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11 nights from

£3895

Along the Banks of the Hoogly - Upstream

Save up to £200 per person

LIMITED TIME OFFER ON SELECTED DATES - ENDS 9 OCTOBER

A unique, original and exclusive cruise through rural India along the River Hoogly between Calcutta and English Bazaar

Much has been written about the British love affair with India, with books ranging from M.M. Kaye’s ‘The Far Pavilions’ to William Dalrymple’s ‘White Mughals’. This love affair manifests itself in many ways; the rhythm of tranquil days in rural communities, ancient temples and cities, medieval towns and palaces. All these and more can be found in this unique cruise of some 250 miles through rural countryside away from the tourist trail, affording the less common opportunity to observe Indian life from the comfort of a charming small river vessel.

The River Hoogly, once an artery for the jute trade and East India Company between Calcutta and the Ganges, had no long distance passenger vessels since 1850 with the advent of the railway but does reveal nowadays interesting local passenger and cargo vessels and ferries.

Discover monuments from the East India Company, the Mughals and one of India’s most romantic places – the ancient capital of the Nawabs of Bengal, Murshidabad, now a village, its mansions, mosques and tombs surrounded by rice paddies and mango orchards.

Overview

  • Day 1  - Flight
  • Days 2 & 3  - Kolkata
  • Day 4  - Cruise Start / Barrackpoer
  • Day 5  - Chandernagore
  • Day 6  - Kalna
  • Day 7  - Murshidabad
  • Day 8  - Khushbagh
  • Day 9  - Baranagar
  • Day 10  - Farakka / Gaur
  • Day 11  - Kolkata
  • Day 12  - 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

A unique, original and exclusive cruise through rural India along the River Hoogly between Calcutta and English Bazaar

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 room - Main Deck cabin

Mon 21 Oct 2024
From London Heathrow
  • Offer Ends 9 October

Was £4095

£ 3995

Mon 10 Mar 2025
From London Heathrow
  • Offer Ends 9 October

Was £4095

£ 3895

Mon 06 Oct 2025
From London Heathrow
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, 3 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, porterage, drinks, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £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 £1895
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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