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Sacred Ganges
Trip Code: BV16BD2
Price: from AU$3,240 per person twin share
Prices valid until 30 September 2024, excluding the Christmas / New Year period.
Please contact us for a detailed itinerary and current prices and departure dates.
Inclusions:
- Cabin with en suite bathroom
- All meals, including tea/coffee and mineral water while on tour
- Transport for sightseeing
- Valet Service
- Guided on shore excursions and game drives as illustrated in the itinerary – inclusive of entrance fees, park fees, transport and services of an English speaking local guide
Not included:
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Taxes, Insurance , Gratuities
- Laundry, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft beverages during non-meal hours
- Video and professional Still Camera fees
- International and Domestic air tickets
- Pre and Post tour accommodation and any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as a part of the journey
- Any expenses of a personal nature eg tips in restaurants or hotels, laundry, drinks, telephone calls, etc
- Any other expense not mentioned as included
- Meals other than specified
Introduction
Cruising along the main branch of the Ganges, Mughal ruins, relics of the East India Company and Buddhist monuments, make for an exciting voyage through totally undiscovered territory. Operated by Assam Bengal Navigation on the ABN Rajmahal or ABN Sukapha.
A 9-day sojourn on the sacred Ganges River discovering the Mughal ruins at Rajmahal and relics of the East India Company at Patna and Monghyr where local villages now reside amongst the grandiose tombs. During this cruise you will see the impressive 8th century Buddhist monastery of Vikramshila and continue along the river, which is home to the Gangetic Dolphin, to reach the silk-weaving village at Bhagalpur.
At the UNESCO World Heritage site at Nalanda explore the excavated great Buddhist monastery and the picturesque Pawapuri Jain temple – located in the middle of a lake. On the days spent cruising there will be stops at seldom visited picturesque river side villages to give you a taste of rural Indian life. At Patna, the extraordinary 18th century Gola Ghar granary was built in a stupa style by Captain John Garstin in 1786 in an effort to ward off potential famine.
Day 1 Farakka
Welcome aboard! Join your vessel at Farakka in the afternoon. Unpack and settle into your cabin as your Sacred Ganges journey begins.
Day 2 Rajmahal
Today you will sail upstream before anchoring at Rajmahal. Once known as Akbarnagar, the town was founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar as his eastern capital. Here you can explore the remains of palaces, forts and mosques submerged in vegetation. Returning to the ship, sail on to Manihari Ghat.
Day 3 Vikramshila
This morning you will cruise upstream, passing the confluence with the Kosi that comes down from Nepal, to arrive at idyllic Bateshwar. Drive a short distance to the impressive ruins of the 8th century Buddhist monastery of Vikramshila. Reboarding the vessel, cruise close to the island shrine with both Buddhist and Hindu cave temples.
Day 4 Bhagalpur
Relax and enjoy a morning of cruising. Sail along a stretch of river where Gangetic Dolphin may be seen, to reach Bhagalpur, a centre of silk production. Visit the elegant 18th century mansion built by Augustus Cleveland as well as a silk-weaving village before continuing on to Jahangira Island at Sultanganj.
Day 5 Monghyr
The cruise continues on to Monghyr. Monghyr possesses a large Mughal fort, as well as an East India Company cemetery, now with villagers living amongst the grandiose tombs. Also visit Pirpahar Hill and the Sita Kund hot springs. Later, as the cruise continues upstream you may decide to relax on the sundeck or enjoy the boat’s facilities.
Day 6 Barh
This morning your vessel will cruise under the great bridge at Mokameh, where the naturalist Jim Corbett spent his working life in charge of the ferry which operated here earlier. Nearby, stop to visit a bankside village and stretch your legs. You will reach Barh by evening.
Day 7 Nalanda
Today visit Nalanda, recently included as a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore the excavated great Buddhist monastery and stupa along with the adjoining museum. Continue on to the picturesque Pawapuri Jain temple in the middle of a lake.
Day 8 Patna
Enjoy a full day of cruising, with a stop at a bankside village. Relax onboard and take in all that you see along the river as you cruise upstream. Arrive in the evening at the state capital of Patna and berth close to the old East India Company opium warehouses.
Day 9 Patna
Tour Patna, visiting the extraordinary 18th century Gola Ghar granary, the great Sikh temple and the rich collections of the State Museum. Disembark late morning and transfer to Patna airport where your tour concludes.
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