KERALA BACKWATERS & THE HOOGHLY RIVER

DAY 1 EMBARK KOLKATA

Transfer from your Kolkata hotel or the airport to embark by 1200 for lunch on board followed by a city orientation tour with a walk round Dalhousie Square, the prominent Writers’ Building the former HQ of the East India Company, and step inside St John’s Church with its painting of The Last Supper. Experience the serenity of the Victoria Memorial with a stroll through the splendid gardens. Admire the domed white marble hall built in memory of Queen Victoria and discover Victorian memorabilia and British Raj-era paintings. On return to ship enjoy welcome cocktails and briefing followed by dinner.

DAY 2 KOLKATA IMMERSION

Early morning visit to the vibrant flower market, one of Asia’s largest. Wind through the mountains of marigolds and jasmine and watch as people buy flowers for temple offerings and prayers. Stroll down to the river to witness a traditional Akhara. Step inside and watch men of all ages practice a traditional form of wrestling known as kushti. We return to ship for breakfast.

Afternoon visit to the Indian Museum and then free time in the nearby New Market before returning to ship for dinner.

DAY 3 KOLKATA - SEREMPORE

Morning visit to the market and sail at noon to cross the Hooghli to the old Danish colony of Serampore, founded in 1676, and visit the tavern, church, and museum. After, cruise past the iconic landmarks of Kolkata: the Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House.

DAY 4 KALNA

After breakfast, embark on a scenic cruise upstream, arriving at the charming country town of Kalna. Take a rickshaw ride to explore a group of Bengal's most impressive terracotta temples, culminating in a visit to the unique 18th-century Shiva Temple. This remarkable temple is adorned with concentric rings of 108 smaller shrines, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Sail on through the night, mooring near Maitari.

DAY 5 MATIARI

Step ashore in Matiari, a charming riverside village renowned for its brass-working traditions. Engage with the local artisans and witness the fascinating process of crafting intricate brass water pots and other vessels. Time permitting, venture to the historic battlefield of Plassey. Here, in the pivotal year of 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of the British East India Company, decisively defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, marking a turning point in Indian history.

Moor close to Murshidabad for the night.

DAY 6 MURSHIDABAD

Embark on a walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style Garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and his family. Continue upstream to witness the grandeur of Hazarduari Palace, an architectural masterpiece built by an English architect in 1837. Explore its opulent interiors, showcasing a fascinating collection of paintings, china, weapons, and other artifacts. Next, visit the magnificent Katra Mosque and the impressive Nashipara Palace, a testament to the wealth and influence of the local merchants during the "White Mughal" era – a period of cultural exchange between English and Indian influences. Finally, we visit Katgola Palace, an exquisite example of Georgian architecture built by wealthy local merchants, further highlighting the unique blend of cultures that flourished during this era.

Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.

DAY 7 BARANAGAR - AJIMGANJ

Sail upstream along the Hoogly River, a picturesque waterway winding through a landscape of lush mustard fields and vibrant mango orchards. Disembark in Baranagar, a charming village, and enjoy a leisurely walk through its serene countryside. Visit three exquisite miniature terracotta temples, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. Continue sailing downstream, stopping at Azimganj to explore the intricately carved Jain temples. This itinerary offers a glimpse into the idyllic rural life of Bengal and its fascinating cultural and architectural heritage.

DAY 8 MAYAPUR

Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of the Hare Krishna movement at Mayapur, its global headquarters. Explore the magnificent ISKCON temple complex, a modern marvel comparable in size to the Vatican and generously funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford. Interact with devotees and wander through the vibrant pilgrims' bazaar.

DAY 9 CHANDERNAGORE - HOOGHLY

Continue sailing downstream before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Quran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. Sail past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix's House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Enjoy a TukTuk ride to the Hangseshwari Temple before sailing into the night to a mooring near Kolkata.

DAY 10 DISEMBARKATION KOLKATA - MUMBAI

Early morning moor in Kolkata Port. After breakfast transfer to Kolkata airport for your flight to Mumbai.

Once finished with airport formalities please head to the arrivals exit where you will be met by our representative who will show you to your car and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at your leisure.

DAY 12 MUMBAI - EMBARK KOCHI

At the appropriate time, you will be collected and transferred to Mumbai International Airport for your flight to Kochi in preparation for your cruise.

You will board the RV Kochi Pandaw at the Arookutty Boat Jetty, a historic region once famous for its role in the spice trade between the coast and the hinterland. Following embarkation and lunch on board, we proceed on an afternoon excursion to the Kerala Folklore Museum. This unique architectural venture is constructed using salvage from historic traditional houses across Kerala, preserving the region's rich heritage. We then explore Fort Kochi, a water-bound region reflecting the colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Highlights include St. Francis Church (Vasco da Gama Church)—the oldest European church in India—and a walk through Jew Town to view the historic Paradesi Synagogue and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century. We return to the ship for a Welcome Cocktail and dinner.

DAY 13 VAIKOM - KUMARAKOM

We cast off early toward the Vaikom Terminal. Our morning excursion takes us to the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, a site of immense archaeological and historical importance known as the "Kashi of the South." Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a classic example of traditional Kerala architecture and is believed in legend to have been built by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. We then sail toward Kumarakom, a cluster of scenic islands located on the backdrop of Vembanad Lake. In the late afternoon, we invite you to witness a performance of Kathakali, a classical Indian dance-drama noted for its elaborate make-up, costumes, and detailed gestures that narrate stories from Indian epics.

DAY 14 NATTAKAM

We sail this morning to Nattakam, a serene village known for its lush greenery. We board a traditional country boat (Shikara) for a relaxed sail to the Munroe Lighthouse. Built in 1885, this historic structure guides ships with its striking beacon and offers panoramic views of the Kerala coastline, the Arabian Sea, and the rich maritime history of the region. In the afternoon, we explore Kumarakom, a renowned bird sanctuary and village on Vembanad Lake. Famous for its mangrove forests and paddy fields, this excursion offers an intimate look at village life in the backwaters.

DAY 15 KAINAKARY - KAVALAM

We cast off toward Kainakary, a picturesque village within the Kuttanad region, often called the "Rice Bowl of Kerala." Our morning visit is to the ancestral home of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a 19th-century saint and social reformer who played a pivotal role in the education and social upliftment of the state. Following lunch, we embark on a village walk through Kavalam. The tour includes a visit to St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church, an architectural testament to the ancient Christian traditions that have flourished in Kerala since the 1st century AD. The day concludes with a performance of Mohiniattam, the "Dance of the Enchantress," a classical dance form characterised by graceful, swaying movements traditionally performed by women.

DAY 16 ALAPPUZHA - THOTTAPALLY

We sail toward Alleppey (Alappuzha), colloquially known as the "Venice of the East" due to its vast network of canals. Our morning excursion visits the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum. Established by Betty Karan in honour of her husband, a leading coir industrialist, this private museum houses a magnificent collection of Swarovski crystals, ivory, Tanjore paintings, and porcelain. In the afternoon, we take a scenic drive to Thottapally Beach. Here, guests will witness a thrilling demonstration of Kalaripayattu, considered the oldest surviving martial art in the world. We then visit a local fishing community temple to observe evening rituals and take a walk through the unique pine forest that borders the beach.

DAY 17 ALLEPPEY BACKWATERS

We set sail to explore the scenic Alleppey Backwaters. Our morning excursion visits the Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, an ancient centre of serpent worship nestled in a forest glade. This temple is unique in Hindu culture for having a woman as its chief priestess, a tradition upheld for centuries. In the afternoon, we disembark for a walk through Kuppapuram Village. This offers a genuine opportunity to interact with locals and observe the daily rhythm of life in the Kuttanad region, where farming and fishing are the primary livelihoods.

DAY 18 PALLIPPURAM

We cast off toward Pallippuram, a serene area situated on the shores of Vembanad Lake. We visit the historic St. Mary’s Forane Church in Pallippuram. Founded in AD 427, this is one of the most significant Marian shrines in the state, renowned for its ancient origins and beautiful Portuguese-style architectural influences. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation as we enjoy a peaceful sailing experience through the backwaters, complemented by a soothing massage service available onboard. In the evening, join us for a Farewell Dinner.

DAY 19 RETURN - KOCHI FOR DISEMBARKATION

After a final breakfast on board, we disembark at the Arookutty Boat Jetty.