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The Sundarbans – India 4 Day River Cruise

The Sundarbans – India 4 Day River Cruise

From USD $1,200

Description

The Sundarbans, where the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers outflow through a vast delta into the Bay of Bengal, consists of 10,000 square kilometres of mangrove, part in West Bengal and part in Bangladesh, and declared as National Parks and World Heritage Sites in each country. This is the largest mangrove forest on the planet. The excitement of any Sundarban exploration is the sighting of an often-swimming great Bengal tiger.

Sailing from Kolkata down the Hooglie River we enter the Sundarban park area and over two days explorations are made by smaller country boats accompanied by experienced park rangers on the West Bengal side. There are 453 fauna in the Sundarban, not to mention varied bird and reptilian life with lots of crocodiles. Treks on foot are offered and village visits offer an insight into life in the Sundarban. In the evening locals come on board to perform folk theatre.

Trip Name
The Sundarbans - India 4 Day River Cruise
Days
4
Overview
Vessel Type: River Boat Length: 57 metres Passenger Capacity: 36 Built / refurbished: 2014 Kalaw Pandaw is a K-class ship. The K-class dated back to the 1880s and were comprised of stern wheelers designed to reduce draft, their boilers placed in the bow to improve trim. Smaller than the great line steamers of the age, the K-class ships were used on the Chindwin and upper reaches of the Irrawaddy. Where possible we have reused the old IFC names and many of these original K-class ships had fascinating histories, through times of war and peace. ACCOMMODATION 8 upper deck, 10 main deck - 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass - AC with individual control - Premium mattresses WINING & DINING Bistro style dining room with outside seating and air-conditioning inside - Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team - Semi-buffet breakfast, semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners - Daily lean & light menu options - Complimentary coffee, water, tea, local soft drinks, local beer, local spirits - Extensive wine list with premium wines - Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour - Welcome drink on arrival - Welcome cocktail - Farewell reception - Theme dinners - 24hrs hospitality bar - Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls ON EXCURSIONS Admissions - Shoe cleaning after excursions - Bottled drinking water - We give away aluminium water bottles - Cold towel service after excursions - Refreshing drink following excursions - 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions SAFETY & SECURITY All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards - Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas - Fire fighting system in all ship areas - Expert marine superintendant - 24 hrs watch on duty ONBOARD STAFF Captain - River Pilot - First Officer - Chief Engineer - 1st Engineer - Electrician - Bosun & nautical crew - Ship manager - Housekeeping - Dining - Bar keeper - Chefs - Local tour guides PUBLIC SPACES Guest relation desk - Library with contemporary and classic literature

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 KOLKATA - THE SUNDARDANS
11:00am embarkation at Kolkata Botanical Garden to cruise through the splendours of riverside Kolkata and down the Hooglie River to enter the Sunderbans and explore the mangrove forested back waters. During the cruise lunch will be served and afternoon activities include yoga classes, local speciality cooking demonstrations, a lecture by our on-board naturalist and after dinner a cultural dance programme.
Day 2 - DAY 2 BHAGABATPUR ISLAND - JHARKHALI TIGER REHABILITATION CENTRE
Moor off the Bhagabatpur Island to visit the crocodile project there. These are the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world. After lunch travel by country boat to the Jharkhali Watchtower and on to Jharkhali Tiger Rehabilitation Centre. It will be possible to trek into the Sunderban Tiger Reserve from here accompanied by a park ranger.
Day 3 - DAY 3 SUNDARBAN TIGER RESERVE - DOBANKI DEER REHABILITATION CENTRE - BARREN ISLAND
Early rise to travel by country boat to the Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower which is also located in the Sudhanyakhali camp of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve. Return to ship for breakfast and later visit the Dobanki deer rehabilitation centre travelling by country boat through swamps. Visit a local village for a walk ashore to see the unique way of life in the Sunderban and go ashore on ‘Barren Island’ with its white sandy beaches for an evening barbeque and cocktails. Return to Kolkata sailing through the night.
Day 4 - DAY 4 KOLKATA
After breakfast disembark by 09:00am at the Botanical Garden Jetty, Kolkata.
Day 5 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-04-202405-04-2024USD $1,200Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
02-04-202405-04-2024USD $1,700Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From

Inclusions

    • Hooglie River Cruise: Embark on a cruise from Kolkata to the Sunderbans, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Hooglie River and riverside Kolkata.
    • Wildlife Exploration: Visit the Bhagabatpur Island and witness the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world. Explore the Jharkhali Tiger Rehabilitation Centre and have the opportunity to trek into the Sunderban Tiger Reserve.
    • Cultural Immersion: Engage in cultural experiences such as yoga classes, local cooking demonstrations, and a vibrant cultural dance program. Get a glimpse of the unique way of life in the Sunderban by visiting a local village.

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