Ganges Voyager, The Diwali Cruise ex Kolkata return

Day 1: EMBARKATION: 12:00 PM ARRIVE KOLKATA, EMBARKATION – BANDEL – KALNA (L/D)
Arrival in Kolkata and transfer to the jetty for embarkation. Begin sailing upstream to Bandel enjoying lunch onboard. In the evening visit the Hooghly Imambara, a famous Shiya pilgrimage centre that provides housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms. We sail onward to Kalna.

Day 2: KALNA – MATIARI (B/L/D)
After breakfast ride e-rickshaws through the town to visit the Rajbari Temple complex. The Nabakailas Temple contains 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terracotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics and various aspects of day-to-day life. Return to the ship walking through the local vegetable market. Begin sail towards the shore-side village of Matiari, while having lunch onboard.

Day 3: MATIARI – KHUSHBAGH (B/L/D)
Early today walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village. Return to the ship for breakfast and sail towards Khushbagh. Lunch onboard. In the evening walk through farmland to visit the Mughal-style Garden built by Nawab Ali Wardi Khan. It houses the Nawab’s private mosque and the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daula whom the British East India Company defeated at the Battle of Plassey.

Day 4: KHUSHBAGH – BARANAGAR – MURSHIDABAD (B/L/D)
After breakfast explore the village of Baranagar, a lovely example of life in rural India. Visit the 18th-century Char Bangla terracotta temple, built by Rani Bhabani, the landlady of Natore. Return to ship and sail to Murshidabad. Lunch onboard. Thereafter visit the Hazarduari Palace which dominates the waterfront. Ride e-rickshaws to the Katra mosque, which has distinctive minarets.

Day 5: MURSHIDABAD – MAYAPUR (B/L/D)
After a restful morning, enjoying breakfast and observing the local life along the riverbanks, we arrive in Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Post lunch stroll in the pilgrim’s bazaar, meet Krishna followers, and visit the temple, which is comparable in size to the Vatican. The temple has been largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of car maker Henry Ford.

Day 6: MAYAPUR – CHANDERNAGORE – KOLKATA (B/L/D)
Today we sail to Chandernagore which was established as a French colony. Post breakfast explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor's residence, now converted into a museum that features an exhibition of items that depict life during this period. Also, visit the Sacred Heart Church which marks the beauty of the architecture during the French period. Return to the ship and continue our journey to Kolkata while enjoying lunch onboard. We arrive in Kolkata by evening.

Day 7: KOLKATA (DIWALI) (B/L/D)
After breakfast, a Panoramic Tour of Dalhousie Square’s heritage buildings; St. John's Church and, Victoria Memorial. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb. Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity and worked here until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, where we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Return to the ship.

Celebrate Diwali by lighting earthen lamps and enjoy a cultural performance onboard.

Day 8: KOLKATA DISEMBARK (B)
Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.

Important Note: The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last-minute sailing adjustments may also occur.

The mighty river Ganges, also known as Ganga in Sanskrit, represents grace and timeless existence. For centuries, travellers have explored different parts of the country through the Ganges. Ganges Voyager offers travel experiences in the Indian Subcontinent by sailing in some of South Asia’s finest luxury river cruise ships. The epitome of elegance and luxury.

Enjoy picturesque views from a panoramic balcony-window aboard this all-suite ship featuring the largest standard accommodations in river cruising. Savour Michelin-inspired cuisine and exceptional service while discovering India's glorious destinations.

With the highest staff-to-guest ratio and personalised butler service, experience true Indian hospitality. Warm and friendly service which sets the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Antara River Cruises has introduced luxury river cruising across India with an exceptional attention to detail. An invitation to take you to untouched destinations bringing unmatched hospitality and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences.

Encompassing luxury in every nook and corner, the river cruises by Antara are designed to make sure you have the most enthralling journey on our rivers. From comfortable suite accommodation to high-end amenities, the cruises are equipped with everything you might need while sailing. Come on board and have a memorable journey.