UK
01892 515966
MAKE AN ENQUIRYToday your river cruise journey begins by boarding a train from Kolkata to Farakka followed by a short road transfer to the Assam Bengal Navigation ship. Alternatively, if you would like to join directly from Farakka you may board the ship from midday. Visit the great 14th century Adina Mosque before returning to the boat which will have passed the lock at the barrage. (D)
Cruising the Upper Ganges - From Farakka to Patna
9 days from £2550 per person
Route: Farakka – Manihari – Bhagalpur – Sultanganj – Monghyr – Barh – Patna
Delve deep into rural eastern India on this nine-day intrepid Ganges river cruise with Assam Bengal Navigation that encompasses West Bengal and Bihar. As you travel upstream along the Ganges discover ancient forts and palaces, spot rare river dolphins and immerse yourself in remote river communities. After departing Farakka, stop off at Rajmahal to explore the crumbling temples and mosques submerged in vines and continue to the important Buddhist site of Vikramshila. Visit a traditional silk weaving village, the mansions and tombs of the British East India Company and Sita Kund’s bubbling hot springs. Alsovisit the spectacular archaeological site at Nalanda which is home to the ruins of a magnificent 5th century university.
Please note that the operation of this cruise is dependent on water levels with departures scheduled between the months of August and September
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the ancient forts, palaces and mosques that are submerged in vines and vegetation near the small town of Rajmahal. Founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Rajmahal was once the capital of the East.
Stop at Monghyr famous for its historic Mughal fort built atop a hill overlooking the Ganges, the East India Company cemetery, Pirpahar Hill and its hilltop mansion and the bubbling hot springs at Sita Kund.
Visit Bihar’s state capital Patna which is home to the 18th century granary, Golghar, the great Sikh gurudwara and Patna State Museum which houses an excellent collection of regional artifacts.
CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS
Guide
to Price
to Price
Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2550 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 Upper Ganges - From Farakka to Patna
As you leave Farakka behind, sail out into the Ganges which is wide and almost sea like. Most of the morning is spent sailing upstream – admire the rural countryside and spot remote villages during the journey. After lunch moor at the small town of Rajmahal, founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital of the East. The builder of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jehan, also spent most of his youth and early adult life here. Spend the afternoon visiting the remains of forts, palaces and mosques that are submerged in vines and vegetation. Back onboard enjoy drinks and dinner before sailing towards Manihari. (B/L/D)
Enjoy breakfast on deck as you continue to sail upstream passing the confluence of the Kosi River which flows from Nepal. Later that morning stop off at various villages and historic sites including the 6th century carvings at Bateshwar and the 8th century ruins of a Buddhist stupa and monastery at Vikramshila. Continue upstream where you will pass various Buddhist and Hindu cave temples and shrines sitting on the riverbank. Enjoy a traditional dinner onboard as you sail overnight up the Ganges. (B/L/D)
As you continue to sail upstream in the morning, keep your eyes peeled as you may see the endangered South Asian river dolphin. Arrive at Bhagalpur, an important city in the state of Bihar located on the southern banks of the Ganges. Visit the elegant 18th century mansion which was built by an administrator of the East India Company, Augustus Clevland, as well as a traditional silk-weaving village. Continue to Jahangira Island which is home to early Hindu carvings as well as a picturesque mosque. Take a stroll through the local market which offers opportunities to buy authentic souvenirs and sample traditional Indian sweets. (B/L/D)
This morning sail on to Monghyr where you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city and the surrounding area. Highlights include a historic Mughal fort built atop a hill overlooking the Ganges, the East India Company cemetery featuring grandiose tombs, the bubbling hot springs at Sita Kund and Pirpahar Hill and its hilltop mansion. (B/L/D)
Today will mostly be spent onboard cruising upstream towards Barh. Enjoy your time relaxing on the sun deck and admiring the beautiful and rural countryside you pass. After lunch visit a remote riverside village to meet the local community and get an authentic insight to everyday life. Arrive in Barh in the evening where you will moor for the next two nights. (B/L/D)
After breakfast leave the ship for a sightseeing excursion to Nalanda which is home to an ancient and revered Buddhist university. Explore the ruins and adjoining museum of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and world’s oldest seat of learning, which once welcomed over 10,000 students at its height. Later that afternoon visit the marbled temple of Pawapuri Jain which sits in the middle of a glistening lake. Return to Barh to board the ship where you will enjoy dinner and moor overnight. (B/L/D)
Spend most of the day sailing upstream. Arrive at the state capital of Bihar, Patna, in the early evening where you will moor up near the old East India Company opium warehouses. (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.
