Have questions? We're here.

The Lower Ganges River

Roundtrip Kolkata - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard RV Kalaw Pandaw
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal India trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Discover the most sacred river in the world, the Ganges, on this 8-day expedition aboard RV Kalaw Pandaw roundtrip Kolkata. An expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the most beautiful river journeys imaginable. The river winds its way through West Bengal's lush countryside, past culturally significant towns brimming with temples and palaces. 
Highlights
  • Explore Bengal's most attractive terracotta and unique Shiva temples
  • Visit the brass-working village of Matiari, a charming riverside village.
  • Walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Kolkata | Barrackpore | Embarkation

Transfer from your hotel or airport in Kolkata to embark and sail at noon. 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 2: Kalna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 3: Matiari

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 4: Murshidabad

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 5: Baranagar | Ajimganj

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 6: Mayapur

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 7: Chandernagore | Hooghly

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 8: Kolkata | Disembarkation

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark and receive a group transfer to the disembarkation point hotel for your onward journey.

Ship/Hotel

RV Kalaw Pandaw

RV Kalaw Pandaw - Dining
RV Kalaw Pandaw - Dining
RV Kalaw Pandaw - Deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,376
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
RV Kalaw Pandaw - Cabin
Select a Date
Pandaw Stateroom
Bedroom: 12' x 10' Bathroom: 6' x 4' Showeroom: 2'8" x 3'4" Single Bed: 6'7" x 3'3"
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • English Speaking Guide
  • All entrance fees as per program
  • Local mineral water, Jugged coffee, Teas & Tisanes
  • Transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By