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Toll-Free 1-855-952-6526
U.K : +44 1753 201 201
Canada : 1-416-619-7795
Australia : 61-2-86078986
WhatsApp : + 44 ( 0 ) 7739 716978
Ganges Upstream | Kolkata To Farakka
7 Nights / 8 Days
The Bengal Despatch 1: The Historic Hooghly (Lower Ganges) is a 7-night, 8-day upstream cruise from Kolkata to Farakka aboard the ABN Rajmahal, designed to immerse travelers in the layered history, culture, and craftsmanship of Bengal. Beginning with colonial legacies at Serampore, Barrackpore, and Chandernagore, the journey highlights European settlements that shaped Bengal’s past. Guests then explore the grand Imambara at Hooghly before reaching Kalna, famed for its terracotta temples and the unique 108-shrine Shiva temple. The itinerary continues with a visit to Mayapur, the vibrant global headquarters of ISKCON, and Matiari, renowned for its traditional brass artisans. Historic events come alive at Plassey, the battlefield that changed India’s destiny, followed by explorations of Murshidabad, once the capital of Bengal Nawabs, with treasures like Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque, and Katgola Palace reflecting Mughal and colonial influences. The cruise also offers serene encounters at Baranagar’s riverside temples and a full-day excursion to Gaur, a forgotten city of immense medieval significance, dotted with grand ruins. Blending heritage sites, rural charm, and riverside beauty, this program provides a rich cultural tapestry of Bengal’s historic Hooghly.
Terracotta temple town
ISKCON global headquarters
Brass craftsmanship hub
Capital of Bengal Nawabs
Riverside temple village
Ancient historical ruins
This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the ship, embarking by midday. As the journey begins, sail past the historic Danish colony of Serampore en route to Barrackpore. Disembark here for a guided walk through the cantonment, passing notable landmarks such as the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House, offering insights into India’s path to independence. Continue sailing upstream to Chandernagore, which remained a French possession until 1950.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix’s House, the former residence of the Governor-General of French India. Continue sailing upstream past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura, then disembark to explore the grand Imambara at Hooghly. Adorned with verses from the Koran on its walls, the Imambara offers a fascinating glimpse into the Islamic heritage of Bengal. In the evening, sail onward and anchor for the night near Kalna.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
After breakfast, disembark at the charming town of Kalna and take a rickshaw ride to explore some of Bengal’s most beautiful terracotta temples. Visit the remarkable Shiva temple, distinguished by its concentric rings of 108 small shrinelets, and stop at a muslin-weaving centre to see this delicate craft in practice. Continue through the countryside to Mayapur, home to the impressive ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple, which dominates the skyline. As the global headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement, it welcomes over a million singing and dancing devotees each year. In the evening, sail onward through the night, mooring near Matiari.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, visit the riverside village of Matiari, known for its traditional brass work. Meet the friendly villagers and watch the age-old process of handcrafting brass water pots and other vessels. Later, continue cruising to the historic battlefield of Plassey, where in 1757 Robert Clive, Commander-in-Chief of British India, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal—an event that shaped the course of Indian history. In the evening, moor near Khushbagh for the night.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, take a walk to Khushbagh, a serene Mughal-style garden housing the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, along with those of his family. Continue cruising upstream to reach the grand Hazarduari Palace, an imposing structure built by an English architect in 1837. The palace contains an extensive collection of paintings, porcelain, weapons, and other historical artefacts.
Next, visit the impressive Katra Mosque before driving out to explore Katgola Palace. Built in classical Georgian style by wealthy local merchants, Katgola Palace reflects the cultural exchange of the ‘White Mughal’ era, when English and Indian traditions blended. End the day moored overnight on the riverbank across from Baranagar.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, take a stroll through the peaceful fields of Baranagar, a tranquil village home to three exquisite miniature terracotta temples. The setting offers a glimpse of rural India at its most serene. Continue the journey along the lower Ganges (or Hooghly), now a picturesque waterway winding between banks adorned with mustard fields and mango orchards. Sail through a long canal stretch before mooring near the Farakka Barrage for the night.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Disembark for a full-day road excursion to Gaur, near the town of Malda, also known as English Bazar. Today a quiet, almost forgotten site, Gaur was once one of India’s great cities—flourishing under Hindu rule in the 12th century and later serving as the Muslim capital of Eastern India from the 14th to 16th centuries. Explore the impressive remnants of its past, including mosques, palaces, and grand gateways, visiting several of the most significant monuments. Return to the ship in the evening to rejoin the cruise.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
For guests concluding their journey with Bengal Despatch 1, transfer in the morning to Farakka station for an approximately 4-hour train ride to Kolkata. Upon arrival, our representatives will greet you and arrange your transfer to a centrally located hotel in Kolkata.
This itinerary, including the cruise schedule and estimated driving times, is subject to change based on river and weather conditions.
Note : At Present 5 % GST is levied by Government of India EXTRA ON TOP OF THE Fares / Prices.
Fares
Fare for the departure -: 12 February 2026, 26 February 2026, 19 March 2026, 09 April 2026, 08 October 2026, 12 November 2026, 10 December 2026, 28 January 2027, 11 February 2027, 25 February 2027, 18 March 2027
| Price in US Dollars ($) | Price in Sterling Pounds (£) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin |
| Upper Deck Deluxe Cabin | $ 6545 | $ 8610 | £ 5454 | £ 7175 |
| Main Deck Twin / Double Cabin | $ 5635 | $ 7420 | £ 4696 | £ 6183 |
| Main Deck Single Cabin for One Person | $ 3710 | Not Applicable | £ 3092 | Not Applicable |
Fare for the departure -: 08 January 2026, 27 August 2026, 24 December 2026
| Price in US Dollars ($) | Price in Sterling Pounds (£) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin |
| Upper Deck Cabin | $ 4900 | $ 6720 | £ 4083 | £ 5600 |
| Main Deck Twin / Double Cabin | $ 4165 | $ 5530 | £ 3471 | £ 4608 |
| Main Deck Single Cabin for One Person | $ 2765 | Not Applicable | £ 2304 | Not Applicable |
Fare for the departure -: 13 August 2026, 08 April 2027
| Price in US Dollars ($) | Price in Sterling Pounds (£) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin |
| Upper Deck Cabin | $ 3675 | $ 5040 | £ 4083 | £ 5600 |
| Main Deck Twin / Double Cabin | $ 2695 | $ 3500 | £ 3471 | £ 4608 |
| Main Deck Single Cabin for One Person | $ 1750 | Not Applicable | £ 2304 | Not Applicable |
*** Accommodation: 7 Nights in Cruise on full board basis.
*** Beverages: Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water throughout
*** Excursions: Shore excursion programme including all admissions and Service of an English-speaking guide on-board and during excursions
*** Service: Cold towel service after excursions, Welcome drink after excursions and Shoe Cleaning after Excursions
*** Special Service: Local on-board dance & song performances
*** Flights: Air travel to, from and within India.
*** Travel Insurance: Medical, trip cancellation, or baggage insurance of any kind.
*** Visa Charges: India visa fees and related processing costs.
*** Tips & Gratuities: Tipping for onboard staff, guides, and drivers.
*** Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, spa treatments, and shopping.
*** Unspecified Services: Any service, activity, or expense not clearly mentioned under “Tour Includes.”
25 Grangewood, Wexham,
Slough, South Bucks,
SL3 6LP, United Kingdom
