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The Lower Ganges River

This 7-night Lower Ganges cruise meanders through some of the prettiest parts of India between Kolkata and Farakka, travelling through the lush countryside of West Bengal.

Cruise Only
7 nights from £3193pp

River Adventures Holiday
Kalna Hindu Temples
Mayapur Iskcon Headquarters

Call us now on 01756 706500

There can be no river in the world as sacred as the Ganges River 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.

You will start or end our newly updated 7 night itinerary in either the former colonial capital of Kolkata or Farakka, location of the famous Farakka Barrage where the sacred Ganges flows into the Hoogly River. With one-way first class train ticket included between Farakka and Kolkata this is the perfect way to explore West Bengal in true Pandaw comfort and style.

From September 2024, Pandaw is happy to announce that our India expeditions will be all-inclusive, with complimentary local beers, spirits, mixers and soft drinks for all guests. Also included free of charge is select house wines during lunch and dinner only. Subject to availability.

PD262 Operated by Pandaw River Adventures

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The Lower Ganges River Itinerary

Day 1 - Barrackpore

Transfer from your hotel or airport in Kolkata to embark and sail at noon. Sail past the old Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore to land and take a walk through the cantonment - past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House.

Day 2 - Chandannagar

Continue sailing upstream to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th century church and Dupleix’s House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India.

Day 3 - Kalna

After breakfast sail upstream and land at the country town of Kalna and take 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 lesser shrines. Sail on through the night to a mooring near Matiari.

Day 4 - Mayapur

Explore the village of Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrims’ bazaar.

Day 5 - Matiari

Visit the brass-working village of Matiari, a charming riverside village. Interact with the locals of Matiari and witness the whole primitive process of beating out brass water pots and other vessels. Continue cruising upstream and time permitting visit the battlefield of Plassey where, 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 Murshidabad for the night.

Day 6 - Murshidabad

This morning, 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. Continue a little way upstream to where the great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect in 1837, the palace hosts an extensive collection of pictures, china, weapons and other objects. Carry on to visit the great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace. Built in classical Georgian style by rich local merchants, Katgola Palace represents the other side of the coin of the 'White Mughal' period when English and Indian cultures came close to fusion. Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.

Day 7 - Farakka Barrage

Continue up the Hoogly which transforms into a charming waterway twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards. Morning walk through the fields of the delightfully sleepy village of Baranagar to visit its three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples. This is rural India at its most idyllic. Visit the Jain temples at Azimganj before continuing on to the Farakka barrage.

Price Includes

  • 7-night full board cruise
  • All taxes and port charges
  • All gratuities
  • Selected drinks
  • Cultural performances and all scheduled excursions
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2024 Departures £ price per person based on 2 people sharing

  • October
    • Oct 25th - Kolkata to Farakka - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3902
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3902 Blue Water Price from: £4878
  • November
    • Nov 16th - Farakka to Kolkata - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3902
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3902 Blue Water Price from: £4878
  • December
    • Dec 26th - Kolkata to Farakka - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3193
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3193 Blue Water Price from: £3991

2025 Departures £ price per person based on 2 people sharing

  • January
    • Jan 3rd - Farakka to Kolkata - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3902
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3902 Blue Water Price from: £4878
    • Jan 11th - Kolkata to Farakka - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3902
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3902 Blue Water Price from: £4878
  • February
    • Feb 2nd - Farakka to Kolkata - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3548
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3548 Blue Water Price from: £4434
  • March
    • Mar 9th - Kolkata to Farakka - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3548
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3548 Blue Water Price from: £4434
  • September
    • Sep 23rd - Kolkata to Farakka - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3725
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3725 Blue Water Price from: £4656
  • October
    • Oct 16th - Farakka to Kolkata - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3725
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3725 Blue Water Price from: £4656
  • November
    • Nov 23rd - Kolkata to Farakka - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3725
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3725 Blue Water Price from: £4656

2026 Departures £ price per person based on 2 people sharing

  • January
    • Jan 15th - Kolkata to Farakka - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3725
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3725 Blue Water Price from: £4656
  • February
    • Feb 6th - Farakka to Kolkata - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3725
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3725 Blue Water Price from: £4656
  • March
    • Mar 8th - Farakka to Kolkata - Sailing on: Kalaw Pandaw From: £3725
      Main Deck Upper Deck
      Blue Water Price from: £3725 Blue Water Price from: £4656

Price Information

  • Please note prices are updated regularly from a third party price feed and may fluctuate from those shown. Please contact us for latest prices
  • Prices shown usually include all available discounts
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