Another time of year?
The Rajmahal cruises throughout the year, and you can experience the superb cruise from Calcutta to Farakka on the lower Ganges
The Story
Best time to go: August and September
Best for: Slow Travel, River Cruises, Cultural & Immersive, Historical
Best for: Slow Travel, River Cruises, Cultural & Immersive, Historical
Drift slowly down the Ganges right in the heart of this magical corner of spiritual India, from Varanasi to Patna. Available during the summer months of August and September. The area will be lush and green, and you’ll see a timeless showcase of traditional Indian history and culture.
For those who have been to India before, this magical journey takes you even further off the beaten track where quite simply, hotels don’t really exist. You’ll start by staying just south of Calcutta in a restored 250-year old mansion, from where you can walk through the surrounding villages seeing a timeless rural culture, unchanged by time. If you haven’t been to Calcutta before, we can arrange a trip into the city with a superb private guide.
Fly to Patna and begin a 7 day cruise along the Ganges towards Varanasi. You’ll witness such a remarkable corner of India. You’ll start by seeing Mughal tombs the sight of the fierce battle of Buxar in 1764 and the adjacent an East India Company cemetery. Continue to Ghazipur and see tomb of Lord Cornwallis (of Yorktown fame) and its bustling bazaars. You’ll then arrive into Varanasi, complete with its temples, ghats and immersive sights and sounds. Visit Sarnath where the Buddha preached his first sermon, and the superb Mughal fort at Chunar.
After your cruise, fly to Delhi for a night (or two) before returning home. We can of course tailor the itinerary to see more of India.
Guide Pricing
Starting At
| £1795 |
|---|
Price per person including all accommodation, private transfers, unique experiences and excluding international flights. We can arrange international flights should you wish.
Highlights
- Stay at the charming Bajbari south of Calcutta
- Take a 7 night cruise from Patna to Varanasi (or in reverse) on the lovely ABN Rajmahal
- Superb itinerary if you want to see India during the summer months
- Departures for 2017 are: 1st August 2017, 8th August 2017, 15th August 2017, 22nd August 2017, 29th August 2017 & 5th September 2017
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly to Calcutta | |
| Day 2-3 | Calcutta | The Rajbari Bawali |
| Days 4-10 | Ganges River | Assam Bengal ABN Rajmahal |
| Day 11-12 | Delhi | Trident Gurgaon |
Day 1
Calcutta
Fly to Calcutta via Dubai (overnight)
Day 2-3
Calcutta
The Rajbari Bawali
Arrive into Calcutta and spend two days at the delightful Rajbari Bawali. Take day walks into the local villages and seeing ancient temples. We can arrange for you to see Calcutta on a private tour (or you can opt for a stay in the city itself instead of the Rajbari).
Day 4
Patna
Assam Bengal ABN Rajmahal
Fly to Patna and board the ABN Rajmahal, which sails in the afternoon, and enjoy dinner on board while sailing upstream.
Day 5
Doriganj
Assam Bengal ABN Rajmahal
This morning cruise upstream during breakfast before landing to visit a spectacular small Moghul tomb at Maner. Reboard and continue past the confluence with the River Sone to the busy river port of Doriganj. Cruise on to an overnight stop near the confluence with the River Goghra.
Day 6
Buxar
Assam Bengal ABN Rajmahal
Continue up past Ballia to Buxar, famous for the battle fought here 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 in town. Later take a short cycle rickshaw ride up to the ghats of Buxar.
Day 7
Ghazipur
Assam Bengal ABN Rajmahal
Sail upstream today past Chausa to Ghazipur, still a centre for (official) opium production. Visit the imposing tomb of Lord Cornwallis, responsible for the British defeat at Yorktown during the American War of Independence. You might also be able to spend a little time walking on the busy Ghazipur bazaar, a quintessential Indian experience.
Day 8
Varanasi
Assam Bengal ABN Rajmahal
In the morning set sail to Varanasi. After lunch, visit the Buddhist site at Sarnath and the Deer Park where the Buddha preached his first sermon. You’ll also visit also the nearby archeological museum.
Day 9
Chunar
Assam Bengal ABN Rajmahal
In the morning, you’ll drive to visit Chunar to visit the great Mughul Fort, the old British cemetery and the Mughul tombs nearby. Carpet weaving and Chunar pottery are other attractions here. On the way back visit Ramnagar to see the Maharaja’s Palace and museum.
Day 10
Varanasi
Assam Bengal ABN Rajmahal
Take rowing boats at dawn past the busy and colourful bathing ghats of Varanasi. After breakfast onboard the Rajmahal, disembark again to take a walk in the busy alleys of Varanasi to experience the beating heart of the city. In the afternoon, take rowing boats to join the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Day 11-12
Delhi
Trident Gurgaon
Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi for the night before flying home the following day
Suggested Hotels
Itinerary Experiences
Customise Your Itinerary
We can tweak and change any element of this itinerary and you can depart on any day you want, add nights here and there, and we can fully customise your day-to-day experiences depending on your interests. Here are just a few ideas of many that we can look at and discuss when we come to plan your tailor-made itinerary.
Add on more time
We can tailor an itinerary to include extra nights in Delhi, or perhaps continue your journey into Rajasthan or other parts of India
Further Itinerary Suggestions
Remote Burma: Cruising the Chindwin
Mandalay - Chindwin River - YangonThe further you get off-the-beaten track in Burma, the more remarkable the destination becomes. Ideal for a second-time trip, this tour explores the hidden Chindwin on the luxury Belmond Orcaella.
The Road to Mandalay: Cruising the Irrawaddy
Yangon - Mandalay - Irrawaddy Cruise - Bagan - Inle Lake - Ngapali BeachNothing quite compares to a gentle cruise along the Irrawaddy from Mandalay to Bagan. You’ll see the major sights of Burma, but also see the traditional villages and rural charm along the banks of the river.