Bengal Despatch 11 & 12: Ganges maximum from The Buddha To the Raj
Ratings of India Travel Factory
Trip Overview
Highlights
Reviews
Places Visited
Places Visited:Kolkata, Barrackpore, Serampore, Chandernagore, Chinsura, Hooghly, Kalna, Mayapur, Matiari, Plassey, Murshidabad, Baranagar, Farakka, Gaur, Rajmahal, Manihari Ghat, Bateshwar, Vikramshila, Sahibganj, Kolkata.
Duration
11 nights & 12 days
Tour categories
River Cruise
Customizable Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist
Discover the Heart of India: A Grand Ganges River Cruise. Embark on an extraordinary 12-day Ganges River cruise, an unparalleled journey through India’s vibrant cultural heartland. This meticulously crafted itinerary offers an immersive blend of history, spirituality, and breathtaking riverine landscapes, perfect for discerning travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Your adventure begins in Kolkata, where you’ll board your elegant river cruise vessel. Witness the colonial grandeur of Barrackpore, tracing British legacies, then explore the charming French and Dutch heritage of Chandernagore and Chinsura. Marvel at the magnificent Hooghly Imambara before delving into the artistic wonders of Kalna’s terracotta temples and the spiritual serenity of Mayapur’s ISKCON campus.
Further upstream, discover the age-old crafts in Matiari and reflect on history at the pivotal Battlefield of Plassey. Murshidabad unfolds with its Nawabi palaces and Indo-European architectural fusion. Explore hidden terracotta gems in Baranagar and journey to the ancient ruins of Gaur, a forgotten capital.
Experience authentic rural life near Farakka, then venture into the majestic Ganges. Unearth Mughal ruins in Rajmahal, witness ancient rock carvings at Bateshwar, and explore the significant Buddhist university of Vikramshila. Keep an eye out for rare Gangetic dolphins! Conclude your exploration with a visit to the picturesque Moti Jharna waterfall and an encounter with the indigenous Santal community.
This comprehensive Ganges river cruise promises comfort, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories, providing a unique perspective on India’s timeless allure.
Customizable Itinerary
+ Upstream Itinerary: Kolkata To Farakka, Day 1: Kolkata to Barrackpore – Colonial Echoes
Begin your journey in Kolkata, boarding your luxurious river vessel. Cruise past the historic Danish settlement of Serampore before reaching Barrackpore. Discover a treasure trove of British colonial history with a guided walking tour, including the Semaphore Tower, Government House, Flagstaff House, and the Temple of Fame, housing relocated colonial statues.
+ Day 2: French Charm & Grand Imambara – Chandernagore & Hooghly
Explore Chandernagore, a charming former French colony. Visit the 18th-century Sacred Heart Church and Dupleix’s House, now a captivating museum. Sail past the Dutch outpost of Chinsura before marveling at the majestic Hooghly Imambara. Your evening anchors near the temple town of Kalna, setting the stage for more discoveries.
+ Day 3: Terracotta Temples & ISKCON Spirituality – Kalna & Mayapur
Experience the unique heritage of Kalna with a rickshaw tour, showcasing Bengal’s finest terracotta temples and the fascinating 108-shrine Shiva complex. Continue to Mayapur, the spiritual heart of the ISKCON movement, dominated by its awe-inspiring temple skyline.
+ Day 4: Artisanal Traditions & Historic Battlefield – Matiari & Plassey
Witness age-old craftsmanship in Matiari, a traditional brass-working village. Step back in time at the legendary Battlefield of Plassey, a pivotal site in Indian history. Sail onward, mooring near the historic town of Murshidabad.
+ Day 5: Murshidabad – Nawabi Grandeur & Cultural Fusion
Immerse yourself in Murshidabad’s rich past. Stroll through Khushbagh, the serene garden housing the tomb of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah. Explore the magnificent Hazarduari Palace, showcasing colonial architecture and royal collections. Discover the Katra Mosque and the lavish Nashipara and Katgola Palaces, reflecting a unique Indo-European architectural fusion.
+ Day 6: Hidden Terracotta Gems & Scenic River Journey – Baranagar
Uncover the exquisite terracotta temple trio in the peaceful village of Baranagar, nestled amidst mustard fields. Enjoy a serene river cruise through charming rural landscapes, arriving near the Farakka Barrage by night.
+ Day 7: Ancient Glories of Gaur – Full-Day Excursion
Embark on a full-day excursion to the majestic ruins of Gaur, once a powerful capital. Explore ancient gateways, mosques, and palaces that whisper tales of a glorious bygone era. Return to your ship at Farakka in the evening.
+ Day 8: Into the Ganges & Local Life – Farakka & Village Immersion
Pass through the Farakka lock into the mighty Ganges. Experience authentic rural life with a visit to a nearby village and bustling local market. Optionally, delve deeper with a full-day guided tour to Pandua, known for its Sultanate-era mosque (optional, additional cost).
+ Day 9: Mughal Ruins & Forgotten Capital – Rajmahal
Cruise upstream to Rajmahal, once Akbar’s eastern capital. Explore the atmospheric, overgrown remains of Mughal palaces and mosques, offering a glimpse into a forgotten era. Sail onward to Manihari Ghat.
+ Day 10: Ancient Wonders & Dolphin Spotting – Bateshwar & Vikramshila
Journey upriver, keeping an eye out for rare Gangetic dolphins. Discover ancient 6th-century rock carvings at Bateshwar. Explore Vikramshila, one of India’s most significant Buddhist monastic universities. Return to the ship as the Rajmahal Hills glow in the sunset.
+ Day 11: Nature's Beauty & Tribal Encounters – Moti Jharna & Santal Village
Explore the picturesque Rajmahal Hills, visiting Moti Jharna, a stunning 50-meter waterfall. Immerse yourself in the traditions of the indigenous Santal community, experiencing their unique way of life in these remote hills.
+ Day 12: Farewell to the Ganges – Train to Kolkata
Disembark at Farakka and enjoy a scenic four-hour train journey back to Kolkata, marking the end of your unforgettable Ganges river cruise. Our team will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel.
+ Downstream Itinerary: Farakka To Kolkata, Day 1: Arrive Farakka & Embark Your Ganges Cruise
Your captivating Ganges adventure begins this afternoon with a scenic 4.5-hour train journey from Kolkata to Farakka, followed by a comfortable road transfer to your luxurious cruise ship. Guests arriving independently in Farakka are welcome to board the ship from midday onwards, settling into their comfortable accommodations as the anticipation builds for the journey ahead.
+ Day 2: Rajmahal's Mughal Legacy & Ganges Mainstream
This morning, your ship departs Farakka, sailing into the expansive, almost sea-like mainstream of the River Ganges, just above the great Barrage. Cruise upstream for much of the morning before anchoring at Rajmahal, nestled beneath the picturesque Rajmahal Hills. Once known as Akbarnagar, this atmospheric town was founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar as his eastern capital, and Shah Jehan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, spent much of his youth here. Explore the captivating remains of Mughal palaces, forts, and mosques now beautifully integrated with the surrounding vegetation. Your ship then sails onward to Manihari Ghat for the night.
+ Day 3: Dolphin Spotting & Ancient Buddhist Sites
Continue your upstream cruise this morning, passing the significant confluence with the Kosi River (flowing from Nepal) and keeping a keen lookout for Gangetic dolphins, often sighted in these waters. Arrive at idyllic Bateshwar, renowned for its fine 6th-century rock carvings. From here, enjoy a short drive to the impressive ruins of the 8th-century Buddhist monastery of Vikramshila. Reboard your ship and sail down to anchor near the port of Sahibganj in Jharkhand. As evening approaches, witness the breathtaking silhouette of the Rajmahal Hills, the only significant uplands between Kolkata and Varanasi, outlined against the sunset.
+ Day 4: Rajmahal Hills' Waterfall & Santal Village Visit
Today, you'll land and drive up into the scenic Rajmahal Hills to discover the impressive Moti Jharna waterfall, plunging 50 meters into a tranquil glen. You'll also visit a village of the Santals, an indigenous tribal community who have long thrived in these remote hills, offering a unique cultural encounter. Afterward, return to your ship and begin your cruise downstream towards the Farakka Barrage again.
+ Day 5: Ganges Lock Down & Rural Village Life
Your ship performs a fascinating maneuver today, locking down from the main stream of the Ganges into a canal section that leads to the Hugli River. During the day, you'll have the wonderful opportunity to visit a vibrant local market and enjoy a refreshing walk through a charming rural village, experiencing authentic daily life along the riverbanks.
+ Day 6: Full-Day Gaur Excursion & Ancient History
This morning, disembark for a captivating full-day road excursion to Gaur, located near the town of Malda (or English Bazar). This quiet, deserted place was once one of India's truly great cities, serving as a Hindu capital in the 12th century and later as the Muslim capital of Eastern India from the 14th to the 16th century. Explore the plentiful and fascinating remains of mosques, palaces, and gateways, testament to its diverse and rich history. You'll rejoin your ship in the evening near Jangipur.
+ Day 7: Baranagar's Terracotta & Murshidabad's Grandeur
Set sail down the Hooghly River proper this morning, a charming waterway that gracefully twists and turns between banks lined with golden mustard fields and lush mango orchards. Moor at the delightful, sleepy village of Baranagar, where a tranquil walk through the fields leads you to three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples, showcasing rural India at its most idyllic. Continue downstream past Azimganj, noted for its fine riverside mansions, to Murshidabad. Here, the magnificent Hazarduari Palace, built by an English architect in 1837, dominates the waterfront. Explore its extensive collection of pictures, china, and weapons. Also, visit the grand Katra Mosque and drive out to two amazing late 18th-century structures: the Nashipara Palace and the Katgola Palace. Built in classical Georgian style by wealthy local merchants, these palaces beautifully represent the "White Mughal" period, a unique fusion of English and Indian cultures.
+ Day 8: Khushbagh Serenity & Plassey Battlefield
Sail downstream a short distance this morning and take a walk to Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style garden enclosing the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah (the last independent Nawab of Bengal) and his family. Return to the ship and continue downstream past the old British cantonment of Berhampur to a rural mooring close to the legendary Battlefield of Plassey. In 1757, Robert Clive's decisive defeat of Siraj-ud-Daulah here irrevocably changed the course of Indian history. You'll have the opportunity to walk through the fields to the commemorative obelisk. Your cruise then continues to a mooring near Katwa, a vibrant market town with narrow, bustling bazaars.
+ Day 9: Matiari's Brass Crafts & Mayapur ISKCON Temple
This morning, visit the traditional brass-working village of Matiari, where you can observe the fascinating, primitive process of beating out brass water pots and other vessels by hand. Later, your journey brings you to Mayapur, its skyline dominated by the vast new ISKCON temple, which you will have the opportunity to visit. As the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or the Hare Krishna movement, this impressive temple attracts over a million singing and dancing devotees annually from around the world.
+ Day 10: Kalna's Terracotta Wonders & Hooghly Imambara
Continue your cruise downstream to the country town of Kalna. Here, take delightful cycle rickshaws to explore a group of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples, including the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 shrinelets. As you sail onward, leaving the rural fields behind, you'll reach the outskirts of bustling Kolkata. Land near Bandel to visit the imposing Imambara. Adorned with verses from the Koran inscribed on its walls, the Imambara offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal.
+ Day 11: French & Danish Colonies & Barrackpore History
Sailing downstream this morning past fine waterfront buildings and the old Dutch settlement at Chinsura, you'll land at Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Here, visit the elegant 18th-century church and Dupleix’s House, which now houses a small museum. Continue your cruise down to Barrackpore. Disembark for a captivating walk through the cantonment, past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House (whose garden houses many British statues removed from central Kolkata), gaining a deeper understanding of India's journey to independence. If time and river tides permit, you may cross to the other bank to visit the old Danish colony of Serampore before sailing on up to Bali Bridge.
+ Day 12: Disembark in Kolkata
Enjoy an early morning cruise under the iconic Howrah Bridge as your ship makes its final approach to central Kolkata. Disembark and enjoy a convenient transfer to your central Kolkata hotel or directly to the airport, concluding your unforgettable 12-day journey through the heart of the Ganges.
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 **
** 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 Ganges maximum from The Buddha To the Raj (Bengal dispatch 11 & 12)
- Luxury Ganges River Cruise: Begin your unforgettable 12-day journey on an elegant river cruise vessel, experiencing India's rich cultural heartland from a unique perspective.
- Barrackpore Colonial Heritage: Disembark for a guided walking tour through this former British cantonment, exploring highlights like the Semaphore Tower, Government House, Flagstaff House, and the Temple of Fame.
- French & Dutch Legacies: Explore the former French colony of Chandernagore, visiting the 18th-century Sacred Heart Church and Dupleix’s House, and sail past the historic Dutch outpost of Chinsura.
- Grand Hooghly Imambara: Visit the impressive and architecturally stunning Imambara at Hooghly, a significant landmark.
- Kalna Terracotta Temples: Ride cycle rickshaws through Kalna to view Bengal’s finest terracotta temples and the unique 108-shrine Shiva complex.
- Mayapur ISKCON Campus: Journey to Mayapur, the spiritual headquarters of the ISKCON movement, dominated by its majestic temple skyline.
- Matiari Artisan Village: Visit Matiari, a traditional brass-working village, and witness artisans crafting vessels using age-old techniques.
- Historic Battlefield of Plassey: Explore the legendary battlefield of Plassey, where the British victory in 1757 reshaped India’s history.
- Murshidabad Royal & Cultural Fusion: Stroll to Khushbagh (Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah's tomb), visit the grand Hazarduari Palace, explore Katra Mosque, and admire the lavish Nashipara and Katgola Palaces.
- Baranagar Terracotta Gems: Discover the peaceful village of Baranagar, famous for its exquisite terracotta temple trio, hidden amidst mustard fields and orchards.
- Ancient City of Gaur Excursion: Embark on a full-day excursion to the ruins of Gaur, once a thriving capital under Hindu and Muslim rule, to discover ancient gateways, mosques, and palaces.
- Ganges River Passage & Local Life: Pass through the Farakka lock into the mighty Ganges, and visit a nearby village to explore a local market for a taste of rural life.
- Rajmahal Mughal Ruins: Cruise to Rajmahal, once Akbar’s eastern capital, and explore the overgrown remains of Mughal palaces and mosques.
- Bateshwar & Vikramshila Exploration: Stop at Bateshwar to admire ancient 6th-century rock carvings, then drive to Vikramshila, one of India’s great Buddhist monastic universities.
- Gangetic Dolphin Spotting: Enjoy opportunities to spot rare Gangetic dolphins during your scenic river cruise.
- Moti Jharna Waterfall & Tribal Village Visit: Explore the scenic Rajmahal Hills with a visit to Moti Jharna, a picturesque 50-meter waterfall, and experience the traditions of the indigenous Santal community.
- Comfortable & Seamless Travel: Benefit from late morning hotel pickups, comfortable cruise accommodations, and a scenic four-hour train ride back to Kolkata with professional transfers.
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.
Explore Travel Inspiration & Expert Advice
Join 80,000+ discerning travelers receiving top tips, expert insights, and personalized trip ideas.
Life-Enriching Travel
Designed Just for You
- Describe your dream trip
- Get it handcrafted on best prices
- Book the trip
- Believe, Experience & Create memories