Cruise on the Ganges: The Sacred Waters between Kolkata and Varanasi (port-to-port cruise)

Your program will begin according to your time of arrival in Kolkata. If your flight arrives before 6:00 a.m., your program will be: Enjoy a panoramic tour to discover the architectural richness of the city. Kolkata contains numerous colonial-era sites: Raj Bhavanthe official residence of the regional governorand Council House Street. Afterwards, you will board our ship and have lunch on board. In the afternoon, we will visit the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, where Mother Theresa lived, prayed, and worked, and where her body was laid to rest in 1997. After we return on board, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Kolkata is a modern, cosmopolitan city with great cultural influence in the country. Well enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and visit St. John's Church, the third oldest church in the city. After, well head to the Victoria Memorial, an impressive white marble building that houses a museum maintained by the Ministry of Culture. We'll have lunch on board and begin our cruise along the landscapes once dominated by European colonialism. Well set out on small local boats for Bandel to visit the imposing Hooghly Imambara. It's a chance to step back in time and relive a slice of Bengal's Islamic history. Well have dinner and spend the night on board.

Kalna, also known as Ambika Kalna, is a picturesque town in West Bengal, India, renowned for its stunning terracotta temples and historical significance. Nestled on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Kalna showcases a rich blend of culture and history. Key attractions include the Rajbari complex, which houses exquisite temples like the 108 Shiva Temples and the intricate Terracotta Temples. The town is also famous for its beautiful gardens and serene riverbanks. Kalna's vibrant local festivals and traditional crafts reflect its deep-rooted heritage, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

You'll discover this out-of-the-way village from the seat of a rickshaw. Kalna is home to two circles of 108, small Hindu temples, each of which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. We'll have lunch on board as we continue to cruise the river in the afternoon. Take some time to enjoy the onboard activities or attend a lecture on the region of Bengal. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Matiari is a quaint village in West Bengal, India, renowned for its traditional craftsmanship and serene rural charm. Known particularly for its exquisite brass and copperware, Matiari is a hub for skilled artisans who create intricate handmade items, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. The village's picturesque landscape, dotted with lush fields and small water bodies, provides a tranquil backdrop to its vibrant local culture. Matiari offers a glimpse into the timeless traditions and simple, harmonious lifestyle of rural Bengal, making it a unique destination for those interested in folk art and the serene beauty of the Indian countryside.

Join us for a stroll through the charming market town of Matiari, where coppersmiths still work the metal using the techniques passed down from generation to generation. After lunch, departure for an afternoon of navigation and passage along the site of the battlefields in Plassey, thought to be one of the most important battles that took place in the 18th century for the control of the Indian subcontinent by the colonial powers. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.

We'll walk to Khushbagh, the Garden of Happiness, packed with history and beauty. We'll then visit Baranagar Village to get a good feeling of rural life in the area and explore a bit of authentic India off the beaten path. The village contains hauntingly beautiful clay temples. After lunch, sit back and enjoy the scenery as we pass by tiny villages that dot the banks of the river. We'll then visit Murshidabad, known for its impressive colonial-style architecture. We'll tour Hazar Duari Palace, known as the Palace of 1000 doorsreal and fake. It is now a museum containing fascinating artifacts, including various weapons, oil paintings by Dutch, French, and Italian artists, and marble statues. The vast, brick Katra Masjid, built in just one year in the 18th century, is regarded as the top tourist attraction in the city for its beauty and history. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Murshidabad, located in West Bengal, India, is a historic city steeped in rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur. Once the capital of Bengal during the Mughal era, it is home to the stunning Hazarduari Palace, known for its thousand doors, and the majestic Katra Mosque. The city's landscape is adorned with splendid nawabi architecture, gardens, and ancient tombs. Murshidabad's vibrant history is reflected in its bustling markets and traditional silk weaving industry. The serene banks of the Bhagirathi River add to its charm, making Murshidabad a captivating destination for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Our cruise continues as the wide river transforms progressively into a band of water that glides between mustard plantations, jute shrubs, and mango orchards. While the scenery floats by, your guide will explain the many customs during an onboard lecture on the region. Enjoy lunch on board. Mayapur is the city where the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (known informally around the world as the Hare Krishnas) was founded and has its headquarters. Opened in 1978, the main complex includes a spacious marble temple and a guest house where members can stay and participate in the daily spiritual programs. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Chandernagore is a former French colony that has been able to preserve its unique identity over the years. We'll visit the house that once belonged to the governor for the French East India Company in the 18th century. We'll then visit Sacred Heart Church, one of the most beautiful examples of architecture during the French period. Tonight we'll have our farewell cocktail and dinner and spend the night on board.

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and intellectual dynamism. Often called the "City of Joy," Kolkata blends the old and new, featuring landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Indian Museum alongside bustling markets and modern malls. The city's literary and artistic legacy is celebrated through numerous festivals, theaters, and galleries. Renowned for its culinary delights, Kolkata offers a diverse cuisine, from street food to Bengali sweets. Home to notable figures like Rabindranath Tagore, the city remains a hub of education, politics, and culture.

You'll disembark this morning before visiting Kolkata. Enjoy a stroll through the splendid flower market under the Howrah Bridge, where Indians buy flowers for worship. Our trek will continue to the ghats along the banks of the Ganges. These are the steps leading to the water where people come to participate in a number of rituals. We'll spend some time visiting the Pareshnath Jain Temple, one of the most important in the city. We'll pass through the picturesque quarter of Kumortuli, where street potters hone their craft. After lunch, you'll be transferred to the airport for the flight to Varanasi. On arrival, you'll check into a 4-star hotel and have dinner.

As the sun rises, set out on a cruise to discover the unique rituals the river encounters each day. Then walk in the footsteps of devoted Hindus from one small street to the other before reaching the Alamgir Mosque and Kashi Vishvanath Temple. After our excursion, we'll return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the grand Ramnagar Fort, the home of the Maharaja of Varanasi. The museum in the complex exhibits jewel-encrusted chairs, religious manuscripts, and royal costumes, among many other national treasures. After lunch, we'll set out on an excursion to Sarnath, where Siddhartha Gautama first taught the Dharma, and visit the museum which contains a magnificent collection of Buddhist writings. Hop on a cycle rickshaw for a spin through the bazaar and witness an Aarti ceremony with songs and offerings of light. We'll have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.

Visit the Bharat Mata Mandir (Mother India Temple) which was built in the 1930s and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi(1). Lunch. Flight to Delhi(1). End of our services.