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| JOURNEY ALONG THE HOOGHLY & GANGES |
| A river journey through the cultural heart of India aboard the RV Bengal Ganges
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| 15 nights from £3895 |
Join us as we venture along India’s Hooghly River from the mighty metropolis of Kolkata and join the Ganges, India's most holy of rivers, to the soaring temples of Varanasi. No river in the world plays a more important cultural, economic or social role in the lives of more people than the Ganges. The spiritual heart of Hinduism, the Ganges is strewn with cities, pilgrimage sites, mountains and forests. Any river journey allows the traveller to slowly absorb the sights and everyday life that is just not possible by any other means of travel. This is particularly true in India; the river banks offer an ever-changing colourful scene and a fascinating glimpse of the country, from the enchanting rural landscapes to the bustling towns and cities. Anyone who travels regularly to India will tell you that moving around on land can often be frustratingly slow. Our journey aboard the RV Bengal Ganges alleviates much of this stress as so much of what we will see and do can be approached from the banks of the river. Romantic notions and modern travel are often a difficult marriage, but a Ganges journey is one of the few trips that still can inspire and be a genuinely moving experience whether you are watching a torrent of pilgrims and holy men wading into the river; reflecting on the history of the Raj and its ever present monuments or simply observing fishermen and locals going about their business in their tiny boats. |
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| Upstream Itinerary |
Day 1 - LONDON TO KOLKATA.
Fly to Kolkata by indirect scheduled flight. |
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Day 2 - KOLKATA.
Arrive and transfer to the RV Bengal Ganges for embarkation. This afternoon join a city orientation tour of Kolkata which will include some heritage buildings such as the General Post Office, the High Court, the Raj Bhawan and the Treasury Building. Also see Dalhousie Square and then drive past St. John’s Church and Victoria Memorial (photo stops). |
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Day 3 - KOLKATA TO KALNA.
The RV Bengal Ganges will cruise to Kalna this morning. On the way we pass Chandernagore. Founded as a French colony in 1673, Chandernagore was established as an important place of trading on the shore of the Hooghly River. At that time, Bengalen belonged to the Mogul empire and became part of the French colony in 1688. There are still some buildings from the colonial time maintained today. |
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Day 4 - KALNA TO MATIARI.
Early this morning take a rickshaw ride to to visit the enchanting temple town of Kalna. On arrival, visit the Rajbari complex where we find the highest concentration of temples. The complex contains a unique mixture of Bengal’s temple architecture. On one side of the road lies the Nabakailas Temples. Built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, the complex contains 108 'aat – chala' or “eight sloped roofed” Shiva temples arranged in two concentric circles. Due to its ingenious planning all Shiva lingams can be seen from the centre of the temple. Other temples included the Lalji temple built in 1739, the oldest in the complex, and the Krishnachandra temple built in 1751. Moor overnight at Matiari. |
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Day 5 - MATIARI TO MURSHIDABAD.
Early morning visit to the unique brass making village of Matiari. Enjoy a walking tour as we experience the sights and sounds of different brass artefacts being created and learn about the processes involved. Return to the ship and sail past Plassey which is well known for the battle that took place in 1757 that turned the history of India. The battlefield of Plassey is where Robert Clive of British East India Company defeated the Mogul Nawab, the then rulers of Bengal and their French Allies, establishing the company rule in India which expanded over much of South Asia for the next 190 years. The ship will moor tonight at Murshidabad. |
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Day 6 - MURSHIDABAD TO JANGIPUR.
We cast off early morning to arrive at Murshidabad Jetty on the opposite bank. Here we will visit the Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824 – 1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, following the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors. Opposite the Palace is the vast Imambara, open only during religious ceremonies. We will also visit the Katra mosque, built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad - Murshid Quli Khan in 1724–25. After Murshidabad we will visit the Temples of Baranagar. The Temple complex was built in 1714 – 1793 by Rani Bhabani, the landlord of Natore. The brick built temples are considered to be amongst the best examples of Bengal Terracotta art. Moor overnight at Jangipur. |
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Day 7 - JANGIPUR - FARAKKA - RAJ MAHAL.
Early this morning we reach the Farakka Lock Gate. After our passage through the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges. We also see the Farakka barrage which regulates the Ganges’ water into Bangladesh and India. Continue cruising to Rajmahal where we will moor overnight. |
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Day 8 - RAJ MAHAL – KARAGOLA.
Take a pre-breakfast walk to visit the ruins of Rajmahal. Once known as Akbarnagar, the ruins were founded by the Mogul Emperor Akbar as the capital of Bengal in 1592. Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, spent a part of his youth here. Walk around and explore the ruins of palaces and mosques and through the areas where China Clay is mined. On returning to the vessel, we cast off for Karagola. This area is rich in bird life; large flocks of water birds including Common Cranes can be seen here. Moor overnight at Karagola. |
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Day 9 - BATESHWARSTHAN TO SULTANGANJ.
This morning we visit Vikramashila University. Established by King Dharampala in the late 8th or early 9th century A.D., Vikramshila University was one of the two most important centres of Buddhist learning in India during the reign of the Pala dynasty, along with Nalanda University. Vikramashila was one of the largest Buddhist universities having more than one hundred teachers and about one thousand students. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics and logic were taught here. Later we cruise through the Vikramashila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, established for the protection and conservation of the Ganges River Dolphins. The area also supports a rich diversity of other wildlife, many of which are threatened with extinction. These species include the Indian smooth-coated otter, several species of hard and soft shell turtles, and an astounding variety of migratory and resident migratory birds. Overnight at Sultanganj. |
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Day 10 - SULTANGANJ TO MUNGER.
After breakfast we visit Sultanganj, conspicuous for its two great rocks of granite, one of which on the river bank is crowned by a mosque. The second and larger one is occupied by a temple of Ghaibinath Siva. Excavation near Sultanpur has yielded ancient relics like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta Hindu and Buddha images. Later we sail to Munger for an overnight mooring. |
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Day 11 - MUNGER TO SIMARIA.
After breakfast we visit the Bihar School of Yoga. It was established in 1963 by Swami Niranjanananda in order to preserve and regenerate the total scope of yogic science by combining academic and scientific methodology with a spiritual vision. Later we sail for Simaria for an overnight mooring. |
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Day 12 - SIMARIA - NALANDA – BODHGAYA
Disembark early this morning and travel by coach to Nalanda, perhaps the oldest seat of learning in India. It treasures a glorious past, rich spiritual heritage and some extraordinary architectural ruins believed to be established in the 5th century by the Gupta Kings. Later we drive through Rajgir, the first capital of the Magadha Empire. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir, but also delivered important sermons here. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, after which we continue our journey to Bodhgaya, one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. It was here, under a banyan tree, “the Bodhi Tree” that Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become “Buddha”, the Enlightened One. Tonight we will stay at a hotel in Bodhgaya where we will also enjoy dinner. |
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Day 13 - BODHGAYA TO VARANASI.
After breakfast we drive to Varanasi, the holiest town for Hindus. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel. This afternoon we take rickshaws to experience the fascinating and incredible life on the streets of Varanasi. We continue on foot to visit the Ghats and witness the evening Aarti on the Ganges. |
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Day 14 - VARANASI TO DELHI.
After breakfast visit the ruins and museum at Sarnath. The city is famous as the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The Archeological Museum of Sarnath contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years. Transfer to Varanasi airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. |
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Day 15 - DELHI.
After breakfast join a city tour of Delhi. |
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Day 16 - DELHI TO LONDON.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London. |
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| Downstream Itinerary |
Days 1 to 14 -
Itinerary available on request. |
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| Prices per person based on double occupancy | |
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Upstream Itinerary
27th February to 14th March 2014
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| CATEGORY | BROCHURE
PRICE |
| Category D - Upper deck twin aft | £3995 |
| Category C - Main deck twin | £4295 |
| Category B - Upper deck twin mid-ship | £4495 |
| Category A - Upper deck twin forward | £4795 |
| Category C - For sole occupancy | £5095 |
| Category B - For sole occupancy | £5395 |
Downstream Itinerary
16th November to 1st December 2013, 8th to 23rd February 2014
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| CATEGORY | BROCHURE
PRICE |
| Category D - Upper deck twin aft | £3895 |
| Category C - Main deck twin | £4195 |
| Category B - Upper deck twin mid-ship | £4395 |
| Category A - Upper deck twin forward | £4695 |
| Category C - For sole occupancy | £4995 |
| Category B - For sole occupancy | £5295 |
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| Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, hotel accommodation as described, 8/10 nights aboard the RV Bengal Ganges, full board throughout, shore excursions as described, transfers, port taxes, UK airport taxes. |
| Not Included: Travel insurance, Indian visa, gratuities on shore and on the ship, camera/video fees at some sites, local departure taxes. |
| NB: Ports and itinerary subject to change at short notice. |
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| Pre & Post Tour - TAJ MAHAL - UPSTREAM |
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For 2013 dates the Taj Mahal extension is only available post cruise. |
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Day 16 - Delhi to Bharatpur.
Drive to Bharatpur (Rajastan), and check-in to the Bagh hotel for your three night stay. Day 17 - Bharatpur.
Morning excursion to the summer palace in Deeg. This palace belongs to the most amazing and best maintained palaces of Rajputs. Lunch will be served at the hotel. Later, we visit the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world. Day 18 - Taj Mahal and Red Fort.
Today’s excursion leads us to Agra to the Taj Mahal, probably one of the most impressive buildings on earth. In the afternoon we visit the Red Fort, one of the few constructions standing for the unlimited power of the Mogul empire in the 16th an 17th century. Day 19 - Bharatpur to Delhi.
Before returning to Delhi, we visit Fatehpur Sikri. The monuments of this former capital of the Mogul empire belong to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Dinner will be served en-route to your overnight hotel at Delhi Airport. Day 20 - Delhi to London.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight to London. |
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| Prices per person based on double occupancy | | CATEGORY DETAIL | CATEGORY
PRICE |
| Twin (For departures up to March 2013) | £825 | | Single (For departures up to March 2013) | £1025 | | Twin (For 27 February 2014 departure) | £875 | | Single (For 27 February 2014 departure), | £1075 |
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Price Includes - Accommodation on full board, transfers, excursions, entrance fees, English speaking travel guide.
Not Included - Drinks and gratuities.
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| Pre & Post Tour - TAJ MAJAL - DOWNSTREAM |
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For departures after March 2013 this extension will only be available pre-tour. |
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Day 13 - Kolkata.
After a city tour of Kolkata enjoy an additional night onboard the RV Bengal Ganges. Day 14 - Kolkata to Bharatpur via Delhi.
Day 15 - Bharatpur.
Day 16 - Taj Mahal & Red Fort.
Day 17 - Bharatpur to Delhi.
Day 18 - Delhi to London.
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| Prices per person based on double occupancy | | CATEGORY DETAIL | CATEGORY
PRICE |
| Twin (For departures after March 2013) | £875 | | Single (For departures after March 2013) | £1075 | | Twin (For departures up to March 2013) | £995 | | Single (For departures up to March 2013) | £1195 |
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Price Includes - Accommodation on full board, transfers, excursions, entrance fees, English speaking travel guide, flight from Kolkata to Delhi.
Not Included - Drinks and gratuities.
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