Explore the many facets of Bengal region - mangrove forest of Sundarbans, colonial heritage of Serampore, textile traditions of Shantipur, Vaishnav culture in Guptipara, Hare Krishna chants in Mayapur, a Shiya Imambara in Bandel and of course the splendor of the City of Joy Kolkata.
Sundarbans wildlife and villages
Kolkata and Mayapur
Canopy walk and Nethidopani Watchtower
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Arrive Kolkata in the morning and transfer to the jetty for embarking the ship. Welcome onboard followed by safety briefing. Depending upon tide timings we sail towards Namkhana, the gateway of the Sundarbans National Park.
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
A further sail early in the morning brings us to the fishing port of Namkhana. Post breakfast visit the Fishing Cove and walk in the local market. Return to ship and sail full day to Kaikhali on the Matla River in the Sundarbans.
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
After breakfast enjoy a walk in the village of Kaikhali that gives an insight into the daily lives of the people living in this geographically difficult and economically under-developed zone.
Sail further into the Sundarbans. Post lunch ride in local boats to visit the Nethidopani Watchtower and experience the spectacular nature of the surroundings. Apart from the elusive tiger, the region houses various wildlife species and a plethora of birds. We sail onward to Bali, an island village on the Bidyadhari River.
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
After breakfast enjoy a creek cruise by local boats to visit the Dobanki Watchtower. It offers a canopy walk at an elevation of 20 feet from the ground and about half a kilometer in length. Post lunch spend the afternoon cruising further in the creeks by local boat to visit the Sudhanyakhali Watchtower that offers a panoramic view of the Sundarbans.
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
This morning after breakfast enjoy a walk in the village of Bali and interact with the villagers engaged in creating handicrafts and visit a local home. Return to the ship and sail to Namkhana, enjoying lunch onboard.
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
Sail back to Kolkata, crossing the creek as per tide chart and onward to Serampore passing below Kolkata’s famous landmark the cantilevered Howrah Bridge, and seeing various colonial buildings along the Hooghly River.
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
After breakfast, enjoy a walk in the old quarters of Serampore an erstwhile Danish colony. Visit the St. Olav’s Church and the Goswami Rajbari, a palatial mansion.
We sail onward to the textile village of Shantipur. Post lunch enjoy a walking tour of Shantipur which is famous for handloom sarees and hand-woven fabrics. Reboard the ship and set sail further upstream to Guptipara, a rural town, renowned for its paddy fields and the Himsagar mango.
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
Explore the town visiting the Vaishnav temple complex that houses four different terracotta temples. Visit a Potters home to see and interact with the artisans creating various daily use items in their home workshops. Also visit a Brick Factory to see the process of making clay bricks. Return to the ship and sail to Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
After breakfast, visit the ISKCON temple to experience the fascinating culture of these followers and their ornate, colourful decorated statues of Krishna. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrim’s bazaar. Return to ship and sail towards Bandel, that was founded by Portuguese settlers.
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
After breakfast we visit the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centres built in 1841. The two-story building and surrounding rooms provide housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms. Return to the ship and sail back to Kolkata, arriving by the evening.
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
After breakfast, visit the Flower Market and Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter. Return to the ship for lunch with the afternoon free for packing and personal activities.
Dinner and Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
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Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
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Ganga Vilas
| Suites | 18 |
|---|
Ganga Vilas is an 18-suite ship that sails on the longest, most picturesque river cruise in the world.
Ganga Vilas is a celebration of post-independence Indian design innovation. It features elegant mid-century furniture, enhanced by Varanasi’s Gyasar textiles and contemporary meditative art.
Each suite on Ganga Vilas is inspired by Josef Albers’ paintings. Bright, spacious and contemporary in styling, the rooms have every modern comfort including large picture windows, seating areas, built in wardrobes, flat screen TV with preloaded movies, and a minibar with soft beverages. Bathrooms have superior amenities and luxurious, all-natural bath products.
Ganga Vilas has 8 main deck and 10 upper deck suites, all with French Balconies. All Suites offer two twin-size beds that can be converted to one Queen-size bed.
Over 51 days across 2 countries, 5 states and 27 river systems, Ganga Vilas sails from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Dhaka.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
Includes
Suites:
- All Suites offer two twin-size beds that can be converted to one Queen-size bed
- Luxury Honeycomb Spa Robes with Slippers
- All-Natural Spa-quality Bath Amenities
- In-room Electronic Safe and Individual Climate Control
- High-quality linens with Duvet and Premium Mattresses
- Bottled Water Replenished Daily
- Complimentary Wireless Internet in All Public Areas
- Make-up Mirror and Hair Dryer
- Alarm Clock and Multi-Configuration Plugs
- Generous Closet Space
- Flat Screen LCD Television with Movie System
- Mini Bar
COMPLIMENTARY EXCURSION AMENITIES:
- Transfers to/from Jetty for embarkation/disembarkation
- Shore Excursions including all admissions and applicable local transport
- Shoe Cleaning after Excursions
- Welcome Drink and Cold Towel Service following Excursions
- One English-speaking Guide on All Excursions
INCLUDED DINING and ENTERTAINMENT:
- Expertly Trained Culinary Team providing Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Lunch and Seated Multiple Course Dinner
- Special meal requests like vegan, gluten/lactose free, etc. can be arranged with advance information
- Cultural Performances, Educational Talks, Cooking Classes, and Movie Shows
- Spacious Air-conditioned Lounge
- Indoor Board Games and Books to read in the Lounge
- Gym facilities
Excludes
- Taxes GST, subject to revision
- Airfare to/from Destination
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Shipboard Gratuities
- All Incidentals
