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11 nights from

£3945

Along the Banks of the Hoogly - Upstream

RV Rajmahal, River Hooghly, Imambara, India RV Rajmahal, River Hooghly, Imambara, India
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India
Kalna Temple Kalna Temple

A unique, original and exclusive cruise through rural India along the River Hoogly between Calcutta and English Bazaar

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.

Overview

  • Day 1  - Flight
  • Days 2 & 3  - Kolkata
  • Day 4  - Cruise Start / Barrackpoer
  • Day 5  - Chandernagore
  • Day 6  - Kalna
  • Day 7  - Murshidabad
  • Day 8  - Khushbagh
  • Day 9  - Baranagar
  • Day 10  - Farakka / Gaur
  • Day 11  - Kolkata
  • Day 12  - Return flight
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Tour 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
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India
River Bankside, India
Katra Mosque, Murshidabad, India
RV Rajmahal, River Hooghly, Imambara, India
Kalna Temple
River Bankside, India
Alternatively...

Along the Banks of the Hoogly - Downstream

A downstream cruise through rural India along River Hoogly.

DETAILS
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Along The Banks Of The Hoogly Map

A unique, original and exclusive cruise through rural India along the River Hoogly between Calcutta and English Bazaar

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly overnight from your chosen airport to Kolkata.

Key: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

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- Itinerary -

Key: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner
Day 1

Fly overnight from your chosen airport to Kolkata.

Day 2

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

In Kolkata, visit Victoria Memorial, Dalhousie Square, St. John's Church, Howrah Bridge and drive around colonial Calcutta.
(B)

Day 4

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

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

At Kalna, travel to the terracotta temples by cycle rickshaws. Visit the temples of Mayapur.
(B, L, D)

Day 7

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

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 with its terracotta temples. Continue up the Hoogly past mustard fields and mango orchards.
(B, L, D)

Day 10

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

By train from New Farraka station to Kolkata (5 hrs). Overnight at Taj Bengal.
(B)

Day 12

Return flight via Delhi or Dubai arriving later the same day.
(B)

Close Itinerary
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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.

Accommodation

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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 Vessel, India, Exterior Bridge

RV Rajmahal Vessel, India, Bar

RV Rajmahal Vessel, India, Restaurant

RV Rajmahal Vessel, India, Sundeck

RV Rajmahal Vessel, India, Double Cabin

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.

View Deck Plan

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin room - Main Deck cabin

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Mon 10 Mar 2025
From London Heathrow

£ 4095
Mon 06 Oct 2025
From London Heathrow

£ 3945
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.

Supplements per person

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Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £945
Upgrades
  • RV Rajmahal - Upper Deck Twin/Double (Rear) from £350
  • RV Rajmahal - Upper Deck Twin/Double from £350
  • RV Rajmahal - Main Deck Single from £945
  • RV Rajmahal - Main Deck Twin/Double for Sole Use from £1745
  • RV Rajmahal - Upper Deck Twin/Double for Sole Use from £2245
Flight Options
  • Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow
  • On request, please call
  • Emirates Business Class
  • On request, please call
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £800
  • Arrival or departure transfer
  • £49
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