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Artisans of Bengal – Ganges and Hoogly India River Cruise

Artisans of Bengal – Ganges and Hoogly India River Cruise

From USD $2,410

Description

A themed cruise exploring the cultural heritage of Bengal along with different traditions of textile weaving and indigenous crafts combined with an insight into erstwhile colonies like French Chandernagore and Danish Serampore. From historical shiya centre and terracotta temples to the modern ISKCON temple; this cruise offers all and more!
Explore the towns and villages along the Hoogly River from the comfort of a beautiful river ship and enjoy the superb on-board catering and facilities. The highly trained culinary team provide a buffet breakfast and lunch and a seated multiple course dinner.
There will be some on board activities while cruising the river – A cooking class, a cultural performance and a lecture. 
Or just sit on the top deck, watching the world of the river go by, perhaps enjoying a sundowner while watching a sunset on the river. The banks are often a hive of activity with people bathing, weddings or other ceremonies, and the more rural sections are interspersed with villages and a more traditional way of life. 
WildlifeYou can also enjoy the birdlife along the river, with some 180 species recorded recently, and, with luck, you will spot the rare Ganges River Dolphins that inhabit this part of the river.

Trip Name
Artisans of Bengal - Ganges and Hoogly India River Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Built in 2004, with inspiration from traditional Burmese river vessels and colonial Clyde steamships, the Antara Bengal Ganga has been refreshed and refurbished into a contemporary, graceful craft with 20 suites. The newly added eclectic 1970s decor that features wood, metal and leather brings to life the gleaming Burmese teak floors and decks of the original. Curved motifs, rounded edges and striking colours, and the new artwork by Anil Chandran P create a fresh, stylish and restful feel. Large balconies and artful décor allow old-world charm to embrace you on your voyage and immerse you in the spectacular sunsets on the Ganges. The Bengal Ganga is an expedition river craft, made entirely out of Burma teak and iron. It sails from Kolkata to Munger and downstream to Kolkata between October and late March when the river’s waters are plentiful yet calm. ACCOMMODATION  Spacious, airy rooms, a range of amenities, and well-equipped bathrooms with luxurious, all-natural spa-quality bath products. Large balconies, a seating area, writing desk and chair, generous built-in wardrobes, a flat screen TV with preloaded movies and documentaries, and a minibar with soft beverages serve your every modern need. EXPERIENCE ON R.V. BENGAL GANGA A voyage on the Bengal Ganga promises to make your travel experience all about appreciating the finer things in life. Wake up and indulge in some revitalizing activities, like yoga, meditation, gym and spa; sip the finest wines from around the world; and soak yourself in the calm of the Ganges. R.V. BENGAL GANGA DELICIOUS FOOD With large windows on either side that allow diners to view the river banks, our Dining Room serves delicious delicacies from the hinterland of India and popular cuisines from around the world. It is equipped with the retro yet classy Streamline Moderne buffet counter, lovely teak tables and elegant textiles.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1. Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata in the morning and transfer to the jetty to embark the ship. Lunch onboard. Thereafter a panoramic tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Dalhousie Square; St. John's Church, and the Victoria Memorial.
Day 2 - Day 2. Kolkata tour and Bally Bridge
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. 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
Day 3 - Day 3. Bally Bridge and Bandel
We sail further upstream to Bandel while enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. Post lunch we visit the Hooghly Imambara, a famous Shiya pilgrimage center that provides housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms. Dinner & overnight onboard 
Day 4 - Day 4. Kandel
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. Return to the ship walking through the local vegetable market. Dinner & overnight onboard 
Day 5 - Day 5. Kalna, Nabadwip & Mayapur
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. 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
Day 6 - Day 6. Guptipara & Fulia
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. 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 
Day 7 - Day 7. Chandernagore – Serampore – Kolkata
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. 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
Day 8 - Day 8. Kolkata
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, to avoid closure of monuments/museums Last-minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The onboard tour staff will announce or post the exact time for each activity.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-04-202610-04-2026USD $2,410Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
03-04-202610-04-2026USD $2,535Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
03-04-202610-04-2026USD $2,840Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
03-04-202610-04-2026USD $3,020Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
19-04-202626-04-2026USD $2,410Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
19-04-202626-04-2026USD $2,535Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
19-04-202626-04-2026USD $2,840Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
19-04-202626-04-2026USD $3,020Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
22-09-202629-09-2026USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
22-09-202629-09-2026USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
22-09-202629-09-2026USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
22-09-202629-09-2026USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
08-10-202615-10-2026USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
08-10-202615-10-2026USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
08-10-202615-10-2026USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
08-10-202615-10-2026USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
26-10-202602-11-2026USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
26-10-202602-11-2026USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
26-10-202602-11-2026USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
26-10-202602-11-2026USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
11-11-202618-11-2026USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
11-11-202618-11-2026USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
11-11-202618-11-2026USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
11-11-202618-11-2026USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
19-11-202626-11-2026USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
19-11-202626-11-2026USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
19-11-202626-11-2026USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
19-11-202626-11-2026USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
27-11-202604-12-2026USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
27-11-202604-12-2026USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
27-11-202604-12-2026USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
27-11-202604-12-2026USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
22-01-202729-01-2027USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
22-01-202729-01-2027USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
22-01-202729-01-2027USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
22-01-202729-01-2027USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
07-02-202714-02-2027USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
07-02-202714-02-2027USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
07-02-202714-02-2027USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
07-02-202714-02-2027USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
23-02-202702-03-2027USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
23-02-202702-03-2027USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
23-02-202702-03-2027USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
23-02-202702-03-2027USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
11-03-202718-03-2027USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
11-03-202718-03-2027USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
11-03-202718-03-2027USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
11-03-202718-03-2027USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
27-03-202703-04-2027USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
27-03-202703-04-2027USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
27-03-202703-04-2027USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
27-03-202703-04-2027USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
04-04-202711-04-2027USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
04-04-202711-04-2027USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
04-04-202711-04-2027USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
04-04-202711-04-2027USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy
20-04-202727-04-2027USD $2,420Deluxe Cabin Main Deck
20-04-202727-04-2027USD $2,545Premier Suite On The Upper Deck
20-04-202727-04-2027USD $2,850Deluxe Suite On The Upper Deck
20-04-202727-04-2027USD $3,030Deluxe Cabin For Single Occupancy

Inclusions

    • Kolkata Mayapur Handloom weaving Kalna temple complex Hoogly Imambara

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