The All Ganges

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Price
£££ FROM £5985.00 /PP
Highlights
  • Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House
  • Rickshaw tour in Kalna
  • Explore the village of Mayapur
  • Visit the brass-working village of Matiari
  • Katgola Palace
  • Miniature terracotta temples
  • Jain temples at Azimganj
  • Bhaglapur, a hub of silk production
  • Explore the Mughal fort
  • Bihar School of Yoga
  • City tour of Patna
  • This tour is part of the ARCA Origins Travel collection to reduce overtourism
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  • Details
  • Itinerary
  • INCLUDES & EXCLUDES
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Overview

Welcome aboard our eco-cruise along the majestic Ganges River, a journey that promises not only breathtaking landscapes but also a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Indian culture, history, and cuisine. As we meander through the heart of India, you'll experience a slower, more mindful way of travelling, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders that await.

Our adventure begins with a visit to the renowned Temple of Fame and the historic Flagstaff House, where ancient architecture meets profound spiritual significance. These iconic landmarks will set the tone for a journey filled with awe and reverence.

Next, we sail towards the serene village of Mayapur, a hub of spiritual energy and the birthplace of the Hare Krishna movement. Here, you'll explore beautifully adorned temples and engage with the warm-hearted locals, gaining insights into their daily lives and spiritual practices.

Our voyage continues to the Jain temples at Azimganj, marvels of intricate artistry and serene beauty. These temples, with their exquisite carvings and peaceful ambiance, offer a glimpse into the rich religious diversity of India.

A highlight of our trip is the exploration of a grand Mughal fort, where history comes alive through its imposing structures and storied past. The fort's grandeur is a testament to the architectural brilliance and historical significance of the Mughal era.

As we reach Patna, prepare for a captivating city tour that will take you through its vibrant streets, bustling markets, and historical sites. Patna, with its blend of ancient and modern, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving fabric of Indian society.

Throughout our journey, you'll savour the diverse flavours of Indian cuisine, from delectable street food to sumptuous traditional dishes. Each meal is a culinary adventure, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and regional specialties of the areas we visit.

The landscapes along the Ganges are nothing short of spectacular. From lush green fields and dense forests to tranquil riverbanks and bustling towns, every view from the deck is a postcard-perfect scene. As we cruise, you'll have ample opportunities to meet the incredible people who call these regions home. Their stories, warmth, and hospitality will leave a lasting impression, enriching your journey with personal connections and cultural exchanges.

This eco-cruise is not just a journey down a river; it's a voyage into the soul of India. Enjoy the slower pace, the mindful travel experience, and the myriad of experiences that will make this adventure unforgettable. Welcome aboard, and let the Ganges guide you to new horizons.

Itinerary

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.

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.

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.
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.
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 is close to Murshidabad for the night.
This morning, walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and his family. Continue a little way upstream to where the great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect in 1837, the palace hosts an extensive collection of pictures, china, weapons, and other objects. Carry on to visit the great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace. Built in classical Georgian style by rich local merchants, Katgola Palace represents the other side of the coin of the 'White Mughal' period, when English and Indian cultures came close to fusion. Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.
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.
Today, pass through the Farraka Barrage onto the Ganges proper. In the afternoon, we explore the quaint town of Rajmahal.
We sail up the mighty Ganges River towards the confluence with the Koshi River. Stop along the way for a short village walk and enjoy our onboard entertainment.
We sail early in the in the morning towards Bhaglapur, a hub of silk production. We witness the silk weaving and explore this small town before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit Sultanganj with its pair of great granite rocks, one crowned with a mosque and the other with a small temple dating from the 16th century.
Munger is now a large and industrialised city, but it has an interesting history. In 1762, Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, shifted his capital from Murshidabad to Munger and established a firearms manufacturing centre here. Explore the Mughal fort, the East India Company cemetery, and step inside the Bihar School of Yoga, founded in 1964 by Satyananda Saraswati. One of the leading yoga schools in the country. The institution has developed yogic techniques through a synthesis of traditional yogic, vedantic, and tantric practices and contemporary health science.

Stop at Mokama, once home to Jim Corbett, the naturalist and protector of the Indian tigers. Surrounded by farmlands, Mokama has the second-highest production of lentils in the country. Learn about the freedom fighters from Mokama, such as Lalldin Saheb, who, during the freedom struggle, was sentenced to jail during British rule.

Explore Barh, a town famous for Hindu ritual cremation at Urmanath and the Alakhnath Temple.
Enjoy a city tour of Patna, capital of Bihar state including a visit to The Golghar, a large stupa styled granary built in 1786. Farewell dinner with your crew.
Disembark your vessel and transfer to Patna station for your first-class train to Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, transfer to your hotel or the airport.

Price Includes

  • Transfer to/from Ship including one way 1st class train ticket
  • Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew
  • Main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes plus our India complimentary drinks package
  • 100% financial protection & Security with TTA
  • Responsible Travel
  • This tour is part of the ARCA Origins Travel collection to reduce overtourism

Price Excludes

  • International flights
  • Laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges
  • All beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes, tipping for guide and drivers.
  • Anything else not listed in the itinerary
  • Travel insurances
  • Travel Visa

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