West Bengal River Cruise Vacation Package

Chandernagore

Today, visit the 18th century church and Dupleix’s House, the erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Sail upstream past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura 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 downstream past fine waterfront buildings and moor at Chandernagore for an overnight stay.

Mayapur

Wake up and get ready for a sightseeing tour of Kolkata today. Continue on down to the country town of Kalna. Take cycle 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 shrinelets. Then, continue on through the countryside to Mayapur to visit the ISKCON temple which dominates the skyline. Seek blessings from the almighty. Further, make your way back to the cruise for an overnight stay.

The day is reserved for visiting the brassworking village of Matiari where you can see the whole primitive process of beating out brass water pots and other vessels. Later, return to the cruise, sail on and visit the battlefield of Plassey. 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 Khushbagh and stay overnight.

Murshidabad

On morning of Day 5, 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. Further, return back to the ship and continue a little way upstream to where the great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Carry on to visit the great Katra Mosque before driving out to see the Kathgola Palace. Moor on the riverbank across from town and overnight stay at the cruise.

Today, the cruise will take you towards the sleepy village of Baranagar with three miniature terracotta temples. Walk through the fields to visit these temples. Seek blessings from the almighty. Post temples, make your way back to the cruise and sail down past Azimganj, boasting some fine riverside mansions, to Murshidabad. Here the Nawab’s great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. A charming waterway twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards. Moor close to the Farrakpur barrage and an overnight stay at the cruise.

On Day 7, disembark and go on a full-day excursion by road to Gaur, near the town of Malda, or English Bazar. This quiet, deserted place was once one of India’s great cities. There are plentiful remains of mosques, palaces and gateways.

Later, travel on through the town of Malda to Pandua where you will visit the great 14th century Adina Mosque before returning to Farakka. Further, return to your ship for an overnight stay.

This is the last day of Bengal Despatch 1 Historic Lower Ganges Cruise Tour, bid adios and transfer to Farakka station in the morning for a train journey to Kolkata.