Bengal Despatch 2 & 4: The Holy Ganges
Ratings of India Travel Factory
Trip Overview
Highlights
Reviews
Places Visited
Places Visited:Kolkata, Farakka, Gaur (for combined cruise option), Pandua (for combined cruise option), Rajmahal, Manihari Ghat, Bateshwar, Vikramshila, Kehilgaon (Colganj), Bhagalpur, Sultanganj (Jahangira Island), Monghyr, Pirpahar Hill, Sita Kund, Mokameh, Barh, Nalanda, Pawapuri, and Patna.
Duration
08 nights & 09 days
Tour categories
River Cruise
Customizable Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist
Unveiling the Upper Ganges: A Journey Through Bihar’s Heart. Embark on an extraordinary 9-day river cruise, delving deep into the rich history, spiritual sites, and untouched rural beauty of India’s Upper Ganges and Bihar. This unique itinerary offers an unparalleled exploration of hidden gems and ancient wonders.
Your adventure commences with a comfortable train journey from Kolkata to Farakka, where your luxurious ship awaits. For those extending their journey, an optional full-day excursion to Gaur unveils a deserted city rich in ancient mosques and palaces, alongside the magnificent Adina Mosque in Pandua.
Once aboard, your ship sails into the mighty Ganges, leading to Rajmahal, once Mughal Emperor Akbar’s eastern capital, where you’ll explore fascinating overgrown ruins. Cruise past the Kosi River confluence to discover the ancient Hindu carvings of Bateshwar and the significant Buddhist ruins of Vikramshila.
Experience the local essence in Bhagalpur, renowned for its silk production, and keep an eye out for the endangered Gangetic Dolphin. Explore pilgrimage sites like Jahangira Island and the historical Monghyr with its fort and hot springs. Witness rural life in charming bankside villages and pass under the notable Mokameh bridge.
A highlight awaits with a full-day excursion to Nalanda, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s oldest seat of learning, followed by a visit to the serene Pawapuri Jain temple. Your journey culminates in Patna, Bihar’s vibrant capital, where you’ll tour historical sites before your onward transfer. This unique Upper Ganges cruise promises a profound and enriching immersion into India’s lesser-explored heartland.
Customizable Itinerary
+ Upstream Itinerary: Farakka To Patna, Day 1: Journey to Farakka & Ancient Gaur Exploration
Your adventure begins this afternoon with a comfortable 4-hour train journey from Kolkata to Farakka, followed by a short transfer to your waiting ship. Guests joining directly at Farakka are welcome to board from midday. For those extending their journey from our Bengal Despatch 1 cruise, prepare for a captivating full-day road excursion to Gaur. This once-thriving city, a historical capital under both Hindu and Muslim rule (12th-16th centuries), boasts a wealth of ancient mosques, palaces, and gateways. Continue through Malda (English Bazar) to Pandua to visit the magnificent 14th-century Adina Mosque, a testament to forgotten empires. Rejoin your ship at Farakka, now navigated through the barrage lock.
+ Day 2: Into the Mighty Ganges & Rajmahal's Mughal Past
This morning, your ship sails from Farakka, emerging into the expansive, almost sea-like Ganges proper, just above the great Farakka Barrage. Sail upstream for a significant portion of the morning before anchoring at Rajmahal. Though rarely found in guidebooks, this atmospheric town, once Akbar's eastern capital (Akbarnagar), offers abundant interest. Explore overgrown remains of Mughal palaces, forts, and mosques, imagining the youthful days of Shah Jehan here. Continue your serene cruise to Manihari Ghat for the night.
+ Day 3: Confluences & Ancient Buddhist Sites
Today, your cruise continues upstream, passing the significant confluence with the Kosi River, flowing down from Nepal. Arrive at the idyllic Bateshwar, home to fascinating 6th-century Hindu carvings. Nearby, explore the remarkable ruins of an 8th-century Buddhist stupa and monastery at Vikramshila, a testament to ancient learning. Later, continue to Kehilgaon (Colganj) to reboard your ship. As you sail onward, you'll pass close to a mysterious island shrine featuring both Buddhist and Hindu cave temples, once a rumored center of the infamous Thug sect.
+ Day 4: Dolphin Sightings & Bhagalpur Silk Traditions
Setting sail this morning, you'll cruise along a special stretch of river known for potential sightings of the endangered Gangetic Dolphin. Land at Bhagalpur, a renowned center of silk production. Here, visit a vibrant silk-weaving village and admire an elegant 18th-century mansion built by Augustus Clevland. Your journey continues to Jahangira Island at Sultanganj, a significant pilgrimage site featuring early Hindu carvings in the rock. On shore, a picturesque rock is topped with a mosque, and you'll have a chance to stroll through a vibrant local market.
+ Day 5: Monghyr's Fort & Sacred Hot Springs
Today, your ship sails to Monghyr, a town rich in history with its large Mughal fort and a fascinating East India Company cemetery, where villagers now live among impressive old tombs. You'll also visit Pirpahar Hill, crowned by a fine old mansion, and experience the sacred Sita Kund hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. Afterward, continue your serene upstream cruise, enjoying the unfolding riverine scenery.
+ Day 6: Jim Corbett's Crossing & Riverside Village Life
This morning, your ship passes under the iconic great bridge at Mokameh, a place where the famed naturalist Jim Corbett spent his working life in charge of the ferry. Land to visit a charming bankside village, offering a wonderful opportunity to stretch your legs and experience authentic rural life. Your cruise continues, arriving by evening at Barh, a tranquil mooring point.
+ Day 7: UNESCO Nalanda & Pawapuri Jain Temple Excursion
Today brings a highlight excursion to Nalanda, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the extensive excavated ruins of the great Buddhist monastery and stupa, once the world's oldest seat of learning, which at its peak welcomed over 10,000 students. Visit the adjoining museum to understand its profound history. Later, journey to the serene Pawapuri Jain temple, beautifully situated in the middle of a tranquil lake. Return to Barh in the evening to reboard your ship.
+ Day 8: Upstream Cruising & Patna's Riverside Arrival
Today is dedicated to the quintessential river cruise experience. Spend the day enjoying the serene upstream journey, perhaps catching up on reading, engaging in conversation with new friends, or simply watching the captivating life unfold on the riverbanks. There will be an opportunity for a stop at another charming bankside village for a leg stretch and local exploration. By evening, you'll arrive at Patna, the bustling state capital of Bihar, mooring close to the historic old East India Company opium warehouses.
+ Day 9: Patna City Tour & Departure
This morning, embark on a comprehensive tour of Patna. Visit the impressive 18th-century Gola Ghar granary, the significant Sikh gurdwara, and explore the rich collections of the State Museum. Disembark late in the morning. Your included transfer to the airport or station marks the end of this remarkable journey. Alternatively, you have the flexibility to make your own arrangements for onward road or rail travel to fascinating destinations like Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, or Nepal.
+ Downstream Itinerary: Patna To Farakka, Day 1: Arrive in Patna & Embark Your Ganges Cruise
Your immersive river adventure begins today with your arrival in Patna via road, rail, or air. Enjoy a seamless transfer from the airport or railway station directly to your luxurious cruise ship. Embarkation commences from 4:00 PM onwards, allowing you ample time to settle into your comfortable surroundings before savoring your first delicious dinner on board as the ship begins its gentle upstream journey.
+ Day 2: Patna City Exploration & Downstream Voyage
This morning, delve into the vibrant history of Patna with a comprehensive city tour. Visit the impressive 18th-century Gola Ghar granary, explore the spiritual tranquility of a great Sikh gurdwara, and discover the rich collections housed within the State Museum. After your tour, return to your ship. Pass near the historic old East India Company opium warehouses as you begin your downstream cruise, mooring for a peaceful evening at Barh.
+ Day 3: UNESCO Nalanda & Pawapuri's Jain Temple
Today brings a highlight excursion to Nalanda, a recently designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the extensive excavated ruins of this ancient Buddhist monastery and stupa, once the world's oldest seat of learning, which welcomed over 10,000 students at its peak. Visit the adjoining museum to understand its profound history. Later, journey to the serene Pawapuri Jain temple, beautifully situated in the middle of a tranquil lake. You'll return in the evening to your ship, which will have sailed downstream to the great bridge at Mokameh, a site famously linked to the naturalist Jim Corbett, who once oversaw the ferry crossing here.
+ Day 4: Monghyr's Heritage & Sacred Hot Springs
Today, your cruise continues downstream to Monghyr. Explore its impressive Mughal fort and the fascinating East India Company cemetery, where local villagers now reside among grandiose tombs. You'll also visit Pirpahar Hill, crowned by a fine old mansion, and experience the sacred Sita Kund hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. Afterward, your journey continues downstream, anchoring near Jahangira Island at Sultanganj, a significant pilgrimage site adorned with early Hindu carvings in the rock. On shore, another picturesque rock formation is topped with a mosque.
+ Day 5: Dolphin Spotting & Ancient Sites
Setting sail this morning, you'll cruise along a special stretch of the river where the endangered Gangetic Dolphin may be sighted – a truly magical experience. Your journey brings you to Bhagalpur, a renowned center of silk production. Here, visit the elegant 18th-century mansion built by Augustus Clevland and explore a traditional silk-weaving village. Continue onward, passing close to the island shrine at Colganj, which boasts both Buddhist and Hindu cave temples and a fascinating, albeit darker, past as the former home of the Thug sect. Nearby, you'll visit idyllic Bateshwar with its 6th-century Hindu carvings, and explore the nearby ruins of an 8th-century Buddhist stupa and monastery at Vikramshila. Your ship will anchor for the night near the confluence with the Kosi River, which flows down from Nepal.
+ Day 6: Rajmahal's Mughal Capital & Farakka Barrage
This morning, your ship sails downstream to Rajmahal, nestled beneath the picturesque Rajmahal Hills. Often overlooked by guidebooks, this atmospheric town, once known as Akbarnagar, was founded by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his eastern capital; even Shah Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal, spent much of his youth here. You'll explore remains of palaces, forts, and mosques now beautifully integrated with the surrounding vegetation. Afterward, your cruise continues downstream to the impressive Farakka Barrage.
+ Day 7: Departure from Farakka or Gaur & Pandua Excursion
Option 1: End of Bengal Despatch 4 Cruise
For guests concluding their unforgettable journey, you will transfer from Farakka to the railway station this morning for an approximate 4-hour scenic train journey to Kolkata. Our dedicated representatives will meet you upon arrival in Kolkata and ensure a comfortable transfer to your central Kolkata hotel, marking the end of your cruise. Option 2: Continuation with Bengal Despatch 5 (for combined cruises)
For guests continuing their adventure with Bengal Despatch 5, you will remain on board today for an exciting excursion to Gaur and Pandua. This captivating journey delves into the history of these ancient cities, exploring their significant mosques, palaces, and gateways, promising further cultural immersion before the next leg of your cruise. This itinerary, including the cruise and approximate driving durations, is subject to river and weather conditions.
** Please ask your tour consultant for pre and post tour options after river Cruise journey **
For guests concluding their unforgettable journey, you will transfer from Farakka to the railway station this morning for an approximate 4-hour scenic train journey to Kolkata. Our dedicated representatives will meet you upon arrival in Kolkata and ensure a comfortable transfer to your central Kolkata hotel, marking the end of your cruise. Option 2: Continuation with Bengal Despatch 5 (for combined cruises)
For guests continuing their adventure with Bengal Despatch 5, you will remain on board today for an exciting excursion to Gaur and Pandua. This captivating journey delves into the history of these ancient cities, exploring their significant mosques, palaces, and gateways, promising further cultural immersion before the next leg of your cruise. This itinerary, including the cruise and approximate driving durations, is subject to river and weather conditions.
** Please ask your tour consultant for pre and post tour options after river Cruise journey **
Customizable Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist
Trip Highlights
Key Highlights of The Holy Ganges (Bengal dispatch 2 & 4)
- Scenic Train Journey to Farakka: Begin your adventure with a comfortable train ride from Kolkata to Farakka, leading to your luxurious cruise ship.
- Ancient Gaur & Adina Mosque Excursion: For guests continuing their journey, enjoy a full-day road trip to Gaur, exploring its historical mosques and palaces, and visit the grand 14th-century Adina Mosque in Pandua.
- Into the Mighty Ganges & Rajmahal: Sail out into the expansive Ganges proper, passing through the Farakka Barrage. Explore Rajmahal, once Mughal Emperor Akbar's eastern capital, discovering ancient remains of palaces, forts, and mosques.
- Confluence of Rivers & Buddhist History: Cruise past the confluence with the Kosi River. Visit Bateshwar to see 6th-century Hindu carvings and explore the ruins of an 8th-century Buddhist stupa and monastery at Vikramshila.
- Gangetic Dolphin Spotting & Bhagalpur Silk: Cruise along stretches of the river known for sightings of the endangered Gangetic Dolphin. Land at Bhagalpur to visit a silk-weaving village and an elegant 18th-century mansion.
- Jahangira Island & Local Markets: Explore Jahangira Island at Sultanganj, a pilgrimage site with early Hindu carvings, and stroll through vibrant local markets.
- Monghyr's Fort & Sacred Hot Springs: Discover Monghyr's Mughal fort and East India Company cemetery. Visit Pirpahar Hill and the therapeutic Sita Kund hot springs.
- Riverside Village Life & Rural Charm: Enjoy opportunities to visit authentic bankside villages, stretching your legs and experiencing local life.
- UNESCO Nalanda & Pawapuri Jain Temple: Embark on a highlight excursion to Nalanda, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's oldest seat of learning, exploring its excavated Buddhist monastery and stupa. Also, visit the beautiful Pawapuri Jain temple situated in a lake.
- Patna City Exploration: Conclude your cruise with a tour of Patna, Bihar's state capital, visiting the Gola Ghar granary, a Sikh gurdwara, and the State Museum.
- Seamless Travel: Enjoy comfortable transfers and the flexibility to make onward travel arrangements from Patna.
Customizable Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist
Reviews of this Travel Agency
5 stars based on 257 reviews.
5 stars based on 257 reviews.
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