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Embark on a captivating river journey along the Hooghly, the sacred distributary of the Ganges that winds through the heart of Bengal. Here timeless villages, medieval capitals, and colonial towns line the twisting waterways, each revealing a different chapter of India’s rich story. From the deserted grandeur of Gaur and the Nawabi splendour of Murshidabad to tranquil Mughal gardens and vibrant riverside bazaars, every day brings a new discovery. Drift past mustard fields and mango orchards, wander among terracotta temples and brassworking villages, and step into the devotional energy of Mayapur’s great ISKCON temple. Along the way, trace Europe’s influence in French Chandernagore and Dutch Chinsura before journeying on to bustling Kolkata with its iconic Howrah Bridge. Whether travelling upstream or downstream, this voyage offers a vivid tapestry of history, culture, and river life – carried by the flow of the Hooghly, Bengal’s Lower Ganges.
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Day 1
Join Kolkata, transfer to ship
This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel in Kolkata and transferred to the ship for embarkation by midday. Settle in as you sail past the former Danish colony of Serampore towards Barrackpore. Step ashore to explore the old cantonment, where landmarks such as the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House offer a glimpse into India’s colonial past and its journey to independence. Later, continue upstream to reach Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950.
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Chandernagore
Our day starts with a visit to Chandernagore’s 18th-century church and the elegant Dupleix Palace, once home to the Governor-General of French India. Cruising onwards, pass the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura before landing at Hooghly to explore its imposing Imambara. Adorned with verses from the Koran, the site invites you to step back in time and experience a slice of Bengal’s Islamic history. Cruise on into the evening, mooring near Kalna.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Kalna
After breakfast, take rickshaws through Kalna to admire some of Bengal’s most exquisite terracotta temples, including a rare Shiva temple encircled by 108 miniature shrines. You’ll also visit a muslin-weaving centre before continuing upriver to Mayapur, where the vast ISKCON temple dominates the skyline. Headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement, this remarkable complex welcomes over a million singing and dancing devotees each year. Sail overnight to a mooring near Matiari.
Day 4
Matiari
Today you’ll explore Matiari, a riverside village famed for its traditional brass-working. Watch artisans at work and learn about this centuries-old craft. Later, journey on to the battlefield of Plassey, where in 1757 Robert Clive’s victory over the Nawab of Bengal reshaped India’s destiny. Cruise on and moor near Khushbagh for the night.
Day 5
Murshidabad
The day begins with a walk to Khushbagh, a serene Mughal-style garden enclosing the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and his family. Continue upstream to Murshidabad, where the grand Hazarduari Palace commands the riverfront. Built in 1837 by an English architect, its galleries brim with paintings, porcelain, weapons, and curiosities. You’ll also visit the Katra Mosque before driving out to Katgola Palace, a Georgian-style mansion built by wealthy merchants that reflects the cultural fusion of the ‘White Mughal’ era. Moor overnight at Baranagar.
Day 6
Baranagar
This morning, stroll through the sleepy village of Baranagar, where three charming terracotta temples sit nestled among fields – rural Bengal at its most idyllic. Continue your cruise along the Hooghly (sometimes known as the Lower Ganges), where the river meanders gracefully between mango orchards and mustard fields. Later, transit a long canal section to moor near the Farakka Barrage.
Day 7
Guar
Disembark for a full-day road excursion to Gaur, once one of India’s greatest cities. From its 12th-century Hindu rulers to its time as the Muslim capital of Eastern India between the 14th and 16th centuries, Gaur’s atmospheric ruins – mosques, palaces, and gateways – reveal layers of history and faded splendour. Rejoin the ship in the evening.
Day 8
Disembark in Farakka and train to Kolkata where trip concludes
After breakfast disembark and transfer to Farakka station for the four-hour train back to Kolkata. On arrival, you’ll be met by our representatives and taken to central Kolkata where arrangements end.
Meals: B
Join Kolkata, transfer to train to Farakka and embark ship
Around midday you’ll be collected from your hotel in Kolkata and transferred to the train station to take the four-hour train to Farakka, followed by a short road transfer to join the ship. Guests joining independently may embark from midday onwards. Settle in as you begin your journey along the Hooghly, a distributary of the Ganges steeped in history and tradition.
Meals: D
Begin by exploring the peaceful village of Baranagar, walking through fields to discover three exquisite terracotta temples – rural Bengal at its most idyllic. Continue downstream past Azimganj, with its fine riverside mansions, to Murshidabad where the grand Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect in 1837, the palace houses an impressive collection of paintings, porcelain, and weaponry. You’ll also visit the Katra Mosque and the Georgian-style Katgola Palace, built by wealthy merchants during the cultural fusion of the ‘White Mughal’ era. Moor overnight across from town.
Take a walk to Khushbagh, a serene Mughal garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah – the last independent Nawab of Bengal – and his family. Returning to the ship, continue downstream past Berhampur, once a British cantonment, and moor close to the battlefield of Plassey. Here in 1757, Robert Clive’s victory over Siraj-ud-Daulah changed the course of Indian history. Walk through the fields to the commemorative obelisk before cruising on to moor near Katwa, a bustling market town.
This morning, visit the riverside village of Matiari, famed for its brass-working tradition. Watch artisans at work as they hammer brass into water pots and other vessels. Cruising further, arrive at Mayapur, home to the vast ISKCON temple. As the headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement, this immense complex attracts over a million devotees from around the world each year.
Sail on to Kalna and explore by cycle rickshaw, visiting some of Bengal’s finest terracotta temples as well as the extraordinary Shiva temple with its concentric rings of 108 shrinelets. Continuing downstream, you’ll leave the countryside behind and arrive at the outskirts of Kolkata. Step ashore at Hooghly to visit the grand Imambara, with walls inscribed with verses from the Koran. Later, pass elegant waterfront buildings and the old Dutch settlement at Chinsura before mooring overnight at Chandernagore.
Explore Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950, with its 18th-century church and Dupleix Palace, the former residence of the Governor-General of French India. Continue cruising downstream to Barrackpore, where a walk through the old cantonment – past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House – provides insight into India’s journey towards independence. Subject to river tide, sail under the iconic Howrah Bridge into central Kolkata.
Disembark in Kolkata where trip concludes
Disembark in the morning and transfer to central Kolkata or the airport.
What's included
What's not included
Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These river cruises are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Shore landings and navigating the boat may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and watch life on the river at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?
Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.
At 50 metres in length and powered by three engines, ABN Rajmahal is specially designed with an extra-shallow draught and low profile, enabling her to journey further upstream into the heart of India’s rivers. She offers 22 inviting cabins: 14 spacious twin/doubles on the upper deck, 4 twin/doubles on the main deck, and 4 single cabins with no supplement. Décor is fresh and stylish, with touches of colonial elegance, complemented by traditional Indian-inspired block-printed fabrics. Each cabin features a French balcony, opening the river right into your room. Guests enjoy a comfortable saloon and bar, a light-filled dining room, and a vast canopied sundeck for taking in the views. A small onboard spa provides a range of relaxing treatments. All cabins and shared spaces are fully air-conditioned for comfort throughout your journey.
Upper Deck Double or twin
The are 14 spacious cabins all located on the upper deck. They offer river-views, with large sliding glass windows, en-suite bathrooms stocked with Biotique toiletries, and thoughtful touches including climate control, minibar, safe, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer, and intercom. Each cabin also features ample storage, plush bathrobes and slippers, ensuring comfort and style throughout your journey. All cabins have French balconies.
Middle Deck Double or twin
The are 4 comfortable cabins located on the middle deck. They offer river-views, with large sliding glass windows, en-suite bathrooms stocked with Biotique toiletries, and thoughtful touches including climate control, minibar, safe, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer, and intercom. Each cabin also features ample storage, plush bathrobes and slippers, ensuring comfort and style throughout your journey. All cabins have French balconies.
Single cabins
The are 4 comfortable single cabins located on the middle deck. They offer river-views, with large sliding glass windows, en-suite bathrooms stocked with Biotique toiletries, and thoughtful touches including climate control, minibar, safe, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer, and intercom. Each cabin also features ample storage, plush bathrobes and slippers, ensuring comfort and style throughout your journey. All cabins have French balconies.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.
Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.
Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.
11 Days