8 Days - Historic Hoogly River Cruise

This morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel in Kolkata and transferred to your ship, ready to embark by midday. As you set sail, pass by the former Danish colony of Serampore, once a thriving trading post during colonial rule, before arriving at Barrackpore, a key British military centre.

Disembark for a guided walk through the historic cantonment, where you’ll trace India’s path to independence. Stroll past colonial-era landmarks such as the Semaphore Tower, Government House, Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House, each offering insights into the country’s colonial history and freedom struggle.

Continue sailing towards Chandernagore, a former French settlement that remained under French rule until 1950. Here, you’ll find remnants of European influence, reflected in its distinct architecture, tree-lined promenades, and historic buildings that offer a glimpse into India’s multicultural colonial past.

Visit an 18th-century church and the Dupleix Palace, once the grand residence of the former Governor-General of French India. The palace, with its colonial charm and historical significance, offers a glimpse into Chandernagore’s French heritage, which remained intact until 1950.

Continue sailing upstream, passing the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura, a reminder of Bengal’s diverse colonial influences. Disembark to explore the imposing Imambara at Hooghly, an architectural marvel adorned with intricate calligraphy and verses from the Koran. Stepping inside, you’ll be transported to a different era, experiencing a piece of Bengal’s rich Islamic history through its beautifully designed halls and sacred inscriptions.

As the day winds down, sail into the night, making your way to a mooring near Kalna, where another day river cruising awaits you.

After breakfast, disembark at the country town of Kalna and take a rickshaw ride to explore some of West Bengal’s most exquisite terracotta temples. Among them is the unique Shiva temple, known for its concentric rings of 108 small shrinelets, a rare architectural design that sets it apart from other Hindu temples in the region. The intricate carvings and terracotta detailing offer a fascinating insight into Bengal’s rich artistic and religious heritage.

Next, visit a muslin-weaving centre, where skilled artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of weaving Bengal’s delicate and highly prized muslin fabric. Watch as weavers create fine, handwoven textiles, a craft that once flourished under royal patronage and remains an important part of Bengal’s cultural identity.

Continue sailing through the countryside to Mayapur, home to the vast ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple, which dominates the skyline. As the global headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement, the temple attracts over a million devotees each year, who gather in singing, dancing, and prayer. The sheer scale of the temple complex and its lively spiritual atmosphere make for a truly unique experience.

As the day comes to an end, sail through the night towards your next destination, mooring near Matiari.

This morning, visit the picturesque riverside village of Matiari, renowned for its traditional brass-working. Stroll through the village and interact with the artisans as they demonstrate the age-old technique of hand-beating brass water pots and vessels. Watch as sheets of brass are skillfully hammered into shape, a craft that has been passed down through generations and remains an integral part of local life.

Continue your cruise through East India to the historic battlefield of Plassey, the site of the decisive 1757 battle that altered the course of Indian history. It was here that Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of British India, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, leading to British dominance over India for nearly two centuries. Walk through this historic landscape, where memorials and monuments mark the turning point that shaped the future of the subcontinent.

As the day draws to a close, sail onward and moor near Khushbagh for the night, surrounded by the tranquillity of the riverside.

This morning, take a leisurely walk to Khushbagh, a serene Mughal-style garden that houses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah and his family. Set amidst lush greenery, this peaceful riverside burial site offers a glimpse into Bengal’s Nawabi history, with its simple yet elegant architecture reflecting the influence of the Mughal era.

Continue cruising upstream to Hazarduari Palace, an imposing structure that dominates the riverfront. Built in 1837 by an English architect, this grand palace, meaning “Palace of a Thousand Doors”, was once the residence of the Nawabs of Murshidabad. Today, it serves as a museum, showcasing an extensive collection of paintings, fine china, weaponry, and historical artefacts, offering insight into the opulent lifestyles of Bengal’s former rulers.

Next, visit the Katra Mosque, one of the most significant mosques in Bengal, known for its grand architecture and historical importance. Afterwards, take a short drive to Katgola Palace, an elegant Georgian-style mansion built by wealthy local merchants during the 18th century. Unlike the Mughal and British-built structures of the time, Katgola Palace reflects the unique period of cultural fusion, when English and Indian influences intertwined during the era of the "White Mughals".

As evening falls, moor overnight on the riverbank opposite the town of Baranagar, enjoying the tranquillity of the riverside setting.

This morning, take a scenic walk through the fields of Baranagar, a peaceful rural village where time seems to stand still. Stroll past lush green farmland and traditional mud-brick houses to visit three exquisite miniature terracotta temples, each adorned with intricate carvings that showcase Bengal’s rich artistic heritage. This is rural India at its most idyllic, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Continue sailing up the Lower Ganges (Hooghly River), where the river gradually transforms into a picturesque waterway, winding through banks lined with golden mustard fields and mango orchards. The scenery is ever-changing, with small villages, fishing boats, and riverbank shrines adding to the charm of the journey.

Sail onward through a long canal section, where the calm waters create a serene cruising experience, before reaching a mooring near the Farakka Barrage, a major engineering feat that regulates the flow of the Ganges and marks the next stage of your journey.

Disembark for a full-day excursion by road to Gaur, near the town of Malda, also known as English Bazar. Once one of India’s great cities, Gaur thrived under Hindu rule in the 12th century, before becoming the Muslim capital of Eastern India from the 14th to 16th century. Today, this quiet and largely deserted site is a treasure trove of history, with the ruins of mosques, palaces, and grand gateways scattered across the landscape.

Explore some of the most significant architectural remains, where intricate stone carvings and weathered brickwork tell the story of Gaur’s rich and complex past. Wander through ancient courtyards, towering archways, and faded prayer halls, gaining insight into the once-thriving kingdom that played a pivotal role in Bengal’s history.

In the evening, rejoin the ship after a day of discovery, reflecting on the fascinating remnants of a bygone era that still stand as a testament to Gaur’s former grandeur.

For those concluding their journey, transfer to Farakka station in the morning for a four-hour train journey to Kolkata. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representatives and transferred to a centrally located hotel in the city.

Please note that itineraries, including cruise routes and travel durations, may vary depending on river and weather conditions. If you are interested in experiencing this cruise in the reverse direction, feel free to contact us for more details.