Bengal Memories Lower Ganges River Cruise – 4 Day Itinerary

“…My father was stationed in Calcutta in 1948. He remembers it fondly, just as I found it; crowded streets, beautiful old buildings, vibrant bustling markets and so much colour and history at every turn…”   Kolkata has a charm that you can’t experience in any of India’s other metropolitan cities…”

DAY 1 – Embarkation, Kolkata

​This morning, you will be collected from your central hotel and transferred to embark the ship by 11 am. Sail upstream past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Koran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. After the visit, reboard ABN Rajmahal and set sail, leaving urban sprawl behind.
Meals: L, D

DAY 2 – Kalna

Sail upstream and, after breakfast, land at the country town of Kalna and 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. Continue on through the countryside to Mayapur to visit the vast new ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple which dominates the skyline. As the headquarters of ISKCON or the Hare Krishna movement, the temple receives over a million singing and dancing devotees a year from around the world. Sail downstream as dusk falls to a mooring near Kalna.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 3 – Chandernagore

​This morning, sail downstream and visit a saree-weaving village before continuing on to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950, to visit the 18th century church as well as Dupleix’s House, the erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Later, sail on down to Kolkata.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4 – Disembarkation Kolkata

​After breakfast, disembark and transfer to airport or your hotel in Central Kolkata.
Meals: B

India Cruise – Lower Ganges River Cruise – ABN Rajmahal Features

ABN Rajmahal, entered service on the Lower Ganges and the Ganges proper on schedule in mid-February 2014.
Built in Kolkata, her length is 51 metres and breadth is 10.40 metres. Powered by 3 engines, her extra-shallow draught and a lower profile than conventional designs allow her to cruise further  upstream than any of her competitors.

The boutique vessel, ABN Rajmahal, has 22 cabins with French balconies. The décor is stylish and fresh with touches of colonial elegance, brought to life by traditional Indian-inspired designs on hand-blocked cotton fabrics.

The excellent cuisine on board is a mixture of Assamese (milder than most Indian cuisine) and continental. Wines, beer and spirits are available.
A small spa onboard offers a wide range of relaxing treatments.

• 22 spacious cabins:
  14 Upper Deck spacious twin/double cabins (196 sq. ft/18.2 sq. m)
  4 Main Deck spacious twin/double cabins (196 sq. ft/18.2 sq. m)
  4 Main Deck spacious single cabins (160 sq. ft/14.9 sq. m)
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass window with French balconies
• En suite shower/WC with boutique toiletries
• Tea/coffee making facilities in cabins
• Refrigerators in cabins
• Individual climate control
• Generous cupboard space and under-bed storage
• Hair dryer in each cabin
• In-room electronic safe
• Intercommunication telephone in cabins
• High quality bathrobes and slippers
• High quality linens
• Turndown service in all cabins
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Vast sundeck both open & shaded, with sun loungers or steamer chairs
• Spacious air-conditioned saloon with library and recorded entertainment
• Air conditioned bar and dining room
• Spa with choice of treatments
• Naturalist on board the vessel
• Single seating for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Acclaimed combination of Indian & Western cuisines
• Expertly trained culinary staff
• Wide choice of wines, spirits and beer (pay locally)
• Maximum 20 guests per guide on all excursions
• Cold towel service after excursions
• Welcome drink after excursions
• Shoe-cleaning after excursions

Holy Ganges Cruise – ABN Rajmahal Photo Gallery

Holy Ganges Cruise – ABN Rajmahal Deck Plan

click to enlarge

2024 & 2025 Dates, Prices & Inclusions

Bengal Memories Lower Ganges River Cruise

Bengal Memories Kolkata – Kolkata (4 Days)
Prices per person in USD (based on two persons):

All prices subject to 9% local tax which will be added to the reservation price (subject to change)

n.b. Children must be 15 years of age or more. Adult prices apply.

Bengal Memories Lower Ganges River Cruise – Inclusions

• Transfers to / from your hotel and the vessel
• Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  from lunch Day 1 to Breakfast Day 4
• Shore excursion programme including all admissions.
• Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water throughout.
• Rickshaw ride

Not included

• Drinks from the bar
• Laundry
• Tips + Gratuities for crew and guides
• Camera/video fees
• Insurance
• Telephone charges
• Items of a personal nature
• Local service tax

Notes

• Indian visa (please check with your Consulate how to apply for a visa)
• Kolkata Airport Information (CCU) Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
• Tour codes:
  BD8

How to Book and Pay – Lower Ganges River Cruise

• Please complete the booking form adding your credit card details via out secure system.
• We will respond by email with confirmation of your tour.
• Upon confirmation we will collect the non-refundable deposit of  25% of the tour price from the credit card provided.
• The balance payment will be collected 70 days prior to departure date.
• If you book within 70 days of departure date we will collect the full amount due from the credit card provided.
• If your selected date is not available we will offer you an alternative.
• Your card will not be charged until you accept the alternative offered.
• If you have any special requirements please add details in the notes section.
• We will ask you later to provide passport details of passengers booked
• Indian visa (please check with your Consulate if you require a visa).
• After you have paid in full, you will receive a voucher and joining details for the tour.