Bengal Dispatch 2 - The Holy Ganges

Overview

The tour begins with an initial short drive from Kolkata to Farrakka, where the ship waits to be boarded. It is a rather dry landscape dotted generously with several ancient mosques, palaces and gateways. 

The next stop is Malda which was earlier known as the English Bazaar. Another striking attraction of the first day is the beautiful 14th century Adina Mosque. After this brief introduction to the landscape around, the next day actually sets pace to the proper exploration of the offshore attractions of the holiest river of India the Ganges. 

Rajmahal offers a rare mix of interest and atmosphere with its cultural legacy intact. During the Mughal era this was known as Akbarnagar where Akbar's grandson Shahjahan spent his youth there. The place is also known for palaces and mosques. You sail towards Manihari Ghat from here. The journey infuses a Buddhist flavour gradually with you visiting Vikramshila and adding a little peep into the interiors of this heart of weaving at Bhagalpur. 

The following places are of major historical importance especially Monghyr which is also famous for the East India Company cemetery. Mokameh and Nalanda are the closing attraction before the ship reaches Patna, the final anchor point! 

The entire journey is one of the most easy and comfortable way of discovering the jewels of the East.

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01 - Kolkata

Arrive Kolkata, meet and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your flight. Extra sightseeing can be arranged if you would like to explore this afternoon.

Day 02 - Kolkata

After breakfast, you will take a private guided tour of Kolkata. Visiting Dalhousie Square (Covering Raj Bhavan, St. John’s Church, High Court, GPO, Town Hall, Writer’s Building and other important colonial buildings), Flower Market, Howrah Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral & Victoria Memorial.

Day 03 - Ganges River

After breakfast, in time, you will have mid-day 6 hrs train journey from Calcutta to Farakka, and short road transfer to the ship. This quiet, deserted place was once one of India’s great cities, first under the Hindus in the 12th century, then as the muslim capital of Eastern India from the 14th to the 16th century. There are plentiful remain of mosques, palaces and gateways. Later travel on through the town of Malda, or English Bazar, to Pandua where you will visit the great 14th century Adina Mosque before returning to Farakka where your ship will have passed through the lock at the barrage. FULL BOARD

Day 04 - Ganges River

This morning, you leave Farakka and sail out into the River Ganges proper, almost sea-like here just above the great Farakka Barrage. You will sail upstream much of the morning, before anchoring at Rajmahal, beneath the Rajmahal Hills. Rajmahal is one of those places, so common in India, which feature in no guidebook and yet offer both interest and atmosphere. Once known as Akbarnagar, there are remains of palaces, forts and mosques submerged in vegetation which we shall explore. We sail on as far as Manihari Ghat. FULL BOARD

Day 05 - Ganges River

This morning continue cruising upriver, passing the confluence with the Kosi, coming down from Nepal. You arrive at idyllic Bateshwar, with fine 6th century rock carvings, and from here you drive a short distance to the impressive ruins of the 8th century Buddhist monastery of Vikramshila, then onwards to Kehilgaon or Colganj, where ship awaits for you. Then sail on, passing close to the island shrine with both Buddhist and Hindu cave temples, once a centre of the murderous Thug sect. FULL BOARD

Day 06 - Ganges River

Sailing on this morning along a stretch of the river where Gangetic Dolphin may be seen, you reach Bhagalpur, a centre of silk production. You shall visit the elegant 18th century mansion built by Augustus Cleveland as well as a silk-weaving village before continuing on to Jahangira Island at Sultanganj, a place of pilgrimage with early Hindu carvings in the rock. On shore, another picturesque rock is topped with a mosque; while there will be a chance to stroll around the local market. FULL BOARD

Day 07 - Ganges River

Today, you sail on to Monghyr. Monghyr possesses a large Mughal fort, as well as an East India Company cemetery, now with villagers living amongst the grandiose tombs. You will also visit the Pirpahar Hill, crowned by a fine old mansion, as well as the Sita Kund hot springs, before continuing our cruise upstream. FULL BOARD

Day 08 - Ganges River

This morning you will pass under the great bridge at Mokameh, where the naturalist Jim Corbett spent his working life in charge of the ferry which operated here earlier. Nearby you will stop to visit a bankside village and stretch your legs. You will arrive by evening at Barh. FULL BOARD

Day 09 - Ganges River

Today, there is an excursion to the excavated great Buddhist monastery and stupa at Nalanda and the adjoining Museum, then on to the picturesque Pawapuri Jain Temple in the middle of a lake. Until March 2012, there is available the alternative of a lengthy drive to Bodh Gaya itself, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment and of the Bodhi tree under which he sat. Surrounding the great Mahabodhi temple are the temples and monasteries of many Buddhist cultures, Japan, Bhutan, Tibet, Thailand, and others. You will return in the evening to Barh to re-board ship. FULL BOARD

Day 10 - Ganges River

Today is a day spent cruising upstream. At some stage you will pause at a bankside village and stretch your legs. You arrive in the evening at the state capital of Patna and berth close to the old East India Company opium warehouses. FULL BOARD

Day 11 - Patna

This morning, you will have tour of Patna, visiting the extraordinary 18th century Gola Ghar granary, the great Sikh Temple and the rich collections of the State Museum. Disembark late morning and transferred to hotel. Rest of the day will be at lesiure.

Day 12 - Kolkata

After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport to connect with your flight to Kolkata. Arrive Kolkata and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day will be at lesiure to pursue independent activities.

Day 13 - Kolkata

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Today at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Kolkata International airport to connect with your homebound or onwards flight... or travel to your next destination if you would like to add to this tour.

All our tours and holidays are tailor made so can be amended to suite your budget. Click on our from prices below to see what hotels you can expect based on the cheapest time to travel in High Season per person based on two people sharing a room. We can design this tour for you at a lower or higher price, basically to suite your budget, style and comfort. Contact a specialist to discuss your requirements. International flights are not included.