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The Holy Ganges

Hindu sadhu holy man, India
Sunset River Bank On The Ganges, India
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India

A pioneering small ship cruise between Varanasi and Patna on India’s sacred river, combined with a visit to the colonial capital of Calcutta staying at 5-star hotels

Travellers familiar with India will know that cruising is the perfect way to enjoy this magical country. Far away from the frenetic roads, life on board offers a grandeur of scenery and a tranquillity that is unique. So, a cruise on India’s most famous river presents an opportunity not to be missed, viewing this great river from the water.

At holy Varanasi visit the various Ghats where the living seek purification and the dead salvation. Lining the Ganges with a collision of colours and an assault on the senses, this is one of the seven Hindu holy cities with temples jostling for space in its tangle of ancient streets. Sailing between here and Patna is a journey through history and Hinduism. From Mughal tombs and a Maharaja’s palace, to bathing ghats and relics of the British Raj, it is exotic and chaotic, in fairly equal measure.

Our cruising partner, Assam Bengal Navigation, has now successfully pioneered this cruise between Varanasi and Patna, quiet and remote parts of the river contrasting with hectic Varanasi. Cruises operate only during August and September when water levels are at their best for cruising.

Overview

  • Day 1  - Flight
  • Days 2 & 3  - Kolkata
  • Day 4  - Patna / Start of Cruise
  • Day 5  - Maner / Goghra
  • Day 6  - Buxar
  • Day 7  - Ghazipur
  • Day 8  - Varanasi / Sarnath
  • Day 9  - Chunar / Ramnagar
  • Day 10  - Varanasi
  • Day 11  - Delhi
  • Day 12  - Return flight
Book Tour
Hindu sadhu holy man, India
Sunset River Bank On The Ganges, India
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India
RV Rajmahal, River Ganges, India
RV Rajmahal, River Hooghly, Imambara, India

Tour Highlights

  • Culture & Riverscapes
  • Free Cabin Selection
  • Small Ship Sailing
  • Excursions Included
  • Full Board on Cruise
The Holy Ganges Map

A pioneering small ship cruise between Varanasi and Patna on India’s sacred river, combined with a visit to the colonial capital of Calcutta staying at 5-star hotels

Itinerary

Day 1

 Fly overnight from your chosen airport to Kolkata.

Key: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

Read More

- Itinerary -

Key: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner
Day 1

 Fly overnight from your chosen airport to Kolkata.

Day 2

 Transfer to the 5-star Oberoi Grand for two nights. Welcome drink and dinner.
(D)

Day 3

Cruise on the Hoogly River. Visit the flower and book market, Jain temple, Victoria Memorial, St. John’s Church and a panoramic drive around colonial Calcutta.
(B)

Day 4

Fly to Patna and embark on the RV Rajmahal for a seven-night cruise.
(B, D)

Day 5

Cruise upstream to Maner to visit a small Moghul tomb. Pass the confluence with the River Sone to the busy port of Doriganj. Moor overnight near the River Goghra.
(B, L, D)

Day 6

Sail past Ballia towards Buxar, famous for the battle in 1764, which together with Plassey, laid the foundations of the British Raj. Visit the memorial on the battlefield and the old East India Company cemetery. Rickshaw ride to the ghats of Buxar.
(B, L, D)

Day 7

 Cruise past Chausa to Ghazipur, centre for legal opium production. Visit the tomb of Lord Cornwallis, responsible for the British defeat at Yorktown.
(B, L, D)

Day 8

Set sail for Varanasi. Boisterous, flamboyant, frenetic and many more adjectives are used to catch the essence of Varanasi. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha preached and the archaeological museum with the ‘Ashokan Lion’, inspiration for the Indian flag.
(B, L, D)

Day 9

Sail to Chunar to visit the old British cemetery, Mughal fort and tombs. Enjoy carpet weaving and Chunar pottery demonstrations, before calling at Ramnagar to visit the Maharaja’s palace, museum and Durbar Hall.
(B, L, D)

Day 10

 Morning boat ride on the Ganges to see the colourful bathing ghats. Walking tour of Varanasi. Evening Aarti ceremony on the Ganges.
(B, L, D)

Day 11

 Morning boat ride on the Ganges to see the colourful bathing ghats. Walking tour of Varanasi. Evening Aarti ceremony on the Ganges.
(B, L, D)

Day 12

 Return flight.
(B)

Close Itinerary
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Notes:

Alcohol is not available between Patna and Buxar due to local state regulations.

Cruises operate only during August and September when water levels are at their best for cruising.

Departures & Prices

per person in a twin room/Upper Deck cabin
Emirates from Heathrow or Gatwick

There are currently no departure dates available for this tour. 

Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, 3 nights’ hotel, breakfast daily, full board on cruise, local expert 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

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Single Supplement
  • No Single Supplement (limited availability)
  • 2024: Sep

Flight Options
  • Emirates from Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow
  • On request, please call
  • Emirates Business Class
  • On request, please call
Tour Only
  • Arrival or departure transfer
  • £49
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