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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 | Patna To Varanasi
7 Nights / 8 Days
The Bengal Despatch 9: City of Light – A Varanasi Summer is a 7-night, 8-day upstream journey from Patna to Varanasi aboard the ABN Rajmahal, blending history, spirituality, and culture along the sacred Ganga. Beginning in Patna, the historic capital of Bihar, the voyage traces Mughal and colonial footprints with visits to Maner’s Mughal tomb, Buxar’s battlefield memorial and East India Company cemetery, and Ghazipur, known for opium production and the tomb of Lord Cornwallis. Sailing further, the cruise reaches Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, revered as Hinduism’s holiest site and alive with spiritual energy. Guests explore Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, and visit its museum of priceless relics. The itinerary also features Ramnagar, with its Maharaja’s Palace and museum, and Chunar Fort, a site layered with Mughal, British, and local history, alongside traditional crafts like carpet weaving and pottery. A highlight is the immersive Varanasi experience—rowing boat rides past dawn’s bathing ghats, narrow alleyway walks, and witnessing the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti, where chants and lamp rituals light the riverfront. Concluding with disembarkation in Varanasi, this journey captures the essence of India’s spiritual heartland.
Historic capital on Ganga
Mughal-era tomb site
Sacred riverfront steps
Mesmerizing Ganga ceremony
Buddhist pilgrimage landmark
Riverside fort and museum
Arrive in Patna by road, rail, or air. Transfers from the airport or railway station to the ship are included in the cruise fare. Board the cruise in the afternoon and enjoy dinner on board as the ship begins its journey upstream.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, enjoy breakfast while cruising upstream before disembarking to visit the striking small Mughal tomb at Maner. Reboard the ship and continue past the confluence with the River Sone to the bustling river port of Doriganj. The journey continues to an overnight mooring near the confluence with the River Gogra.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
We continue upstream past Ballia to reach Buxar, known for the 1764 battle which, along with Plassey, paved the way for British rule in India. Visit the battlefield memorial and the old East India Company cemetery in town, then take a short cycle rickshaw ride to explore the ghats of Buxar.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Today, we sail upstream past Chausa to Ghazipur, which remains a hub for official opium production. Here, we visit the impressive tomb of Lord Cornwallis, the general associated with the British defeat at Yorktown. If time permits, we may also take a walk through the lively Ghazipur bazaar for a classic Indian market experience.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, we sail to Varanasi (also known as Benaras), one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. Mark Twain famously remarked, “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” The city engages every sense—intense, spiritual, and deeply moving for those open to its atmosphere. As the most important religious site for Hindus, it draws visitors from across the world seeking moksha, or salvation.
After lunch, we visit Sarnath, the Buddhist site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon in the Deer Park. The excursion also includes the nearby archaeological museum.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, we sail past the ghats of Varanasi to reach Ramnagar, where we visit the Maharaja’s Palace and its museum. Continuing upstream, we explore Chunar, home to the impressive Mughal Fort, an old British cemetery, and nearby Mughal tombs. The area is also known for its traditional carpet weaving and distinctive pottery. We then sail back downstream to anchor at Ramnagar for the night.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
At dawn, we take rowing boats along the bustling, colorful bathing ghats of Varanasi. After breakfast on board ABN Rajmahal, we disembark once more for a walk through the narrow, lively alleys of the city, offering a close view of its vibrant daily life. In the evening, we return to the river by rowing boat to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony, where young priests perform their rituals with brass lamps and chanting mantras before large crowds from across India and the world. This captivating ceremony is the very spirit of Varanasi. We then return to the ship anchored at Rajghat.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Varanasi airport or railway station.
This itinerary, along with the cruise schedule and estimated travel times, is subject to 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-: 11 September 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 |
*** 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
