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Along the Banks of the Hoogly - Downstream
A downstream cruise through rural India along River Hoogly.
Fly overnight from your chosen airport to Kolkata.
Along the Banks of the Hoogly - Upstream
India
11 nights 2 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookA unique, original and exclusive cruise through rural India along the River Hoogly between Calcutta and English Bazaar
Overview
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Overview
Much has been written about the British love affair with India, with books ranging from M.M. Kaye’s ‘The Far Pavilions’ to William Dalrymple’s ‘White Mughals’. This love affair manifests itself in many ways; the rhythm of tranquil days in rural communities, ancient temples and cities, medieval towns and palaces. All these and more can be found in this unique cruise of some 250 miles through rural countryside away from the tourist trail, affording the less common opportunity to observe Indian life from the comfort of a charming small river vessel.
The River Hoogly, once an artery for the jute trade and East India Company between Calcutta and the Ganges, had no long distance passenger vessels since 1850 with the advent of the railway but does reveal nowadays interesting local passenger and cargo vessels and ferries.
Discover monuments from the East India Company, the Mughals and one of India’s most romantic places – the ancient capital of the Nawabs of Bengal, Murshidabad, now a village, its mansions, mosques and tombs surrounded by rice paddies and mango orchards.
Highlights
- Explore Kolkata on a city tour
- Set sail on a 7 night cruise
- Discover the lost city of Gaur
- Take a rickshaw ride in Kalna
- Explore Chandernagore’s museum
- Sail under the Howrah Bridge
Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Kolkata
Day 2 - Enjoy Kolkata sightseeing
Arrive in Kolkata, India's capital under the British Raj, still known for its colonial-era avenues, grand Victoria Memorial and cricket ground. To these, the modern city now adds high-rise office blocks and garden parks with urban slums still interwoven in the tapestry of this multicultural metropolis. Visit the Jain temple, college street, book market and take a tram ride. Two nights at the 5-star Taj Bengal. Welcome drink and dinner.
(D)
Day 3 - Explore the local landmarks of Kolkata
In Kolkata, visit Victoria Memorial, Dalhousie Square, St. John's Church, Howrah Bridge and drive around colonial Calcutta.
(B)
Day 4 - Enjoy a walking tour of Barrackpore
Embark on your vessel for seven nights. At Barrackpore, walk through the cantonment past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 - Visit Chandernagore museum and Imambara landmark
Sail to Chandernagore and visit its museum and the Dutch settlement of Chinsura. Visit Imambara on the outskirts of Kolkata.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 - Enjoy a rickshaw ride to the temples at Kalna
At Kalna, travel to the terracotta temples by cycle rickshaws. Visit the temples of Mayapur.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 - Visit Matiari village and cruise to Murshidabad
Visit the brassworking village of Matiari. Later, cruise to the battlefield of Plassey, where in 1757, Clive of India defeated Sirajud-Daulah, to visit the commemorative obelisk. Continue to Murshidabad.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 - Enjoy Khushbagh garden, visiting the mosque and palaces
By foot to the Khushbagh, a Moghul-style garden. Visit Katra Mosque and the late 18th-century palaces of Nashipara and Katgola.
(B, L, D)
Day 9 - Moor at Barangar before continuing cruising
Moor at Barangar with its terracotta temples. Continue up the Hoogly past mustard fields and mango orchards.
(B, L, D)
Day 10 - Travel to Farraka and spend the day touring Gaur
Arrive in Farraka where the Hoogly meets the Ganges. Surrounded by water channels and bypassed by a canal, its Farakka Barrage crosses the mighty river, carrying a rail and road bridge and earning its place in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest barrage in the world. Full-day excursion visits the town of Gaur, close to English Bazaar (now the town of Malda), once one of India's great cities which has many mosques and palace remains.
(B, L, D)
Day 11 - Journey by train to Kolkata
By train from New Farraka station to Kolkata (5 hrs). Overnight at Taj Bengal.
(B)
Day 12 - Fly home from Kolkata
Return flight via Delhi or Dubai arriving later the same day.
(B)
Notes:
The cruise itinerary may vary according to local conditions.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
While the vessel carries more, the group size specified refers to transfers and excursions. Excursions will be limited to a maximum of 22 persons per group. The cruise vessel takes 40 guests.
Reviews
Unique Experience
Accommodation
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
Taj Bengal - Kolkata
The 5-star Taj Bengal in Kolkata offer regal elegance and service that is synonymous with the Taj hotel group. Situated on the east bank of the Hoogly River, close to the main sites of Kolkata, the hotel has 5 restaurants, a bar and lounge area, a fitness centre with spa and an outdoor pool. All rooms have air-conditioning, free wi-fi and private facilities plus a min bar safe and TV.
Vessels
RV Rajmahal
Operated by Assam Bengal Navigation, the RV Rajmahal was built in Kolkata, is 164 ft. long, powered by three engines, with extra-shallow draught and a lower profile than conventional designs to enable it to cruise further upstream than most vessels. On board the crew are mainly Indian, the currency the Indian Rupee, the language English and WiFi (free/limited). The décor is stylish and fresh, with touches of colonial elegance, and uses hand-blocked cotton fabrics of traditional Indian-inspired designs. The comfortable saloon, bar and dining room compliment the vast canopied sun deck. A small spa offers a range of treatments. Food is a mixture of Assamese (milder than most Indian cuisine) and continental. Wines, beer and spirits are available. Tea, coffee and water are complimentary. Cold towel service, welcome drink and shoe cleaning are offered after each excursion. 22 Main and Upper Deck cabins with four Main Deck single cabins, all are air-conditioned with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and French balconies.
- Travel Guides -
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
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Dates & Prices
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
London Heathrow Airport from £ 3595
Manchester Airport from £ 3595
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, 3 nights’ hotel, breakfast daily, 1 dinner, full board on cruise, excursions, cruise director, local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, drinks, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Tour Only
- Save up to £800
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Stay Extra Nights...
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.