At a Glance
Embark on a perfect cruise to get a glimpse into Bengal's cultural kaleidoscope and vibrant past on this short 4 days itinerary uncovering the wonders of the Ganges River. Stand before the majestic Imambara, where the river's whispers mingle with history. Discover the colossal ISKCON marvel in Mayapur, unearth Kalna's terracotta dreams etched into Hindu temples, and relive the enchanting history of Chandernagore, a riverside gem. Bengal's heritage beckons as you savour the slow pace river life onboard the boutique ABN Rajmahal.
Start your adventure with the ship’s embarkation in Kolkata. Sail upstream, tracing history past a Dutch legacy, to reach the mesmerizing Imambara at Hooghly. Pedal through time in cycle rickshaws, exploring Kalna's exquisite terracotta temples, including the majestic Shiva shrine. Elevate your journey to Mayapur, where the splendid ISKCON ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 3 nights' accommodation on the ABN Rajmahal on a twin-share basis
- All meals onboard
- All excursions and entry fees
- All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Service of an English-speaking guide onboard and during excursions
Itinerary
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This morning, you'll be transferred from your Kolkata city hotel to embark your luxury vessel, the ABN Rajmahal, by 11am. Afterward, the cruise expedition takes off as the ship sails upstream, bypassing the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura to arrive at the staggering Imambara at Hooghly. The Imambara monument pays an impressive tribute to the historic past of the Islamic religion in Bengal with wall inscriptions culled from the pages of the Koran and striking a familiar note in the heart of every true devotee. |
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After the visit, we board the ship and continue sailing, watching as the urban sprawl gradually diminishes out of sight after a considerable distance. As we sail, leverage the break from land excursions to enjoy the ship and feel at home. Visit the spa and spoil your body with a range of treatments. Keep your brain warm with books at the library and indulge the offers at the air-conditioned saloon. The sun deck with loungers is one of the best places on the ship to watch as time dissipates gradually, while observing the river banks for the dynamic natural landscape that unveils every now and then. Tonight, you devour the flavours of the fusion between Assamese and Continental dishes at the elegant dining room, giving you the best of both worlds. |
ABN Rajmahal
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This morning, wake up, stretch your body, head to the deck, and drink in the views of the new surroundings that meet your gaze. Savour an enriching breakfast as the ship sails further into the water, whilst enjoying natural views of the banks as they take turns in changing like a life wallpaper. The sailing takes us to Ambika Kalna, a historic city on the west bank of the Bhagirathi River, one of the deltas of the Ganges River. In the city, we'll board cycle rickshaws that take us to some of the most elegant terracotta temples, including the city's highlight attraction - 108 Shiva temples, impeccably arranged in two concentric circles. These temples were built in 1809 and are still magnificent to date. After these temples, we proceed through the rural areas to arrive at Mayapur, where the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) occupies the skyline. The organisation was founded in 1966 in New York to spread the practice of Bhakti Yoga, a practice reflective of God's love and its participants align their thoughts and deeds to the ways of Krishna, considered the ultimate being. Every year, this headquarter temple of the Khrisna movement hosts over a million zealots around the world, who come to sing and dance in the temple. We sail downstream as the night draws near and dock near Kalna. |
ABN RajmahalBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
This morning, we rise and shine with the sun, sailing downstream and relishing a hearty breakfast in the process. We'll arrive at a saree-weaving village and proceed to our destination, Chandernagore, a city in Hooghly district. Once a French colony until 1950, this city is located on the west bank of the Hooghly River and is marked by ancient buildings built in the Indo-French architectural style. We'll visit an 18th-century church known as Sacred Heart, designed by French architect Jacques Duchatz, and then head to a Dupleix Palace, now a museum but a former home to the Governor-General of French India. After visiting this museum, we head back to our cruise and sail down to Kolkata. Back at the ship, start swapping stories of the experience so far with new acquaintances, and enjoy all luxury amenities onboard, including a visit to the spa to enjoy your last night of the expedition sleeping like a baby. |
ABN RajmahalBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today ends the trip but starts with a nourishing breakfast. Your adventure comes to a close, leaving you with nothing but astounding memories of discovery and joy. Disembark and enjoy a scenic transfer to your hotel in Kolkata or Kolkata airport for your onward travel. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Dates & Prices
The price is based on the lowest cateogry cabin on the avaialble departure date (e.g. Main Deck Cabin). Please contact us for available cabin types and prices. Single supplement is available. Please contact us for group and private departures.
More Info
- The start and finish point is Kolkata
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Kolkata. The closest major airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) and is 18 km from the centre of Kolkata.
- Transfers are included from Kolkata city hotel to embarkation port.
- Disembarkation is after breakfast at around 08:30AM. The disembarkation port is at central Kolkata with included transfers to Kolkata central hotels which is approximately 20 minutes' drive or Kolkata Airport which is 1 hour drive.
The climate along the lower Ganges, particularly in regions like Kolkata and surrounding areas, is influenced by its proximity to the Bay of Bengal and the broader tropical climate of the Indian subcontinent. Here's a general overview:
- Summer (March to June): Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F) or even higher. Humidity levels can be quite high, especially closer to the Bay of Bengal. This period can be uncomfortable for many travelers due to the intense heat.
- Monsoon (June to September): The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures. The region receives a significant amount of rain during this period, with the monsoon winds carrying moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Flooding can occur in certain areas due to the heavy rains.
- Post-Monsoon (October to November): After the monsoon, the weather starts to become more pleasant. Temperatures begin to drop, and the humidity decreases. This can be a good time to visit as the weather is more comfortable.
- Winter (December to February): Winters in the lower Ganges region are mild and relatively dry. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This is the peak tourist season, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
Keep in mind that weather patterns can vary from year to year, and the proximity to the Bay of Bengal can also lead to sudden weather changes.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
