Lower Ganges | Kolkata – Mayapur – Kolkata
3 Nights / 4 Days
The Bengal Despatch 8: Bengal Memories is a 3-night, 4-day Lower Ganges cruise aboard the ABN Rajmahal, offering a short yet enriching journey through Bengal’s cultural and spiritual heartlands. Beginning in Kolkata, the voyage sails past historic river settlements to the Hooghly Imambara, an architectural gem adorned with Quranic verses that reflects Bengal’s Islamic heritage. The next day features Kalna, where cycle rickshaws take guests to marvel at Bengal’s finest terracotta temples and the unique Shiva temple with 108 shrinelets, before continuing to Mayapur, the global headquarters of ISKCON. This vibrant temple town, welcoming millions of Hare Krishna devotees annually, is one of the region’s most significant spiritual centers. Sailing downstream, the journey includes a stop at a traditional weaving village and Chandernagore, a former French settlement where colonial charm endures in landmarks such as the 18th-century church and Dupleix’s House. The cruise concludes back in Kolkata, blending riverside serenity with encounters that reveal Bengal’s layered history, devotional traditions, and artistic heritage. Ideal as a cultural taster, this itinerary distills the essence of the Lower Ganges into an elegant and memorable short journey.
Terracotta temple marvels
Spiritual ISKCON temple town
Riverside French heritage town
This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the ship for embarkation by 11 AM. We sail upstream past the historic Dutch settlement of Chinsura, then disembark to visit the grand Imambara at Hooghly, its walls adorned with verses from the Koran—a striking reflection of Islamic heritage in Bengal. After the visit, we reboard the ship and continue sailing, gradually leaving the urban landscape behind.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, we sail upstream and, after breakfast, arrive at the country town of Kalna. Here, cycle rickshaws take us to a remarkable collection of Bengal’s finest terracotta temples, along with the distinctive Shiva temple featuring concentric rings of 108 small shrines. We then travel through the countryside to Mayapur to visit the immense ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple, a landmark visible for miles. As the global headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement, it welcomes over a million devotees each year. In the evening, we sail downstream, mooring near Kalna as dusk settles.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, we sail downstream and stop at a village known for its traditional saree weaving. We then continue to Chandernagore, which remained under French control until 1950, to visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix’s House, once home to the Governor-General of French India. Later, we sail onward to Kolkata.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport or to your hotel in central Kolkata.
This itinerary, along with the cruise schedule and estimated travel times, is dependent 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 March 2026, 09 November 2026, 25 January 2027, 11 March 2027, 14 March 2027, 01 April 2027, 04 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 | $ 2100 | $ 2880 | £ 1750 | £ 2400 |
| Main Deck Twin / Double Cabin | $ 1785 | $ 2370 | £ 1488 | £ 1975 |
| Main Deck Single Cabin for One Person | $ 1185 | Not Applicable | £ 988 | 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.”
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