India 2020-22 Brochure

For more information or to book, call 020 8423 3000 or contact your travel agent. 30 Heritage River Cruise A 7-night cruise aboard the Ganges Voyager I or Ganges Voyager II promises an opportunity to explore the remote and idyllic Indian villages along the banks of the sacred River Ganges. This boutique ship has 28 cabins, all with en suite facilities and a French balcony. The ships sail from Kolkata to Murshidabad and back, with all shore excursions included, accompanied by expert guides. The ships boast a dining room, a bar, a spa and a viewing deck. Each vessel has sumptuous Indian textiles, a boutique stocked with Indian crafts and textiles, hospitable staff and delicious European and Indian cuisine. Enjoy entertainment and cultural activities on-board with welcome and farewell receptions. Day 1 Kolkata Board the ship for a fascinating journey on the Ganges River. After lunch on board, relax and take a stroll in the Indian Botanic Garden located near the jetty. Day 2 Kolkata Tour – Bally Bridge Today sightseeing of Kolkata, which includes the well preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writers’ Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. Visit St. John’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built in 1756. Visit the Victoria Memorial Museum, which houses the largest collection of British colonial historical artefacts in India. Return to the ship and commence upstream journey passing below the cantilevered Howrah Bridge seeing various colonial buildings along the Ganges River. Moor for the night on the outskirts of Kolkata city near the Bally Bridge. Day 3 Bally Bridge – Bandel Set sail upstream to Bandel, meaning “port” in Bengali, which was founded by Portuguese settlers who built the Church and a Monastery around 1660. In the afternoon visit the Basilica of the Holy Rosary commonly known as Bandel Church, then visit the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shia pilgrimage centres in West Bengal. Moor at the shore of Bandel. Day 4 Bandel – Kalna Sail further upstream to the town of Kalna. In the afternoon enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town centre, en route to the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Also visit the local market on return to the ship. Moor at Kalna. Day 5 Kalna – Mayapur Sail onward to Mayapur, known as the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna. It is also the home of the Krishna Consciousness Movement also called ISKCON. Guests can experience the fascinating culture of these followers and their ornate, colourful decorated statues of Krishna. Moor at Mayapur. Day 6 Mayapur – Guptipara – Fulia Sail downstream to Guptipara, a rural town, located on the riverbank. The paddy fields of Guptipara produce the finest rice in West Bengal and the area is also famous for the “Himsagar Aam”, the tastiest mango on Indian soil. In the afternoon, sail across to the opposite riverbank and visit the weaving village of Fulia. Moor overnight at Fulia. Day 7 Fulia – Chandernagore – Kolkata Sail further downstream to Chandernagore, which was established as a French colony in 1673. Visit the Sacred Heart Church, designed by French architect Jacques Duchatz. Continue journey back to Kolkata. Moor overnight at Kolkata. Day 8 Kolkata Disembark after breakfast. This cruise follows the green route. 2020 Departure Dates: 11 February, 21 March, 11 and 25 April, 13 September and 20 & 29 December 2021 Departure Dates: 14 and 25 March, 23 September, 26 October, 27 November and 29 December Victoria Memorial, Kolkata