Assam Cruising on the Ganges Tour India

Itinerary Highlights

Enjoy a Heritage Walk of Dalhousie Square in Kolkata with your guide
Relive a slice of Islamic history in Imambara
Visit the charming riverside village of Matiari known for its brass works
Walk through the fields of Baranagar, rural India's most idyllic

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
English Speaking Guide
International Flights

12 nights from £3,249 per person

All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist

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Launched in December, the ABN Rajmahal is the new addition to the Assam Bengal Navigation fleet, and is a 22 cabin vessel. As well as travelling to Varanasi and Patna in August and September, it will journey in the winter on Hugli and the Ganges. This 12 day holiday travels from Kolkata and ends at Farakka lock. Before boarding, enjoy several nights exploring Kolkata with your private guide before visiting sights along the rivers including the village of Matiari, Khushbagh and Baranagar.

Itinerary

Day 1 London - India

Depart London today for your flight to Kolkata.

Day 2 Kolkata

On arrival in Kolkata you will be met by a representative at the exit of the terminal building who will transfer you to your hotel for check in. Spend the night at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata in a Premier Room with balcony on a bed and breakfast basis.

Staying at

threesixtythree at the oberoi grand kolkata

Day 3 Kolkata

Kolkata, established in 1690 by the British, was once the capital of British India and is now home to impressive colonial buildings and the country's first underground railway. Enjoy a Heritage Walk of Dalhousie Square this morning, a World Heritage Site, and admire the city's architecture. You can begin at The Flower Market on River Hoogly and walk past the 'Black Hole', the East India Company and to the Charnock Mausoleum. Later in the morning, visit the Victoria Memorial (closed on Monday).

Staying at

Day 4 Kolkata

You will be picked up from your hotel in the late morning and embark the ship at midday. Today sail past the old Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore and walk past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House, where the garden has many British statues.

Day 5 Cruise on Bengal Despatch 1

Sail up to Chandernagore to see the 18th century church and Dupleix's House with a small museum. Sail past Chinsura and get off to visit the Imambara at Hoogly. The cruise will moor near Kalna.

Day 6 Cruise on Bengal Despatch 1

Land at the country town of Kalna and take a cycle rickshaw to see a group of terracotta temples and a special Shiva temple with 108 shrinelets. Sail on through the night to moor near Matiari.

Day 7 Cruise on Bengal Despatch 1

This morning visit the brass working village of Matiari to see the making of brass water pots and other vessels. Later on visit the battlefield of Plassey where in 1767 Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, an important historical moment. You will moor close to Murshidabad.

Day 8 Cruise on Bengal Despatch 1

Walk to Khushbagh this morning, a Moghul style garden with the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah and his family. Travel upstream to Hazarduari Palace, built by an Englishman in 1837, inside which are a collection of pictures and objects. Visit the Katra Mosque and drive to see the late 18th century Nashipara Palace and Katgola Palace, a representation of English and Indian cultures mixing.

Day 9 Cruise on Bengal Despatch 1

Moor at the village of Baranagar with its three mini terracotta temples set in this rural part of India. Continue to Hooghly where a waterway twists and turns between mango orchards and mustard fields.

Day 10 Cruise on Bengal Despatch 1

Whilst you enjoy breakfast, you will moor by the Farakka Lock and then disembark for the day and travel to Gaur. This quiet location was once a great Indian city and there are many mosques, palaces and gateways remaining to explore.