Lower Ganges Historic Hoogly River Cruise (From Farakka To Kolkata or Vice Versa) 8D7N

Plunge into an enriching afternoon adventure by boarding a train from Kolkata, where an approximate 4-hour journey will transport you to the captivating realm of Farakka. Here, you’ll be transferred to the cruise embarkation port to board your vessel. Independent travelers joining the journey at Farakka are welcome to step on board from midday onward.

For those esteemed guests who are joining through the Bengal Despatch 5 from a previous cruise, you’ll embark on a full-day road excursion to Gaur, an evocative place that has seen the ebb and flow of centuries.

Once a thriving city, Gaur's legacy is woven through the fabric of time– it flourished under Hindu rule in the 12th century and later emerged as the Muslim capital of Eastern India during the 14th to 16th centuries. The remnants of its illustrious past, manifested in the form of awe-inspiring mosques, grand palaces, and majestic gateways, stand as a testament to its multifaceted history. A journey onward will lead you through the town of Malda, also known as English Bazar, before arriving in Pandua. Here, you'll encounter the monumental Adina Mosque, a masterpiece from the 14th century that speaks volumes of the artistic and architectural brilliance of its time.

Return to your elegant boutique ship, the esteemed ABN Rajmahal, a floating reflection of Bengali genius and the ideal host to lead us through the wonders of the Lower Ganges. Settle in and tonight, you enjoy a palatable dinner, fusing the flavours of Indian and Continental dishes.

Begin your day with breakfast and a tranquil morning cruise that follows a straight canal section towards Jangipur. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to explore this serene country town on foot. Wander through its charming streets, allowing the essence of the place to envelop you in a genuine local experience.

For those who joined at Farakka, you’ll embark on a full-day excursion that leads you along the road to Gaur, nestled close to the towns of Malda or English Bazar. This immersive expedition invites you to traverse through layers of history, like pages of a captivating book. Whisk through centuries, from the era of 12th-century Hindu dynasties to a time when this tranquil and seemingly deserted spot transformed into the Muslim capital of Eastern India. Amidst the stillness, remnants of mosques, palaces, and gateways speak eloquently of the city's grandeur that once was. In the evening, return to the ship near Jangipur.

As daylight mellows into the golden hues of dusk, set sail along the meandering course of the Lower Ganges, a waterway that captivates with its twists and turns. Finally, your journey finds its resting place in Baranagar, where the mooring for the night awaits.

Today, we journey to the charmingly serene village of Baranagar, where the pace of life is as tranquil as the flowing river. Here, you'll visit three exquisite miniature terracotta temples nestled amidst stunning fields of green. These temples whisper tales of bygone eras and artistic marvels, presenting a glimpse of rural India's most enchanting facets.

Moving forward, we'll proceed through an enchanting route, passing by Azimganj, a place adorned with splendid mansions that grace the riverside. Our journey then takes us to Murshidabad, where the grand Hazarduari Palace stands in majestic glory, reigning over the waterfront. Crafted by an English architect in 1837, this palace is not merely a structure, but a repository of history and opulence. Inside, an extensive collection of artworks, delicate china, formidable weaponry, and a myriad of captivating artefacts await your admiration.

Afterwards, we’ll venture further to the iconic Katra Mosque, a testament to architectural prowess and spiritual devotion. Its intricate design and serene aura offer a meditative pause in your expedition. We’ll also set forth to witness the splendid Katgola Palace. Fashioned in the timeless elegance of Georgian architecture, this palace showcases the harmonious coalescence of English and Indian cultures during the 'White Mughal' epoch.

With the setting sun, our voyage comes to a halt, and our boat docks for the night on the opposite riverbank of the town. Enjoy the tranquil view of the still waters, pondering the countless marvels of the day and looking forward to the undiscovered treasures that lie ahead.

Get up today feeling energised and itching to set off on our downstream journey today. After a short sail, we will disembark and set foot on the path leading to the Khushbagh, a tranquil Mughal-style garden that cradles the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah – the last sovereign Nawab of Bengal – and his familial resting place.

Returning to the vessel, we journey further downstream past the remnants of the old British cantonment, Berhampur. The shadows of history linger in the air, and the river's gentle current mirrors the passage of time itself. Our vessel finds its mooring amidst a rustic landscape, near the very grounds that witnessed the pivotal Battle of Plassey in 1757. It was on this hallowed ground that Robert Clive, the formidable Commander-in-Chief of British India, secured a decisive victory against Siraj-ud-Daulah, a momentous event that would forever alter the trajectory of Indian history. A stroll through the fields takes you to the commutative obelisk. The rustle of leaves and the whispers of the past echo around you, creating a sense of connection with the bygone era.

From here, your voyage continues, carrying you to a mooring near Katwa, a bustling market town adorned with narrow bazaars that pulse with the rhythm of everyday life. As you disembark and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, you become a part of the ongoing story that unfolds along these storied shores.

Set out on a rewarding adventure as you travel to the captivating village of Matiari, known for its brassworking. Here, you'll get the chance to observe skilled artisans practising their age-old craft of beating out brass water pots and various vessels. Continuing through the picturesque countryside, our expedition leads us to the sacred enclave of Mayapur. The skyline is graced by the towering presence of the expansive ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple, an architectural marvel that captures the eye and the spirit.

As the central hub of ISKCON, also known as the Hare Krishna movement, this temple attracts and welcomes over a million devotees each year, hailing from diverse corners of the world. Within the temple's embrace, you'll find a convergence of faith, culture, and devotion, as resonating chants and rhythmic dances echo throughout its hallowed halls. The ISKCON temple stands not only as an architectural masterpiece but as a spiritual haven where devotees come together to celebrate their shared beliefs.

Today, we'll carry forth our voyage to the picturesque country town of Kalna. On arrival, we hop on and cycle rickshaws to embark on an enchanting exploration. The town proudly houses some of Bengal's most captivating terracotta temples, each telling its own story through intricate artistic depictions. Among these architectural gems, is the extraordinary Shiva temple, adorned with concentric rings, a mesmerising arrangement of 108 shrinelets that create a unique and entrancing visual spectacle.

Continuing your journey downstream, you'll soon leave the open fields behind and gradually approach the bustling fringes of Kolkata. Our vessel gracefully docks at Hooghly, where a remarkable experience awaits – a visit to the formidable Imambara. The walls of this monumental structure are adorned with verses from the Koran, infusing the ambiance with an air of historical significance. Stepping into the Imambara is akin to entering a time capsule, offering a chance to relive a fragment of Islamic history that left an indelible mark on Bengal's tapestry.

As your journey unfolds, sail past the elegant waterfront buildings that adorn the river's edge and the remnants of the old Dutch settlement at Chinsura that add yet another layer of history to the landscape, echoing tales of cross-cultural interactions. Our voyage eventually leads us to a tranquil mooring at Chandernagore.

With our sights set to explore Chandernagore, a territory under French sovereignty until 1950. Wander through the pages of history as you visit the 18th-century church that resonates with time’s fading echoes. Immerse yourself in the enchanting aura of Dupleix Palace, once the abode of the Governor-General of French India.

Moving forward, we’ll journey down to Barrackpore, where a different facet of history unfolds. Disembark and venture into the cantonment, a realm that encapsulates stories of yesteryears. Walk past landmarks such as the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House, each contributing to a mosaic that portrays India's path to independence. These hallowed grounds witnessed the unfolding of events that laid the foundation for the nation's liberation struggle, offering a poignant perspective on the journey toward self-governance.

Subject to the river's ebb and flow, our cruise takes us beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge, an emblem of Kolkata's vibrant spirit. This passage guides you toward central Kolkata, where the heart of the city beckons.

As the dawn breaks on our final day, take a moment to revisit the cherished moments of our remarkable journey over a relaxing river breakfast. As you gear up to disembark, you'll seamlessly move towards either central Kolkata or the airport, aligning with your upcoming destination, while carrying the memories of your past thrilling expedition with you.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.