Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Ships
Join Pandaw for this exclusive land and river adventure in India, taking in the highlights of this magnificently vibrant and diverse country. Including Pandaw’s 7 night expedition along the Lower Ganges in West Bengal plus guided touring of the famous Taj Mahal in Agra as well as Kolkata, Delhi and Jaipur. This once-in-a-lifetime 15 night trip is now available for all departure dates and is the perfect way to experience the best that India has to offer in comfort and style.
- Kolkata Flower Market: Start your day in Kolkata with a visit to the vibrant flower market, one of Asia's largest. Immerse yourself in the colors and fragrances as you witness locals buying flowers for temple offerings and prayers.
- Walking Tour of Colonial Kolkata: Explore the colonial heritage of Kolkata on a walking tour. Visit Dalhousie Square, now known as B.B.D. Bagh, and admire the colonial buildings, including the Writers' Building and St. John's Church. Learn about the city's history and see the monument dedicated to the Black Hole of Calcutta.
- Bengali Hospitality and Victoria Memorial: Enjoy Bengali hospitality at the home of Bomti Iyengar, an art collector, and have lunch while surrounded by his eclectic art collection. Later, visit the serene Victoria Memorial, stroll through the splendid gardens, and admire the beautiful white marble hall built in memory of Queen Victoria.
- Terracotta Temples in Kalna: Sail upstream to the country town of Kalna and take a rickshaw ride to see a group of Bengal's most attractive terracotta temples. Marvel at the intricate artwork on these temples and explore the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 lesser shrines.
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
show reverse itinerary
DAY 1 KOLKATA
Sbagata and welcome to Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. Experience Indian life at full pace in this colourful and cultural city, perhaps India’s most soulful city and certainly the most over looked. During the British Raj, Calcutta as it was known, was the Jewel of the East and the capital until 1911. Discover Tagore, India’s greatest poet, Victorian buildings and some of the country’s best food. Receive a warm Pandaw welcome and transfer privately to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day easing into your magical surroundings, or step outside and explore the neighbourhood. Time permitting you may want to take High Tea at Flurry’s, an old Calcutta institution on Park Street or indulge in a more luxurious version at The Penthouse, high above the streets of Kolkata overlooking the Victoria Memorial (additional charge).
Meals: none
Accommodation: The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel / Premier Room
DAY 2 KOLKATA
Immerse yourself in city life with an early morning visit to the vibrant flower market, one of Asia’s largest. Wind through the mountains of marigolds and jasmine and watch as people buy flowers for temple offerings and prayers. Stroll down to the river to witness a traditional Akhara (subject to timing). Step inside and watch men of all ages practice a traditional form of wrestling known as kushti or pehlwani.
Follow in the footsteps of the British Raj with a walking tour of colonial Kolkata. See Dalhousie Square, now known as B.B.D. Bagh, in the political heart of the city. Admire the colonial buildings, including the prominent Writers’ Building the former HQ of the East India Company, and step inside St John’s Church with its painting of The Last Supper, with the city’s residents dressed as the apostles. In the gardens discover the monument built by Lord Curzon to the Black Hole of Calcutta.
Enjoy Bengali hospitality in the home of Bomti Iyengar, a charming art collector and bon vivant who lives in a great heritage building. Join him for lunch and share fascinating stories, surrounded by his eclectic art collection.
Later, experience the serenity of the Victoria Memorial with a stroll through the splendid gardens. Admire the domed white marble hall built in memory of Queen Victoria and discover Victorian memorabilia and British Raj-era paintings. End the day in the Maidan, the city’s largest urban park and the "lungs of Kolkata”, watching as people come together over a game of cricket.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel / Premier Room
DAY 3 KOLKATA - BARRACKPORE
Following breakfast, transfer from your hotel or airport in Kolkata to embark on your Pandaw ship for your river cruise adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Sail past the old Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore to land and take a walk through the cantonment - past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House.
DAY 4 KALNA
After breakfast sail upstream and land at the country town of Kalna and take rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples, as well as the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 lesser shrines. Sail on through the night to a mooring near Matiari.
DAY 5 MATIARI
Visit the brass-working village of Matiari, a charming riverside village. Interact with the locals of Matiari and witness the whole primitive process of beating out brass water pots and other vessels. Continue cruising upstream and time permitting visit the battlefield of Plassey where, in 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of British India, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, to change the course of Indian history. Moor close to Murshidabad for the night.
DAY 6 MURSHIDABAD
This morning, walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah – the last independent Nawab of Bengal – and his family. Continue a little way upstream to where the great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect in 1837, the palace hosts an extensive collection of pictures, china, weapons and other objects. Carry on to visit the great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace. Built in classical Georgian style by rich local merchants, Katgola Palace represents the other side of the coin of the 'White Mughal' period when English and Indian cultures came close to fusion. Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.
DAY 7 BARANAGAR - AJIMGANJ
Continue up the Hoogly which transforms into a charming waterway twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards. Morning walk through the fields of the delightfully sleepy village of Baranagar to visit its three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples. This is rural India at its most idyllic. Visit the Jain temples at Azimganj and continue downstream.
DAY 8 MAYAPUR
Explore the village of Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrims’ bazaar.
DAY 9 CHANDERNAGORE - HOOGHLY
Continue sailing downstream 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. Sail past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th century church and Dupleix’s House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Sail into the night to a mooring near Kolkata.
DAY 10 KOLKATA - NEW DELHI
Disembark after breakfast.
Transfer to Kolkata airport for your domestic flight to New Delhi. After arrival, transfer to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.
Meals: none.
DAY 11 CITY TOUR OF DELHI
Today’s tour includes heritage rich Old and New Delhi including a Heritage Walk inside India’s largest Mosque ‘Jama Masjid’ built in 1644 AD showcasing finest Islamic style of architecture. Explore real life of Old Delhi through maze like streets of the iconic Ancient Bazaar ‘Chandni Chowk’ and Asia’s largest Spice Market. Experience colonial-era at ‘Lutyens Delhi’ including Mahatma Gandhi Museum ‘Birla House’, Temple ‘Bangla Sahib Gurudwara’ and volunteer inside its holy Community Kitchen that daily feeds over 10,000 devotees, pilgrims and homeless. Visit Ceremonial Boulevard ‘Raj Path’ to witness ‘Sir Edwin Lutyens’ finest works from 1920’s British Raj Era including Colonial Government Buildings, India Gate, President and Parliament House from outside. Journey to the City Centre Market ‘Connaught Place’ named after the ‘Duke of Connaught’ and surrounds the central park of Delhi.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Meals: breakfast at your hotel.
DAY 12 AGRA
Drive to Agra, the Mughal Era city that is home to the wonder of the world ‘Taj Mahal’! After check-in at the hotel, continue with a Heritage Walk inside India’s finest Mughal fortress The Red Fort of Agra, an acclaimed UNESCO heritage site and the imperial residence of 16th century rulers of the ‘Mughal Dynasty’. If time permits, visit marble workshops renowned for finest Mughal artwork. Enjoy traditional Indian Chai Tea prepared and served on-spot along with Indian delights.
Meals: breakfast at your hotel.
DAY 13 AGRA - JAIPUR
Start the day with a Sunrise Grand Tour of the Taj Mahal, which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor ‘Shah Jahan’ in memory of his beloved wife ‘Mumtaz Mahal’ who died giving birth to their 14th child.
Continue the jewel of India’s crown, the royal heritage state of Rajasthan, and arrive in its pink colored capital city ‘Jaipur’. Enroute visit spectacular Underground Step-wells ‘Chand Baori’ that lie hidden deep in the village of ‘Abhaneri’. This 10th century built zigzagged stepwells is a geometric wonder where Royals used to picnic, and today a popular spot through the film ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’. Check-in at your hotel in Jaipur.
Meals: breakfast at your hotel.
DAY 14 JAIPUR
Begin the day with a morning ceremony of Indian turbans and stoles. Explore the uphill located Amber Fortress, a “must see” of Jaipur. Built in the 16th century by Rajput commander ‘Raja Man Singh I’, the fortress offers magnificent hilltop views with an intricate Mirror Palace and fine blends of Hindu- Rajasthani architecture. Next a photo-stop outside the Water Palace ‘Jal Mahal’ located in the center of ‘Man Sagar Lake’ housing various migratory birds. Arrive in the heart of the Old City to visit the Astronomical Observatory ‘Jantar Mantar. Visit the residence of the Royal Family locally called Jaipur City Palace and Museum. Built in 1700 AD by ‘Raja Jai Singh II’, this Palace is a paradise of Royal heritage history as it houses rare galleries from the British Raj and Rajput Era. Later, take a walking tour through Jaipur’s most colorful bazaars. Visit Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark: The Palace of Winds, ‘Hawa Mahal’ built in a unique pink-colored beehive design that is certainly hard to miss.
Meals: breakfast at your hotel.
DAY 15 JAIPUR - DELHI
Travel back to Delhi (5 hrs) for a last overnight near Delhi airport.
Meals: breakfast at your hotel.
Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Kalaw Pandaw
Vessel Type: River Boat
Length: 57 metres
Passenger Capacity: 36
Built / refurbished: 2014
Kalaw Pandaw is a K-class ship. The K-class dated back to the 1880s and were comprised of stern whe…
Kalaw Pandaw
Vessel Type: River Boat
Length: 57 metres
Passenger Capacity: 36
Built / refurbished: 2014
Kalaw Pandaw is a K-class ship. The K-class dated back to the 1880s and were comprised of stern wheelers designed to reduce draft, their boilers placed in the bow to improve trim. Smaller than the great line steamers of the age, the K-class ships were used on the Chindwin and upper reaches of the Irrawaddy. Where possible we have reused the old IFC names and many of these original K-class ships had fascinating histories, through times of war and peace.
ACCOMMODATION
8 upper deck, 10 main deck - 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass - AC with individual control - Premium mattresses
WINING & DINING
Bistro style dining room with outside seating and air-conditioning inside - Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team - Semi-buffet breakfast, semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners - Daily lean & light menu options - Complimentary coffee, water, tea, local soft drinks, local beer, local spirits - Extensive wine list with premium wines - Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour - Welcome drink on arrival - Welcome cocktail - Farewell reception - Theme dinners - 24hrs hospitality bar - Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls
ON EXCURSIONS
Admissions - Shoe cleaning after excursions - Bottled drinking water - We give away aluminium water bottles - Cold towel service after excursions - Refreshing drink following excursions - 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions
SAFETY & SECURITY
All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards - Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas - Fire fighting system in all ship areas - Expert marine superintendant - 24 hrs watch on duty
ONBOARD STAFF
Captain - River Pilot - First Officer - Chief Engineer - 1st Engineer - Electrician - Bosun & nautical crew - Ship manager - Housekeeping - Dining - Bar keeper - Chefs - Local tour guides
PUBLIC SPACES
Guest relation desk - Library with contemporary and classic literature
