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Kolkata and Lower Ganges Cruise (Aug 2027 – Mar 2028)

Indian River Cruise

Kolkata – Bandel – Kalna – Matiari – Khushbagh – Baranagar – Murshidabad – Mayapur – Chandannagar – Kolkata
0 booked

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Language: English
Tour type: Indian River Cruise
Transport: River Cruise Ship (Ganges Voyager) / Sightseeing Bus / E-Rickshaw / Heritage Tram / Private Coach
Accommodation: Luxury Hotel (Taj Bengal or similar) & Ganges Voyager River Ship
Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
Group size: Small Group

Rich Cultural Activities

Cuisine

Sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata

Welcome to Kolkata, the lively ‘City of Joy’. Once the capital of colonial India, Kolkata is a thriving hub of culture and history. Be transferred to your luxury accommodation.

Day 2: Kolkata

This morning, delight in a Signature Experience as you board a heritage tram tour of Kolkata. Next, discover the peaceful Mother House Kolkata, where Mother Teresa’s legacy of compassion and humility lives on. Make a brief stop at the elegant National Library of India, the country’s largest library by volume and public record, and admire its classical architecture. This afternoon, enjoy another Signature Experience with an impressive high tea at the elegant Glenburn Penthouse. Later, delight in an elegant dinner with your fellow travellers, savouring refined regional cuisine.

Day 3: Kolkata, Embark Ship

Choose your morning sightseeing before transferring to the pier to board the Ganges Voyager, your floating home for the next seven nights. This afternoon, visit the Victoria Memorial, a grand marble monument built between 1906 and 1921 and dedicated to Queen Victoria, the Empress of India. Surrounded by 64 acres of gardens, it stands as one of Kolkata’s most recognisable landmarks. Next, visit the museum, which houses the largest collection of British colonial historical artefacts in India. Return to the ship for the evening and enjoy a cultural performance by Baul musicians, whose music reflects a long heritage of mystic storytelling in Bengal.

Day 4: Kolkata, Bandel, Kalna

This morning, set out on a sightseeing bus tour featuring some of Kolkata’s best-preserved colonial buildings including the Writer’s Building, General Post Office, High Court and Raj Bhawan (Governer’s House). Visit St John’s Church, which was built in 1756, and features the tombs of several British generals who died in that year’s Siege of Kolkata. After lunch on board, your ship will begin its journey upstream along the Hooghly River on the Lower Ganges. Later today, visit the 19th-century Hooghly Imambara, a prayer hall and famous pilgrimage centre in West Bengal. Admire the massive Victorian clock, between the twin towers, the makers of which also built London’s iconic Big Ben. Return to your ship and sail on to Kalna.

Day 5: Kalna, Matiari

After breakfast, it’s time to explore magnificent Kalna, known as the City of Temples. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through town to visit some of Bengal’s most distinct terracotta temples, including the Rajbari royal palace complex. You’ll also see the eye-catching Shiva temples. Later, stroll through the local market en route back to your ship. Relax on board as you sail to the village of Matiari.

Day 6: Matiari, Khushbagh

Begin the day with a morning walk through Matiari, where you’ll have the opportunity to peruse beautiful cooking and household items crafted from recycled copper and brass. Visit the small home factories that have been operating for generations and watch the masterful craftspeople at work. Afterwards, continue cruising upstream near to the village of Plassey, the site of the Battle of Plassey. Learn how the British East India Company recorded a victory here in 1757, helping establish the company rule in Bengal and much of India. Sail on to the peaceful garden and cemetery of Khushbagh, and take a stroll passing by local farmers’ fields to the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daula.

Day 7: Khushbagh, Baranagar, Murshidabad

This morning, cruise to the sleepy village of Baranagar and encounter rural Indian life on a relaxing walk, admiring local sights including the beautiful terracotta Char Bangla Temples. Back on board, spend the afternoon at leisure as you glide along the Lower Ganges. As you approach Murshidabad, admire Hazarduari Palace dominating the waterfront. Head out on a tour of the impressive palace, which features more than 1,000 doors, some of which were non-functional to deter thieves. Take a toto (electric rickshaw) to the 18th-century Katra Mosque and learn about the Mohammedan rulers. In the afternoon, visit the grounds of the Kathgola Palace. Delight in the architecture and enchanting gardens of this awe-inspiring historical building.

Day 8: Murshidabad, Mayapur

Enjoy a restful morning as life unfolds along the river before a visit to the village of Mayapur. Here you’ll learn about the Hari Krishna community and culture in a meeting with some of the movement’s dedicated followers. You’ll also view the final stages of construction for the enormous Temple of the Vedic Planetarium – Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, the world headquarters of ISKCON.

Day 9: Mayapur, Chandannagar, Kolkata

Begin the day with a tranquil cruise to Chandannagar, which was established as a French colony in 1673. Stroll along the lively promenade as you marvel at the French architecture, then visit the 17th-century Sacred Heart Church and the Dupleix Museum, which is housed in the home of former French Governor Joseph François Dupleix. This afternoon, continue cruising along the Ganges and soak in your final night on board.

Day 10: Disembark Ship, Depart Kolkata

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to a hotel in Kolkata, where you can leave your luggage and relax before your onward journey. At the appropriate time, a transfer will be arranged to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport for your departing flight.

Experience the cultural heart of eastern India on an immersive 10-day journey featuring a luxurious seven-night cruise along the Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Begin in the vibrant “City of Joy,” Kolkata, exploring its colonial architecture and spiritual landmarks before sailing past historic towns, terracotta temples, and traditional craft villages.

Explore: Iconic sights including Kolkata’s heritage quarters, the Victoria Memorial, the terracotta temples of Kalna, Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad, and the former French colonial enclave of Chandannagar.
Experience: A privately chartered heritage tram ride through Kolkata, an exquisite high tea at the Glenburn Penthouse, traditional Baul musical performances, and interactive visits to local brass-working and weaving communities.
Enjoy: Five-star luxury hotel and river ship accommodations, private guided tours, and gourmet locally inspired dining throughout.

Price includes

A guided tour of important places.
A two-person English-speaking Travel Director and Driver team with you for the duration of your journey.
Beautifully illustrated souvenir map.
Current Hotel Taxes and Service Charges.
Entrance tickets to monuments and museums mentioned on the itinerary.
Sightseeing and activities as described in your itinerary.
All accommodations – First class or best available hotels in the area based on the hotel price category booked.
Breakfast daily and some evening meals as described in your trip itinerary.
Meals, unless expressly states.
Observation and participation in allowed activities.
Professionally guided tour.
Arrival and Departure Airport transfers.
Transport to and from hotel listed on itinerary
Bottled water.

Price does not include

All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
Departure Taxes.
Visa processing arrangements.
Extra pre and / or post hotel nights for before and after your trip. These can be booked through Lotus of India and or your Travel Agent and be added during the booking process.
Handling fees.
Excess baggage charge.
Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes.
International Air, unless expressly paid for.
Medical Travel insurance and emergency insurance.
Visas and Travel Insurance.
Other International and domestic flights not mentioned on the itinerary.
Personal expenses.
Porterage for a maximum of two bags per person.
All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
Services not specifically stated in the itinerary.
Tips to guide and driver.
Optional Experiences. Optional Experiences are additional add-on experiences unique to the destination that are booked and paid for (credit card or cash) when you are on your tour. As Optional Experiences are pre-bookable, this allows you the flexibility to pick and choose what you feel like when you’re on your trip.
Any taxi fares or personal spending money including for non-included items, meals.

Level of Physical fitness required for the Lotus of India tour?

A moderate amount of walking is involved at both attractions.
Check recommended level for travelers with back problems or any other issues.
Check the dress codes for proper vestments for religious sites or county customs.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and hiking or tennis shoes.

Guidelines for Different Religious Sites

Typical Dress Code for Churches and Cathedrals

Churches, particularly in Europe, often require covered shoulders and knees. Bringing a scarf or shawl can be handy if you need to cover up quickly.

Dress Codes in Mosques

Mosques typically require women to cover their hair with a scarf or hijab and both men and women to wear long pants or skirts. Some mosques provide appropriate attire at the entrance.
Typical Dress Code for Temples and Shrines.
In Hindu and Buddhist temples, it is respectful to wear long sleeves and long skirts or pants. Removing shoes is often mandatory, and wearing socks might be required in some places.

Tips for Respectful Attire

Removing Hats or Headwear
While head coverings may be required in some religious sites, hats and caps are generally considered disrespectful and should be removed before entering.

Layering for Comfort and Respect

Bringing a lightweight layer, like a cardigan or shawl, allows you to adapt your outfit as needed. This is especially useful when transitioning from a hot climate outside to a cool interior within religious buildings.

Understanding Local Customs

Researching or asking about local customs before visiting can prevent unintentional disrespect. Each religious site may have unique expectations regarding dress code.

Additional Information

Confirmation will be received at time of booking and payment
Tours can be customized, by request with a multi-lingual guides option: (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Portuguese).
Daily Tours departures times will be announced by your guide a day prior to the tour date.
The tour starts times ranges based on the activity booked.
Waiver will need to be signed attesting to good health conditions

Cancellation and Refunds Policies

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours after booking payment.
In the event of cancellation, Traveler should notify Lotus of India in writing at – least 60 days prior to travel.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made after paid booking before the experience’s start date / time will be subject to modification fees.
If the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers ( 2 ). If it’s canceled because the minimum wasn’t met, you’ll be offered options and recalculated prices.
A cancellation fee will be charged by Lotus of India for all cancelled bookings, as per the following cancellation terms.

Land Portions Refund Datelines: ( Hotels, Tours services, Sightseeing tours )

Number of days prior to Departure	Cost of Cancellation (Minimum Cancellation after booking)
120 days or more	15% of the total tour cost
119 to 60 days	25% of the total tour cost
59 to 30 days	50% of the total tour cost
Below 30 days	100% of the total tour cost

Map

Frequently Asked Questions - Deposits, Payments & Customers:

How Much Walking Is Involved?
Foreign travelers often worry about physical strain, especially seniors and couples. Physical comfort is managed proactively rather than reactively. Private tours control walking distances. Vehicles drop travelers close to sites, and visits are planned during less crowded hours.
Is Indian Food Safe for Foreign Tourists?
Food concerns are extremely common. Travelers worry about hygiene, food spice levels, and digestive issues. Private tours ensure meals are taken in reputable restaurants and hotels where hygiene standards are controlled. Spice levels are adjusted, and dietary needs are respected. Most food-related problems occur when travelers eat randomly or without guidance.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Travel anxiety often peaks around “what if” scenarios. Delays, illness, missed connections, or fatigue worry travelers before booking. Private tours include contingency handling. Drivers, guides and operators respond immediately to changes without traveler involvement. This safety net is one of the strongest reasons foreign travelers choose private tours.
Will the Tour Feel Too Rushed?
Fear of rushed itineraries is common, especially among travelers who have seen aggressive group tour schedules. Private tours are paced according to traveler energy, not preset checklists. Days are balanced, and sightseeing is spread logically. Foreign travelers often say they see less but understand more, which improves satisfaction.
How Much Planning Is Actually Needed?
India requires more planning than many destinations because of its scale and diversity. Foreign travelers often underestimate travel times, climate differences, and regional variations. Private tour planning absorbs this complexity. Routes are optimized, rest is built in, and seasonal factors are considered. Good planning reduces surprises, which is essential for confidence.
Are Private Tours Only for Luxury Travelers?
There is a misconception that private tours are only for ultra-luxury travelers. Private tours exist across comfort levels. The defining feature is personalization, not price. Even mid-range private tours offer better control and ease than budget independent travel. Luxury private tours simply enhance comfort further through premium hotels and experiences. Foreign travelers choose private tours not to show wealth, but to avoid friction.

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From$6,180.00

From 1 April 2026 to 27 March 2027

Desde el 1 de Abril 2026 al 27 de Marzo 2027