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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River Cruise

The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River Cruise

From USD $8,764

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Description

There can be no river in the world as sacred as the Ganges and an expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the prettiest river journeys imaginable. The river wends its way through the lush countryside of West Bengal with its culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. A rich and vibrant rural life abounds and there is never a dull moment as we sedately ply this pleasant waterway. Combine this with the mighty Brahmaputra river in Northern India which originates high in the Himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam Valley where UNESCO protected national parks and remote rural communities provide the traveller with the most wonderful and authentic expedition.

Trip Name
The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River Cruise
Days
17
Overview
Vessel Type: River Boat Length: 57 metres Passenger Capacity: 36 Built / refurbished: 2014 Kalaw Pandaw is a K-class ship. The K-class dated back to the 1880s and were comprised of stern wheelers designed to reduce draft, their boilers placed in the bow to improve trim. Smaller than the great line steamers of the age, the K-class ships were used on the Chindwin and upper reaches of the Irrawaddy. Where possible we have reused the old IFC names and many of these original K-class ships had fascinating histories, through times of war and peace. ACCOMMODATION 8 upper deck, 10 main deck - 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass - AC with individual control - Premium mattresses WINING & DINING Bistro style dining room with outside seating and air-conditioning inside - Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team - Semi-buffet breakfast, semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners - Daily lean & light menu options - Complimentary coffee, water, tea, local soft drinks, local beer, local spirits - Extensive wine list with premium wines - Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour - Welcome drink on arrival - Welcome cocktail - Farewell reception - Theme dinners - 24hrs hospitality bar - Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls ON EXCURSIONS Admissions - Shoe cleaning after excursions - Bottled drinking water - We give away aluminium water bottles - Cold towel service after excursions - Refreshing drink following excursions - 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions SAFETY & SECURITY All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards - Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas - Fire fighting system in all ship areas - Expert marine superintendant - 24 hrs watch on duty ONBOARD STAFF Captain - River Pilot - First Officer - Chief Engineer - 1st Engineer - Electrician - Bosun & nautical crew - Ship manager - Housekeeping - Dining - Bar keeper - Chefs - Local tour guides PUBLIC SPACES Guest relation desk - Library with contemporary and classic literature

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 EMBARK KOLKATA
Transfer from your Kolkata hotel or the airport to embark by 1200 for lunch on board followed by city orientation tour with a walk round Dalhousie Square, 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. 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. We take lunch in a local restaurant before enjoying the rest of the afternoon at leisure. On return to ship welcome cocktails and briefing.
Day 2 - DAY 2 KOLKATA IMMERSION
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. Step inside and watch men of all ages practice a traditional form of wrestling known as kushti. We return to ship for breakfast.Afternoon visit to the Indian Museum and then free time in the nearby New Market before returning to ship for dinner.
Day 3 - DAY 3 KOLKATA - SEREMPORE
Morning visit to the market and sail at noon to cross the Hooghli to the old Danish colony of Serampore, founded in 1676, and visit the tavern, church, and museum. After, cruise past the iconic landmarks of Kolkata: the Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House.
Day 4 - DAY 4 KALNA
After breakfast, embark on a scenic cruise upstream, arriving at the charming country town of Kalna. Take a rickshaw ride to explore a group of Bengal's most impressive terracotta temples, culminating in a visit to the unique 18th-century Shiva Temple. This remarkable temple is adorned with concentric rings of 108 smaller shrines, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight.Sail on through the night, mooring near Maitari.
Day 5 - DAY 5 MATIARI
Step ashore in Matiari, a charming riverside village renowned for its brass-working traditions. Engage with the local artisans and witness the fascinating process of crafting intricate brass water pots and other vessels. Time permitting, venture to the historic battlefield of Plassey. Here, in the pivotal year of 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of the British East India Company, decisively defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, marking a turning point in Indian history.Moor close to Murshidabad for the night.
Day 6 - DAY 6 MURSHIDABAD
Embark on a 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 upstream to witness the grandeur of Hazarduari Palace, an architectural masterpiece built by an English architect in 1837. Explore its opulent interiors, showcasing a fascinating collection of paintings, china, weapons, and other artifacts. Next, visit the magnificent Katra Mosque and the impressive Nashipara Palace, a testament to the wealth and influence of the local merchants during the "White Mughal" era – a period of cultural exchange between English and Indian influences. Finally, we visit Katgola Palace, an exquisite example of Georgian architecture built by wealthy local merchants, further highlighting the unique blend of cultures that flourished during this era.Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.
Day 7 - DAY 7 BARANAGAR - AJIMGANJ
Sail upstream along the Hoogly River, a picturesque waterway winding through a landscape of lush mustard fields and vibrant mango orchards. Disembark in Baranagar, a charming village, and enjoy a leisurely walk through its serene countryside. Visit three exquisite miniature terracotta temples, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. Continue sailing downstream, stopping at Azimganj to explore the intricately carved Jain temples. This itinerary offers a glimpse into the idyllic rural life of Bengal and its fascinating cultural and architectural heritage.
Day 8 - DAY 8 MAYAPUR
Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of the Hare Krishna movement at Mayapur, its global headquarters. Explore the magnificent ISKCON temple complex, a modern marvel comparable in size to the Vatican and generously funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford. Interact with devotees and wander through the vibrant pilgrims' bazaar.
Day 9 - DAY 9 CHANDERNAGORE - HOOGHLY
Continue sailing downstream before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Quran 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. Enjoy a TukTuk ride to the Hangseshwari Temple before sailing into the night to a mooring near Kolkata.
Day 10 - DAY 10 KOLKATA - GUWAHATI
Early morning moor in Kolkata Port and transfer the airport for your flight to Guwahati. On arrival embark you Pandaw vessel in Guwahati, gateway to Assam. Meet your crew for the next 7-nights and set sail upstream onto the Mighty Brahmaputra River.
Day 11 - DAY 11 SUTARGAON RIVER VILLAGE
Today we stop at a local village consisting of migrant populations that have settled and been provided with official status by the government. Their charming village is the perfect place to learn about life along such a dramatically changeable river.
Day 12 - DAY 12 SILGHAT AND SAFARI
Setting sail early morning we reach Silghat, at the doorstep of Kaziranga National Park. We make our first venture into this park in the afternoon in search of the reserve’s most famous inhabitant, the Royal Bengal Tigers for which the park boasts the highest density of any place in the world. Tiger spotting is extremely rare but chances to see Kaziranga’s other famous inhabitants are abundant.
Day 13 - DAY 13 KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
We leave the ship in the early morning for our second Jeep safari into Kaziranga National Park. Mornings are the perfect time to spot the Indian One-Horned Rhinos, Buffalos, Elephants plus a host of birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers. Following your safari, we visit a typical Assamese tea garden and learn about the process from bush to cup. After lunch onboard we sail downstream toward Tezpur and if time permits, visit Bamuni Hills, a 9th century temple complex that lies in ruins overlooking the town.
Day 14 - DAY 14 NAMERI NATIONAL PARK
After an early breakfast we head ashore and drive north toward the state of Arunachal Pradesh to explore our second national Park – Nameri National Park. Here we take a float trip down the Jia – Bhoreli River of around 2 hours and enjoy the abundant birdlife and breathtaking scenery backdropped by the Blue Hills in the Eastern Himalayan range. We return for lunch onboard and set sail downstream.
Day 15 - DAY 15 MYSTICAL MAYANG
Stepping ashore in Mayang, a sizeable village along the shores of the Brahmaputra, we learn about the history of magic and sorcery that was prevalent in the region. We visit the fascinating Mayang museum which explains how various mantras were used for anything from curing ailments to identifying a thief. We are then welcomed into the home of a local Mayang resident for a discussion and perhaps demonstration of some tricks.
Day 16 - DAY 16 SUALKUCHI SILK WEAVING VILLAGE
Sualkuchi is a major centre for weaving in Assam. Here we learn about the entire silk making production from the cocoon, to spinning and weaving to make the typical saree worn by local women. There is a chance to buy some local silken souvenirs and experience a traditional folk dance before we return to the ship by electric rickshaw.
Day 17 - DAY 17 GUWAHATI
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to city hotel or Guwahati airport for your onward journey.
Day 18 - Please note:
We suggest to change money at a bank or withdraw cash from an ATM at the international airport before exiting.The weather in Assam can be unpredictable and can be cool of an evening. Between December and February it can be particularly cold and we advise bringing warm weather attire for sailings during these months.The Brahmaputra River is a fast flowing and changeable river. Navigable channels can change overnight meaning amendments to excursions, sailing times and mooring locations can occur with little warning. We will endeavour to fulfil all stated excursions or suitable replacements where possible, but a flexible approach is required for sailing on the Brahmaputra.Comprehensive health insurance, including cancellation insurance is strongly recommended for all Pandaw expeditions.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-10-202530-10-2025USD $13,795Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
16-10-202530-10-2025USD $13,795Main Deck Twin Single Use
16-10-202530-10-2025USD $17,244Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
16-10-202530-10-2025USD $18,833Upper Deck Twin Single Use
04-02-202620-02-2026USD $8,764Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
04-02-202620-02-2026USD $16,154Main Deck Twin Sharing
04-02-202620-02-2026USD $10,955Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
04-02-202620-02-2026USD $19,385Main Deck Twin Single Use
04-02-202620-02-2026USD $20,193Upper Deck Twin Sharing
04-02-202620-02-2026USD $24,232Upper Deck Twin Single Use
06-02-202620-02-2026USD $8,764Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
06-02-202620-02-2026USD $10,955Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From

Inclusions

    • Explore the breathtaking Kaziranga and Nameri National Parks, home to Bengal Tigers, One-Horned Rhinos, and vibrant birdlife.
    • Discover the cultural gems of Assam and West Bengal, from Mayang’s magical history to the exquisite terracotta temples of Kalna.
    • Immerse yourself in local traditions with silk weaving in Sualkuchi, brass crafting in Matiari, and the spiritual aura of Mayapur.

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