India River Cruise – Ganges Experience

Few travellers ever imagine getting to experience India from the waters of the famous Ganges River. Board our classic riverboat in Farakka and spend eight days sailing to picturesque local villages to explore stunning temples, historic battlegrounds, tranquil gardens, and the Hazarduari Palace. This scenic cruise will have you wanting to return to the glory of India sooner rather than later.

Day 1 Calcutta
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Day 2 Calcutta/Farakka
Depart Kolkata and jump on the train to head to Farakka. During this 6 hour train journey, take the time to watch the scenery, or get to know the group. Upon arrival, embark the riverboat and settle in before dinner on board.

Day 3 Farakka/Jangipur
Enjoy a full day excursion by road to Gaur, near the town of Malda (English Bazaar). Visit a number of sights from the 12th-century Hindus and 14th-century Muslims. Rejoin the boat in the evening near Jangipur.

Day 4 Jangipur/Murshidābād
Sail down the Hooghly River en route to the small village of Baranagar. Walk through the fields to reach the terracotta temples and get a taste of rural Indian life. Continue to Murshidabad to visit the Nawab’s great Hazarduari Palace. Visit the Katra Mosque before driving to two 18th-century buildings – the Nashipara Palace and the Katgola Palace.

Day 5 Murshidābād/Matiari
This morning, travel by cycle rickshaw to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Moghul-style garden. Continue on the river past Berhampur, to a rural mooring near the battlefield of Plassey and opt to walk to the commemorative obelisk. Cruise on to a mooring near Katwa for the night.

Day 6 Matiari/Māyāpur
Start the day with a visit to the brassworking village of Matiari to witness their ancient techniques. Later continue to Mayapur with a visit to the Hare Krishna temple. Enjoy a few of the older temples and see a giant banyan tree.

Day 7 Māyāpur/Chunchura
Explore the country town of Kalna. Take cycle rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples and visit a Shiva temple. Continue to Chinsurah, to visit the historic Dutch cemetery. After, take cyclos to the Imambara before reboarding the vessel.

Day 8 Chunchura/Bārākpur
Sail to Chandannagar, a former French possession, to explore. Continue to Barrackpore. Disembark for a walking tour around the main sights.

Day 9 Bārākpur/Calcutta
Cruise under the Howrah Bridge to central Kolkata to disembark. Transfer to central Kolkata or the airport. Tour ends on arrival.