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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 – Farakka – Vikramsila – Farakka
11 Nights / 12 Days
The Bengal Despatch 11: Ganges Maximum – From the Buddha to the Raj is a 11-night, 12-day upstream itinerary from Kolkata to Vikramshila aboard the ABN Rajmahal, offering the most extensive exploration of the Ganges’ cultural, spiritual, and historical legacies. The journey begins in Kolkata, sailing past former European colonies such as Serampore, Chandernagore, and Chinsura, with visits to the Hooghly Imambara and the French Governor’s House. Stops at Kalna’s terracotta temples and Mayapur’s ISKCON headquarters highlight Bengal’s devotional traditions, while Matiari brass workshops and the historic battlefield of Plassey reveal artisanal skills and colonial turning points. In Murshidabad, once the Nawabi capital, travelers explore Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque, and Georgian-style merchant palaces reflecting Indo-European cultural blending. Further upstream, the cruise visits Baranagar’s temple village, the ruins of Gaur, and the atmospheric Mughal town of Rajmahal, Akbar’s eastern capital. Beyond Farakka, the voyage enters the broader Ganges, with stops at rural villages, the 6th-century carvings at Bateshwar, and the important Buddhist learning center of Vikramshila. Guests also experience the Rajmahal Hills, Santal tribal villages, and the Moti Jharna waterfall before returning downstream to Farakka for the train back to Kolkata. This immersive itinerary combine spirituality, Mughal and colonial history, rural charm, and Buddhist heritage, making it the most comprehensive river cruise program on the Ganges.
Terracotta temple marvels
Spiritual ISKCON temple town
Brass artisan village
Nawabi heritage capital
Riverside temple charm
Ancient historical ruins
Late in the morning, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred for embarkation around midday. The ship then sails upstream past the former Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore. Here, we go ashore for a walk through the cantonment, passing the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House, whose gardens display many British statues once located in central Calcutta.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
We sail upstream to Chandernagore, a former French possession until 1950, to visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix’s House, which houses a small museum. Continuing past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura, we stop to visit the impressive Imambara at Hooghly before reboarding the ship. Cruising onward, we leave the urban areas behind and sail into the night, mooring near Kalna.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
We go ashore at the country town of Kalna and take rickshaws to visit a remarkable cluster of Bengal’s finest terracotta temples, along with the distinctive Shiva temple featuring concentric rings of 108 small shrines. Continuing through the countryside, we reach Mayapur, where the skyline is dominated by the massive ISKCON temple. We then sail through the night to moor near Matiari.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, we visit the brassworking village of Matiari to observe the traditional process of crafting brass water pots and other vessels by hand. We then continue cruising to the historic battlefield of Plassey, where in 1757 Clive’s victory over Siraj-ud-Daulah altered the course of Indian history. Our journey ends the day moored at Murshidabad.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
We go ashore for a walk to the Khushbagh, a serene Mughal-style garden that houses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah and his family. Sailing a short distance upstream, we arrive at the impressive Hazarduari Palace, built by an English architect in 1837, which dominates the waterfront. Inside, the palace displays an extensive collection of paintings, china, weapons, and other artifacts. We also visit the grand Katra Mosque before driving out to see two remarkable late 18th-century buildings—the Nashipara Palace and the Katgola Palace. Both, constructed in classical Georgian style by wealthy local merchants, reflect the cultural blend of the “White Mughal” era, when English and Indian influences closely intertwined. We spend the night moored on the riverbank opposite the town.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
We moor at the charming, tranquil village of Baranagar and take a walk through the fields to visit three exquisite miniature terracotta temples. This is rural India at its most peaceful and picturesque. Continuing up the Hooghly River—a delightful waterway winding between banks edged with mustard fields and mango orchards—we travel along a long canal section to moor near the Farakka Barrage.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
During breakfast, we cruise to a mooring near the Farakka lock. Disembarking, we set off on a full-day excursion by road to Gaur, near the town of Malda (English Bazar). Once a thriving city—first under Hindu rule in the 12th century and later as the Muslim capital of Eastern India from the 14th to 16th centuries—Gaur is now a quiet, deserted site. The area is rich with remains of mosques, palaces, and gateways, and we visit several of the most notable structures before rejoining the ship in the evening at Farakka.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
During the day, our ship passes through the lock, lifting it to the main course of the Ganges. Guests can enjoy a visit to a nearby market and explore a charming rural village. Alternatively, for those interested, a full-day excursion by road can be arranged (at an additional cost) to Pandua, home to an impressive Sultanate-period mosque.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, we depart Farakka and enter the main stream of the Ganges, which feels almost sea-like just above the Barrage. We sail upstream through the morning before anchoring at Rajmahal, set beneath the Rajmahal Hills. Though rarely mentioned in guidebooks, Rajmahal is rich in history and atmosphere. Once called Akbarnagar, it was founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar as his eastern capital, and Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, spent much of his youth here. The town holds the overgrown remains of palaces, forts, and mosques, which we explore before continuing our journey upstream to Manihari Ghat.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
This morning, we continue cruising upriver, passing the confluence with the Kosi River, which flows down from Nepal, while keeping watch for Gangetic dolphins, often spotted in this area. We arrive at the serene site of Bateshwar, home to remarkable 6th-century rock carvings, and then drive a short distance to the impressive ruins of the 8th-century Buddhist monastery at Vikramshila. After the visit, we reboard the ship and sail downstream to anchor near the port of Sahibganj in Jharkhand. As evening falls, the striking silhouette of the Rajmahal Hills—the only notable uplands along the river between Kolkata and Varanasi—stands out against the sunset.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
We go ashore and drive into the Rajmahal Hills to visit the striking Moti Jharna waterfall, which cascades 50 metres from an untouched glen into a clear pool, its natural beauty only slightly offset by a concrete menagerie of Indian wildlife nearby. We also stop at a Santal village, home to one of the tribal communities that have lived in these remote hills for centuries. Returning to the ship, we cruise downstream once more towards the Farakka Barrage.
Overnight onboard the Ship ABN Rajmahal
Transfer to Farakka station for an approximately four-hour train journey to Kolkata. On arrival, our representatives will meet you and arrange your transfer to a city hotel or Kolkata Airport to board Flight for Onward Journey
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-: 22 October 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 | $ 10285 | $ 13530 | £ 8571 | £ 11275 |
| Main Deck Twin / Double Cabin | $ 8855 | $ 11660 | £ 7379 | £ 9717 |
| Main Deck Single Cabin for One Person | $ 5830 | Not Applicable | £ 4858 | Not Applicable |
Fare for the departure-: 07 January 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 | $ 7750 | $ 10560 | £ 6458 | £ 8800 |
| Main Deck Twin / Double Cabin | $ 6545 | $ 8690 | £ 5454 | £ 7242 |
| Main Deck Single Cabin for One Person | $ 4345 | Not Applicable | £ 3621 | 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
