Pandaw River Cruises
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EXPLORE THE GANGES RIVER

THE LOWER GANGES RIVER

7 NIGHTS FROM US$4,050.00
SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ON SELECTED DATES

Save 10%, No Single Supplement & Kids go FREE on selected dates

There can be no river in the world as sacred as the Ganges River and an expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the prettiest river journeys imaginable. The river wends its way through the lush countryside of West Bengal with its culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. A rich and vibrant rural life abounds and there is never a dull moment as we sedately ply this pleasant waterway.

You will start or end our newly updated 7 night itinerary in either the former colonial capital of Kolkata or Farakka, location of the famous Farakka Barrage where the sacred Ganges flows into the Hoogly River. With one-way first class train ticket included between Farakka and Kolkata this is the perfect way to explore West Bengal in true Pandaw comfort and style.

From September 2024, Pandaw is happy to announce that our India expeditions will be all-inclusive, with complimentary local beers, spirits, mixers and soft drinks for all guests. Also included free of charge is select house wines during lunch and dinner only. Subject to availability.

CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE

or call TOLL FREE 1-877-872-6329
represented by Sayang Holidays
7 NIGHTS FROM US$4,050.00
SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ON SELECTED DATES

Save 10%, No Single Supplement & Kids go FREE on selected dates

IMAGES

EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

PRE CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Ancient Kingdom of Bhutan & Kolkata Pre Tour 6 Nights

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Kolkata Pre Tour 2 Nights

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The Golden Triangle - 6 night Pre Tour

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OPTIONAL PACKAGE ADDONS

Private Dining

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Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package (India)

Inclusive Add On
This package is now included free on your cruise for all guests.

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ITINERARY

Upstream      Downstream

DAY 1 KOLKATA - BARRACKPORE

Transfer from your hotel or airport in Kolkata to embark and sail at noon. Sail past the old Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore to land and take a walk through the cantonment - past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House.

More about Kolkata
Kolkata - Barrackpore
Kolkata - Barrackpore

DAY 2 CHANDENAGORE

Continue sailing upstream to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th century church and Dupleix’s House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India.

DAY 3 KALNA

After breakfast sail upstream and land at the country town of Kalna and take rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples, as well as the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 lesser shrines. Sail on through the night to a mooring near Matiari.

More about Kalna
Kalna
Kalna

DAY 4 MAYAPUR

Explore the village of Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrims’ bazaar.

More about Mayapur

DAY 5 MATIARI

Visit the brass-working village of Matiari, a charming riverside village. Interact with the locals of Matiari and witness the whole primitive process of beating out brass water pots and other vessels. Continue cruising upstream and time permitting visit the battlefield of Plassey where, in 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of British India, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, to change the course of Indian history. Moor close to Murshidabad for the night.

Matiari
Matiari

DAY 6 MURSHIDABAD

This morning, 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 a little way upstream to where the great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect in 1837, the palace hosts an extensive collection of pictures, china, weapons and other objects. Carry on to visit the great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace. Built in classical Georgian style by rich local merchants, Katgola Palace represents the other side of the coin of the 'White Mughal' period when English and Indian cultures came close to fusion. Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.

More about Murshidabad

DAY 7 AJIMGANJ - FARAKKA

Continue up the Hoogly which transforms into a charming waterway twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards. Morning walk through the fields of the delightfully sleepy village of Baranagar to visit its three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples. This is rural India at its most idyllic. Visit the Jain temples at Azimganj before continuing on to the Farakka barrage.

Ajimganj - Farakka
Ajimganj - Farakka

DAY 8 DISEMBARK FARAKKA

After breakfast, disembark and receive a group transfer to your hotel or the train station in Farakka for your train journey back to Kolkata.

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WHATS INCLUDED

Cruise Price Includes: Transfer between meeting point Kolkata, Ship and drop off point Kolkata, 1st class express train from Kolata to Farakka (24/25 Downstream), entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes plus our India complimentary drinks package

Cruise Price Excludes: Flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

Weather Condition Warning

River cruising on the Lower and Upper Ganges can be severely affected by fog during the months of December and January. This may impact the sailing schedules and the planned excursions. While every effort will be made to make up time and include all activities this is not always possible. Similarly temperatures can drop significantly overnight and in the early mornings, though during the day warmer temperatures can be expected. Winter temperatures can be below average with many destinations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh experiencing long spells of cold.

TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 KOLKATA - BARRACKPORE

Transfer from your hotel or airport in Kolkata at 10:30am to the port by group transfer to embark cruise.

DAY 8 DISEMBARK FARAKKA

After breakfast, transfer to Farakka station for your train to Kolkata. On arrival transfer to any central Kolkata hotel.

TESTIMONIALS

TRAVEL BLOGS

India's Lower Ganges River onboard the RV Kalaw Pandaw

By Jennifer Dunbar First appeared in SilverStreak. sg (https://silverstreak. sg) India , renowned for its vibrant culture, bustling streets.... read more

 

Battlefield of Plassey - The Lower Ganges

The Battlefield of Plassey – A priceless piece of history in the Lower Ganges The quaint village of Palashi along the Hooghly River in the .... read more

 

Bengal's Proverbial 'Little Europe' - The Lower Ganges

The proverbial 'Little Europe' by the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river still holds impressions of waves of European culture. Rampant with historical inf.... read more

 

The Ganges: A Celestial River

By Dr Donald M Stadtner Much time and energy in the 19th century went to discovering the sources of the world's great rivers . Much publici.... read more

 

MEDIA MENTIONS

Exploring West Bengal with Pandaw Cruises

01 Feb 2024 - article by Luxuriate

 

Pandaw Expands Cruise Offerings in India

17 Jul 2018 - article by Newsdesk on Travel Agent Central