Kolkata
Bandel
Kalna
Nabadwip
Mayapur
Guptipara
Antara welcomes travellers who are looking for untouched experiences on the region’s life-giving river systems, and seeks to offer rare vistas of contemporary South Asia, in all its antiquity and futurity, on ships that offer excellent creature comforts, warm service and graceful travel.
Step aboard the MV Ganges Voyager, a themed cruise that gives an insight into the textile weaving and handloom tradition of Bengal along with the colonial heritage of the region. A pioneer on the river, Antara’s Ganges Voyager was the first of the fleet of Antara River Cruises. For 56 guests in 28 suites, the past feels alive here, with ornamental William Morris-style Arts and Craft décor. Iconic cane and wood furniture, Persian rugs, and wide Burmese teak decks offer stylish comfort. French balconies with floor-to-ceiling glass doors present expansive views of the river. Rich tapestries and hand-stenciled murals embellish the large and luxurious suites. Cosy sitting areas, a gym and spa, breezy, sun-kissed common spaces and excellent service make these ships serene sanctuaries.
Highlights
•
A themed cruise exploring the cultural heritage of Bengal along with different traditions of textile weaving and indigenous crafts.
•
From timeless traditions to colonial landmarks like French Chandernagore and Danish Serampore, this journey is a celebration of art, history and heritage
•
MV Ganges Voyager offering panoramic views of the shifting Ganges landscapes
Daily Itinerary
•
Day 1
Day 1: Kolkata Embarkation (D) Embarkation: 16:00 Hrs Arrive Kolkata and transfer to the Bally Bridge ferry ghat on the outskirts of Kolkata city to embark the ship. Welcome onboard, followed by safety briefing. Overnight onboard ship
•
Day 2
Day 2: Bally Bridge - Bandel (B/L/D) 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. We visit the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centres 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 Madrasa that teach the Koran. The structure contains a Victorian-era clock with a winding key weighing 20kg. Large Persian chandeliers and lamps light the Imambara's stunning hallways and passages.
•
Day 3
Day 3: Bandel - Kalna (B/L/D) 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 depict themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.
•
Day 4
Day 4: Kalna – Nabadwip – Mayapur (B/L/D) Early morning, we sail towards Nabadwip. 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 breakfast we will explore the riverbank village by walk to see the local people engaged in Handloom Weaving of Cotton fabric, mainly saris and stole/scarves and other activities. Post lunch 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, colourful 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 car-maker 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.
•
Day 5
Day 5: Mayapur – Guptipara Disembark / Kolkata Departure (B/L) This morning’s sail brings us to Guptipara, a rural town, renowned for its paddy fields and the Himsagar mango. Explore the town 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.
