboard Ganges Voyager

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