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MAKE AN ENQUIRYThis morning you will be collected from your hotel in Kolkata and transferred to the jetty where you will embark the ABN Rajmahal ship. After orientation and lunch onboard, sail past the old Danish colony of Serampore towards Barrackpore - the first site where the British set up their cantonment. Take a walk through this historic town and visit the now derelict Government House which acted as a summer residence of British Governers as well as Flagstaff House and the Temple of Fame. During this walk you will gain an excellent understanding on India’s journey to independence. Back onboard sail upstream towards Chandernagore. (L/D)
Cruising the Lower Ganges - From Kolkata to Farakka
8 days from £2235 per person
Route: Kolkata – Chandernagore – Kalna – Matiari – Khushbagh – Baranagar – Farakka
This eight-day Assam Bengal Navigation river cruise explores Bengal’s Hooghly River, a distributary of the holy Ganges, otherwise known as the Lower Ganges. Start in Kolkata – a historic metropolis and former capital of the British Raj – which is known for its magnificent architectural landmarks. Continue to cruise upstream visiting various European settlements including Danish Serampore, British Barrackpore and French Chandernagore before exploring some of Bengal’s most beautiful terracotta temples in Kalna, the iconic battlefield of Plassey and the palaces, tombs and gardens of Khusgbagh. Pass mango orchards and mustard fields as you stop at remote riverside villages and ancient temples before finishing in Farakka, known for its large barrage.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Visit the historic town of Barrackpore - home to the first British cantonment in India. Highlights include the derelict Government House, the Temple of Fame and historic Flagstaff House.
Discover Kalna known as the ‘City of Temples’ which is home to some of Bengal’s finest and most beautiful terracotta temples as well as various shrines and religious buildings.
Admire the beautiful views from the river as you cruise up the Hooghly River. Sail through twisting and turning waterways as you pass mango orchards and mustard fields.
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Guide
to Price
to Price
Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2235 per person
The exact cost of this itinerary will vary depending on the season of travel, standard of accommodation, flight class, activities included and the date the booking is made. Please speak to one of our experienced travel specialists who will create a completely tailor-made and personalized quotation based on your requirements and budget.
** The above price is based on two adults travelling together in economy, sharing accommodation, travel based on low season for this destination and advance booking approximately nine months prior to travel**
Itinerary: Cruising the Lower Ganges - From Kolkata to Farakka
After breakfast travel to Chandernagore, a former French colony that remained in the possession of France until 1950. Perched on the banks of the Hooghly River, visit the 18th century missionary church and Dupleix’s House, owned by the Governor-General of French India, Joseph François Dupleix as well as other colonial buildings and churches. Continue upstream past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura before stopping at the imposing Hooghly Imambara – an Islamic congregation hall and mosque. Enjoy dinner onboard as you sail towards Kalna where you will moor for the night. (B/L/D)
Start off the day with a rickshaw tour of Kalna, known locally as the ‘City of Temples’. Visit some of West Bengal’s most beautiful terracotta temples as well as a unique Shiva temple made up of 108 shrines. Continue by road through the rural countryside to Mayapur – the headquarters of ISKCON or the Hare Krishna movement. Sail overnight towards Matiari. (B/L/D)
This morning visit the charming riverside village of Matiari which is best known for its production of brass. Witness the primitive process of beating out brass water pots as you interact with the locals. Later that afternoon travel to the battlefield of Plassey where the East India Company, under the command of Robert Clive, defeated the Nawab of Bengal in 1757, thereby laying the foundations of the British Raj in India. Moor close to Khushbagh for the night. (B/L/D)
Today explore the historical treasures that surround Khusgbagh. Highlights include the Mughal-style gardens that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, the beautiful Katra Mosque and the palatial Kathgola Palace. You will also visit the riverfront Hazarduari Palace. Built in 1837 the palace houses a magnificent collection of china, weapons, paintings and other fascinating artefacts. Moor overnight on the riverbanks close to Baranagar. (B/L/D)
After breakfast take a stroll through the countryside and fields of sleepy Baranagar, this is rural India at its most idyllic. Whilst in Baranagar visit its three small terracotta temples. Continue your river cruise as you float up the Hooghly, or Lower Ganges, and cruise through the twisting waterways passing mango orchards and mustard fields. Later that afternoon arrive close to Farakka where you will moor for the night. (B/L/D)
Today enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Gaur which once was one of the Indian subcontinent's most prominent and important cities. Having seen various rules and religions pass through as early as the 6th century, the city is a melting pot of palaces, mosques and gateways. During your visit you may see the five-storey Firoz Minar which dates back to 1485, the historic Choto Sona Mosque and the Dakhil Darwaza. Back onboard enjoy dinner with your fellow passengers for the final night. (B/L/D)
**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
What's included
- Cruise accommodation and sightseeing with other passengers
What's not included
- Any International flights
- Any Domestic flights
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
Guide to Price
The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.
