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Highlights Of India | Kolkata (ex Calcutta) to Delhi (India)

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Highlights Of India | Kolkata (ex Calcutta) to Delhi (India)

From £5,211 pp

The sailing covers the best of the Ganges from the colonial splendours of Kolkotta, through the enchanting rural arcadia of West Bengal along the Hoogly and the great expanse of the Ganga itself with its pristine bird and wildlife and cultural treasures dotted along the banks. Though in the days of the British Raj paddle steamers plied this route on a regular basis, with the advent of the railways in India river navigation was abandoned and the rivers were allowed to silt up. Now thanks to a multi-million dollar investment from the Indian Government channels have been dredged and buoyed and hi tech GPS based aids installed enabling seasonal navigation. The tour then takes you by airplane and by land from Kolkata to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

No vessel could be more appropriate for a voyage on ‘All the Ganges’ than our ultra shallow draft Pandaw K class ships that can reach as far as Patna.

Important Notice:
The cruise schedule includes the latest information regarding your program, but last minute adjustments may occur. The schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. The exact time for each activity will be announced or posted by the onboard tour staff.

Please Note:
This itinerary passes through the state of Bihar. In this state it is illegal to serve any drinks containing alcohol. For this reason we will not be able to serve alcohol onboard the ship while in the state of Bihar. This will affect the Upstream itinerary from day 6 until the afternoon of day 12 and for the Downstream itinerary from day 3 until the afternoon of day 9.

What’s Included:

  • All meals on board ship
  • Hotel accommodation as specified in Kolkota and Varanasi
  • Airport Transfers
  • All activities, visits and scheduled excursions as detailed in the itinerary
  • All gratuities
  • 12 night Ganges river cruise expedition with Pandaw

India River Cruise Frequently Asked Questions

 

Flowers at the flower market in Kolkata. India
Day 1 - Kolkata

Sbagata and welcome to Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. Experience Indian life at full pace in this colourful and cultural city, perhaps India’s most soulful city and certainly the most over looked. During the British Raj, Calcutta as it was known, was the Jewel of the East and the capital until 1911. Discover Tagore, India’s greatest poet, Victorian buildings and some of the country’s best food. Receive a warm Pandaw welcome and transfer privately to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day easing into your magical surroundings, or step outside and explore the neighbourhood.

Time permitting you may want to take High Tea at Flurry’s, an old Calcutta institution on Park Street or indulge in a more luxurious version at The Penthouse, high above the streets of Kolkata overlooking the Victoria Memorial (additional charge)


Accommodation: The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel / Premier Room  

Day 1 - Kolkata

None

Day 2 - Kolkata

Immerse yourself in city life with an 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 (subject to timing). Step inside and watch men of all ages practice a traditional form of wrestling known as kushti or pehlwani.

Follow in the footsteps of the British Raj with a walking tour of colonial Kolkata. See Dalhousie Square, now known as B.B.D. Bagh, in the political heart of the city. Admire the colonial buildings, including 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, with the city’s residents dressed as the apostles. In the gardens discover the monument built by Lord Curzon to the Black Hole of Calcutta.

Enjoy Bengali hospitality in the home of Bomti Iyengar, a charming art collector and bon vivant who lives in a great heritage building. Join him for lunch and share fascinating stories, surrounded by his eclectic art collection.

Later, 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. End the day in the Maidan, the city’s largest urban park and the “lungs of Kolkata”, watching as people come together over a game of cricket.

Accommodation: The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel / Premier Room  

Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 - Barrackpore

Following breakfast, transfer from your hotel in Kolkata to embark on your Pandaw ship for your river cruise adventure.

Sail past the old Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore to land and take a walk through the cantonment – past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House.

Breakfast

Day 4 - Kalna

After breakfast sail upstream and land at the country town of Kalna and take rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples, as well as the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 lesser shrines. Sail on through the night to a mooring near Matiari.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 - Matiari

Set off to discover the brass-working village of Matiari. Interact with the local artisans learn how these skilled craftsmen all specialise in a different process – from beating the metal, to etching the designs. Witness the whole process involved to create brass water pots, trays and other vessels.

Later, cruise on and visit the battlefield of Plassey where, in 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of British India, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, to change the course of Indian history. Moor close to Murshidabad for the night.

Day 5 - Matiari

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Murshidabad

Take an early morning 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 cruising towards Murshidabad to where the great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Explore the city, a hidden architectural gem along the river with dramatic, whitewashed, colonial-era structures including Katra Mosque and Katgola palaces.

Day 6 - Murshidabad

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Baranagar

Continue up the Hoogly which transforms into a charming waterway twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards. Morning walk through the fields of the delightfully sleepy village of Baranagar to visit its three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples. This is rural India at its most idyllic. Visit the Jain temples at Azimganj and continue downstream.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Mayapur

Explore the village of Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrims’ bazaar.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Hooghly River, India

Continue sailing downstream before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Koran 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. Sail into the night to a mooring near Kolkata.  

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Kolkata (ex Calcutta)

Disembark after breakfast.

Transfer to Kolkata airport for your domestic flight to New Delhi. After arrival, transfer to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

None

Day 11 - Delhi

Today’s tour includes heritage rich Old and New Delhi including a Heritage Walk inside India’s largest Mosque ‘Jama Masjid’ built in 1644 AD showcasing finest Islamic style of architecture.

Explore real life of Old Delhi through maze like streets of the iconic Ancient Bazaar ‘Chandni Chowk’ and Asia’s largest Spice Market. Experience colonial-era at ‘Lutyens Delhi’ including Mahatma Gandhi Museum ‘Birla House’, Temple ‘Bangla Sahib Gurudwara’ and volunteer inside its holy Community Kitchen that daily feeds over 10,000 devotees, pilgrims and homeless.

Visit Ceremonial Boulevard ‘Raj Path’ to witness ‘Sir Edwin Lutyens’ finest works from 1920’s British Raj Era including Colonial Government Buildings, India Gate, President and Parliament House from outside. Journey to the City Centre Market ‘Connaught Place’ named after the ‘Duke of Connaught’ and surrounds the central park of Delhi.

Transfer back to your hotel.

Breakfast

Day 12 - Agra

Drive to Agra, the Mughal Era city that is home to the wonder of the world ‘Taj Mahal’! After check-in at the hotel, continue with a Heritage Walk inside India’s finest Mughal fortress The Red Fort of Agra, an acclaimed UNESCO heritage site and the imperial residence of 16th century rulers of the ‘Mughal Dynasty’. If time permits, visit marble workshops renowned for finest Mughal artwork.

Enjoy traditional Indian Chai Tea prepared and served on-spot along with Indian delights.

Breakfast

Day 13 - Agra

Start the day with a Sunrise Grand Tour of the Taj Mahal, which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor ‘Shah Jahan’ in memory of his beloved wife ‘Mumtaz Mahal’ who died giving birth to their 14th child.

Continue the jewel of India’s crown, the royal heritage state of Rajasthan, and arrive in its pink colored capital city ‘Jaipur’. Enroute visit spectacular Underground Step-wells ‘Chand Baori’ that lie hidden deep in the village of ‘Abhaneri’. This 10th century built zigzagged stepwells is a geometric wonder where Royals used to picnic, and today a popular spot through the film ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’.

Check-in at your hotel in Jaipur.

Breakfast

Day 14 - Jaipur

Begin the day with a morning ceremony of Indian turbans and stoles. Explore the uphill located Amber Fortress, a “must see” of Jaipur. Built in the 16th century by Rajput commander ‘Raja Man Singh I’, the fortress offers magnificent hilltop views with an intricate Mirror Palace and fine blends of Hindu- Rajasthani architecture.

Next a photo-stop outside the Water Palace ‘Jal Mahal’ located in the center of ‘Man Sagar Lake’ housing various migratory birds. Arrive in the heart of the Old City to visit the Astronomical Observatory ‘Jantar Mantar. Visit the residence of the Royal Family locally called Jaipur City Palace and Museum. Built in 1700 AD by ‘Raja Jai Singh II’, this Palace is a paradise of Royal heritage history as it houses rare galleries from the British Raj and Rajput Era.

Later, take a walking tour through Jaipur’s most colorful bazaars. Visit Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark: The Palace of Winds, ‘Hawa Mahal’ built in a unique pink-colored beehive design that is certainly hard to miss.

Breakfast

Day 15 - Delhi

Travel back to Delhi (5 hrs) for a last overnight near Delhi airport.

Breakfast

Day 16 - Delhi

Transfer to Delhi airport

Breakfast

Kalaw Pandaw - Exterior

Sister to Kindat, and identical in design, Kalaw was launched  in 2014 and is named after the PS Kalaw launched in 1917 and sunk in 1942 in the War.  Paul Strachan witnessed the salvaging of PS Kalaw in 1998 and managed to acquire her name plate and bell, the former of which has been reused on her namesake. Like Kindaw, Kalaw perfects the concept of a two deck shallow draft vessel.  A vessel that could go just about anywhere, anytime, and was big enough to carry 30-40 passengers with lots of outdoor deck space. This was achieved by reducing weight and stripping both hull and superstructure down to the bare essentials. Pandaw had found with other vessels that about half the passengers want to eat outside and the other half inside so have created a flexible bistro space offering passenger indoor or outdoor dining depending on inclination, often prompted by the season. This makes for a very happy ship! The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration. .  

Kalaw Pandaw - Deck

Onboard Features & Facilities

  • 8 Upper Deck & 10 Main deck staterooms 170ft² in size and finished in Teak and Brass
  • Bistro style dining room with outside seating and air-conditioning inside
  • 24 hr hospitality Bar
  • Semi-buffet breakfast, Semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners.  Daily lean & light menu options and freshly baked bread
  • Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team
  • Library with contemporary and classic literature
  • Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
  • Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour
  • Welcome drink on arrival, Welcome cocktail, Farewell reception
  • Wireless internet in all public areas

Accommodation & Amenities

The 18 staterooms, air-conditioning 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass with panoramic French window, leading to personal outdoor deck space. En-suite bathrooms with shower, basin and WC, Kimonos and slippers and Spa-branded amenities. Unlimited mineral water in your cabin, with complimentary aluminium water bottles.

Upper Deck

170 ft² – Upper Deck

  • Panoramic French windows leading to personal deck space
  • Twin or double bed configuration with premium mattresses and quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows.
  • En-suite bathrooms with shower, basin and WC
  • Kimonos, slippers and Spa-branded amenities
  • Air conditioning with individual control
  • Electric mini Safe, hair dryer, yoga mat
  • Welcome flower arrangement, welcome gift & evening canapés
  • Multi-configuration plugs
Kindat Pandaw - Twin Cabin Window
Kalaw Pandaw - Twin Cabin with Bathroom

Main Deck

170 ft² – Main Deck

  • Panoramic French windows leading to personal deck space
  • Twin or double bed configuration with premium mattresses and quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows.
  • En-suite bathrooms with shower, basin and WC
  • Kimonos, slippers and Spa-branded amenities
  • Air conditioning with individual control
  • Electric mini Safe, hair dryer, yoga mat
  • Welcome flower arrangement, welcome gift & evening canapés
  • Multi-configuration plugs
Kalaw Pandaw - Deck Plan
DepartShipEmbarkFrom  
Jan 27Kalaw PandawKolkata£5211
Main DeckTwin/Double170 ft², French Windows£5211  
Feb 4Kalaw PandawKolkata£4690
Main DeckTwin/Double170 ft², French Windows£4690  
Feb 12Kalaw PandawKolkata£5211
Main DeckTwin/Double170 ft², French Windows£5211  
Feb 20Kalaw PandawKolkata£5211
Main DeckTwin/Double170 ft², French Windows£5211  
Feb 29Kalaw PandawKolkata£5211
Main DeckTwin/Double170 ft², French Windows£5211  
Mar 16Kalaw PandawKolkata£5211
Main DeckTwin/Double170 ft², French Windows£5211  
Mar 24Kalaw PandawKolkata£4690
Main DeckTwin/Double170 ft², French Windows£4690  


Why Choose This Cruise?

The Pandaw experience is all about exploring remote and often hard to navigate rivers and coasts in specially designed luxury small ships. each ship, hand crafted in brass and teak, is an object of beauty in itself. A Pandaw adventure is very different from that offered on an ocean cruise. The ships are small in scale, and the atmosphere is informal and very friendly. Make you trip a memorable one and talk to us about the add on available to your cruise, we can book your flights, transfers, hotels and pre and post cruise stays with included excursions for you. 0800 471 4754

Still looking for inspiration?  Why not check out our best selling Jane McDonald river cruise on the Ganges

Varanasi Ganges river ghat, India

Pre and post cruise extensions

Stay longer and see more of India with Pre & Post cruise extensions available

Exploring Kolkata 2 Nights

India’s Golden Triangle – 6 Nights

Delhi & Taj Mahal & Kolkata – 4 Nights

Ancient Kingdom of Bhutan & Kolkata – 6 Nights

Exploring Kolkata – 1 Night

Deluxe Heritage Train Journey – 11 or 12  Nights

Tour The Sacred & Soulful City – Varanasi 2 Nights

Please call us on 0800 471 4754 for more details

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