Cruise Holidays India
Bengal on Hugli
07 Days / 06 Nights
Sunderbans | Dobanke Island | Lothian Island | Belur Math | Mayapur | Murshidabad
A part of the world's largest delta formed by the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, the Sunderbans is a vast tract of forest and saltwater swamp stretching for about 160 miles along the Bay of Bengal from the Hooghly River Estuary in West Bengal to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh.
Day 01
Arrive Kolkata | Embark Exotic Sunderbans and Ganges Heritage Cruises
Welcome to Kolkata - the City of Joy. On arrival at Kolkata airport (30 minutes away) or railway station (5 minutes away), begin your tour of 'Bengal on Hugli'. You will be met and transferred to Millennium Park. Check into the Vivada jetty - M.V. Paramhamsa. The cruiser sets sail along the beautiful Ganges towards the south, passing through the various heritage sites to reach Namkhana, a fisherman's cove and the Gateway to Sunderbans. The busy fishing harbour will give an insight into the lifestyle of the fishermen. After the interaction with the fishermen, the cruiser enters Sunderbans to navigate through the narrower creek of Hatania - Doania. You will have the first glimpse of the dense mangrove and the vast river system with several creeks flowing into the main rivers. The cruiser will drop anchor at Namkhana for the night.
Day 02
In Cruise | On to Sunderbans visiting the islands of Dobanke, Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali
Early morning witness the spectacular sunrise, while the cruiser sails towards the east. Later experience the lifestyle of Sunderbans, their culture along with the rich bio diversity of the region and an Estuarine Crocodile Project at Bhagabatpur. Later, visit watchtowers; go for a canopy walk on some of the islands - Dobanke, Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali along with a wildlifer, who will guide you to experience the forest, sight animals and birds. Before sunset, the vessel will anchor at a beautiful Sunderban village. After sunset, enjoy a traditional mythological folk drama, Bon Bibir pala, a rich folklore performance of Sunderbans. In the evening, indulge in star gazing from the sky deck; soak in the serenity and tranquility.
Day 03
In Cruise | Visit Lothian Island
Today, the cruiser turns back from the Sunderbans on its journey back to Kolkata. The vessel sails south and then towards the west, through the wide rivers of Bidya, Matla, Thakuran and Saptamukhi, which are almost as wide as a sea. Your next stop is at Lothian Island, where there is an interesting forest trail.
Day 04
In Cruise | Visit Botanical Gardens, Belur Math
Today, the vessel again will cross over Namkhana as per the tide and will sail northwards towards Kolkata. The next excursion in forenoon will be to the Botanical Gardens. After a brief halt at Kolkata, the vessel sails down the Howrah Bridge, the unique cantilever Bridge across the river, Ganga joining the two metropolises of Kolkata and Howrah. Sailing past the Howrah Railway Station, one of the busiest in the world, and various heritage sites on the banks of the great river, including numerous temples and bathing ghats, the historical point of arrival of Job Charnock, the House of Dolls, the Nimtolla Ghat, the oldest Gun and Shell Factory in India at Cossipore, arrive at Belur. Disembark to visit Belur Math, a shrine built by Swami Vivekananda, in honour of his great master Ramakrishna Paramhamsa Deb. By dusk embark the vessel to sail up the river to Chandannagar, a colony of the French till 1950. At the Chandannagar Strand, the ancient French colony comes alive with bands recreating French flavour. After a tour of the French architecture of historical importance in the Strand like the Church, the Clock Tower and the old hotels, now housing the Civil Court and various educational institutions you will embark the vessel to be treated to a French dinner, befitting the ambience and the aroma of the French settlement of yore. The vessel sails and later anchors at Triveni for the night.
Day 05
In Cruise | Visit Mayapur
As the vessel sails, rural Bengal unfolds itself in all its beauty, bounty and glory. The forenoon is spent on board and activities include a talk about the magnificent Ganga Heritage by a well-known historian. The vessel reaches Mayapur, the headquarters of ISKON. Disembark at the divine abode of Lord Krishna. The Hare Krishna cult of the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy believes that Mayapur is the place of birth of Sri Chaitanya. Nabadwip, the ancient capital of Lakshman Sen, the famous ruler of the Sen Dynasty, situated now on the western bank due to the changing course of Ganga, was a great center of learning and intellectual prowess, referred to as the Oxford of Bengal and the place where Chaitanya Deb was born in 1486. This was captured by Bakhtiyar Khilji, to pave the way for Muslim Rule in Bengal. Enjoy a stroll through these twin towns of Chaitanya faith and return to the vessel for a quiet evening to let the divine feeling sink in. At night the vessel cruises to anchor at Lal Bagh in front of Hazar Duari, the palace with thousand doors.
Day 06
In Cruise | Visit Murshidabad
Murshidabad is one of the oldest cities of West Bengal and has a rich heritage. It was the capital city of Sasanka, the great king of Gaur. Start the day with a pleasant walk through Khusbagh, an idyllic Mughal-style Garden enclosing the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal and his family. Return to the vessel for recharging. Later come back on land and visit places of historic interest like the Nizamat Kila, the Hazar Duari Palace, in the Italianate style, the Moti Jheel (Pearl Lake) just to the south of the palace, the Muradbagh Palace, Khushbagh Cemetery. After visiting the Hazar Duari Museum, Katara Mosque and the 18th Century marvels of the Nashipura Palace and the palace of Jagat Sett, both built in classical Georgian style by rich local merchants and represents the other side of the coin of the "White Mughal" period when English and Indian cultures came close to fusion. In the afternoon, enjoy a delightfully exquisite shopping experience of Murshidabad silk. After a day well spent, the cruiser bids good bye to Murshidabad and passes through the historic battleground of Plassey. Entertainment at nightfall is the highlight of the evening as the cruiser winds its way back and you return with pleasant memories.
Day 07
Disembark Exotic Sunderbans and Ganges Heritage Cruises | Return home with happy memories
Enjoy an early morning trip to the ancient terracotta temples at Kalna. The old Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 shrinelets enthralls the visitor with the rich workmanship of Bengal. Later, return to the vessel and head back to Kolkata. You can enjoy a clear view of the Dutch Cemetery at Chinsura and the Portugese Church at Bandel. The cruise ends at the Millennium Park, Kolkata. Bid farewell to your 'Bengal on Hugli' tour as you are transferred to Kolkata airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Sunderbans | Dobanke Island | Lothian Island | Belur Math | Mayapur | Murshidabad
A part of the world's largest delta formed by the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, the Sunderbans is a vast tract of forest and saltwater swamp stretching for about 160 miles along the Bay of Bengal from the Hooghly River Estuary in West Bengal to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh.
Day 01
Arrive Kolkata | Embark Exotic Sunderbans and Ganges Heritage Cruises
Welcome to Kolkata - the City of Joy. On arrival at Kolkata airport (30 minutes away) or railway station (5 minutes away), begin your tour of 'Bengal on Hugli'. You will be met and transferred to Millennium Park. Check into the Vivada jetty - M.V. Paramhamsa. The cruiser sets sail along the beautiful Ganges towards the south, passing through the various heritage sites to reach Namkhana, a fisherman's cove and the Gateway to Sunderbans. The busy fishing harbour will give an insight into the lifestyle of the fishermen. After the interaction with the fishermen, the cruiser enters Sunderbans to navigate through the narrower creek of Hatania - Doania. You will have the first glimpse of the dense mangrove and the vast river system with several creeks flowing into the main rivers. The cruiser will drop anchor at Namkhana for the night.
Day 02
In Cruise | On to Sunderbans visiting the islands of Dobanke, Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali
Early morning witness the spectacular sunrise, while the cruiser sails towards the east. Later experience the lifestyle of Sunderbans, their culture along with the rich bio diversity of the region and an Estuarine Crocodile Project at Bhagabatpur. Later, visit watchtowers; go for a canopy walk on some of the islands - Dobanke, Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali along with a wildlifer, who will guide you to experience the forest, sight animals and birds. Before sunset, the vessel will anchor at a beautiful Sunderban village. After sunset, enjoy a traditional mythological folk drama, Bon Bibir pala, a rich folklore performance of Sunderbans. In the evening, indulge in star gazing from the sky deck; soak in the serenity and tranquility.
Day 03
In Cruise | Visit Lothian Island
Today, the cruiser turns back from the Sunderbans on its journey back to Kolkata. The vessel sails south and then towards the west, through the wide rivers of Bidya, Matla, Thakuran and Saptamukhi, which are almost as wide as a sea. Your next stop is at Lothian Island, where there is an interesting forest trail.
Day 04
In Cruise | Visit Botanical Gardens, Belur Math
Today, the vessel again will cross over Namkhana as per the tide and will sail northwards towards Kolkata. The next excursion in forenoon will be to the Botanical Gardens. After a brief halt at Kolkata, the vessel sails down the Howrah Bridge, the unique cantilever Bridge across the river, Ganga joining the two metropolises of Kolkata and Howrah. Sailing past the Howrah Railway Station, one of the busiest in the world, and various heritage sites on the banks of the great river, including numerous temples and bathing ghats, the historical point of arrival of Job Charnock, the House of Dolls, the Nimtolla Ghat, the oldest Gun and Shell Factory in India at Cossipore, arrive at Belur. Disembark to visit Belur Math, a shrine built by Swami Vivekananda, in honour of his great master Ramakrishna Paramhamsa Deb. By dusk embark the vessel to sail up the river to Chandannagar, a colony of the French till 1950. At the Chandannagar Strand, the ancient French colony comes alive with bands recreating French flavour. After a tour of the French architecture of historical importance in the Strand like the Church, the Clock Tower and the old hotels, now housing the Civil Court and various educational institutions you will embark the vessel to be treated to a French dinner, befitting the ambience and the aroma of the French settlement of yore. The vessel sails and later anchors at Triveni for the night.
Day 05
In Cruise | Visit Mayapur
As the vessel sails, rural Bengal unfolds itself in all its beauty, bounty and glory. The forenoon is spent on board and activities include a talk about the magnificent Ganga Heritage by a well-known historian. The vessel reaches Mayapur, the headquarters of ISKON. Disembark at the divine abode of Lord Krishna. The Hare Krishna cult of the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy believes that Mayapur is the place of birth of Sri Chaitanya. Nabadwip, the ancient capital of Lakshman Sen, the famous ruler of the Sen Dynasty, situated now on the western bank due to the changing course of Ganga, was a great center of learning and intellectual prowess, referred to as the Oxford of Bengal and the place where Chaitanya Deb was born in 1486. This was captured by Bakhtiyar Khilji, to pave the way for Muslim Rule in Bengal. Enjoy a stroll through these twin towns of Chaitanya faith and return to the vessel for a quiet evening to let the divine feeling sink in. At night the vessel cruises to anchor at Lal Bagh in front of Hazar Duari, the palace with thousand doors.
Day 06
In Cruise | Visit Murshidabad
Murshidabad is one of the oldest cities of West Bengal and has a rich heritage. It was the capital city of Sasanka, the great king of Gaur. Start the day with a pleasant walk through Khusbagh, an idyllic Mughal-style Garden enclosing the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal and his family. Return to the vessel for recharging. Later come back on land and visit places of historic interest like the Nizamat Kila, the Hazar Duari Palace, in the Italianate style, the Moti Jheel (Pearl Lake) just to the south of the palace, the Muradbagh Palace, Khushbagh Cemetery. After visiting the Hazar Duari Museum, Katara Mosque and the 18th Century marvels of the Nashipura Palace and the palace of Jagat Sett, both built in classical Georgian style by rich local merchants and represents the other side of the coin of the "White Mughal" period when English and Indian cultures came close to fusion. In the afternoon, enjoy a delightfully exquisite shopping experience of Murshidabad silk. After a day well spent, the cruiser bids good bye to Murshidabad and passes through the historic battleground of Plassey. Entertainment at nightfall is the highlight of the evening as the cruiser winds its way back and you return with pleasant memories.
Day 07
Disembark Exotic Sunderbans and Ganges Heritage Cruises | Return home with happy memories
Enjoy an early morning trip to the ancient terracotta temples at Kalna. The old Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 shrinelets enthralls the visitor with the rich workmanship of Bengal. Later, return to the vessel and head back to Kolkata. You can enjoy a clear view of the Dutch Cemetery at Chinsura and the Portugese Church at Bandel. The cruise ends at the Millennium Park, Kolkata. Bid farewell to your 'Bengal on Hugli' tour as you are transferred to Kolkata airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Sunderbans - The Riverine Nirvana
Kolkata - 04 Days / 03 Nights
Sunderbans | Dobanke Island | Lothian Island
The largest delta and the largest estuarine national park in the world, you will be amazed at the sheer diversity and breathtaking beauty of this Tiger Reserve. With creek rides, forest walks, visits to fishermen's cove, village tours, visit to watch towers offering the best experience of this treasure trove that boasts of myriad and mysterious life forms. The thought is bound to cross your mind that this is it - and it can't possibly get any better. But it can - when we are the ones taking you on this magical mystical tour of 3 Nights 4 Days.
Day 01
Arrive Kolkata | Embark Exotic Sunderbans and Ganges Heritage Cruises
Welcome to Kolkata - the city of joy. On arrival at Kolkata airport (30 minutes away) or railway station (5 minutes away), begin your tour of 'Sunderbans - The Riverine Nirvana'. You will be met and transferred to Millennium Park. Check into the Vivada Jetty - M.V. Paramhamsa. The cruiser sets sail along the beautiful Ganges towards the south, passing through the various heritage sites for seven to eight hours to reach Namkhana, a fisherman's cove and the gateway to Sunderbans. You can unwind, relax, soak in the beauty of the river; read books in the library; interact with the Wildlifer or take an ayurvedic massage. The busy fishing harbour will give an insight into the lifestyle of the fishermen. After the interaction with the fishermen, the cruiser enters Sunderbans to navigate through the narrower creek of Hatania - Doania River. You will have the first glimpse of the dense mangrove and the vast river system with several creeks flowing into the main rivers. The evening is at leisure to watch wild life film shows or interact with a wild lifer along with music from modern and traditional Bengal. The cruiser will drop anchor at Namkhana for the night.
Day 02
1n Cruise | On to Sunderbans visiting the islands of Dobanke, Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali
Early morning you can witness the spectacular sunrise, while the cruiser sails towards the east. Later you will experience the lifestyle of Sunderbans, their traditions, culture along with the rich bio diversity of the region and an Estuarine Crocodile Project at Bhagabatpur. You can also take a morning walk through the dense mangrove at Lothian Island Sanctuary amidst chirping of birds. Later, you will visit watchtowers, go for a canopy walk on some of the forested islands such as Dobanke, Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali along with a wildlifer, who will guide you to experience the forest, sight animals and birds; explain various mangrove species and wildlife. After sunset, you will enjoy a traditional mythological folk drama, Bono Bibir pala, a rich folklore performance of Sunderbans. Rest of the evening is free to indulge in star gazing from the sky deck and soak in the serenity and tranquillity.
Day 03
In Cruise | Visit Bali Island and Lothian Island
Early morning, observe a spectacular sunrise across the dense mangrove. You disembark on Bali Island to witness the life style of the Sunderban villagers and their activities such as rice husking, honey packing etc. Thereafter, the cruiser turns back from the Sunderbans on its journey back to Kolkata. The vessel sails south and then towards the west, through wide rivers, Bidya, Matla, Thakuran and Saptamukhi. Your next stop is at Lothian Island, where there is an interesting forest trail/Bhagwatpur crocodile project (if not covered on the second day). Vessel crosses Namkhana depending on tide and anchors on River Hoogly. The evening is at leisure.
Day 04
Disembark Exotic Sunderbans and Ganges Heritage Cruises | Return home with happy memories
Today bid farewell to your 'Sunderbans - The Riverine Nirvana' tour as the vessel heads back to Millennium Park from where you are transferred to Kolkata airport or Kolkata railway station for your onward journey.
Sunderbans | Dobanke Island | Lothian Island
The largest delta and the largest estuarine national park in the world, you will be amazed at the sheer diversity and breathtaking beauty of this Tiger Reserve. With creek rides, forest walks, visits to fishermen's cove, village tours, visit to watch towers offering the best experience of this treasure trove that boasts of myriad and mysterious life forms. The thought is bound to cross your mind that this is it - and it can't possibly get any better. But it can - when we are the ones taking you on this magical mystical tour of 3 Nights 4 Days.
Day 01
Arrive Kolkata | Embark Exotic Sunderbans and Ganges Heritage Cruises
Welcome to Kolkata - the city of joy. On arrival at Kolkata airport (30 minutes away) or railway station (5 minutes away), begin your tour of 'Sunderbans - The Riverine Nirvana'. You will be met and transferred to Millennium Park. Check into the Vivada Jetty - M.V. Paramhamsa. The cruiser sets sail along the beautiful Ganges towards the south, passing through the various heritage sites for seven to eight hours to reach Namkhana, a fisherman's cove and the gateway to Sunderbans. You can unwind, relax, soak in the beauty of the river; read books in the library; interact with the Wildlifer or take an ayurvedic massage. The busy fishing harbour will give an insight into the lifestyle of the fishermen. After the interaction with the fishermen, the cruiser enters Sunderbans to navigate through the narrower creek of Hatania - Doania River. You will have the first glimpse of the dense mangrove and the vast river system with several creeks flowing into the main rivers. The evening is at leisure to watch wild life film shows or interact with a wild lifer along with music from modern and traditional Bengal. The cruiser will drop anchor at Namkhana for the night.
Day 02
1n Cruise | On to Sunderbans visiting the islands of Dobanke, Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali
Early morning you can witness the spectacular sunrise, while the cruiser sails towards the east. Later you will experience the lifestyle of Sunderbans, their traditions, culture along with the rich bio diversity of the region and an Estuarine Crocodile Project at Bhagabatpur. You can also take a morning walk through the dense mangrove at Lothian Island Sanctuary amidst chirping of birds. Later, you will visit watchtowers, go for a canopy walk on some of the forested islands such as Dobanke, Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali along with a wildlifer, who will guide you to experience the forest, sight animals and birds; explain various mangrove species and wildlife. After sunset, you will enjoy a traditional mythological folk drama, Bono Bibir pala, a rich folklore performance of Sunderbans. Rest of the evening is free to indulge in star gazing from the sky deck and soak in the serenity and tranquillity.
Day 03
In Cruise | Visit Bali Island and Lothian Island
Early morning, observe a spectacular sunrise across the dense mangrove. You disembark on Bali Island to witness the life style of the Sunderban villagers and their activities such as rice husking, honey packing etc. Thereafter, the cruiser turns back from the Sunderbans on its journey back to Kolkata. The vessel sails south and then towards the west, through wide rivers, Bidya, Matla, Thakuran and Saptamukhi. Your next stop is at Lothian Island, where there is an interesting forest trail/Bhagwatpur crocodile project (if not covered on the second day). Vessel crosses Namkhana depending on tide and anchors on River Hoogly. The evening is at leisure.
Day 04
Disembark Exotic Sunderbans and Ganges Heritage Cruises | Return home with happy memories
Today bid farewell to your 'Sunderbans - The Riverine Nirvana' tour as the vessel heads back to Millennium Park from where you are transferred to Kolkata airport or Kolkata railway station for your onward journey.
