Kolkata
Kalna
Shantipura
Bandel
Serampore
Kolkata
From the 16th century, Europeans came as traders and explorers, and then as colonizers, to Bengal’s ports. The colonial heritage of Bengal has inspired many a traveller to embark on a journey that depicts the region’s history through the river Ganges. On the banks of the Lower Ganges, the French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese and English made settlements to trade, preach and farm while local rulers, saints, agriculturalists, musicians and writers created new ways of living as they encountered European commerce, tastes and power.
Cruise along India’s mystical rivers, ensconced within colonial luxury. Enjoy the view of the landscape from a large balcony, expansive social spaces, and on-board amenities. Indulge in farm-to-table culinary experiences, wellness, sunrise yoga, and an array of activities. Experience true luxury and relaxation while witnessing this culture with the care and hospitality of the Ganges Voyager II and its crew. In the words of writer Amitav Ghosh, "Nobody knows, nobody can ever know, not even in memory, because there are moments in time that are not knowable"... Immerse yourself in a specially curated cruise for an unforgettable journey.
Highlights
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Embark on a heritage expedition: From Howrah Bridge to Bandel's iconic bridges
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Discover the Nabakalis Temple in Kalna
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Unveiling Shantipura's timeless handloom sarees : A legacy since partition
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Experience Hooghly's cultural treasures: Imambara, St. Olav's church and other Danish heritage sites
Daily Itinerary
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Day 1
Midday embark the ship in Kolkata. Welcome and safety briefing followed by lunch onboard. Depending on tide timings we will sail upstream past the city of Kolkata seeing the heritage monuments along the river including the Howrah Bridge and other iconic bridges towards Bandel. Dinner and overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.
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Day 2
After breakfast ride e-rickshaws in the town to visit the Nabakailas Temple, built by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 aat chala shrines arranged in two concentric circles separated by a well-maintained lawn with beautiful flowerbeds. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.Return to ship walking through the local market. Sail onward to Shantipur. Located beside the river Ganges, Shantipur is famous for handloom sarees from ancient times. After the partition of India and the division of Bengal into West Bengal (in India). Dinner and overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.
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Day 3
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. Return to the ship and sail to Serampore. Post lunch walk in the old quarters to see the St. Olav's Church, Danish Tavern, and other Danish heritage monuments. Enjoy a High Tea at the Danish Tavern. Dinner and overnight onboard Ganges Voyager.
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Day 4
Sailing through the morning enjoying breakfast we arrive in Kolkata. Disembark and transfer to the airport for onward journey.
