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Flights, Transfers & Accommodation
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Heathrow
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£500
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India
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Stay & Cruise deals
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As Mentioned
5* Kolkata stay & Ganges river cruise
Offer Details
Steeped in rich imperial history, timeless sophistication, and vibrant regional traditions, West Bengal offers a captivating escape along the banks of the sacred Hooghly and Ganges rivers. Your journey begins and ends in Kolkata, a metropolis defined by grand colonial architecture, bustling streetscapes, and an indelible artistic soul. Beyond the city limits, the tranquil waterways unlock a slower pace of life, leading you through lush rural scenery, ancient temple towns, and historic European trade enclaves that showcase the deep-rooted artisan heritage of eastern India.
Aboard your boutique river vessel, you will glide seamlessly between historic settlements, taking in the evocative sights, sounds, and aromas of riverside village life. From navigating colourful wholesale flower markets to admiring exquisite terracotta craftsmanship and traditional handloom weaving, every experience immerses you in authentic local culture. Paired with a five-star hotel stay in Kolkata's grand Alipore neighbourhood, this curated package offers the perfect blend of indulgent relaxation and unforgettable discovery.
This offer includes:
- 1 night in a Deluxe room at Taj Bengal, Kolkata
- 7 nights in a Deluxe cabin on board the MV Bengal Ganga cruise ship
- 1 further night in a Deluxe room at Taj Bengal, Kolkata
- Breakfast included at Taj Bengal, Kolkata
- Full-board basis during your cruise
- Private return airport transfers included
- Flight from London Heathrow
- 5 kg hand luggage and 20 kg hold luggage allowance per person
Your Indian adventure begins with your flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival in this captivating city, you will be met by a local representative and transferred directly to your luxury hotel. Spend the remainder of your evening settling into your lavish surroundings and resting ahead of your river voyage.
Following breakfast, transfer to the jetty to embark the ship at midday. Enjoy lunch on board and settle into your cabin as you begin your river journey. In the afternoon, set out on a panoramic city tour highlighting Kolkata’s well-preserved British colonial architecture. View iconic landmarks including the Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan, Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India, and Dalhousie Square. Continue to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican church in Kolkata built in 1756, which houses India's oldest functioning pipe organ and Johann Zoffany's painting of the Last Supper. Pause for a photograph at the grand Victoria Memorial before returning to the ship for dinner as you moor overnight on the river.
Begin your morning with breakfast on board before visiting Kolkata’s bustling Flower Market, nestled beside the cantilevered Howrah Bridge. Marvel at the vibrant colours as vendors trade fragrant blooms and local artisans craft elaborate floral garlands. Next, venture into Kumartuli, northern Kolkata's traditional potters' quarter, where skilled sculptors fashion river clay into intricate idols worshipped in local festivals across the globe. Return to the ship to relax on deck as you sail towards Bally Bridge.
Set sail upstream towards Bandel, a historic port founded by Portuguese settlers in the 17th century. Here, you will disembark to visit the Hooghly Imambara, a major Shia pilgrimage site completed in 1841. Admire its grand two-storey structure, exquisite Persian chandeliers, and a historic Victorian-era clock with a 20-kilogram winding key. Reboard the vessel for a peaceful evening of fine dining and scenic cruising.
Sail further upstream to the historic temple town of Kalna. Board electric rickshaws to reach the Rajbari Temple Complex, home to an extraordinary concentration of sacred architecture. Explore the 1809 Nabakailas Temple, featuring 108 concentric slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and marvel at detailed terracotta plaques depicting Hindu epics and daily Bengali life. Take a leisurely walk back through the local market, brimming with fresh seasonal produce, before returning to the ship.
Cast off early towards Nabadwip, an ancient Sena Dynasty capital and cultural centre. After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour through the riverbank village to observe local craftspeople practicing traditional handloom cotton weaving. Next, take a country boat across the river to Mayapur, the global headquarters of ISKCON. Visit the grand central temple, explore the pilgrim bazaar, and see the 75-foot domed planetarium before returning to the ship.
A short morning sail brings you to the rural town of Guptipara, celebrated for its mango orchards and paddy fields. Visit local Vaishnav temples adorned with terracotta artistry and drop into an artisan’s home to witness pottery being crafted. In the afternoon, cross the river to Fulia, a renowned weaving village where skilled artisans practice intricate Jacquard and Jamdani saree weaving using cotton and gold thread. Return to the ship for an evening at sea.
Cruise downstream to Chandernagore, a former French colony established in 1673. Stroll along the seaside promenade to admire colonial landmarks, including the former Governor's residence and the 19th-century Sacred Heart Church designed by Jacques Duchatz. Continue to Serampore, an erstwhile Danish colony, to view St. Olav's Church and the historic Denmark Tavern. Reboard for your final leg to Kolkata, celebrating your voyage with an evening farewell dinner on board.
Following breakfast on board, disembark the ship and transfer back to your hotel in Kolkata. Spend your final day at leisure, taking advantage of your hotel's amenities or picking up last-minute souvenirs in the city.
The last day, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Kolkata airport to catch your return flight home.
Outbound: departing between 13.00 and 22.00, arriving between 08.40 and 18.25 (next day)
Inbound: departing between 19.00 and 21.00, arriving between 05.30 and 08.30 (next day)
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