Majestic River Cruise in India: Exploration Through Heritage and Horizons
Indo Asia Tours | 30. September 2024
India's river cruises offer a unique way to explore the country's breath-taking landscapes and rich history. Glide through picturesque waterways, witnessing stunning natural beauty and vibrant local life from the comfort and safety of your cruise. The journey allows you to uncover hidden gems and experience the essence of India in a way that's both immersive and unforgettable. Discover a seamless blend of past and present, all while cruising through one of the world's most diverse and captivating regions.
Experience the allure of India with a river cruise along the historic Ganges, a sacred lifeline that stretches from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. This journey offers unparalleled comfort and safety, revealing the region's stunning geography and rich cultural tapestry. Cruise through picturesque riverbank villages, marvel at ornate temples, and explore former European colonies. Discover a fascinating blend of colonial heritage and local traditions, immersing yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Bengal.
Day 01: Arrive at Delhi
Arrive Delhi. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
Rooms will be available from 1400 Hrs.
Delhi has been the seat of power of several empires for about a millennium. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, and interestingly, a number of its destroyers have also been its rulers. Delhi today is a potpourri of two distinct cultural lineages—Old Delhi and New Delhi.
Dinner & overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, start with a visit to Old Delhi. Explore the Red Fort from the outside; this grand Mughal citadel is built in red sandstone by Shah Jahan. Imp: it is closed on Mondays. Next, visit the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and enjoy a Rickshaw Ride through Old Delhi. Proceed to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
In New Delhi, take a photo stop at India Gate, a 42-meter high arch commemorating World War I soldiers. Drive past the British colonial-style government buildings and visit the Qutub Minar, a 73-meter tower of victory built in 1193.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi / Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra.
Agra, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Once the Mughal Empire's political center, its architectural legacy includes stunning forts, mausoleums, and palaces. The city's traditional inlay work in marble and soapstone reflects its rich Mughal heritage.
On arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel.
At sunset visit the Taj Mahal a UNESCO world heritage site. Imp: It remains closed on Fridays. Note: Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Site and hence requires some maintenance and restoration work routinely.
(Optional) Evening enjoy Mohabbat-e-Taj show.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Agra / Jaipur
After breakfast visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later continue drive to Jaipur. Capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is also known as the “Pink City” due the color of its buildings.
On arrival in Jaipur, transfer to hotel.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Jaipur
After breakfast, explore Jaipur's highlights: The Amber Fort, with its stunning fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture and the Sheesh Mahal's dazzling mirrors; Hawa Mahal, renowned for its honeycombed windows and Rajput design; and the City Palace, showcasing a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles with its courtyards and museums.
In the evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local Indian family, learning about spices and curries, followed by a delightful dinner and a glimpse into traditional Indian living.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Jaipur / Kolkata
After breakfast drive to Jaipur airport to board flight for Kolkata. On arrival in Kolkata, transfer to hotel.
In the afternoon visit Victoria Memorial that is a huge white-marble structure and the most enduring of remains of the British Raj in India.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel
Day 07: Kolkata / Bandel / Kalna (River Cruise)
After early breakfast, you will be transferred at the Jetty in Kolkata and enjoy lunch on board.
Embarkation: 12:00 PM
Guests embark on an early-morning city tour, featuring a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square.
The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals. Then we visit the recently renovated Victoria Memorial Museum, which houses the largest collection of British colonial historical artifacts in India.
We set sail upstream to Bandel, meaning port in Bengali. Afternoon, visit the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centres in West Bengal. The two-story building and surrounding rooms provide housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms, or Madrasa that teach the Koran. Continue sail onward to Kalna.
Overnight onboard the Cruise. (Lunch & Dinner)
Day 08: Kalna / Matiari (River Cruise)
In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town centre of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Return to the ship walking through the local market and sail onward to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.
Overnight onboard the Cruise. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 09: Matiari / Khushbagh (River Cruise)
Early this morning enjoy a walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. The village is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items.
Sail onward to the village of Plassey, which was the site of the famous battlefield. Early evening we visit Khushbagh, a charming riverside village surrounded by scenic fields.
Walk through the farmland to visit the peaceful Khush Bagh, the Moghul-style garden built by Nawab Ali-Wardi-Khan.
Overnight onboard the Cruise. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 10: Khushbagh / Baranagar / Murshidabad (River Cruise)
After breakfast proceed to visit the 18th century Char Bangla Temple in the nearby village of Baranagar. Built by Rani Bhabani, the landlady of Natore (now in Bangladesh), it is considered among the best examples of Bengal’s terracotta art.
Return to ship for lunch and sail to Murshidabad. Upon arrival visit to the Hazarduari Palace Museum, built in the Greek Doric style. Ride the Toto (electric-rickshaw) to the Katra mosque passing through turmeric plantations.
Overnight onboard the Cruise. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 11: Murshidabad / Mayapur (River Cruise)
After a restful morning, observing the local life along the riverbanks, we stop in the village of Mayapur. Known as the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486) and considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Mayapur is also the headquarters of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (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 pilgrim’s bazaar.
Overnight onboard the Cruise. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 12: Mayapur / Chandernagore / Kolkata (River Cruise)
After breakfast visit to a local Weaver’s home to see the traditional weaving of Muslin Cloth. Muslin or “malmal” is a cotton fabric.
Sail to Chandernagore, which was established as a French colony in 1673 and emerged as a trading post on the bank of the Hooghly River. Post lunch explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor's residence, now converted into the Dupleix Museum. IMP: Closed on Thursdays & Saturdays. Also visit the Sacred Heart Church, designed by French Architect Jacques Duchatz.
Return to the ship and sail back to Kolkata.
Overnight onboard the Cruise. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 13: Kolkata Disembarkation
Following breakfast disembark the ship and enjoy half day sightseeing of Kolkata. Visit Famous Jain Temples of Kolkata, The Howarh Bridge, The cantilevered bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu, is similar in size to the Sydney Harbour Bridge but carries a flow of traffic which Sydney could never dream of. It is the busiest bridge in the world. Later drive to the Kali ma temple located near the banks of the River Ganges at Kali Ghat.
Later transfer to the hotel and check in. Rooms will be available from 1500 Hrs.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Kolkata Departure
After breakfast day is free at leisure.
In the afternoon transfer to the Airport to board Flight back home / onward destination.
Rooms will be available till 1200 hrs.
Important Note:
The itinerary maybe readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, in order to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. The exact time for each activity will be announced or posted by the onboard tour staff.
Inclusions
Double / Twin room on sharing basis
Daily Breakfast & Dinner. Full board while staying on Cruise.
All ground transportation, as detailed in the itinerary using Air- Conditioned vehicle. For some of the excursions during the cruise a small vehicle / country boat may be provided depending on the feasibility.
Services of English-Speaking local guides in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Kolkata. During River cruising services of English speaking resident guide will be provided.
All shore excursions, special activities, Cultural Performances, Educational Talks, Water, Tea, Coffee, Fruit Juices & Soft Drinks, monument entrance fees as detailed during the River Cruise.
Monument entrance fee duriogn the round trip of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Kolkata.
Currently applicable taxes
Exclusions
- Any airfares / airport taxes.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Any expense of personal nature such as tips, phone calls, drinks etc.
- Any new tax imposed by the Government.
Lufthansa City Center