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10 nights from

£3845

Along the Banks of the Hoogly - Downstream

Go with the flow of the Hoogly for 250 miles from Farakka to Kolkata. This tranquil cruise is a journey through time via rural villages, rarely visited ruins, temples, palaces and Mughal gardens

Assuming a backwater feel in its upper reaches, and gradually becoming busy as it nears Kolkata, the once thriving trade route of the Hoogly River is now a road less travelled, to half-forgotten palaces, terracotta temples, ancient mosques and battlefields. A distributary of the Ganges, it leaves the holy river at the Farakka Barrage, constricted, for a few miles, in a canal. When the structure ends, the Hoogly charts its own course, snaking round land-spits, squeezing between hills, and spreading wide around river islands, to sweep through the old colonial capital, Calcutta then, Kolkata now, where the tour begins and ends. We visit landmark monuments in this multicultural metropolis before taking the train to Farakka to embark on the RV Rajmahal, for a journey that takes us to relics of historic Gaur, and to Murshidabad, the old city of palaces now encircled by rice paddies. Dutch, Danish, French and British colonial settlements punctuate the route. The gentle rhythm of rural India envelopes it.

Overview

  • Day 1  - Flight
  • Day 2  - Kolkata
  • Day 3  - Farakka / Cruise Start
  • Day 4  - Gaur
  • Day 5  - Baranagar / Murshidabad
  • Day 6  - Khushbagh / Katwa
  • Day 7  - Matiari / Mayapur
  • Day 8  - Kalna
  • Day 9  - Chandernagore / Barrackpore
  • Day 10  - Kolkata
  • Day 11  - Return flight
Book Tour

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Kolkata on a city tour
  • Set sail on a 7-night cruise
  • Discover the lost city of Gaur
  • Take a rickshaw ride in Kalna
  • Explore Chandernagore’s museum
  • Sail under the Howrah Bridge

Go with the flow of the Hoogly for 250 miles from Farakka to Kolkata. This tranquil cruise is a journey through time via rural villages, rarely visited ruins, temples, palaces and Mughal gardens

Notes:

The cruise itinerary may vary according to local conditions.

The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.

While the vessel carries more, the group size specified refers to transfers and excursions. Excursions will be limited to a maximum of 22 persons per group. The cruise vessel takes 40 guests.

Accommodation

Taj Bengal - Kolkata

The 5-star Taj Bengal in Kolkata offer regal elegance and service that is synonymous with the Taj hotel group. Situated on the east bank of the Hoogly River, close to the main sites of Kolkata, the hotel has 5 restaurants, a bar and lounge area, a fitness centre with spa and an outdoor pool. All rooms have air-conditioning, free wi-fi and private facilities plus a min bar safe and TV.

Vessels

RV Rajmahal

Operated by Assam Bengal Navigation, the RV Rajmahal was built in Kolkata, is 164 ft. long, powered by three engines, with extra-shallow draught and a lower profile than conventional designs to enable it to cruise further upstream than most vessels. On board the crew are mainly Indian, the currency the Indian Rupee, the language English and WiFi (free/limited).

The décor is stylish and fresh, with touches of colonial elegance, and uses hand-blocked cotton fabrics of traditional Indian-inspired designs. The comfortable saloon, bar and dining room compliment the vast canopied sun deck. A small spa offers a range of treatments.

Food is a mixture of Assamese (milder than most Indian cuisine) and continental. Wines, beer and spirits are available. Tea, coffee and water are complimentary. Cold towel service, welcome drink and shoe cleaning are offered after each excursion.

22 Main and Upper Deck cabins with four Main Deck single cabins, all are air-conditioned with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and French balconies.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin/double room - 2025 based on Upper Deck cabin

per person in a twin/double room - 2026 based on Main Deck cabin

Wed 19 Feb 2025
From London Heathrow
Tue 24 Mar 2026
From London Heathrow
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, 2 nights’ hotel, breakfast daily, 1 dinner, full board on cruise, excursions, cruise director, local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, drinks, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • 2025: Feb 19
  • £1345
  • 2026: Mar 24
  • £945
Upgrades
  • RV Rajmahal - Upper Deck Twin/Double (Rear) from £350
  • RV Rajmahal - Upper Deck Twin/Double from £350
  • RV Rajmahal - Main Deck Single from £945
  • RV Rajmahal - Main Deck Twin/Double for Sole Use from £1695
  • RV Rajmahal - Upper Deck Twin/Double for Sole Use from £2195
  • RV Rajmahal - Upper Deck Twin/Cabin for Sole Use from £2195
Flight Options
  • Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow
  • On request, please call
  • Emirates Business Class
  • On request, please call
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £800
  • Arrival or departure transfer
  • £49

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