Slowly on the Ganges - 15D/14N

Aare River photo by courtesy of Pandaw River CruisesVenture 800 miles along India’s most holy of rivers of a journey from the mighty metropolis of Calcutta to the soaring temples of Varanasi. No river in the world plays a more important cultural, economic, or social role in the lives of more people than the Ganges. The spiritual heart of Hinduism, the Ganges is strewn with cities, pilgrimage sites, mountains and forests. The traveler is able to slowly absorb the sights and everyday life in a way only possible on a river cruise. The banks of the Ganges are an ever-changing, colorful scene and give a fascinating glimpse of India, from the enchanting rural landscapes to the bustling towns and cities. Only by river can one connect the great monuments of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and the British Raj. Romantic notions and modern travel are often a difficult marriage. A Ganges river journey is one that can inspire. Whether you are watching a torrent of pilgrims or holy men wading into the river. Reflecting on the history of the Raj, and its ever present monuments, or simply observing fishermen and locals going about their business in their tiny boats, the Ganges cannot fail to be a genuinely moving experience.

The RV Bengal Pandaw

Originally launched as the Pandaw IV in Burma in 2004 and has 28 promenade deck staterooms, each 170 square feet. All rooms are air conditioned with individual controls and have fitted windows with insect screens. There is a mini-safe in each room. The bathrooms are roomy with granite basin tops and finished like the staterooms in brass and teak. On board laundry, bakery, fully equipped galley and refrigeration units. Executive chefs have evolved a fusion cuisine combining the best of Asian and Western traditions on board. Where possible, produce is sourced locally and there will be a choice of Indian, European, or vegetarian. The staff to guest ratio is high, ensuring an excellent level of service and care.

Varanasi photo by courtesy of Pandaw River CruisesIncludes - Entrance fees, gratuities for crew, guide services (English language), main meals, locally made soft drinks and beers, jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes, mineral water. Transfers to and from the ship at the start and end of a voyage are included. Port dues and taxes for all destinations other than the Mekong.

Not Included - International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs, other soft drinks like Perrier, espressos and cappuccinos at bar.

Departures: SET DATES.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Embark Calcutta - Transfer from airport (included) to embark on the RV Bengal Pandaw moored in the Hugli River close to the city centre. City orientation tour in afternoon; moor overnight at the Outram Ghat.
  • Day 2 Colonial Calcutta - Further explorations of colonial Calcutta, arguably the greatest of the British Raj cities with a stupendous architectural heritage. Still largely intact, highlights include the Queen Victoria monument and neo-gothic law courts. Cast off at midday and cruise the
    Hugli River to Serampore a former Danish colony and Barrackpore cantonment where the garden’s of flagstaff house contain a collection of former British statues removed from the streets of Calcutta.
  • Day 3 Chandernagore - A French colony until 1950, we visit the house of Dupleix, a small museum, an 18th century church and then on by bus to visit the Dutch cemetery at Chinsura and a Portuguese church at Bandel where we rejoin the ship.
  • Day 4 Kalna - Cycle rickshaw tour of Bengali terracotta temples. The river here narrows and the tropical Bengal countryside lush and green.

    • Itinerary Map

  • Day 5 Plassey - We visit the battlefield where Clive of India defeated the French in 1757 and the fascinating brassworks at country village of Metiari.
  • Day 6 Kushbagh - We explore the delightful Moghul gardens and tombs. Then we the vast Hazarduari Palace built in 1837 by an English architect. Further visits to the Katra mosque, and the late 18th century Nashipara and Katgola palaces. Overnight at Baranagar famous for its lovely miniature temples.
  • Day 7 Farraka - We cruise the narrow Farraka Feeder Canal and enter the Ganges by lock at the Farraka Barrage. Continue up the Ganges entering Bihar State.
  • Day 8 Munger - Morning cruise continuing up the Ganges. Here the river is 2km across and vast panoramas unfold. The river is rich in activity with fishermen and country boats. At Munger we stop to visit the Bihar School of Yoga which lies within the 15th century Munger Fort. Near the fort is an 18th century British cemetery.
  • Day 9 Bihar - Cruising through the heart of Bihar state seeing a rural India remote from the tourist track and rarely visited by foreigners. Stop for a walk ashore. State Security will accompany the ship through Bihar
  • Day 10 Nalanda and Bodh Gaya - Day trip to the ruins of the vast Buddhist university at Nalanda and then on after lunch in a local hotel to Bodh Gaya place of the Buddha’s enlightenment and a major centre of pilgrimage for Buddhists of all sects from all countries.
  • Day 11 Patna - Explore the town with its huge hemispherical Golghar grain silo built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin, the State Museum with its Mauryan and Pala period Buddhist sculptures, and if traffic permits, the eclectic Jalan Museum where Napoleon’s bed is on display. Cast off at mid-day.
  • Day 12 Uttar Pradesh - Cruise all day with a village stop for a walk in this very different landscape.
  • Day 13 Sarnath - Cruise all morning and short afternoon coach trip to visit the important site at Sarnath where the Buddha was enlightened with its Gupta monuments and stupendous musem of Gupta period sculptures.
  • Day 14 Varanasi - Early morning moor off the Varanasi (Benares) ghats. Explore on foot the ghats, palaces, temples and museums of this one of the oldest cities in the world,. Varanasi contemporary with 7th century BC Babylon and Nineveh, is the cultural heart of Hindu India at its richest and most beautiful. Evening boat trip to observe the spectacular ritual fire dances to Lord Shiva held on the ghats.
  • Day 15 Disembarkation - Disembark from ship at Varanasi (Benares) and transfer (included) to airport or railway station.

Optional Pre or Post Cruise

  • Varanasi - Delhi; overnight at Hotel Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra Fort - Taj Mahal
  • Delhi - International Departure

Downstream Itinerary
Day 1 Varanasi; Day 2 Sernath; Day 3 Cruising on the Ganges; Day 4 Patna; Day 5 Nalanda; Day 6 Cruise through Bihar; Day 7 Munger; Day 8 Cruising on the Ganges; Day 9 Farraka; Day 10 Kushbagh; Day 11 Plassey; Day 12 Kalna; Day 13 Chandernagore; Day 14 Colonial Calcutta; Day 15 Disembarkation at Calcutta.

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Also tagged with: Cruise Expeditions, India, Educational, Cultural, River Cruises, Deluxe Cruises, World Cruises, Photography, Pandaw


Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.