Embark on a captivating 4-day river cruise through the historical and cultural wonders of Bengal, India. On the first day, you will set sail upstream, visiting the enchanting Imambara at Hooghly, showcasing Islamic history with verses from the Koran adorning its walls. The next day, explore the picturesque town of Kalna with its charming terracotta temples and the impressive Shiva temple with 108 shrinelets. Continue to Mayapur to see the grand ISKCON temple, a hub of the Hare Krishna movement. On the third day, experience the art of saree-weaving in a village before reaching Chandernagore, a former French colonial town, boasting an 18th-century church and the intriguing Dupleix Palace, now a museum. The final day concludes with a visit to Kolkata, where the cruise comes to an end, and you may head to the airport or your hotel. Throughout this journey, you will be mesmerized by the rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes of Bengal.
- Explore the captivating Hooghly Imambara, a historic Islamic monument adorned with verses from the Koran, offering a glimpse into Bengal's rich religious past.
- Marvel at the intricate terracotta temples of Kalna and the unique Shiva temple with its 108 shrinelets, showcasing Bengal's architectural and artistic brilliance.
- Visit the grand ISKCON temple in Mayapur, the headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement, where devotees from around the world gather to sing and dance in celebration.
- Immerse yourself in the colonial charm of Chandernagore, with its 18th-century church and Dupleix Palace turned museum, providing a fascinating glimpse into its French colonial history.
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel to embark the ship by 11am. Sailing upstream, you pass the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Koran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. After the visit, reboard your cruise and start sailing, leaving urban sprawl far behind.
Enjoy breakfast with an ever-changing view as you sail upstream, before landing at the country town of Kalna. Here you’ll take cycle rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples, as well as the unique Shiva temple with its concentric rings made up of 108 shrinelets. Continue on through the countryside to Mayapur to visit the vast new ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple which dominates the skyline. As the headquarters of ISKCON, or the Hare Krishna movement, the temple receives over a million singing and dancing devotees a year from around the world. Sail downstream as dusk falls to a mooring near Kalna.
This morning you’ll sail downstream and visit a saree-weaving village before continuing on to Chandernagore. A French possession until 1950, this old colonial town offers a chance to visit an 18th century church as well as Dupleix Palace, the erstwhile residence of the Governor-General of French India and now a fascinating museum. Later, sail on down to Kolkata.
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport or your hotel in Kolkata.
Itineraries are subject to change.
ABN Rajmahal
ABN Rajmahal, entered service on the Lower Ganges and the Ganges proper on schedule in mid-February 2014. Built in Kolkata, she is 50m long and powered by 3 engines; her extra-shallow draught and a lower profile than conventional designs allow her to cruise further upstream than any of her competitors.
ABN Rajmahal has 22 cabins: 14 spacious twin/double cabins on the upper deck; 4 twin/double cabins on the main deck; and 4 single cabins for which we charge no supplement. The décor is stylish and fresh with touches of colonial elegance, brought to life by traditional Indian-inspired designs on hand-blocked cotton fabrics. All cabins on ABN Rajmahal have French balconies.
As with the other ships in our fleet, there is a comfortable saloon and bar, dining room and a vast canopied sundeck. A small spa onboard offers a wide range of treatments. All cabins and public rooms on our ships are air-conditioned.
Food on board is a mixture of Assamese (milder than most Indian cuisine) and Continental cuisines. Wines, beer and spirits are available.
Onboard features
- Spacious cabins with individual climate control
- En suite shower/WC with Biotique toiletries
- Generous cupboard space and under-bed storage
- Hair drier in each cabin
- Minibar in each cabin
- In-room electronic safe
- Tea/coffee making facilities in cabins
- Intercommunication telephone in cabins
- High quality bathrobes and slippers in cabins
- Large sliding glass windows offering panoramic views of the river
- Vast sundeck both open and shaded, with sunloungers or steamer chairs
- Spacious air-conditioned saloon with library and recorded entertainment
- Spa with choice of treatments.
Services
- Shore excursion programme including all admissions
- Maximum 20 guests per guide on all excursions
- Naturalist onboard the vessel
- Cold towel service after excursions
- Welcome drink after excursions
- Shoe-cleaning after excursions
- Turndown service in all cabins
- Expertly trained culinary staff
- Single seating for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Acclaimed combination of Indian & Western cuisines
- Wide choice of wines, spirits and beer
- Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water throughout
- Welcome reception
- Farewell reception
- Local on-board dance & song performances.
Ship details
- Vessel Type: River Boat
- Length: 50 meters
- Passenger Capacity: 40
