Antara Cruises

Romantic Ganges - Temples, Tigers & Treasures

A once in a lifetime romantic river cruise on the famous Ganges River.

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata, Embarkation

Late afternoon embarkation in Kolkata (a city formerly known as Calcutta founded by the British Raj in 1773), the gateway to our journey along the world’s holiest river, the sacred Ganges.

Enjoy welcome drinks followed by a safety briefing.

In the evening, delight in the Cruise Director’s Gala dinner and welcome reception.

Day 2: Kolkata – Namkhana

Set sail along the Ganges River to reach the fishing port of Namkhana, the gateway of the World Heritage Site, Sundarbans National Park.

Post breakfast enjoy a talk and interaction with the Naturalist on the unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans.

You cruise past the boat-building yard of Nurpur and the historic Diamond Harbour towards the Bay of Bengal.

Visit the fishing port of Namkhana (time permitting) or sail forward towards Sundarbans to visit protected areas.

Sundarbans are the world’s largest delta mangrove forest and habitat of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger.

Day 3: Namkhana – Bony Camp – Bali Island

Anchoring in the Western Sundarbans, foray into this rich and unique mangrove ecosystem, scaling the Bony Camp Watchtower on an excursion to spot endangered crocodiles, terrapins and many species of Migratory Birds.

Sailing along the Matla river to the Hero Bhangra Islands, keep a keen eye out for Irrawaddy Dolphins and other marine life.

Disembark in country boat after lunch to visit the serene Nethidopani Watchtower and experience the spectacular nature of your surroundings.

Sail onward to Bali Island, a typical village whose inhabitants are engaged in farming, paddy husking, honey packing and fishing

Day 4: Bali – Sudhanyakhali – Do Banki – Namkhana

With a gorgeous sunrise you’ll scale the Sudhanyakhali Watchtower, a fantastic location to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

You might also spot crocodiles, wild boars, axis deer and a wide range of migratory and local birds.

Next, take a small country boat through the narrow creeks to climb the Dobanki Watchtower for a 20 foot high, half kilometre canopy walk.

Return to the ship for late lunch and sail to Namkhana.

Day 5: Namkhana – Kolkata - Chandernagore

An early morning sail back to Kolkata enjoying breakfast and lunch on board, arriving late in the afternoon.

Depending on tide timings we’ll depart during the night or early morning upstream towards Chandernagore, sailing past the city of Kolkata and its iconic bridges.

Enjoy a Tea Tasting session while reminiscing over the wondrous experience of the Sundarbans.

Celebration and Grand Dinner onboard.

Day 6: Chandernagore – Bansberia

Breakfast overlooking striking Chanderganore, a French colony established in 1673 & still retaining a Francophone flavour.

After breakfast visit the “Prabartak Seva Niketan”, one of the oldest institutes in India established to provide education and rehabilitation of destitute female children.

Thereafter, walk along the Promenade to see the French heritage monuments, visit a local Sweetmeat shop and enjoy the local ambience.

Back onboard, sail to Bansberia, a quaint village said to have derived its name from the legend that a fort was built by the Landlord’s son after clearing a Bamboo (locally called Bans) grove.

Late afternoon, enjoy a short walk to visit the Haneswari Temple, known for its unique Ratna architectural style of 12 minars or Ratnas and the inner layout following human anatomy.

You’ll also see in the complex the Ananta Basudeb temple, a terracotta temple constructed in the traditional Ekaratna style.

Enjoy a traditional Hindu Deepdan ceremony celebration and a dance performance, followed by dinner.

Day 7: Bansberia – Bandel – Serampore – Bally Bridge

Sailing from a French enclave to a Portuguese settlement you’ll enjoy breakfast as we traverse the landscape to Bandel, where you’ll visit the Hooghly Imambara one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centers in West Bengal built in 1841.

Now sailing to an erstwhile Danish colony, Serampore, you’ll enjoy a late afternoon walk in the old quarters to see the Danish Tavern, St. Olav's Church and other Danish heritage monuments.

Ride the “Toto”, an e-rikshaw to visit a textile factory, which is known for its block printing.

Enjoy dinner onboard as we sail towards Bally Bridge.

Day 8: Bally Bridge – Belur Math – Disembark

Enjoy breakfast on your final morning, followed by an excursion to Belur Math, a key Kolkata institution founded by the famous Swami Vivekananda.

The monument is notable for its architecture that fuses Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs as a symbol of unity of all religions. You’ll enjoy a farewell lunch onboard and disembark at the Jetty for your onward journey.

Package Includes

• 7 night round-cruise voyage along the Ganges River
• Luxury all-suite Ganges Voyager riverboat
• 1 hour spa treatment per person
• Wine in room on arrival
• Butler service for Maharaja and Viceroy Suites
• Luxury spa robes & slippers
• Welcome flower arrangement and fresh fruit on arrival
• 2 glasses of beer or wine with lunch and dinner meals on board per person
• All natural spa quality bath amenities
• Laundry package of 8 pieces of clothing per person
• Taxes GST, subject to revision
• Waterways/Jetty passenger service fees
• All tips and gratuities

Package Policies

• Airfare to and from the destination not included
• Speciality coffees, wines, beers & spirits not included
• The itinerary maybe readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, in order to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. The exact time for each activity will be announced or posted by the onboard tour staff.

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