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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 Downstream Itinerary | Farakka To Kolkata
7 Nights / 8 Days
The Bengal Despatch 5: The Historic Hooghly (Lower Ganges) is a 7-night, 8-day downstream cruise from Farakka to Kolkata aboard the ABN Rajmahal, showcasing Bengal’s rich heritage, rural charm, and colonial legacies. Beginning with an excursion to the once-great city of Gaur, guests explore its impressive medieval ruins of mosques, palaces, and gateways before continuing to Baranagar, a riverside village with exquisite terracotta temples. The journey then moves to Murshidabad, the Nawabi-era capital, where highlights include the opulent Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque, and Katgola Palace, reflecting the Indo-European fusion of the 18th and 19th centuries. At Khushbagh, travelers visit the Mughal-style garden tomb of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last Nawab of Bengal, before walking the historic battlefield of Plassey, a pivotal site in Indian history. The cruise also features the brass-working village of Matiari, the vibrant spiritual hub of Mayapur with its ISKCON temple, and Kalna, where terracotta temples and the unique 108-shrine Shiva temple stand as architectural marvels. As the vessel approaches Kolkata, stops include the Hooghly Imambara, Chandernagore with its French heritage, and Barrackpore, offering insights into India’s colonial and independence history. This itinerary weave together spirituality, craftsmanship, history, and river life into a vivid cultural journey along the Lower Ganges.
Terracotta temple town
ISKCON global headquarters
Brass craftsmanship hub
Capital of Bengal Nawabs
Riverside temple village
Ancient historical ruins
Take an afternoon train from Kolkata to Farakka (around 4 hours), followed by a brief road transfer to the ship. Guests arriving directly at Farakka can board from midday.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Spend the day on a road excursion to Gaur, near Malda (English Bazar). Once a major city, it thrived under Hindu rule in the 12th century and later became the Muslim capital of Eastern India from the 14th to 16th centuries. The area is dotted with ruins of mosques, palaces, and gateways, and you’ll explore several notable sites before returning to the ship in the evening near Jangipur.
Cruise along the Lower Ganges, a scenic route winding past mustard fields and mango orchards, and moor at Baranagar for the night.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
In the morning, stroll through the peaceful village of Baranagar, passing fields to reach three beautiful miniature terracotta temples. This area offers a serene glimpse of rural India.
Continue past Azimganj, known for its elegant riverside mansions, and arrive in Murshidabad, where the impressive Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect in 1837, the palace houses an extensive collection of paintings, china, weapons, and artifacts.
Visit the grand Katra Mosque, then drive to Katgola Palace, a classical Georgian-style mansion built by wealthy local merchants. The palace reflects the cultural blending of the ‘White Mughal’ era, when English and Indian influences intertwined. Moor overnight on the opposite riverbank.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Sail a short distance downstream, then walk to Khushbagh, a serene Mughal-style garden that houses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and his family. Return to the ship and continue downstream, passing the former British cantonment at Berhampur, to a rural stop near the historic battlefield of Plassey. It was here in 1757 that Robert Clive, Commander-in-Chief of British India, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, altering the course of Indian history. Stroll through the fields to the commemorative obelisk before cruising on to a mooring near Katwa, a lively market town with narrow, busy bazaars.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Visit Matiari, a village known for its traditional brasswork, where artisans craft water pots and other vessels using age-old techniques. Continue through the countryside to Mayapur, home to the towering ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple. As the global headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement, it welcomes over a million devotees each year from around the world.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Travel onward to the country town of Kalna, where cycle rickshaws take you to a remarkable collection of terracotta temples and the distinctive Shiva temple, designed with concentric rings of 108 small shrines. Continue sailing, leaving the rural scenery behind, and reach the outskirts of Kolkata.
Disembark at Hooghly to visit the grand Imambara, its walls adorned with verses from the Koran, offering a glimpse into Bengal’s Islamic heritage. Resume the journey downstream, passing elegant waterfront buildings and the former Dutch settlement of Chinsura, before mooring at Chandernagore.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Raj Mahal Cruise
At Chandernagore, once a French territory until 1950, visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix’s House, the former residence of the Governor-General of French India. Continue downstream to Barrackpore, where a walk through the old cantonment takes you past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House, offering insights into India’s path to independence.
Depending on the river tide, cruise beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge to arrive in central Kolkata.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Disembark and transfer to Kolkata Hotel or proceed to the Airport for departure.
This itinerary, along with the cruise and estimated driving times, may vary depending 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 -: 15 January 2026, 02 February 2026, 05 March 2026, 01 October 2026, 15 October 2026, 02 November 2026, 19 November 2026, 03 December 2026, 18 January 2027, 18 February 2027, 04 March 2027, 25 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 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 -: 26 March 2026, 17 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 -: 16 April 2026, 20 August 2026, 15 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
