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Pandaw presenting flowers Ganges River 3

Pandaw River Ganges morning before sunrise 4

GANGES RIVER CRUISES

Discover an unseen India on our Ganges River Cruises

Life on the river Ganges is important to many people in India. It provides a lifeline to millions of natives who live on the banks and close by, as well as a spiritual site to many Hindus.

Pandaw's Ganges river cruises take you into the heart of the country, they allow you to experience India in a more intimate way. Explore riverbank villages, ride on rickshaws, and see the awe-inspiring terracotta temples. If wildlife is your thing, you may even be lucky enough to spot some Gangetic dolphins playing in the water beside you as you dine on deck.

The Ganges River is over 2,500km long and flows through India and Bangladesh. It begins its journey in the western Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and makes its way south and east through the Gangetic Plain of India and Bangladesh, before finally draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Many tourists come to India to experience the rich culture, they immerse themselves in the hustle and bustle, the sights and smells, but not all of them see life from the river.

Time onboard a Pandaw cruise ship is relaxed and comfortable. We go out of our way to make sure you have space and time to enjoy your surroundings as much as possible. Dining can be indoors or out, depending on the time of year you are travelling and of course, the weather.

If you do wish to take part, we have talks and demonstrations from local Indian people, to make your trip that little bit more fruitful.

Our staterooms are spacious and come with fresh fruits and flowers on arrival. We supply kimonos, slippers and spa-branded amenities to make your stay extra special.

Longer Expeditions

Shorter Expeditions

Combination Cruises

Longer Expeditions

The Upper Ganges River

14 NIGHTS

Your 14 night cruise on the Ganges will be full of Indian splendour, with visits to an 18th-century church and Dupleix's House, the erstwhile Governor-General of French India. You will pass the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura and a visit to the imposing Imambara at Hooghly with verses from the Koran written on its walls. What better way to see true Indian life than onboard a Ganges cruise. You will visit over 20 towns and villages. Places of sacred importance, battlefields, brass working villages, the world's largest opium factory and many great Palace's are just some of the places you will witness. Depending on whether you are travelling up or downstream, your journey will begin or end in Varanasi with a beautiful trip on rowing boats for sunrise over the bathing ghats.

Rivers: Ganges River

Ships: RV Katha Pandaw

from US$6,752 per person

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The Lower Ganges River

7 NIGHTS

If time is a little more limited, a 7 night cruise on the Ganges is ideal. Life from the river on the Lower Ganges offers beautiful scenery; you will make your way through the often unseen countryside of Bengal, stopping to take in the culture-rich towns that are full of temples and palaces. Your voyage can include visits to Kolkata and travels to Kalna where you will see the town by rickshaw and onto the brass-working village of Matiari. As you travel further into the heart of India you will walk the mustard fields and mango orchards and on to the quiet village of Baranagar to see the miniature terracotta temples. Seeing rural India in such a way really brings with it a true sense of their way of life.

Rivers: Ganges River

Ships: RV Kalaw Pandaw

from US$3,375.90 per person

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

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Bengal to Assam and the Sundarbans

21 NIGHTS

The eighteen cabin Kindat Pandaw will reposition between West Bengal to Assam. Departing between the magnificent former capital of Kolkata (Calcutta), with is outstandingly splendid colonial architecture, the ship crosses Bangladesh in a two-country reconnaissance expedition that explores the Sundarbans, one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the planet and known for its swimming tigers. It is here that the Ganges and Brahmaputra outflow into the Bay of Bengal and has 10,000 square miles of mangrove, the world's largest mangrove forest. Visits will be made to national parks with trips by tender deep into the back waters. The expedition will also explore the wealth of Islamic art and architecture in Bangladesh's delta towns and the rich traditions of weaving and other crafts in the riverine communities of this vast delta that teems with human life and activity. Dhaka with its colonial buildings and excellent museums will be a highlight. Then leaving the delta the expedition will continue up the great Brahmaputra to re-enter India and continue through Assam to the colourful city of Guwhati with its Hindu temples, the country side around filled with tea gardens and plantation houses. Our new downstream departure will travel in the opposite direction.

Rivers: Ganges River, Brahmaputra River

Ships: RV Kindat Pandaw

from US$12,650 per person

No Single Supplement on selected dates

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Shorter Expeditions

Exploring West Bengal

3 or 4 NIGHTS

For travellers with less time to go into the heart of West Bengal we have come up with a shorter cruise that takes in a number of key highlights on this most lovely of rivers flowing through the lush, fertile and agriculturally rich West Bengal countryside. These include former European colonies, finely decorated Hindu temples, rural villages and centres of traditional craftmanship not to mention the Nawab’s vast classical palace at Murshidabad from where travellers will return to Kolkata by express train in around 4 hours and be transferred to their hotel.

Rivers: Ganges River

Ships: RV Kalaw Pandaw

from US$1,440 per person

Save up to 10%

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Combination Cruises

The Upper Ganges & Brahmaputra River

21 NIGHTS

Join us for a grand tour of India sailing 21 days along the glorious Ganges & mighty Brahmaputra rivers. Inclusive of flights and transfers between Kolkata and Guwahati, Pandaw's newest combo cruise invites you to experience the best of India's waterways aboard our timeless colonial vessels. Add on one of our pre and post-cruise packages to Dehli & the golden triangle for a truly 'All India' experience.

Rivers: Ganges River, Brahmaputra River

Ships: RV Katha Pandaw, RV Kindat Pandaw

from US$10,249 per person

New 21 night combo cruise with No Single Supplements

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The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River

14 NIGHTS

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. Combine this with the mighty Brahmaputra river in Northern India which originates high in the Himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam Valley where UNESCO protected national parks and remote rural communities provide the traveller with the most wonderful and authentic expedition.

Rivers: Ganges River, Brahmaputra River

Ships: RV Kalaw Pandaw, RV Kindat Pandaw

from US$6,369.30 per person

Save up to 10% and No Single Supplement on selected dates

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Ganges River Ships

RV Kalaw Pandaw

Sister to the Kindat and identical in design the Kalaw was launched with her in 2014 Kalaw is named after the PS Kalaw launched in 1917 and sunk....

RV Katha Pandaw

This was a radical new design, based on the old K class used in Burma from the 1880s on. This ship is the third Katha to run on the Irrawaddy. T....

RV Kindat Pandaw

The original Kindat was built in 1886 by Yarrows in London and sank in 1920. She was named after a small Upper Chindwin town. Following experime....

River Cruise Stops

Chandernagore

Chandannagar was established as a French colony in 1673, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post on the right bank of the Hughli River.

Kalna

Kalna, a city and a municipality in Purba Bardhaman district in the Indian state of West Bengal is located right by the river Hooghly (or ‘lower Ganges’) meaning there’s plenty of opportunity to explore the area with a Ganges River Cruise . River cruises As humans, we once relied on rivers for transportation, food, and power, which is why many of the most significant built-up areas in the world were developed right around them. This means travelling by river will take you right to the heart of the action if you want a more vibrant trip. You also have the option for things to be more peaceful too, a Kalna cruise for example would enable you to visit bays, plains and beautiful rural areas. River cruises can be super luxurious, meaning it’s a far more relaxing way to get around than a crowded bus or car on a traffic-packed road. What can you expect to see? Kalna, more popularly known as ‘Ambika Kalna’ is named after a very popular deity, Goddess Kali, Maa Ambika. It has many historical monuments such as the Rajbari palace, along with the 108 Shiva temples. An expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly really is one of the most scenic river journeys you can imagine. The river winds its way through the lush countryside of West Bengal, with its culturally significant towns packed full of gorgeous temples and palaces. There’s a rich and vibrant rural life to take in, and never a dull moment as you sedately travel along this awe- inspiring waterway. If you want to enjoy another kind of boating, how about taking an excursion to Green Island, enjoy a semi-submarine boat excursion to view the coral reef, teeming with marine life, or snorkel from the beach. Spend the rest of your day seeing a fish feeding displays, strolling around the island or simply relaxing on the white sandy beach- what could be better? Lalji Temple in Kalna What else is there to do? If you want to get your feet onto solid ground for a while during your trip then there are lots of other things to do as well as enjoy the water. You could explore the city taking in the architecture and enjoying the food and sights. You could visit neighbouring cities too, many of which are very easy to access from Kalna enjoying mosques, market and so much more!

Kolkata

Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, and you’ll definitely want to make the most of it you’re seeking to see every side of what India has to offer. Whether you’re exploring the country extensively or want to stop off here as part of your Ganges River Cruise , you’ll find Kokata has plenty to offer, and you can find out everything you need to know below. Impressive example of Kolkata’s archaeology An Introduction to Kolkata Kolkata is known as a cultural centre in India, and it brings an elegance and sophistication that other cities are lacking. It has some of the country’s finest and most impressive Raj-era architecture and you won’t want to miss out on that. There are stunning market places, beautiful temples and impressive civic statues and monuments. It’s associated with some of the finest artists to come out of India, and that link to cinema, literature and music is still very much alive to this day. It’s a city that’s had problems with poverty going back a long way, but the people are friendly and welcoming, making it a popular destination for visitors. Kolkata’s Top Attractions and Things to See If you want to see the best of Kolkata, these are the attractions and the key things to see that you should focus on while you’re there. Victoria Memorial This stunning white, colonial building was built to commemorate Queen Victoria of England. It’s a key part of the history of Kolkata and you should take the time to visit it. Mullik Ghat Flower Market The vibrant and chaotic colours on display at the Mullik Ghat Flower Market is something you won’t want to miss. Head there and see this 125-year-old market for yourself; you won’t regret it. The amazing Kolkata flower market Howrah Bridge Howrah Bridge crosses the Hooghly River and connects Kolkata with Howrah. It’s an impressive engineering feat and the pedestrian bridge is definitely worth a walk. Dakshineswar Kali Temple This Hindu temple is one of the most beautiful buildings you’ll find in Kolkata and maybe one of the most impressive in all of India. It’s the kind of place that you definitely need to visit when you’re nearby so you can experience it first-hand. Belur Math Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda. You won’t want to miss out on it, and it’s best experience when the sun is setting and the aarti ceremony is taking place. What Kolkata is Most Famous For One of the things that Kolkata is known for is being home to India’s greatest filmmaker and one of the country’s greatest artists Satyajit Ray. That cultural sector thrives in Kolkata like nowhere else in India and the theatre scene is also very vibrant to this day. It’s an intellectual and educational powerhouse, as well as being a key commercial centre in India. Kolkata is a wonderful part of India, and if you want to explore the country and get a real feel for it, this is definitely a place you’ll want to visit as part of your experience. Be sure to make the most of the above information and tips for places to visit if you do eventually head to Kolkata.

Mayapur

One of the best things about taking a river cruise is the fact that you get to experience many amazing places during one trip. This is something you can expect with one of our Ganges river cruises. One of the most popular stops on our cruises is Mayapur. Read on to discover more about this destination and what it has to offer. ISKCON Temple at Mayapur Key facts about Mayapur Mayapur is a city located in Rarh, India. It is situated in between the Jalangi and Hoogly rivers. It is one of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s dham Nabadwip’s nine islands. It is situated around 130 km from Kolkata, and it is well connected with the rail networks and roads from there. It is a holy city, and has a number of different sites that are of Cultural and Religious importance. What is Mayapur famous for? Mayapur is deemed the holiest of all places in India, and this is one of the main reasons why it attracts people from all over the world. This is a place that has devotion running through it. From the temples to the memorial sites; it is simply a majestic destination. Mayapur jetty and waterfront Top things to do in Mayapur There is no denying that the main attraction in Mayapur is the ISKCON Temple. This is the head temple of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. In fact, this temple alone is the reason why so many devotees from all over the globe come to Mayapur. Inside, visitors can see the magnificent deities of Radha-Madhav, Srila Prabhupada, Lord Nrisingha Dev, and Pancatattva. You also have Srila Prabhupada’s Pushpa Samadhi Mandir, which is Srila Prabhupada’s outstanding memorial shrine, which is the biggest of its kind in India. It is a majestic and tall marble dom, which takes over the skyline here, shining beautifully during the sunset and sunrise. Other sites include Ballal Dhigi, which is a 30-foot high mound, which dates back to ancient times, as well as Srila Prabhupada’s personal quarters and Goshala. Nabadwip City is an old city in the area, which is linked with the birth of Lord Sri. Chaitanya. Lord Sri. Chaitanya was a key social former in the 16th century, as well as being a religious leader who preached Vasihnab ideas. It’s also worth noting that there is another temple in construction, which should be completed by 2022. This is the Vedic Planetarium Temple, which is going to be the biggest Vedic Temple across the world. It is also going to have the Sudarshana Chakras and the base of the Chakra, which is going to be made from a few tonnes of gold. ISKCON temple in Mayapur If you are interested in visiting Mayapur on a Pandaw River Cruise , the best way to experience it is on the Upper Ganges river cruise where we stop off at Kala before making our way to Mayapur to visit the ISKCON temple as well as the wealth of other cultural sights in the area.

Murshidabad

Murshidabad is a city in Murshidabad district of West Bengal state in India. The city of Murshidabad is located on the southern bank of the Bhagirathi, a tributary of the Ganges River.

Nalanda

Nalanda was a large Buddhist monastery in ancient Magadha, India.

Patna

Patna is the capital and largest city of the state of Bihar in India.

Varanasi

India, one of the oldest civilisations on the planet. Within its 29 states and 7 union territories, you’ll find an extraordinary variety of cultures, cuisines, arts politics and history. And at Pandaw we take great pleasure in making it a way for adventurous travellers from all over the world to parse this extraordinary land and enjoy its many natural, cultural and architectural gifts. Explore our wonderful Ganges river cruises page for information on how to book. There are many, many Indian cities worthy of a spot on any bucket list. But for a truly unique and spiritual experience, all pale in comparison to Varanasi- long referred to as "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India", "the city of Shiva", and "the city of learning". But it’s not just the religious and spiritual who will benefit from visiting the spiritual capital of India and home of Buddhism. This historic and culturally rich history has something to offer everyone! Varanasi at twilight on the banks of the Ganges The History of Varanasi Varanasi has a rich history, not just for its religious significance but its long industrial heritage. The city was known for its fabrics, perfumes sculpture and ivory even before the coming of Buddha and centuries before the birth of Christ. It was here that Buddha gave his first sermon and Adi Shankara established the worship of Shiva. While the city was under Muslim rule throughout the middle ages there was still religious diversity with Hindus still making pilgrimages to Varanasi. Guru Nanak also visited Varanasi for Maha Shivaratri in 1507, a journey which is believed to have played a significant part in the founding of Sikhism. With temples to Shiva and Vishnu also built throughout the 18th century, there’s no denying the magical polytheism of Varanasi. There must be something in the water! Of course, when it comes to sites of religious significance, the Ganges themselves remain then most frequently visited and beloved landmark, with people from all over the world lining up to bathe in the (mythically) healing waters. Things to See and Do in Varanasi Cruise along the river Ganges and you’ll get a breathtaking view of the city from the water. When you disembark, hail a rickshaw and immerse yourself in the extraordinary culture. Whether you’re religious or not you’ll want to visit the many fully functioning temples and awe at their ornate majesty. You may want to take a short trip to the weavers village and watch these world renowned craftsmen at work. It’s likely that you’ll also want to take a dip in the Ganges yourself, or at the very least watch legions of travellers from around the world do the same. And don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious street food to keep your energy up as you wander! Flowers at the Varanasi market Let Pandaw unlock Asia’s gems for you Explore the historic wonders of Varanasi with Pandaw . We are truly passionate about bringing you a travel experience you’ll never forget, combining the many wonders of the Asian continent with a simple luxury to provide true relaxation. Our cruise ships are small enough to allow you to explore Asia’s treasures yet offer the highest passenger-to-deck-space ratio of any cruise ships afloat. We can’t wait to share the treasures of the sacred city of Varanasi with you.