boat tour in kolkata

Taking a Magical Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata – 8 Reasons to Sail on the Holy Hooghly River

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: February 16, 2022

Categories INDIA , KOLKATA

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

If there is one thing you must do while you’re in the capital of West Bengal, it is to go on a Ganges river cruise in Kolkata.

Also known as the Hooghly River, this famous waterway snakes through the city and is used by locals every single day.  

Sailing down the Ganges, you can see many of the cities top attractions, including the temple ghats and the iconic Howrah Bridge. Plus, you can watch so much life happening on the water.

This was one of my favourite memories from my visit and ended up being an epic way to end my trip to Kolkata!  

Seeing the sunset over the horizon and watching the sky turn all different colours is something I’ll remember forever.

Here’s a complete guide to taking a Ganges river cruise in Kolkata. Including what companies are recommended, the ticket prices, the best time to go and what to expect!  

Why is it called the Hooghly River and not the Ganges?

The Hooghly River is the official name for it in Kolkata and it’s actually a river that flows off or is a distributary river of the Ganges.

This river in total is 160 miles (260 kilometres) long and flows from Kolkata to the Bay of Bengal.  

The Ganges River is around 1,500 miles (2,525 km) long in total that runs all the way through India to Bangladesh. So, the Hooghly river is actually only around 10% of the size of the Ganges!

Although it is considered holy water as it flows from the River Ganges, it is not officially part of the main body of the Ganges.

Hence, the name Hooghly.   However, despite the official name, many people in Kolkata simply call it ‘Ganga’.

Why is the Ganges river important?  

The Ganges river is considered holy and sacred. Hindus believe that the river is personified as the goddess Ganga.

Hindus also believe that the water of the Ganges is pure and bathing in the river will wash away any sins.

It’s also regarded as a place of Moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death). So, this water source plays a huge part in daily lives. It’s a place where locals meditate, drink, pray, wash and clean clothes every single day.  

Many Aarti’s, a Hindu worship ritual, is performed by this river each morning and night and there are also burning ghats for Hindu funerals.

A Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata is an amazing way to really learn about Hindu Culture and see life happen on Hooghly River Ghats.  

A ‘ghat’ is a name for steps leading down the river and you’ll see them lined up all along the banks of the Hooghly.  

What is the best company for a Ganges River Cruise Kolkata?  

Although there are many websites advertising a Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata, a lot of them like Pandaw Cruises are for an extended period of time.

Which sounds lovely, but some of us don’t want to be on the Ganges for a week!  

What you’re looking for is an option to sail on a Hooghly river cruise for a few hours.  

Most tour companies online offering day cruises on the Hooghly River, like Lonely Planet and Viator, are advertising for commissions. Selling cruise tickets via their platform for one company.

That one company that is truly recommended by most hotels in the city, and is the only company I would recommend for a Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata is Vivada Cruises.

FYI this post is NOT sponsored by Vivada Cruises. I paid my own pennies. I just had a really good experience and wanted to share.

They have quality ships, well-cooked food and run four professional day cruises every day. Those are breakfast, lunch, evening and dinner cruises.

So, when booking your river cruise, I would book it directly with Vivada Cruises online or call them to reserve tickets and pay when you get there.

We asked our hotel, the Oberoi Grand, to reserve us tickets over the phone and paid when we got there.

If you don’t have your own phone working in India, I would ask your guesthouse/hotel to do the same.

Vivada Cruise ticket prices

The online prices for booking a Hooghly river cruise are quite expensive compared to booking directly with Vivada Cruises. Most of the ones I saw online were £38 or 3,500 rupees!

Yes, those tours include pickup service, but you’ll be paying over double what the tour costs originally.  

Through Vivada Cruises’ website, the breakfast and evening cruises cost 1,000 rupees plus GST Tax (18%).

The lunch and dinner cruises are 1,500 rupees plus GST. So, I would 100% recommend booking with them directly to save yourself some money!  

If you’re worried about the pickup and drop off, getting to the dock and back for your Vivada cruise really couldn’t be simpler. 

Arriving for your Vivada cruise  

The Vivada Cruise dock can be found near Metcalfe Hall on Strand Road on the banks of the Hooghly River.

It’s easy to spot as there is Millennium Park nearby and a huge sign telling you that you’ve arrived on the harbour;

How to reach the Vivada Cruise Dock in Kolkata  

There are many ways that you can reach the Vivada Cruise Dock in Kolkata. By using the public transport system like the metro, buses and trams or to get a taxi

By Metro: The nearest Metro stop for Vivada Cruises is Chandni Chowk. From here it’s a 15-minute walk to the cruise docks via Hare Street. The Metro is really cheap and efficient to get around the city and you pay by the kilometre.  

By Bus or Tram: There is a bus stop right outside the dock called the ‘Shipping Corporation bus stop’. Many bus services in Kolkata run past this stop.

The official government transport website for West Bengal has a bus travel planner. Or, I find it easier to organise a journey via Google Maps. The nearest tram Stop is BBD Bagh which is a short walk away from the dock.

By Taxi: You can hail a yellow ambassador taxi down in the city, just remember to ask for the meter to be switched on or negotiate a price. Sometimes they can be sneaky and overcharge, especially if you’re a tourist. I personally preferred Uber and found it less hassle and a lot cheaper.  

Click here to read my article all about how to use Indian Uber with a special discount code for your first ride

Checking in and collecting Vivada Cruise boarding passes

If you’re booking directly with Vivada Cruises, I would aim to be at the dock meeting point at least 30 minutes before your river cruise to check-in, pay and collect your boarding passes at the office.

In Britain, we have a thing for being strictly on time or early. So, if a ticket tells us we need to be there 30 minutes before, we turn up earlier than that just in case.  

But, as you’ll be in India, it usually means Indian time…So, your cruise check-in and the time you sail off may be delayed. For no other reason, than…this is India!

As it was Durga Puja in Kolkata, a lot of the roads were being blocked off and so it was causing congestion. So, we got here a whole hour earlier than planned.  

If you are twiddling your thumbs and looking for something to do to pass the time. The   Vivada cruise dock is right by Millennium Park.  

We each paid 10 rupees to go in and got ice creams to cool down in the heat!

It’s wasn’t the most pleasing park in the world but very popular with locals and it had a nice promenade by the river!

If you would prefer, the Vivada Cruise office has seats to wait in and are nice and air-conditioned with the heat.  

How long is a Vivada Cruise experience?

All the Vivada Cruises that run during the day are around 3-4 hours.   Although I can’t speak for the other cruises, the evening was well worth the money and is the one I would definitely recommend.

Due to Durga Puja, there was actually only us and one other couple. So, it was like we had a private cruise ship for the evening!  

Although it advertised that we would receive small snacks and drinks, we actually had enough yummy food to keep us full through the entire evening! So, we didn’t need dinner.

Plus, we got to witness the most amazing sunset as part of our journey, watch an evening aarti at Belur Math and then return under the stars while the city lights up at night.

It really gives you the best of both worlds and was the perfect way to end my journey in Kolkata.   Here’s a full review of the Vivada evening cruise experience and all the reasons why you cannot miss it.  

Why you cannot miss a Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata

1. you get to see the city from a completely new perspective  .

The one thing I really loved was seeing Kolkata from the water. The whole of my trip, I was on road transport and walking in amongst the city streets.  

It was hectic, dirty and as it was monsoon most of the city was flooded from heavy rains. So, that meant hopping in and out of black polluted water that couldn’t drain properly.  

I had seen the Hooghly River on my travels and even saw some of the temples on the banks of it. But, actually being on the water makes you see the city in a different light.  

You’ll notice things you didn’t before and the fact you travel from North to South makes sure you get to see the outskirts too.  

It was really relaxing floating along the Ganga, watching and hearing the chaos from afar on our cruise ship.

2. Your boat will pass under the iconic Howrah Bridge  

There are many iconic bridges in Kolkata, but none so famous as the Howrah Bridge or Rabindra Setu. It sounds weird, but I was so excited to see this bridge for myself.

I had heard about it long before my visit to West Bengal and it’s almost a tourist attraction in its own right.

It was commissioned all the way back in 1871 by the British but wasn’t built until 1935. It stretches over 705 metres, required 23,000 tons of steel and it’s the busiest cantilever bridge in the entire world.

Approximately 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians cross it each day! That’s not including the cows that roam here.  

When I visited the flower market at Mullick Ghat, we got dropped off by this bridge and we walked over it at sunrise to have a look at some of the sights. We saw many locals washing and praying in the Ganges.

This time, on my cruise, we were able to go under it from the river. It was really fun to wave at the locals passing by and it provided some fantastic photo opportunities too.  

Another bridge you can see in the distance is the second Hooghly Bridge, Vidyasagar Setu, which kind of reminded me of a grey Golden Gate Bridge.

It’s the longest cable-stayed bridge in all of India.

If you are wondering, there are a total of 4 bridges on the Hooghly River connecting Kolkata to Howrah. The others are Bally Bridge (Vivekananda Setu) and New Bally Bridge (Nivedita Setu).

3. Enjoy watching life on the Kolkata Ghats  

As well as getting to see the city in a different light, I loved watching the life that goes on along the river banks.  

As we took the evening cruise, people were coming out to pray in the cooler temperatures, meditating in the low sunshine and bathing or washing clothes in the river.  

People would wave, or watch us go by. We’d see people waiting for the local ferries and heard many temples playing loud music.  

As we were visiting around Durga Puja, people were immersing idols of the Hindu warrior Goddess Durga in the river Ganga. A tradition that has taken place for centuries.

I actually went to see the idols being made in Kumartuli , the potters quarter in the city , which is another place I would highly recommend you visit.  

Apparently, to make a statue of Durga, a priest has to collect soil from outside the house of a prostitute.

Then it is mixed with clay taken from the Ganga, cow dung and cow urine too.

Durga Puja is celebrated across the world for those of the Hindu faith, but it is a really special occasion in Kolkata. The celebrations go on for 10 days or more and the city is bustling with all sorts of festivities.  

4.   You’ll get chai, and lot’s of yummy snacks on board!  

As soon as we boarded the boat and just before we left, we were showered with drinks and snacks pretty much the whole time we were sailing.  

We were offered fresh mango juice on arrival and spicy-sweet chai as we sailed along the river bank.  

Later there were fizzy drinks. But, I’m afraid there isn’t a bar or any alcohol if you were expecting a booze cruise. It is the Ganges river and many Hindus do not condone drinking.  

As there was only four of us, we had no need to secure our seats. We could just sit anywhere we liked and walked around to different sides of the boat to see a new perspective.  

What food is served on a Vivada evening Cruise?

In the first half, we were offered fried snacks. They were traditional Indian snacks like ‘Fish Fry’ which was amazing as Kolkata is famous for its fish.  

There was also Pakora or Pakoda which essentially just means deep-fried something…   So, you have onion pakoda (like onion bhaaji), paneer (cheese) pakoda, chicken pakoda etc. 

If you’re worried about spicy things, just ask the staff to help you out. But, their version of spicy and yours may be very different, lol!  

I didn’t find anything spicy save the chutneys. They did have mild tomato ketchup though for dipping.

Then on the second half of the trip, we got chicken drumsticks, more fish, more pakoda, we were offered so much food.

I was actually super full by the end of it. Then, when the local desserts came out, I thought I was going to burst! So come with an empty stomach.  

We were planning to eat dinner after if there wasn’t much food on the cruise. But I honestly couldn’t have eaten another bite. I needed rolling home as I was full of Pakoda!

5. The sky will transform in all different colours

A highlight for me was watching the sunset as we sailed towards Belur Math. As we got on the boat around the time the sun was setting, we could watch the whole thing from start to finish.

The weather for Kolkata in October was extremely temperamental. One minute we’d have sunshine, the next grey clouds and tropical rain showers.

All within the space of an hour.   It was meant to be past monsoon season. But, the rains were so heavy a lot of the city was flooded.

That meant grey skies and I hadn’t actually seen a good sunset since I had been in the city. But luckily, on the very last night for our sunset cruise, we actually got to see a sunset!  

So, we picked a great day for it and the sun definitely put on a show. We saw the sky change from orange, to red hues, then the most bright shade of pink.  

It was so beautiful to see and even better when paired with sipping on chai!  

6.   Explore Belur Math for the evening aarti

An unexpected but welcome addition to our trip was a short 45 minute stop at Belur Math in the middle of our cruise. We were led inside and shown around by a Vivada cruise leader.  

Belur Math is a HUGE temple complex that spans 40 acres on the banks of the Hooghly River.  

It’s the Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission spiritual organisation.  

It was founded in the 19th century by Sri Ramakrishna, known as the Prophet of the Modern Age and his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda, a forward thinker and religious leader.  

Although there are 4 temples, plus education and medical centres in Belur Math, the Sri Ramakrishna Temple is the jewel in its crown.

Here, we got to see the magical evening aarti. Where the priests of the temples lead the local pilgrims in prayer.  

Women must observe in one section and men must be on the other as is the custom. You’ll quickly be ushered on by security if you end up in the wrong place.  

You can also buy all sorts of books with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda in the library afterwards. We had absolutely no idea that we were stopping here but we both said it was the best part of our trip for sure.  

7. On the way back, you’ll see the city light up at night

Once we boarded the ship after the evening aarti, it was pitch black skies. As it was so clear, we did get to see the stars and started to slowly sail back to the boarding dock.  

But now the city had completely lit up with the most marvellous reflections on the river!  

So, we enjoyed our (rather huge) snacks while watching all the colourful buildings. The Howrah Bridge even lit up and so we got to see it in two ways.

There were also buildings like SBI (State Bank of India) who had lights in all different colours of the rainbow. I only know them as I always use their ATMs because they don’t charge lol. 

The reason why I loved this cruise over the others is that you got to see the best of both worlds. Kolkata by day and night on the water!

8. It’s the perfect way to start or end your trip!

I don’t know why, but I always love to end my trips with a big event like a cruise. I think it just feels nice to do something epic on your last day to say goodbye to a place.  

Kolkata quickly became one of my favourite cities in all of India after my visit, I really didn’t expect to fall so in love with it.

There was just so much to do, the streets had such a vibe and the people were really friendly.  

From the legacy of the British Raj, temple hopping, cultural events, shopping streets and the most amazing food. I don’t think I’ll ever forget my visit here and am already plotting how I’ll return.

But, wrapping up the trip with an epic colourful sunset over the Hooghly (after rain and grey skies for 4 days straight) was the best way to end my incredible journey here.  

Whatever time you decide to go on your cruise, I’m sure will be memorable. So I say, enjoy every minute!  

Top tips for your Ganges River Cruise Kolkata  

Although this trip was amazing, there are a few things I wish I knew before I came on board.

So, here are some of my top tips and things to pack for your Ganges river cruise in Kolkata;

• Jacket – although it is really warm in Kolkata during the day, it can get chilly in the monsoon or winter in the evening time. As you’re in the middle of the river, the breeze can bite. So, I’d make sure you bring a scarf or a light layer if you feel the cold.  
• Shoes – During our tour, we did have to take off our shoes to enter the temple at Belur Math. Luckily, I wore slip ons. From personal experience, temple hopping in trainers gets really annoying to have to untie shoes, then tie shoelaces again etc.  
• Toilets – There is a toilet on board on the bottom deck and it is clean! There was even toilet roll which was a bit of a blessing. But, there wasn’t soap. So, bring some anti-bacterial hand wash. I always have mine as part of my staple day kit in India.  
• Bug spray – Epic fail, I forgot bug spray. Bugs love me too. The mozzies do decide to come out when the sun is setting and at night. So, make sure you bring some to stop getting bitten!  
• Two decks – There are two deck on board the boat. The top deck is open which is lovely for views. But the bottom deck is covered if it’s raining or you’re feeling the cold.  

Other things to do in Kolkata at night

If you’ve returned from your Vivada Cruise and feel the night is still young. There are a lot of awesome places to visit in Kolkata at night time.

From temples that worship till late at night, sound and light shows and some of Kolkata’s famous street food. You’ll never be bored in this thriving city.  

Here are the top things to do in Kolkata at night.  

Kalighat Temple

Although I always like to visit temples during the day, I know that Hindu temples really come alive at night time.

When the sun sets and the temperatures are cooler, many pilgrims come to the temples to pray.  

Kalighat Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kolkata. That’s because it is one of the 4 main Shakti Peetha temples of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

If you’re not aware of what Shakti Peethas are, the legend is that Shiva’s Wife Shakti died. Shiva was so upset he carried her dead body around everywhere with him.

Eventually, Vishnu cut her body up into 51 pieces. Where her 51 pieces fell are now temples and places of worship dedicated to her.

I’ve now visited 2 of the 4 main Shakti Peetha temples, one is Kalighat temple and the other is Khamakya temple in Guwahati. But, overall there are 51 in total, so I still have a LOT left to see.

Kamakhya Temple is where Shakti’s yoni (or vagina) fell and Kalighat Temple is where her right toe fell. So, it draws many crowds and you’ll find the queues are huge and you could be waiting hours to go inside.  

Many Brahmin’s of the temple charge a ‘VIP’ fee of 300 rupees where you can skip the crowds. Even locals do it if they don’t want to queue for hours. 

It will save you a lot of time and you can be blessed and receive your red-yellow thread too (Kautuka). I still wear mine now!  

Victoria Memorial Sound and Light Show

The Victoria Memorial has to be on your list while you’re in the city and is a marvel during the day. But by night it is lit up beautifully against the night sky and they put on a sound and light show in the gardens.

You can then watch the memorial light up in different colours and watch the magic fountains dance outside on the reflection lagoon.

The sound and light show takes place every day, except Mondays and tickets cost 30 rupees per head.

Click here for more details about visiting the Victoria memorial

Try a Hot Kathi Roll on Park Street  

I can assure you that the snacks you receive on the boat will make you full!   But, if you’re still feeling peckish and looking for foodie ideas, you have to try one of Kolkata’s famous Hot Kati Rolls.  

There are many dotted around the city, but the original is a ‘hole-in-the-wall’ (quite literally) counter that can be found on Park Street.

It’s the ultimate street food and can be compared with a kebab back home.  

You’ll get a wrap, filled with hot chicken, onions, spices, some unidentifiable sauce and it will be all wrapped up and fried on the counter!  

It is absolutely delicious, ridiculously cheap at 50 rupees a pop and crowds of locals come here to eat each evening.   There are no seats as it’s just a street food counter, but just nearby you can sit down and enjoy.

Go on an evening Kolkata Street food tour!  

Kolkata is known for its street food, so if you’d rather go on a street food tour, there are a few that take place each evening.  

You’ll try a range of famous Kolkata street foods like;

• Fish Curry (Macher Jhol)
• Kolkata Biryani (yes each place has their own version in India and it’s almost criminal to just call it ‘Biryanai’)
• Mutton Curry (Kosha Mangsho)
• Phuchka – similar to Gol Gopan or Pani Puri
• and… so much more! (There are vegetarian options for those that do not eat meat)

So, make sure you book your Kolkata food tour here to learn all about them

Where to stay in Kolkata  

I stayed in the beautiful Oberoi Grand Kolkata. This was like an oasis to return to after a hot sweaty day out exploring in the monsoon!  

Their hotel is almost an attraction in itself and an icon of the city as it’s the second oldest hotel. You can stay in one of their beautiful deco-like rooms with four-poster beds and it has a gorgeous washroom with a bathtub.

I would highly recommend booking a room indoor facing as the traffic is quite loud, especially during festivals.

Their delectable buffet breakfast at ThreeSixtyThree comes included and they have a refreshing pool with free smoothies!  

Click here to book your stay at the Oberoi Grand for the night

Check out some more of my articles about Kolkata  

• The ULTIMATE Kolkata Travel Guide
• Why you need to visit the flower market in Kolkata
• Don’t miss the abandoned cemetery in Kolkata  
• A look inside the world’s biggest Banyan Tree!  
• Visiting the statue village

Save this Ganges River Cruise Kolkata review for later!

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

I spent 64 years in kolkata but still I learnt so many things! Incredible

Sophie Pearce

Thursday 26th of May 2022

Hi Neelash, thanks so much for reading. Glad you enjoyed it! I miss Kolkata. Sophie x

Wednesday 26th of February 2020

Nice article, thanks for sharing keep share more.

Hi Sam, thanks so much for your feedback! I loved this experience in Kolkata. Sophie x

Antara Cruises

Ganges Voyager II

Discover new cultures, new experiences and new destinations while you sail on the Ganges, on our award winning river cruise. Experience true luxury  tour while witnessing rich culture with the care and hospitality of the Ganges Voyager II and its crew.

Antara Ganges Voyager II is a spacious, high-ceilinged 28 suites serene sanctuary, with beautiful hand-painted murals and all the comforts of a five-star hotel. All suites have a cosy sitting area and a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. A bed dressed in soft linens, with a choice of pillows. Your roomy bathroom has a rain shower, comfy robes and slippers, and spa-quality bath products. Other high-end amenities include a generous amount of closet space, under-bed storage, a flat-screen television with a wide selection of on-demand movies, individual climate control, bottled water replenished daily, fresh fruit and flowers upon arrival, an iPhone docking station with alarm clock, makeup mirrors and universal electrical plugs.

Exceptional Service

With the highest staff-to-guest ratio and personalised butler service, experience true Indian hospitality. Warm and friendly service which sets the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Eat.Drink.Love

Fresh ingredients and Michelin inspired menus paired with choicest of wines, will take you on a culinary journey when you sail on Antara Cruises.

Indulge in fine dining experiences curated using freshest of the ingredients, offering an array of delicacies prepared imaginatively and plated artistically.

Enjoy fine tipples and ingeniously crafted cocktails and mélanges curated using the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Fresh ingredients, local delicacies and regionally inspired menus are the guiding principles for our chefs, who work tirelessly to offer you the best of local and international cuisines.

Luxurious Accomodation

There is a place where luxury is comfortable, simplicity is elegant, and supreme indulgence creates a sense of well-being. Here, the day breaks with enchanting views, and night falls into a dreamy slumber in your beautifully spacious suite.

Maharaja Suite

The most luxurious and spacious suite aboard, with 400 sq. ft. of space, the Maharaja Suite is a haven of luxury. Embellished with Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and rich tapestry, it also has a flat screen TV, on-demand movie service, and a writing desk. Bathrooms are as luxurious as the room and are fitted with both spacious bathtub and shower panels. Daily butler service and in-room dining are also available on request.

Viceroy Suite

Regal and ornate, the Viceroy Suite is furnished with colonial decor, Persian rugs and hand-stencilled walls. It has more than 360 sq. ft. of living space, a finely crafted day bed and a spacious bathroom fitted with all modern amenities.

Heritage Suite

Offering utmost privacy and comfort with a spacious French balcony to witness the panoramic views, Heritage Suite is a perfect retreat. It is fitted with an exquisite four-poster bed, Persian rugs and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The hand painted walls add to the charm of these suites.

Colonial Suite

The Colonial Rooms are painted in vibrant and inviting colours with picturesque prints that uplift the mood. There is a comfortable seating area in the suite and also a beautiful French balcony. The bathrooms offer spacious showers with premium bath linens and toiletries.

Signature Suite

Our Signature Suite offers two styles of arrangements – 2 twin-size beds and 1 queen size-bed. It has a comfortable seating area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors to enjoy the view outside. Decorated with hand-stencils, local murals and fine wood furniture, the suite is meticulously designed for comfort.

Immersive Experiences

oak in the Antara River experience on the holy rivers of India and witness diverse cultural and heritage traditions. Enjoy experiential exploration on the riverside aligned with enriching pursuits onboard.

Spend your days in the warm rays and relax on our well-appointed sundeck.

In order to acquaint you with the beautiful journey of India’s past, we take you on a tour of historical monuments. These include British colonial buildings, Mother Teresa’s memorial home, Murshidabad’s Palace & Chandernagore’s French colonial buildings to name a few.

Cultural Programs

After spending the day in off-board excursions, enjoy cultural dance performances within the premises of the cruise. These folk dance forms offer a glimpse into India’s rich heritage and culture through their synchronized moves and attire.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Immerse yourself in the rituals of relaxation at the Antara Spa, which finds a natural home on the rivers of India, There is no better place to experience yoga than on the sacred rivers of India where it was born.

Enjoy a relaxing massage at our spa on Sundeck, which has two treatment rooms. Choose from a wide range of Indian and western spa treatments during the luxurious journey.

Fitness Centre

For those who wish to maintain their routine of a morning run, our gym – adjoining the spa – houses a treadmill, an exercise bike and an elliptical machine.

Wake up early and spare a few moments to rejuvenate your senses with a session of Yoga on the Ganges. Complimentary Yoga classes, geared towards beginners, are offered to all guests every morning.

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Question & Answers - Kolkata Ganga River Cruise

Q: what is the reporting time for ganges cruise.

A: Reporting time for all Ganges Cruise are 30 minutes prior to departure time.

Q: Do You need to carry any special items for the cruise?

A: No there are nothing to be carried for the cruise, all items re provided by us.

Q: How to pay to book the cruises?

A: Direct bank deposits, UPI Scanners or pay by Credit Card in our website. Please do not transfer funds before confirming availability on your preferred date.

Q: Can I smoke or Drink during the cruise?

A: Yes you can smoke in the open areas of the vessel or boats, but drinking is strictly prohibited unless you have booked a same package.

BREAKFAST CRUISE (8.30 am to 11.30 am)   Set sail at early morning under the magnificent Howrah Bridge towards Swami Vivekananda's Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission. You witness the ghats come alive with activities - masseurs, bathers, rituals, ferries carrying office goers between the two banks, fisherman throwing their nets around. 

Treat your taste buds with the delicious and sumptuous menu specially chosen by chef. You will have two Veg & two Non-veg options to choose from. A lavish buffet spread for your taste buds.* 

Lunch and Dinner Cruise Cost

Per Person 2100 per person.

Country Boat Cruise Without Meals

Breakfast & Evening River Cruise

Kolkata Ganga River Cruise Luxury Tours With Food

Terms & conditions- kolkata river cruise.

1. Tickets once booked cannot be exchanged or refunded. 2. An Internet handling fee per ticket may be levied. Please check the total amount before payment. 3. We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior at the venue for a seamless entry. 4. It is mandatory to follow all necessary safety precautions  5. Please do not purchase tickets if you feel sick 6. Unlawful resale (or attempted unlawful resale) of a ticket would lead to seizure or cancellation of that ticket without refund or other compensation 7. Rights of admission reserved 8. Outside food is not allowed 9. Pets are not allowed on the boat. 10. Wearing life jacket is compulsory. 11. One cannot stand on the nauka in the middle of the water even after wearing the jacket.

Set sail on the River Ganges with the Kolkata Heritage Hoogly River Cruises .

There are multiple cruise options from small country boat rides to Luxury multi day cruises to enjoy. Here you will find all Kolkata Heritage Ganges Hoogly River Cruises and make Online Booking  for the same. The Ganges or Hoogly River cruises covers some of the most iconic attractions of the heritage importance as well as the modern architectural marvel the banks of the majestic river has a  lot to offer for a tourist. 

What is the Kolkata River Cruises?

From the time when Job Charnock dropped his first anchor to the modern monolithic bridge, the second Hooghly-Bridge, the winding river has woven itself around the lives of this city. A Kolkata River Cruise on the Ganges, will be the best way to explore the city. There are 54 ghats (quayside) and all have great history and heritage. Some of them are Bathing ghats, Ceremonial ghats and then the Ferry ghat which connects the two banks at various places. Many monuments, memorials and markets are there by the river side, to be explored & experienced from the river. A evening Ganga river cruise in Kolkata offers a wonderful experience of the pristine sunset and the ganga Arati.  

LUNCH CRUISE 

(12.30 pm to 3.30 pm)  Escape from the humdrum of the hectic city into a lazy afternoon with friends and family. Amid laughter and ebullience on belly satisfying delicious lunch menu. Treat your taste buds with the delicious and sumptuous menu specially chosen by chef. You will have two Veg & two Non-veg options to choose from. A lavish buffet spread for your taste buds.

The Kolkata Street Food Ganga Aarati Cruise

Country boat cruise.

Escape from the humdrum of the hectic city into a lazy afternoon with friends and family. Amid laughter and ebullience on belly satisfying delicious lunch menu. Treat your taste buds with the delicious and sumptuous menu specially chosen by chef. You will have two Veg & two Non-veg options to choose from. A lavish buffet spread for your taste buds.

DINNER CRUISE  

​(7.30 pm to 10.00 pm)  With the reflection of the Kolkata city-lights shimmering in the river, with no destination in mind. Come along and enjoy the magic and romance of the historic with majestic city. Onboard with a warm smile and a drink along with sumptuous dinner menu.

1 HOUR JOY RIDE CRUISE IN COUNTRY BOAT

EVENING CRUISE (4.00 pm to 7.00 pm) ​ Spend the evening sailing on the river and experience setting sun over the historic Howrah Bridge and catch the breathtaking beauty of the lights and city scapes of the banks.

Lunch & Dinner Cruise

Kolkata river cruise luxury ganga ganges hoogly tours with food online booking timinig prices cost, kolkata ganga hoogly river cruise tours booking, kolkata ganga hoogly river cruise tours.

A visit to Belur Math for 45 minutes (charges inclusive ).

Treat your taste buds with the delicious and sumptuous menu specially chosen by chef. You will have two Veg & two Non-veg options to choose from. A lavish buffet spread for your taste buds. Cost* Rs. 1750/- per person

EVENING GANGA AARTI AND KOLKATA STREET FOOD RIVER CRUISE

Immerse yourself in the spiritual Ganga Aarti and soulful live folk music on the sacred Ganges over an unforgettable two-hour boat tour simultaneously, experiencing mouth watering live Phuchka (Pani-Puri) station and sipping tea in kullars, to relish the true flavour of the region and the essence of local culture along with a lot more!

Available on Saturdays and Sundays.

For group of more than 25 heads tour organised on any day. Riverboat Hi-tea Menu Jhalmuri, Phuchka with khatta mitha pani, Veg pakora & Chicken pakora, Ghughni Chaat, Egg Bhurjee with Pao Ice cream Tea/ coffee Adult- INR 1675, Child 7 to 12 yrs- INR 1365.

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Ganga Vilas

Built in 2022, the luxurious, 18-suite Ganga Vilas is a state-of-the-art, handcrafted riverboat offering guests unparalleled comfort in the region and pioneering exploration of the Indian Subcontinent’s seldom-sailed waterways.

Her itineraries include the longest river cruise in the world, a unique voyage spanning the course of 27 rivers and a distance of some 3200 km (nearly 2000 miles) across India and Bangladesh. Exploring the wonders of the region like no other river cruise before, the route connects the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems via Bangladesh, traversing both the Gangetic and Bengal Plains, as well as the Sundarbans and Assam Valley.

Life On Board

Exclusively catering for up to 36 guests, the vessel’s 18 sophisticated suites are split over two decks, with 8 on the Main Deck which neighbor a gym and pair of massage rooms, and 10 on the Upper Deck bookended by a panoramic lounge-bar to the bow and dining room to the stern. Above, the half-shaded Sun Deck has a covered observation pavilion with cozy seating and tables, and a selection of loungers with umbrellas all providing unrestricted views of the stunning scenery.

The ship features a vibrant and modern decor inspired by the 1950s art scene that followed the 1947 Partition of India. These bursts of color, from bright magentas and cool blues to lustrous yellows, all delightfully complement the vivid cultures and regions explored during its sailing.

And, with sustainable principles at its heart, the Ganga Vilas incorporates pollution prevention and noise control technologies to honor the ancient rivers traveled through—and environments visited—en route.

To enrich your time on board, butlers are on hand to cater to your every whim, and the industry-leading crew-to-guest service ratios ensure there is always someone on hand to exceed your expectations with warm, personalized and friendly service. As well as being pampered—literally if you visit the on board massage rooms—there are cultural performances, educational talks and cooking classes for your entertainment.

World’s Longest River Cruise

The Ganga Vilas offers lucky guests the chance to embark on the longest river cruise in the world, and what’s more, the rare chance to experience a pioneering route across the Indian Subcontinent with privileged access to pristine vistas untouched by pollution or mass tourism, rich in mythologies, monuments, temples, palaces, artisans and biodiversity.

This is an experiential voyage of epic proportions, not only in terms of its duration—some 50 days of navigation—but also in its exploration of the riches of the region, as you embark on an immersive journey encompassing art, cuisine, wildlife, culture, spirituality, and so much more, visiting World Heritage listed sites, colonial cities, ruins of lost empires, national parks and artisanal villages.

Immersive Experiences

Descend the ghats of the holy city of Varanasi to witness the powerful “Ganga Aarti” ritual, a devotional offering to the river’s goddess, Maa Ganga, and visit the archaeological site of Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon after reaching enlightenment.

Witness the incredible wildlife and natural wonders of the world’s largest mangrove forest—the Sundarbans—and the bewilderingly biodiverse Kaziranga National Park, home to India’s Big 5: the One-Horned Rhino, Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Wild Water Buffalo and Swamp Deer.

Marvel at mysterious Mayong, a village considered the cradle of Tantra Kriya (black magic) in India where sorcery, voodoo and dark magic were traditionally practiced since time immemorial and passed down over generations.

Explore the unique island of Majuli, cultural capital of Assam and largest river island in the world. The island is home to a myriad of 15th-century Hindu monasteries, each with their own principles and devotional practices, mask-wearing monks, and traditional dances.

Travelers that prefer a shorter itinerary but still want to explore the riches of this remarkable region, the 49-night itinerary can be done in two parts, a 19-night portion from Varanasi to Kolkata (or vice-versa) along the Ganges, and a 30-night portion from Kolkata to Dibrugarh (or vice-versa) via Bangladesh along the Hooghly, Brahmaputra and other rivers.

A lavish, all-suite, and all-inclusive cruise taking you to untouched destinations along the seldom-sailed rivers of the Indian Subcontinent, all with unmatched hospitality and unparalleled comfort, a voyage aboard Ganga Vilas promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

11 Day - Treading the Buddha’s Trail

Embarkation

AM: Board an early morning train in Kolkata to Farakka. Upon arrival at the Farakka train station, transfer to embark the ship followed by lunch while the ship sails to Samtaghat revealing vast panoramas.

PM: Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

River day Samtaghat – Bateshwarsthan

AM & PM: Today we sail full day towards Bateshwarsthan. Enjoy today on board. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Bateshwarsthan – Sultanganj

AM: Morning drive to the 8-9th century excavation site of the Vikramshila University (approx. 15-mins drive) and walk around the ruins. Vikramshila University was one of the three most important Buddhist monasteries in India during the Pala Empire, along with Nalanda and Odantapuri. It was one of the largest Buddhist universities, with more than a thousand students and over one hundred teachers. Its location is now the site of Antichak village near Kahalgaon, in Bihar. Vikramshila is known mainly through Tibetan sources, especially the writings of Taranatha, the Tibetan monk historian of the 16-17 centuries. 

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj. 

Sultanganj – Munger

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock-islands in the river connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

PM: Thereafter sail towards Munger.

Munger Sightseeing

AM: Munger is known for its manufacturing of iron articles such as firearms and swords. It is the ancient city of Mahabharata legend Karna, the eldest son of Kunti and the Sun Lord. In the morning visit to the Chandika Sthan Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti it is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. 

PM: Return to ship for lunch and thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. Munger’s Fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

Munger – Simaria

AM: We continue our journey further upstream sailing to arrive in Simaria by late afternoon. Visit by walk in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people. It has a famous bridge which provides both rail and road connectivity to the local residents.

River day Simaria – Patna

AM: Today we sail full day through wonderful countryside to Patna, the capital of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra.

Patna Disembark / Nalanda – Bodhgaya

AM: Disembark early morning by 07:00 hrs after early breakfast or with packed breakfast and drive to Nalanda (approx. 2-hrs).  The archaeological ruins of Nalanda, a World Heritage Site, was a renowned Mahavihara (Buddhist monastic university) in ancient Magadha. It is considered by historians to be the world's first residential university and among the greatest centers of learning in the ancient world. Operating from 427 until 1197 CE, Nalanda played a vital role in promoting the patronage of arts and academics during the 5th and 6th century CE. It was supported by numerous Indian and Javanese patrons, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. Over some 750 years, its faculty included some of the most revered scholars of Mahayana Buddhism. It taught six major Buddhist schools and philosophies as well as subjects such as Vedas, grammar, medicine, logic and mathematics. It was perhaps the oldest seat of learning in India and treasures a glorious past, rich spiritual heritage and some extraordinary architectural ruins.

PM: Continue to nearby Rajgir where lunch can be taken at a local restaurant. 

Rajgir, is a historic town that holds a place of prominence in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain scriptures owing to it being the seat and capital of several dynasties and the dwelling ground of such historical figures as The Buddha and Mahavira. Both Mahavira and Buddha taught in Rajgir during the 6th and 5th century BC. The Buddha was offered a forest monastery in Rajgir, by the king Bimbisara. As such, the city of Rajgir became one of the Buddha's most important preaching locations, where he spent several months meditating. He also delivered some of his famous sermons and initiated king Bimbisara and others to Buddhism. It was here, on one of the hills where the First Buddhist Council was held after Buddha’s death.

Continue drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 2-hrs), which for Buddhists, is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini and Sarnath.

Dinner and overnight at a local hotel.

Bodhgaya Sightseeing

AM: Begin the day with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple. Declared a World Heritage Site, it is said to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment under a banyan tree that became known as the Bodhi Tree. Since antiquity, Bodh Gaya has remained the object of pilgrimage and veneration both for Hindus and Buddhists. Buddhist chanting and prayers can be witnessed in the temple premises.

The day can be spent exploring the several Buddhist temples and monasteries that have been built by the people of various countries like Bhutan, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam in a wide area around the Mahabodhi Temple. These buildings reflect the architectural style, exterior and interior decoration of their respective countries. The statue of The Buddha in the Chinese temple is 200 years old and was brought from China. The Japanese Nippon temple is shaped like a pagoda. The Myanmar (Burmese) temple is also pagoda shaped and is reminiscent of Bagan. The Thai temple has a typical sloping, curved roof covered with golden tiles. Inside, the temple holds a massive bronze statue of Buddha. Next to the Thai temple is a 25-metre statue of The Buddha, located within a garden which has existed there for over 100 years.

PM: Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Drive Bodhgaya / Varanasi

AM: After early breakfast we drive to Varanasi (248-kms/approx. 5-hrs), the holiest town for the Hindus. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and have lunch. Varanasi, known variously as Banaras and Kashi, is a major religious hub in India, and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Hindus believe that death in this city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. The city is known worldwide for its many Ghats, which are embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the riverbank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. 

PM: Enjoy a walk on these ghats and arrive at the Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the “Ganga Aarti” ritual, performed by a group of priests lined up on the riverbank chanting mantras and performing the prayer ritual with lamps, incense, bells and traditional Hindu instruments to honour the river. Thousands of devotees throng the riverbank to participate in the ceremony every evening.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

AM: At early dawn enjoy a Sunrise Boat Tour to witness the incredible scenes along the Holy River. Return to hotel for breakfast. 

Thereafter visit Sarnath where, circa 528 BCE, at 35 years of age, Gautama Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. The Dhamek Stupa here marks the precise location where Buddha preached his first discourse to his first five disciples, and where all five eventually became fully liberated. It is also where the Buddhist Sangha first came into existence as a result of the enlightenment of his first five disciples. It is also one of the eight stupas where Buddha’s ashes after his cremation were divided and buried.

The Archaeological Museum at Sarnath contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years. 

Thereafter transfer to the airport for onward journey. 

20 Day - Kolkata to Varanasi

PM: Embark the ship at the Jetty in Kolkata and enjoy lunch on board. The afternoon excursion features a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Proceed to visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb (closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked here until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Optional: We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children's Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour.

Enjoy cultural performances onboard. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Kolkata - Kalna

AM: Morning after breakfast, visit Kolkata’s Flower Market, a feast for the eyes. Located below and adjacent to the cantilevered Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred river Ganges, the market is bustling from the wee hours of the morning. Countless vendors and buyers exchange money for flowers and countless locals carry bales of flowers that are at least twice their weight. There are several stalls where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata, renowned for its sculpting prowess, which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them. The potters here fashioned the clay from the river beside their home into pots to be sold at the local market. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch and start sailing upstream passing below the Howrah Bridge and seeing

various colonial buildings along the Ganges River.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Kalna – Matiari

AM: In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town center of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques that depict themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.

PM: Return to the ship walk through the local market and sail onward to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.

Matiari - Murshidabad

AM: Early this morning enjoy a walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. The village is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village.

PM: Sail onward to Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

Mushidabad – Jangipur

AM: Morning visit to the Katra mosque. Built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad – Murshid Quli Khan in 1724-25, this mosque has distinctive minarets from which the muezzin calls the faithful to Friday prayers. Thereafter proceed to visit the Hazarduari Palace (closed on Fridays), which dominates the waterfront, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824-1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors and is filled with colonial-era antiques, artwork, and manuscripts. Opposite the Palace is a vast Imambara – built by the Nawab for worship.

PM: Return to the ship and sail towards Jangipur.

River day Jangipur – Samtaghat

AM: We will cast off early in the morning to reach the historic Farakka Lock Gate, which was built during the years 1963-75. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges revealing vast panoramas. We can also see the Farakka barrage at a distance, which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India.

PM: We continue to sail towards Samtaghat. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail full day towards Bateshwarsthan. Enjoy today on board. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning drive to the excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. In the late 8th or early 9th century, Vikramshila University, along with that of Nalanda, was one of the two most important Buddhist centers of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, meta-physics, and logic were taught here.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock islands in the river that are connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th-century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

PM: Thereafter sail towards Munger, one of the largest and most industrialized cities in the state of Bihar. It is a hub for railway, gun, tobacco, and dairy product manufacturing. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning visit to the Chandika Sthan Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti it is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. It is believed that Sati Devi's left eye had fallen at this place which subsequently developed into a place of worship.

PM: Return to ship for lunch and thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. The Munger Fort is built on a rocky hillock on the south bank of the Ganges River. Its history is not completely dated but it is believed that it was built during the early rule of the Slave Dynasty (12th – 13th century). The Fort had a succession of Muslim rulers followed by the Mughals, till it was finally acceded to the British. The fort became a place of considerable importance to the British in Bengal till India'a independence in 1947. The fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace, and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

AM: We continue our journey further upstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. Until the first half of the 20th century, Mokameh Ghat was an important trade and transport link for ferrying cargo and passengers by ships across the river to the northeastern parts of India. We arrive in Samaria by late afternoon. Visit by walking in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people.

AM: Today we sail a full day through the wonderful countryside to Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a center of international trade.

Patna – Ghaghra Mod

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard we proceed for a sightseeing tour of Patna visiting the Golghar, Patna Museum, and Gurudwara. The 18th-century Golghar, (closed on Mondays) literally meaning "Roundhouse", is a large beehive-shaped granary that was built "for the perpetual prevention of famine in these provinces" in 1784 by Warren Hastings, the British Governor General of India. Designed by Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers, part of the East India Company’s Bengal Army, this pillar-less building has a height of 29m. One can climb at the top of the Golghar through the spiral stairway around it. The spiral staircase was designed to facilitate the passage of the workers, who had to carry grain bags up one flight, deliver their load through a hole at the top, and descend the other stairs. The top of the Golghar presents a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges. The Patna Museum (closed on Mondays) was started in April 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artifacts found in the vicinity of Patna. Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, bronze images and sculptures, and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a collection related to the first President of India Rajendra Prasad, who hailed from the region. Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) was built to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs in 1666. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. The current shrine was built in the 1950s.

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Ghaghra Mod – en route to Buxar

AM: Morning enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail a full day towards Buxar, anchoring en route.

Arrival in Buxar

AM: We arrive in Buxar by late morning. Buxar is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar, bordering the State of Uttar Pradesh. This town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, the battlefield of gods and demons, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. The discoveries from excavations have established a link between Buxar and the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. It is most famous for the battle fought here in 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-daulah the Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

PM: Post lunch explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, which is associated with the legend of Lord Ram. It is said that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges near this ghat. He also made a “Shivling” from sand and clay and worshipped it. Located on the riverbank is the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses various types of Archaeological objects, coins, and manuscripts. It is named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection to the museum. The terracotta collection of the Mauryan and Shungan periods deserves special mention.

Buxar – Ghazipur

AM: Today we sail to Ghazipur, in the State of Uttar Pradesh, sailing past the battlefield of Chausa, where in 1539 CE, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal. Ghazipur is well known for its opium factory, established by the British East India Company in 1820 and still the biggest legal opium factory in the world, producing the drug for the global pharmaceutical industry.

PM: Afternoon, visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the major figures of Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War and then for his time as the Governor-General of India, being said to have laid the true foundation of British rule. He was later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He died in Ghazipur in 1805, soon after his return to India for his second appointment as Governor-General. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a lofty dome supported by 12 Doric columns. At the center is the bust of Lord Cornwallis, below which is an epitaph in English.

River day Ghazipur – en route to Varanasi

AM: Today we sail full day upstream towards Varanasi.

PM: We will moor for the night before Varanasi, subject to river tide conditions. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Arrival in Varanasi

AM: We sail further upstream through the day to arrive by late afternoon depending upon tide conditions in Varanasi, our final destination of the cruise, Varanasi. Known variously as Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is a major religious hub in India, and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. It is also an important industrial center, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture.

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard, visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays) here contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter, visit the Ghats by walking to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.

Disembarkation

AM: Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.

20 Day - Varanasi to Kolkata

PM: Arrive in Varanasi in the afternoon and transfer to the jetty for embarkation. Welcome and safety briefing, then enjoy lunch on board.

Samath to Ghats

River Day Varanasi - Ghazipur

AM: Today we sail a full day downstream towards Ghazipur, which is well known for its opium factory, established by the British East India Company in 1820 and still the biggest legal opium factory in the world, producing the drug for the global pharmaceutical industry.

Ghazipur - Buxar

AM: Morning after breakfast visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the major figures of Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War and then for his time as the Governor-General of India, being said to have laid the true foundation of British rule. He was later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He died in Ghazipur in 1805, soon after his return to India for his second appointment as Governor-General. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a lofty dome supported by 12 Doric columns. At the center is the bust of Lord Cornwallis, below which is an epitaph in English.

PM: Thereafter sail a full day towards Buxar, in the State of Bihar, sailing past the battlefield of Chausa, where in 1539 CE, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal.

Buxar is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar, bordering the State of Uttar Pradesh. This town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, the battlefield of gods and demons, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. The discoveries from excavations have established a link between Buxar and the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. It is most famous for the battle fought here in 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-daulah the Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

Buxar - Ghaghra Mod

AM: Morning after breakfast explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, which is associated with the legend of Lord Ram. It is said that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges near this ghat. He also made a “Shivling” from sand and clay and worshipped it. Located on the riverbank is the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses various types of Archaeological objects, coins, and manuscripts. It is named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection to the museum. The terracotta collection of the Mauryan and Shungan periods deserves special mention.

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges.Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Ghaghra Mod – Patna

AM: Morning enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail a full day to Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a center of international trade.

Patna – en route to Simaria

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Simaria, anchoring en route. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Arrive in Simaria – en route to Munger

AM: Further sailing in the morning brings us to Simaria. Visit by walking in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people.

We continue our journey further downstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. Until the first half of the 20th century, Mokameh Ghat was an important trade and transport link for ferrying cargo and passengers by ships across the river to the northeastern parts of India. We anchor en route o Munger.

PM : We arrive in Munger by afternoon which is one of the largest and most industrialized cities in the state of Bihar. It is a hub for railway, gun, tobacco, and dairy product manufacturing. Late afternoon thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. The Munger

Fort is built on a rocky hillock on the south bank of the Ganges River. Its history is not completely dated but it is believed that it was built during the early rule of the Slave Dynasty (12th – 13th century). The Fort had a succession of Muslim rulers followed by the Mughals, till it was finally acceded to the British. The fort became a place of considerable importance to the British in Bengal till India'a independence in 1947. The fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace, and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

Munger - Sultanganj

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj.

Sultanganj – Bateshwarsthan

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock islands in the river that are connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th-century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thereafter sail towards Bateshwarsthan.

Bateshwarsthan – Samtaghat

AM: Morning drive to the excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. In the late 8th or early 9th century, Vikramshila University, along with that of Nalanda, was one of the two most important Buddhist centers of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Samtaghat. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

River day Samtaghat – Jangipur

AM: We will cast off early in the morning to reach the historic Farakka Lock Gate, which was built during the years 1963-75. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to come on the Hooghly River. We can also see the Farakka barrage at a distance, which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India.

PM: We continue to sail toward Jangipur. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Riverday Jangipur – Murshidabad

AM: We sail a full day towards Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

Murshidabad

River day Murshidabad – Matiari

AM: We sail a full day today to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.

Matiari - Kalna

PM: Sail onward to Kalna. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Kalna - Kolkata

AM: In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town center of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.

PM: Return to the ship walk through the local market and sail onward to Kolkata. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon excursion features a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Proceed to visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb (closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked there until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Optional: We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children's Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour. Enjoy cultural performances onboard.

50 Day - Varanasi to Dibrugarh

Embark the ship at the Jetty in Varanasi and enjoy lunch on board. Thereafter, visit the Ghats by walking to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.

After breakfast, we will visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Return to the ship for lunch and begin sail downstream towards the outskirts of Varanasi.

Sailing Day - Varanasi - Ghazipur

Enjoy the meandering landscape as you sail to Ghazipur and enjoy the amenities onboard.

In Ghazipur, visit the tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the most important figures in Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his time as Governor General of India. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a high dome supported by 12 Doric columns. 

Continue to Buxar, famous for the 1764 war between the forces of the British East India Company and the armies of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-daulah and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company. 

After breakfast visit the Ram Rekha Ghat. It is associated with a legend from the epic Ramayana that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges here. Also visit the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum, named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection which includes archaeological objects, coins and manuscripts. Return to ship and sail towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges. 

After breakfast enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail full day towards Patna, the capital of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra.

Patna - En Route To Simaria

After breakfast proceed to visit the Golghar and Patna Museum. Return to ship for lunch and sail towards Simaria, anchoring en route.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Simaria - En Route To Munger

Further sailing in the morning brings us to Simaria. After breakfast walk in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people. Return to the ship and continue our journey further downstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat and anchor en route to Munger.

Arrive Munger

Enjoying breakfast onboard, we arrive in Munger by afternoon. Enjoy a walk through the ruins of the fort. Afterward visit the local market, famous for fruits and vegetables as well as various textiles.

After breakfast visit the Chandika Sthan Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. It is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. Return to ship for lunch and begin sail towards Sultanganj.

Sultanganj - Bateshwarsthan

After breakfast excursion to Sultanganj, which is notable for two prominent granite rock islands in the river connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one of the islands is a mosque; on the other larger one is the Ajgaibinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. We will visit the Shiva temple. Return to the ship and sail towards Bateshwarsthan while enjoying lunch onboard.

Bateshwarsthan - Samtaghat

After breakfast drive in cars to the 8-9th century excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. Vikramshila University was an important Buddhist centre of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here. We return to the ship and sail towards Samtaghat. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

Samtaghat – Farakka – Jangipur

Enjoying breakfast onboard we sail in the morning to cross the historic Farakka Lock Gate. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the Lock Gate, we cruise through the connecting canal to the Hooghly River, the lower Ganges. We continue to sail towards Jangipur. 

Jangipur - Murshidabad

We sail full day towards Murshidabad enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. We arrive in Murshidabad by the evening. Murshidabad is a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

After breakfast ride the Toto (e-rickshaw) through the countryside to the Katra mosque, which has distinctive minarets. Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Hazarduari Palace, which dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek "Doric" style, the palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors and is filled with colonial-era antiques. 

Mushidabad – Matiari

We sail full day towards the shore-side village of Matiari enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. We arrive in Matiari by the evening. 

Early this morning walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village. Return to the ship for breakfast and sail onward to Kalna. We arrive in Kalna by the evening.

After breakfast ride e-rickshaws to visit the enchanting Rajbari temple complex. The Nabakailas temple contains 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terracotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region. Return to the ship walking through the local vegetable market. Begin sail towards Kolkata and arrive by the evening.

After breakfast, visit the Flower Market, where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter, visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter renowned for its sculpting prowess. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter Panoramic Tour of Dalhousie Square’s heritage buildings; St. John's Church, Victoria Memorial, and Mother Teresa’s Home. Enjoy cultural performance onboard.

Kolkata - Immigration Formalities

After breakfast stroll around the historic Indentured Memorial Jetty, named in memory of the Indian indentured labourers who set sail from here for Suriname, which was then a Dutch colony in South America in 1873. Post-lunch Immigration formalities. 

Kolkata - Namkhana (Sundarbans)

After breakfast visit the Indian Museum and the local market. Return to the ship for lunch and based on the tide situation we will sail towards Namkhana, anchoring en route. It is the gateway of the Sundarbans National Park, a World Heritage Site.

Namkhana – Bali Island

Enjoying breakfast onboard we arrive at Namkhana. We will visit Bhagabatpur Island which is known for its crocodile project that has a hatchery of the estuarine crocodiles. Return to ship for lunch and sail to Bali Island cruising through the creek. A typical Sundarban village, Bali’s inhabitants are engaged in farming, paddy husking, honey packing and fishing.

Bali Island

After an early breakfast ride in the country boat to the Dobanki Watchtower, enjoy a canopy walk at an elevation of 20 feet to reveal the riveting flora and fauna. Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter enjoy a walk in the village of Bali and interact with the villagers engaged in creating handicrafts and witness a tribal dance. 

Bangar Island – Hemnagar

We sail to Hemnagar today enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard and viewing the wilderness of the mangrove forest. It is the southernmost habitation of the region and the check-post for customs formalities for crossing the international riverine border between India and Bangladesh.

Hemnagar - Antihara (Bangladesh)

Today, enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail through the core area of the Sundarbans down towards the Bangladeshi side to arrive in Antihara, which is the check post for the Immigration & Custom formalities of Bangladesh. 

Antihara – Mongla

Sail towards Mongla town, while having breakfast onboard. Mongla is the gateway to the Sundarbans on the Bangladesh side. Post lunch visit to the Sixty Domed Mosque, a World Heritage Site. The mosque is locally known as the 'Shat Gombuj', which in Bangla literally means Sixty Domes.

Mongla – Karamjol - Kaukhali

Morning, we sail to Karamjol. After breakfast, we visit the Forest Reserve Centre, which protects a vast range of mammals, insects, bird species, reptiles, and fish. Return to the ship for lunch and sail towards Kaukhali.

Kaukhali - Barisal

A further sail brings us to Kaukhali while we enjoy our breakfast onboard. Upon arrival walk in the village visiting a Kumar Pada (potters’ colony), the local market and a Hindu Vaishnavite temple with a cremation ground adjacent to it. Return to ship for lunch and sail to Barisal, which is fondly called the Venice of Bengal.

After breakfast visit a Floating Market, which is renowned for its fruits. Many farmers and wholesalers gather here every day to sell their produce. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Oxford Epiphany Church, an Anglican church, which is one of the oldest in the region. Its structure reflects the Greek architectural style. 

Barisal - Dhaka

Today enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail full day to Dhaka viewing the picturesque countryside, shoreline of coconut palms, bananas, mango trees, small settlements, cargo freighters and, nouka ferrying passengers across the river. Arrive at the Mawa jetty, a busy ferry ghat near Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh.

Dhaka Sightseeing

After breakfast, a panoramic tour of Dhaka’s heritage buildings like Dhaka University, Curzon Hall, Old High Court, Parliament Building, and Dhakeshwari Temple. Lunch in the city, thereafter visit Sonargaon, the ‘Golden City’ which was the ancient capital of undivided Bengal. 

Dhaka – Aricha – Tangail

Today while enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail full day upstream to the Aricha River port. Aricha is a prime spot for catching the renowned Hilsha fish and several trawlers can be seen in the vicinity. We will sail further upstream towards Tangail, anchoring en route.

Arrive Tangail

A further sail brings us to Tangail, an important handloom and cotton weaving centre, enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. Post lunch we visit the Atia Mosque, a four-domed monument built during the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir. In popular culture, it is dubbed as the 10 Taka Mosque when the Government of Bangladesh issued a 10 Taka banknote which had an image of the mosque in its obverse.

Tangail – Sirajganj

Today we sail towards Sirajganj, an important jute collection, processing, and trade centre whose jute mills were the first to be established in the Bengal area. Post lunch visit the Hatikumrul Navaratna Temple, a three-storied temple adorned with nine spires.

Sirajganj - Chandan Boisha

Today we sail full day further up the river towards the Indo-Bangladesh border that touches the north-eastern region of India. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard while viewing the riverine countryside.

Chandan Boisha - Chilmari

Further sailing brings us to the Chilmari River port, located on a beautiful scenic bank of the Teesta and Jamuna rivers, close to the international border with India. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard. Post-lunch immigration & customs formalities of Bangladesh will be done.

Chilmari – Rangpur Day Trip

After breakfast, drive to Rangpur (approx. 60 km from Chilmari) one of the largest cities in Bangladesh. Spend the day exploring this “City of Colour.” Visit the domineering Tajhat Palace and Museum, the Dimla Kali Temple, and the Carmichael College. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the ship by evening.

Chilmari (Bangladesh) / Dhubri (India)

Today, enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail upstream crossing the international riverine border to arrive at Dhubri in the State of Assam for Immigrations and Customs of India. Dhubri is an old town on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra (as the Jamuna River is known on the Indian side).

Dhubri – Goalpara

After breakfast explore Dhubri town visiting the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and the nearby pottery village notable for its traditional craft of terracotta. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Goalpara.

Goalpara – Sualkuchi

After breakfast, we drive to visit Sri Surya Pahar, a significant but relatively unknown archaeological site, which has the distinction of possessing valuable cultural remains of three important religions of India: Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism as evident from the innumerable sculptures and other relics that were excavated here. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Sualkuchi, a textile centre fondly called the "Manchester of Assam."

Sualkuchi – Guwahati

After breakfast, we will visit the silk weaving village in Sualkuchi, which is renowned for the Muga silk, a glossy fabric with fine texture and durability. Return to ship for lunch and sail upstream to arrive at the Pandu Port in Guwahati, a major hub of river transport.

Guwahati – Mayong

After breakfast proceed to visit the ancient Kamakhya Temple (from outside). Dedicated to the goddess Durga, it is an important pilgrimage destination, especially for tantric worshipers. Also, visit the Assam State Museum. Return to ship for lunch further upstream, anchoring near Mayong.

Mayong - Tezpur

We sail further upstream enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard and viewing the riverine countryside along the Brahmaputra River. We arrive by evening at Tezpur, a legendary town whose name translates to the ‘City of Blood,’ a somewhat macabre name, resulting from the legend of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva waging an epic battle here.

Tezpur - Silghat

After breakfast walk to visit the Cole Park, now called Chitralekha Udyan, a beautiful park established in 1906 by British Deputy Commissioner Mr. Cole. It features two massive ornamented stone pillars and other sculptural remnants of the 9th and 10th centuries. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Silghat.

Silghat - Kaziranga Day Trip

Spend the full day in Kaziranga National Park with morning and afternoon jeep safaris with breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant. A World Heritage Site, Kaziranga hosts two-thirds of the world's Indian rhinoceroses and is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and the royal Bengal tiger. It is also recognized as an important bird area for the conservation of avifaunal species.

Silghat – Biswanath Ghat – Dhansiri Mukh

Enjoying breakfast onboard we sail to Biswanath Ghat, popularly called Gupta Kashi due to the cluster of temples of different Gods, like modern-day Varanasi. Visit the Biswanath temple, located at the confluence of the rivers Bridhaganga and Brahmaputra. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Dhansiri Mukh, the confluence of the rivers Dhansiri and Brahmaputra.

Dhansiri Mukh – Majuli

Today we sail full day upstream enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard and arrive at Majuli, a river island in the Brahmaputra. We arrive by the evening at Majuli, which is the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture.

Majuli – Nimati Ghat

After breakfast onboard, visit the two notable satras (monasteries) at Majuli. The Kamalabari Satra is a centre of art, culture, literature, and classical studies on the island; while the Auniati Satra has an extensive assortment of ancient Assamese artefacts, utensils, jewellery, and handicrafts preserved in a museum. Return to the ship for lunch and onward to Nimati Ghat. 

Nimati Ghat – Sibsagar Day Trip

After breakfast set out to explore Sibsagar, which was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam. The place gets its name from the Sibsagar tank, which translates to “Ocean of Shiv.” Visit the Shiva Dol temple, the Talatal Ghar palace and military base, and Rang Ghar, which was the royal sports pavilion. Return to ship for late lunch.

Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer to the Dibrugarh airport (approx. 4-hrs drive) for onward journey.

Please note this itinerary is also available in reverse, sailing in the opposite direction from Dibrugarh to Varanasi.

Accommodations

Social areas.

Suites & Cabins

Main deck suite.

The Ganga Vilas' Main Deck Suites have soothing interiors with dedicated color palettes, and huge floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and have been delightfully furnished with contemporary and comfortable furniture. Amenities include an ensuite bathroom with shower, seating area with sofa, writing desk, closets, LED TV, safe, smoke detectors, life vest, and sprinklers. Cozy double beds can be converted to twins as desired.

Main Deck Suite Front

Same as The Ganga Vilas' Main Deck Suites, Main Deck Suites Front have soothing interiors with dedicated color palettes, and huge floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and have been delightfully furnished with contemporary and comfortable furniture. Amenities include an ensuite bathroom with shower, seating area with sofa, writing desk, closets, LED TV, safe, smoke detectors, life vest, and sprinklers. Cozy double beds can be converted to twins as desired.

Upper Deck Suite

Located on Upper Deck, The most luxurious and spacious suite aboard, with 265 sq. ft. of space, the Upper Deck Suite is a haven of luxury. Embellished with Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and rich tapestry, on-demand movie service, and a writing desk. Bathrooms are as luxurious as the room and are fitted with both spacious bathtubs and shower panels. 

Upper Deck Suite Front

The most luxurious and spacious suite aboard as the Upper Deck Suite but located at the front of the cruise, with 265 sq. ft. of space, the Upper Deck Suite Front is a haven of luxury. Embellished with Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and rich tapestry, on-demand movie service, and a writing desk. Bathrooms are as luxurious as the room and are fitted with both spacious bathtub and shower panels. 

Technical Information

• Air conditioning
• Excercise room
• Massage room
• Lecture room
• WIFI available
• Souvenir shop
• Hot showers
• Charging areas for electronic equipment
• Flash lights
• Water canteen/bottle
• Insect repellent
• Dry Bags/Plastic bags to protect cameras

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• I'd like to be contacted via WhatsApp.
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• All non-charter prices displayed are PER PERSON
• The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week to avoid the closure of monuments/museums.
• Last-minute sailing and touring adjustments may also occur. The schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. The onboard tour staff will announce or post the exact time for each activity.
• No liquor will be served on board the ship from Farakka to Patna and at the hotel in Bodhgaya, as it is prohibited in the region.
• Due to the location on the Ghats and proximity to the holy Ganges, Non-Vegetarian food and Alcoholic Beverages are not served onboard.
• In the region of Varanasi to Bihar (vice versa), no liquor will be served on board, as it is prohibited.
• As per Government regulations, satellite phones & drone cameras are not allowed in Varanasi, please ensure the same, while traveling to Varanasi.
• Special meal requests like vegan, gluten/lactose-free, etc. can be arranged with advance information.

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I Sailed on the Longest Luxury River Cruise in the World — Here's What It Was Like

A cultural ritual in Varanasi, 15 days in Bangladesh, and incredible wildlife spotting opportunities were among the trip's highlights.

The Ganges is to India what the Nile is to Egypt and what the Euphrates is to Mesopotamia: It's the beating heart of the destination's cultural and economic life. Flowing more than 1,500 miles from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges nurtured the Hindu holy city of Varanasi for thousands of years. It was on these banks that the Buddha preached his first sermon in 528 BCE, and it was along these waters that the British built the first capital of the British Raj, Kolkata.

Where the river flows through land, it shelters some of the most endangered aquatic fauna in the world, and where it meets the sea, it spawns one of the largest mangrove forests on Earth. And yet, never has a luxury river cruise sailed the Ganges — at least not one that compared to world-class river itineraries in other parts of the world.

This changed last year, when India's Antara Luxury River Cruises launched an epic itinerary down the Ganges and its sister river, the Brahmaputra. Covering nearly 2,000 miles in 51 days, it is the longest river cruise in the world.

Here's what it's like.

Related: On a Trip to India to See Wild Tigers, This Is the Hotel to Stay In — According to a Travel Expert

The Operator

Kolkata-based Antara Luxury River Cruises operates the tour, a subsidiary of the Exotic Heritage Group , which has been involved in luxury travel in India for the last 30 years.

Raj Singh, an Indian wildlife expert and luxury travel pioneer, is among the trip promoters of this journey, as is Andrea Massari , a Singapore-based cruise expert who has previously managed luxury river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar with Ayravata Cruises and the Mekong River in Vietnam with Pandaw Cruises. An architect by training, Massari oversees the technology of the cruise ships. A third director is Annapurna Garimella , an art historian, designer, author, and doctor of philosophy from Columbia University, who oversees the design elements of the cruise.

The group owns four luxury cruise vessels deployed on shorter luxury cruises until now.

The Itinerary

The cruise begins at the holy city of Varanasi in central India. While here, guests witness Ganga Aarti, an awe-inspiring ritual performed at sundown each day on the banks of the Ganges. In this tradition, a cohort of priests offer ritual prayers in honor of the river, which is worshiped as a goddess in Hinduism. 

With flickering flames of multi-tiered brass lamps dancing against the night sky, the deep, harmonic thrum of conch shells piercing the air, and the chant of soul-stirring mantras floating over the water, the Ganga Aarti is a spellbinding performance of a living tradition that has continued unbroken for thousands of years.

Once departed from Varanasi, the cruise journeys downstream and to more than 50 remarkable destinations, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, natural parks, and historical metropolises. Kaziranga National Park is among these special places, home to more than two-thirds of the surviving population of the endangered one-horned rhino, as well as Majuli — the largest river island in the world.  

Other major stops along the route include Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment and one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Buddhists all over the world; Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, once the capital of the British Raj in India and home of Nobel laureates Mother Teresa and Rabindranath Tagore. Kolkata is also the epicenter of the global jute industry, accounting for the bulk of its production and export.

Murshidabad and Sualkuchi — two cities famous worldwide for their mulberry silk textiles — are also significant itinerary stops. Guests get to see the art of sericulture (silk production) up close and the craft of weaving some of the finest silk textiles on earth.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a bustling city of crafts, culture, and beautiful Islamic architecture. The cruise spends 15 days in Bangladesh before reentering India. 

In the Sundarbans — the largest mangrove forests on earth and home of the endangered Bengal tiger — guests are privy to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mangroves, comprised of trees that grow in saline water, typically where rivers meet the sea, are biodiversity hotspots and act as huge carbon sinks, helping combat climate change. It is an ecological wonder to behold firsthand.

The cruise ends at Dibrugarh, a city in the northeastern Assam region of India known for its eponymous Assam tea. Famous for its sprawling tea estates, Dibrugarh produces so much high-quality tea that it is known as the Tea City of India.

All this is in addition to the remarkable views guests can expect while onboard the boat, with the geography and the landscape changing as you sail. Animal spotting is undoubtedly likely, as the Ganges is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Gangetic dolphin, otters, at least 15 species of freshwater turtles, and three varieties of crocodile, including the critically endangered gharial , found only in the Ganges.

The MS Ganga Vilas is a luxury vessel done in Art Deco style. At more than 200 feet long and nearly 40 feet wide, it is a vessel made for small, intimate journeys rather than big, boisterous tours.

There are 18 luxury suites here, and they spread across three decks with a capacity to host 36 guests in total. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling French windows for optimal views. For an even more expansive perspective, guests can head to the sundeck to sunbathe, participate in a yoga session, or just relax.  You might spot river dolphins leaping out of the water if you're lucky. 

The restaurant onboard seats up to 40 guests and serves Indian and Continental fare. There’s also a spa and a gym available. The vessel is also home to a reverse-osmosis water plant, which provides fresh and safe drinking water. Its hospital-grade silencers ensure a noise-free cruise experience for guests and the river’s fragile fauna. 

To further ensure that the vessel causes the least stress on the river’s ecosystem, the operator uses sea vessel-grade oil-water separators to ensure that the oil is separated from the water in the vessel’s discharge. Premium sewage treatment plants ensure that no contamination of the river water occurs from the waste generated on the ship. No plastic is used on board; water is served in aluminum water bottles, which guests can take as souvenirs. 

Tickets for the 51-day cruise start at $16,500 and can be booked here .

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