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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 | Farakka To Patna
8 Nights / 9 Days
The Bengal Despatch 2: The Holy Ganges is an 8-night, 9-day upstream journey from Farakka to Patna aboard the ABN Rajmahal, combining ancient heritage, sacred sites, and Bengal-to-Bihar river landscapes. The cruise begins at Farakka, where the mighty Ganges broadens, before exploring Rajmahal, once Akbar’s eastern capital with Mughal ruins and monuments. The journey continues to Vikramshila, an 8th-century Buddhist university, alongside ancient Hindu carvings at Bateshwar and cave shrines linked with both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Guests then visit Bhagalpur, a historic silk town, exploring weaving villages, markets, and colonial relics, followed by pilgrim sites at Sultanganj. Sailing onwards, the cruise reaches Monghyr, with its Mughal fort, East India Company cemetery, Pirpahar Hill mansion, and sacred hot springs. Passing Mokameh, once associated with Jim Corbett, the vessel stops at rural riverside villages before reaching Barh. A highlight is the excursion to Nalanda, the UNESCO-listed ancient Buddhist university that once hosted 10,000 students, paired with the serene Pawapuri Jain temple. The voyage concludes in Patna, the historic capital of Bihar, with visits to the Gola Ghar granary, Sikh gurdwara, and the State Museum’s extensive collections. This itinerary offers a profound blend of spiritual, cultural, and historical experiences along the Holy Ganges.
Ruins of ancient monastery
Famous silk weaving town
Iconic ancient university
Sacred Jain temple site
Yoga capital & fort town
Historic capital city
Take an afternoon train from Kolkata to Farakka (approximately 4 hours), followed by a short road transfer to the ship. Guests joining directly at Farakka may board from midday onwards.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, depart Farakka and enter the Ganges proper, which widens to an almost sea-like expanse just above the Farakka Barrage. Spend the morning sailing upstream before anchoring at Rajmahal, a little-known town rich in history and atmosphere. Once called Akbarnagar, it was established by Emperor Akbar as his eastern capital, and Shah Jahan, later the builder of the Taj Mahal, spent much of his youth here. The area holds ruins of palaces, forts, and mosques now partly reclaimed by nature, which you’ll explore before continuing the journey to Manihari Ghat.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, continue sailing upstream, passing the confluence with the Kosi River, which originates in Nepal. Arrive at the peaceful site of Bateshwar, home to 6th-century Hindu carvings, followed by a visit to the nearby ruins of an 8th-century Buddhist stupa and monastery at Vikramshila. Continue on to Kehilgaon (Colganj), where the ship will be waiting. The journey carries on past an island shrine featuring both Buddhist and Hindu cave temples, once associated with the infamous Thug sect.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, sail along a section of the river where the endangered Gangetic dolphin can sometimes be spotted. Stop at Bhagalpur, a historic silk-producing center, to visit a silk-weaving village and see an elegant 18th-century mansion built by Augustus Cleveland, the former collector and magistrate of the town. Continue to Jahangira Island at Sultanganj, a pilgrimage site featuring early Hindu carvings in the rock. Nearby, another striking rock formation is crowned by a mosque. There will also be an opportunity to explore the local market.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Continue sailing to Monghyr, home to a large Mughal fort and an East India Company cemetery, where villagers now live among the impressive old tombs. Visit Pirpahar Hill, topped by a stately old mansion, and the nearby Sita Kund hot springs before resuming the upstream journey.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, cruise under the impressive bridge at Mokameh, once the workplace of naturalist Jim Corbett, who oversaw the ferry service here in earlier times. Make a stop to visit a riverside village and enjoy a short walk before continuing to arrive at Barh by evening.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Today, take an excursion to Nalanda, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the excavated remains of the great Buddhist monastery and stupa, along with the nearby museum. Once a renowned center of learning, Nalanda welcomed over 10,000 students at its peak. Later, visit the marble Pawapuri Jain temple, set in the middle of a serene lake. Return to Barh in the evening to rejoin the ship.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Spend the day cruising upstream, with a stop at a riverside village for a short walk. By evening, arrive in Patna, the capital of Bihar, and moor near the historic East India Company opium warehouses.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Raj Mahal Cruise
This morning, enjoy a tour of Patna, visiting the 18th-century Gola Ghar granary, the prominent Sikh gurdwara, and the extensive collections of the State Museum. Disembark later in the morning and transfer to the airport or railway station (transfer included).
This itinerary, along with the cruise 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-: 03 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 | $ 5600 | $ 7680 | £ 4667 | £ 7175 |
| Main Deck Twin / Double Cabin | $ 4760 | $ 6320 | £ 3967 | £ 5267 |
| Main Deck Single Cabin for One Person | $ 3160 | Not Applicable | £ 2633 | 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
