The Historic Hooghly
River Cruise
Kolkata | Lower Ganges River Cruise | Darjeeling
Discover the timeless beauty and rich heritage of eastern India on a river cruise along the Lower Ganges, from vibrant Kolkata to historic Farakka. Sail through a landscape dotted with ancient temples, colonial towns, and riverside villages steeped in tradition and soak in the serene rhythms of rural life along the Ganges. End with time in the spectacular Darjeeling hill country.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13-14
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Day 15
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Day 16
Day 1 : Kolkata
On arrival in Kolkata your driver will transfer to your hotel for a 2 night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 : Kolkata
Your private guide will take you on a tour which follows in the footsteps of the Raj, with a guided walk that is the perfect introduction to what was once the capital of the British empire in India.
Day 3 : ABN Rajmahal
This morning, transfer to the dock to embark the ABN Rajmahal. Cruise past the historic Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore, for a guided walk. Continue sailing to Chandernagore, a former French settlement rich in colonial charm and history. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : ABN Rajmahal
Visit an 18th-century church and Dupleix Palace, former home of the French Governor-General. Sail past the Dutch settlement of Chinsura before exploring Hooghly’s majestic Imambara. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : ABN Rajmahal
Explore Kalna by rickshaw, visiting exquisite terracotta temples, including a rare Shiva temple with 108 shrinelets. Discover traditional muslin weaving before continuing to Mayapur to visit the impressive ISKCON temple, global headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : ABN Rajmahal
This morning visit the charming riverside village of Matiari, known for its brassworking. Then visit the battlefield of Plassey where, in 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of British India, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : ABN Rajmahal
Begin your day with a stroll to Khushbagh, a serene Mughal-style Garden housing the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah and his family. Visit the grand Hazarduari Palace, and end with a visit to Katgola Palace. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : ABN Rajmahal
This morning visit the delightfully sleepy village of Baranagar to visit its miniature terracotta temples. This is rural India at its most idyllic. Continue up the lower Ganges, as it twists and turns between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards.
Day 9 : ABN Rajmahal
Disembark for a full-day excursion by road to Gaur. This quiet, deserted place was once one of India’s great cities, first under the Hindus in the 12th century, then as the Muslim capital of Eastern India from the 14th to the 16th century.
Day 10 : Kolkata
Disembark this morning and transfer to the station for the train journey to Kolkata (approx. 4 hours). You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Day 11 : Darjeeling
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdroga, from here you’ll be transferred to the Glenburn Tea Estate. This beautiful estate sits within the Himalayas and its old-fashioned elegance makes it an enchanting place to stay. (B)
Day 12 : Darjeeling
After breakfast depart for a sightseeing tour which includes a Toy Train ride to Ghoom Monastery. Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre before returning to Glenburn. (B)
Day 13-14 : Darjeeling
The next 2 days are free to relax and enjoy Glenburn Tea Estate. Optional activities include hiking, tea plantation experiences, spa treatments and cookery classes. (B)
Day 15 : Kolkata
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Kolkata, on arrival transfer to your hotel for one final night in India.
Day 16 : Departure
A private transfer will take you the airport for your departure flight.
