Historic Hooghli River Journey... Calcutta Cruise, North India

15 days from £3,295 per person

River cruising is the most exciting and comfortable new way of experiencing India at its most charming and rural. Two vessels, The Sukapha and Charaidew, now allow access to sleepy riverside villages and fantastic forgotten cultural and historic sites. This ‘sporty’ tour, one of several possible options, starts in the historic and culturally rich city of Kolkata where you’ll stay in a quirky and fun guest house (although luxury hotel options are available if this is more to your taste). After exploring Kolkata, set off on your cruise vessel as it heads out of the city, through the urban hinterland and into rural India proper.

As you cruise upstream there’s ample opportunity to visit the many historic, cultural and rustic sites that line the river banks. The French, Dutch and British have all left their mark here and it is a veritable delight for anyone interested in history and culture. Other highlights include a visit to a brass-working village, the Nawab’s Hazarduari Palace, delightful terracotta temples and the chance of spotting the rare and endangered Gangetic River Dolphin. After the cruise travel north to the state of Sikkim where a wonderfully located Farm House Homestay awaits (a luxurious Tea Planters bungalow is another option) and takes you back to nature. Finally finish off with a night in the luxurious Oberoi Grand Hotel in Calcutta.

This tour is purely a suggested itinerary and can be booked as it is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own perfect bespoke holiday to India. If you'd like to see similar itineraries, take a look at our Epic Journeys collection, as well as our favourite Boat & Train itineraries.

Itinerary details

15 days from £3,295 per person

Day 1 - Fairlawns Hotel - Calcutta
Arrive in Calcutta and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 2 - Fairlawns Hotel - Calcutta
Full day's sightseeing tour of the city.
Day 3 - ABN Sukapha cruise boat (Hooghli) - The Hooghli River
Sail to Chandernagore where a land tour is organised. Continue cruising to Chinsura and take cycle rickshaws to visit the imposing Imambara. Continue cruising to a mooring near Kalna.
Day 4 - ABN Sukapha cruise boat (Hooghli) - The Hooghli River
Start your Hooghli River cruise. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Barrackpore.
Day 5 - ABN Sukapha cruise boat (Hooghli) - The Hooghli River
Visit the town of Kalna and its surrounding sights including small terracotta temples and the nearby Iskon Temple. Moor at Matiari.
Day 6 - ABN Sukapha cruise boat (Hooghli) - The Hooghli River
This morning visit the brass working village of Matiari, later cruising past the battlefield of Plassey. Moor at Murshidabad.
Day 7 - ABN Sukapha cruise boat (Hooghli) - The Hooghli River
Sightseeing of the Mughal gardens and the Nawabs great Hazarduari Palace. Also visit the Katra Mosque and the Nashipara and Katgola Palaces. Moor near Murshidabad.
Day 8 - ABN Sukapha cruise boat (Hooghli) - The Hooghli River
This morning visit the sleepy village of Baranagar. Continue sailing up past mustard fields and mango orchards, mooring at Jangipur.
Day 9 - ABN Sukapha cruise boat (Hooghli) - The Hooghli River
Morning cruise up a canal like section to the Farakka Barrage. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Theres the option of a land tour to the town of Malda.
Day 10 - Royal Sarovar Premiere - Siliguri
Morning leisure and afternoon take the train to Siliguri. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 11 - Yangsum Heritage Farm - Rinchenpong
Drive to Rinchenpong. Afternoon leisure.
Day 12 - Yangsum Heritage Farm - Rinchenpong
Enjoy the day at leisure. There are lots of walking options.
Day 13 - Yangsum Heritage Farm - Rinchenpong
Enjoy the day at leisure
Day 14 - The Oberoi Grand - Calcutta
Morning drive to Bagdogra and fly to Kolkata. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 15 - In transit.
Fly home.

Key

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller

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Client Testimonials

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
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- Mr David Wallace, North India

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had dealings with. Everything – from the individual care and attention in helping to plan the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round.
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India