The Hooghly Ganges River Cruise by Pandaw

The Hooghly Ganges
River Cruise by Pandaw

Explore the Ganges River through Pandaw Cruise

The Hooghly Ganges
River Cruise by Pandaw

Package starts from

USD3148

There can be no river in the world as sacred as the Ganges River and an expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the prettiest river journeys imaginable. The river wends its way through the lush countryside of West Bengal with its culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. A rich and vibrant rural life abounds and there is never a dull moment as we sedately ply this pleasant waterway. You will start or end our newly updated 9 night itinerary in either the former colonial capital of Kolkata or Farakka, location of the famous Farakka Barrage where the sacred Ganges flows into the Hoogly River. With one-way first class train ticket included between Farakka and Kolkata this is the perfect way to explore West Bengal in true Pandaw comfort and style.

10 DAYS / 09 NIGHTS

THE HOOGHLY GANGES

PANDAW CRUISE THE HOOGHLY GANGES EXPEDITION (UPSTREAM)

US DOLLARS COST BASED ON TWIN/DOUBLE SHARING WITH ALL 03 MEALS & ACTIVITES ARE INCLUDED

Departure Dates	River Cruise Name	Direction	Duration	Upper Deck “Twin Sharing”	Upper Deck “Twin Single”	Main Deck “Twin Sharing”	Main Deck “Twin Single”
05 October’ 2025	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 3790	USD 3790	USD 3148	USD 3148
15 October’ 2025	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 3790	USD 3790	USD 3148	USD 3148
25 October’ 2025	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 4545	USD 4545	USD 3780	USD 3780
04 November’2025	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 4545	USD 4545	USD 3780	USD 3780
14 November’2025	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 4545	USD 4545	USD 3780	USD 3780
24 November ’2025	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 3790	USD 3790	USD 3148	USD 3148
18 December’2025	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 3790	USD 3790	USD 3148	USD 3148
15 January’2026	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 3790	USD 3790	USD 3148	USD 3148
25 January’2026	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 3790	USD 3790	USD 3148	USD 3148
04 February’2026	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 3790	USD 3790	USD 3148	USD 3148
22 February’2026	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 4530	USD 4530	USD 3770	USD 3770
04 Mar’2026	RV Katha Pandaw*	Upstream	9 Nights	USD 3790	USD 3790	USD 3148	USD 3148

Notes:

Current Port Taxes (Govt Fee) @ USD 65 Per person will be additional
For Upstream / Downstream refer to route map & Itinerary
Rates quoted are subject to change depending upon occupancy

Weather Condition Warning

River cruising on the Lower and Upper Ganges can be severely affected by fog during the months of December and January. This may impact the sailing schedules and the planned excursions. While every effort will be made to make up time and include all activities this is not always possible. Similarly temperatures can drop significantly overnight and in the early mornings, though during the day warmer temperatures can be expected. Winter temperatures can be below average with many destinations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh experiencing long spells of cold.

Layout of Cruise

Included

Transfer between meeting point in Kolkata
Ship and drop off point in Kolkata
Entrance fees
Guide services (English language)
Gratuities to crew
Main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & our India complimentary drinks package
Current Government of India Goods & Service Tax (GST)

Excluded

Flights, port dues (if levied)
Laundry
All visa costs, Fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions on pandaw website https://www.pandaw.com/expeditions/the-hooghly-river )
All beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.
Supplement cost for any Festive, Christmas / New year season if applicable or any other supplement imposed by Pandaw Cruises during any special dates
Travel Insurance (if any)
Items of personal nature use such as laundry, phone bills, drinks etc.
Video camera fees at monuments and parks
Early check-in and Late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in inclusions
Any other item not mentioned in cost includes column

Best Time To Visit →

Travel Notes →

Day 01 Embark Kolkata

Transfer from your Kolkata hotel or the airport to embark by 1200 for lunch on board followed by city orientation tour with a walk round Dalhousie Square, the prominent Writers’ Building the former HQ of the East India Company, and step inside St John’s Church with its painting of The Last Supper. Experience the serenity of the Victoria Memorial with a stroll through the splendid gardens. Admire the domed white marble hall built in memory of Queen Victoria and discover Victorian memorabilia and British Raj-era paintings. We take lunch in a local restaurant before enjoying the rest of the afternoon at leisure. On return to ship welcome cocktails and briefing.

Kolkata is known as a cultural centre in India, and it brings an elegance and sophistication that other cities are lacking. It has some of the country’s finest and most impressive Raj-era architecture and you won’t want to miss out on that. There are stunning market places, beautiful temples and impressive civic statues and monuments.
It’s associated with some of the finest artists to come out of India, and that link to cinema, literature and music is still very much alive to this day. It’s a city that’s had problems with poverty going back a long way, but the people are friendly and welcoming, making it a popular destination for visitors.

Overnight : (4* Star Deluxe Cruise) – Pandaw Cruise
Accommodation of Cabin including Breakfast Lunch & Dinner for total 09 Nights

Day 02 Kolkata Immersion

Early morning visit to the vibrant flower market, one of Asia’s largest. Wind through the mountains of marigolds and jasmine and watch as people buy flowers for temple offerings and prayers. Stroll down to the river to witness a traditional Akhara. Step inside and watch men of all ages practice a traditional form of wrestling known as kushti. We return to ship for breakfast.

Afternoon visit to the Indian Museum and then free time in the nearby New Market before returning to ship for dinner.

Day 03 Kolkata - Serempore

Morning visit to the market and sail at noon to cross the Hooghli to the old Danish colony of Serampore, founded in 1676, and visit the tavern, church, and museum. After, cruise past the iconic landmarks of Kolkata: the Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House.

Day 04 Kalna

After breakfast, embark on a scenic cruise upstream, arriving at the charming country town of Kalna. Take a rickshaw ride to explore a group of Bengal’s most impressive terracotta temples, culminating in a visit to the unique 18th-century Shiva Temple. This remarkable temple is adorned with concentric rings of 108 smaller shrines, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Sail on through the night, mooring near Maitari.

Kalna, more popularly known as ‘Ambika Kalna’ is named after a very popular deity, Goddess Kali, Maa Ambika. It has many historical monuments such as the Rajbari palace, along with the 108 Shiva temples. An expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly really is one of the most scenic river journeys you can imagine. The river winds its way through the lush countryside of West Bengal, with its culturally significant towns packed full of gorgeous temples and palaces.

Day 05 Matihari

Step ashore in Matiari, a charming riverside village renowned for its brass-working traditions. Engage with the local artisans and witness the fascinating process of crafting intricate brass water pots and other vessels. Time permitting, venture to the historic battlefield of Plassey. Here, in the pivotal year of 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of the British East India Company, decisively defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, marking a turning point in Indian history.

Moor close to Murshidabad for the night.

Day 06 Murshidabad

Embark on a 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 upstream to witness the grandeur of Hazarduari Palace, an architectural masterpiece built by an English architect in 1837. Explore its opulent interiors, showcasing a fascinating collection of paintings, china, weapons, and other artifacts. Next, visit the magnificent Katra Mosque and the impressive Nashipara Palace, a testament to the wealth and influence of the local merchants during the “White Mughal” era – a period of cultural exchange between English and Indian influences. Finally, we visit Katgola Palace, an exquisite example of Georgian architecture built by wealthy local merchants, further highlighting the unique blend of cultures that flourished during this era.

Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.

Murshidabad is a city in Murshidabad district of West Bengal state in India. The city of Murshidabad is located on the southern bank of the Bhagirathi, a tributary of the Ganges River.

Day 07 Baranagar – Ajimganj

Sail upstream along the Hoogly River, a picturesque waterway winding through a landscape of lush mustard fields and vibrant mango orchards. Disembark in Baranagar, a charming village, and enjoy a leisurely walk through its serene countryside. Visit three exquisite miniature terracotta temples, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, a testament to the region’s rich artistic heritage. Continue sailing downstream, stopping at Azimganj to explore the intricately carved Jain temples. This itinerary offers a glimpse into the idyllic rural life of Bengal and its fascinating cultural and architectural heritage.

Day 08 Mayapur

Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of the Hare Krishna movement at Mayapur, its global headquarters. Explore the magnificent ISKCON temple complex, a modern marvel comparable in size to the Vatican and generously funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford. Interact with devotees and wander through the vibrant pilgrims’ bazaar.

One of the best things about taking a river cruise is the fact that you get to experience many amazing places during one trip. This is something you can expect with one of our Ganges river cruises. One of the most popular stops on our cruises is Mayapur.

Day 09 Chandernagore - Hooghly

Today we continue sailing downstream before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Quran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. Sail past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix’s House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Enjoy a TukTuk ride to the Hangseshwari Temple before sailing into the night to a mooring near Kolkata.

Chandannagar was established as a French colony in 1673, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post on the right bank of the Hughli River.

Day 10 Disembarkation Kolkata

Early morning moor in Kolkata Port and transfer to hotel or airport. Passengers with night flights may stay in their cabins and are at leisure during the day with a lunch served on board and a light supper prior to departure.