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Historic Hooghli River Journey... Calcutta Cruise, North India
16 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
16 days from £3,295 per person
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Day 1 -
In Transit
Overnight flight to Kolkata via Dubai. -
Day 2 -
Fairlawns Hotel
- Calcutta
Transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure. -
Day 3 -
Fairlawns Hotel
- Calcutta
Full day's sightseeing tour of the city. -
Day 4 -
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 5 -
ABN Sukapha cruise boat (Hooghli)
- The Hooghli River
Start your Hooghli River cruise. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Barrackpore. -
Day 6 -
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 7 -
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 8 -
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 9 -
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 10 -
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 11 -
Royal Sarovar Premiere
- Siliguri
Morning leisure and afternoon take the train to Siliguri. Transfer to your hotel. -
Day 12 -
Yangsum Farm
- Rinchenpong
Drive to Rinchenpong. Afternoon leisure. -
Day 13 -
Yangsum Farm
- Rinchenpong
Enjoy the day at leisure. There are lots of walking options. -
Day 14 -
Yangsum Farm
- Rinchenpong
Enjoy the day at leisure -
Day 15 -
The Oberoi Grand
- Calcutta
Morning drive to Bagdogra and fly to Kolkata. Transfer to your hotel. -
Day 16 -
In Transit
Fly to the UK via Dubai.
Places of Interest
AccommodationWhen preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
- Mr David Wallace, North India
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
- Leslie Siben, India
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
- Jaime Benitez, South India
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
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