India The Lower Ganges River Cruise No Single Supplement & Kids Cruise Free on select sailings from
$6,906
per personVarious departures available
India - The Lower Ganges River Cruise with Pandaw
This journey offers a fantastic new way to see regional India on a small ship with a maximum of 10 guests
DAY 1 KOLKATA - 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 CHANDENAGORE
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
Take a stroll this morning to the Khushbagh, a serene garden designed in the Mughal architecture that houses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the final independent Nawab of Bengal, and his relatives. Proceed little upstream to the point where the magnificent Hazarduari Palace commands the waterfront. The palace, which was constructed in 1837 by an English architect, is home to a sizable collection of artwork, ceramics, weapons, and other items. Proceed to explore the magnificent Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before to making your way to Katgola Palace via car. Constructed in the traditional Georgian style by wealthy local traders, Katgola Palace embodies the opposing viewpoint of the 'White Mughal' era, which saw the brink of cultural union between English and Indian traditions. Spend the night on the riverbank opposite the town.
DAY 7 AJIMGANJ - FARAKKA
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.
DAY 8 DISEMBARK FARAKKA
After breakfast, disembark and receive a group transfer to the disembarkation point hotel for your onward journey.
What is included on a Pandaw Cruise?
The Pandaw ships are small scale, hand crafted in brass and Teak and the experience is all about exploring remote and often hard to navigate rivers, in a friendly and informal atmosphere.
Fabulous value and inclusions, check out the extensive list below.
- Welcome cocktail party
- Signature hors d’oeuvres at cocktails each evening
- Afternoon tea with cakes or cookies when cruising
- Celebration cake and champagne on birthdays and anniversaries
- Cookery demonstrations and classes using local produce
- All scheduled excursions
- At least two cultural performances per cruise
- Tour of the engine rooms, galley and working parts of the ship
- Film presentations on local culture and history
- Local mineral water
- Cold towels on deck all day
- Jugged coffee, tea and tisanes on deck from sunrise till sunset
- Crew gratuities are included in your cruise program price
This cruise is operated by the RV Kalaw Pandaw
Maximum 10 guests with a crew of 9
Ship Information
SPECIAL OFFERS
Departure Dates, while space lasts
26 Dec 2024 & 11 Jan 2025
Kids Go Free on Select departures
10% Discovery Discount on Select Departures
Indicative Prices, please talk to our team for current availability and pricing
Main Deck from
$6,906 per person twin share
Upper Deck from
$8,632 per person twin share
Port Taxes
US$65 per person
Cruise Itinerary
s may apply for past passengers of Pandaw, please advise your Pandaw club membership at time of booking
Pandaw also offer The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra itineraries in India
Ask us for details on The Mighty Brahmaputra River and The Lower Ganges River with Brahmaputra
>More River Cruises
Don't forget to download the House of Travel App to view your itinerary from your mobile phone!
Terms and Conditions
Offer is subject to availability and capacity controlled. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offers and cannot be backdated. Prices are inclusive of gratuities, port & handling taxes. Offer is subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. All cruise packages are based on Twin share, inside cabin and costs are per person. Details are not live, speak to one of our consultants for current availability and pricing. Space is strictly limited and is subject to availability at time of booking. All passengers are bound by the individual cruise lines terms & conditions, please ask your consultant for a full copy. Current Deals must be paid in full at time of booking or as shown. All passengers must have a valid passport with more than 6 months validity at the end of their holiday. Travel insurance should be taken out at time of booking to cover in the event of any unforeseen cancellation. ESTA Visas are required for Itineraries visiting USA, Canada, India, China, Vietnam & Sri Lanka. Visa costs are not included. If travelling on a non NZ passport other visas + NZ re-entry permits may also be required, please check with applicable embassy.
