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Luxury small ship river cruises in Asia

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EXPLORE THE GANGES RIVER

THE LOWER GANGES RIVER

7 NIGHTS FROM US$3,375.90
SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 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 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.

A decade ago, for the first time since colonial times, Pandaw pioneered river expeditions in India. Since then we have depended on modern style and often impractically designed partnerships. We are now able to offer an original Pandaw ship, vastly more suited to river expeditions in the tropics and far more comfortable too.

There can be no better vessels to explore this rich tapestry than on a stately Pandaw vessel, currently the Pandaw fleet having seen service now in four countries. With staterooms offering, guest personal verandah space and indoor dining.

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represented by Sayang Holidays

7 NIGHTS FROM US$3,375.90
SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED DATES

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

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EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP

RV KALAW PANDAW

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OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

PRE CRUISE EXTENSIONS

India's Golden Triangle 6 Nights Pre Tour

Delhi & Taj Mahal & Kolkata 4 Nights Pre Tour

Ancient Kingdom of Bhutan & Kolkata Pre Tour 6 Nights

Kolkata Pre Tour 2 Nights

POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS

India's Golden Triangle 6 Nights Post Tour

Delhi & Taj Mahal 3 Nights Post Tour

Kolkata Post Tour 2 Nights

Darjeeling Post Tour 3 Nights

OPTIONAL PACKAGE ADDONS

Private Dining

Pre-Bookable House Wine Package (India)

Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package (India)

Free Flow Drinks (India)

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.

DAY 2 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

DAY 3 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.

DAY 4 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 5 BARANAGAR - AJIMGANJ

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 and continue downstream.

DAY 6 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 7 CHANDERNAGORE - HOOGHLY

Continue sailing downstream before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Koran 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. Sail into the night to a mooring near Kolkata.

More about Chandernagore

DAY 8 DISEMBARK KOLKATA

After breakfast, disembark and receive a group transfer to the disembarkation point hotel for your onward journey.

More about Kolkata

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WHATS INCLUDED

Cruise Price Includes: Transfer between meeting point Kolkata, Ship and drop off point Kolkata, entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes.

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.

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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 KOLKATA

Disembark the ship at 08:00 and transfer from the port in Kolkata to the airport or hotel.

TESTIMONIALS

I want to thank Pandaw and every Pandaw Staff Member on board for a memorable and fabulous cruise - posted by Donna Knight

Just to let you know the trip was great - posted by Helen Mell

I was very impressed with the boat, and the services and particularly the Crew - posted by Lorna

THE LOWER GANGES RIVER

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EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP