Ganges cruise

Ganges cruise starts in Kolkata a city of rich colonial history, it was the 2nd city of the commonwealth and the capital of the Raj India until 1911. Conglomeration of different architectural grandeur, the city Kolkata famed as London of the east gradually became the metropolis of cultural potboiler of India with multidimensional characteristics. Though losing its glory after the shifting of the capital to Delhi and due to continuous political turmoil still the city attracts lots of people from around the globe because of its vibrant warmth. The city has developed along the banks of the holy river Ganges over the years.

After the city tour and cruise relax and enjoy the peace and unparalleled beauty of Sikkim & darjeeling hills. The mighty Himalayas hold many untold secrets within which can only be unravelled by travelling through the region. Plenty of packages to choose from simply ask for options not listed here

Ganges cruise: Trip Highlights:
You set sail on the cruise through the Ganges to Sunderban after seeing the preparations for the carnival on the inland luxury cruiser which is all about grandeur, comfort and imbibing the flavor of one of the greatest rivers of the world – the Ganges. M.V. Paramhamsa is 53 meters long and 32 meters broad. The ship flaunts four decks – under deck, main deck, first deck, and sun deck. There are 20 deluxe rooms on the main deck and 12 luxury rooms on the first deck. The spacious rooms, coupled with great hospitality, helps you relax and unwind. The chefs aboard the ship prepare delicious fresh seafood dishes as you float along the serene river.

Ganges cruise: DAY 01 ARRIVAL AT KOLKATA
Welcome on arrival at Kolkata and transfer to Hotel, evening walk around the city to appreciate the new culture you are in, overnight at hotel. Kolkata is the city of Joy, contrast and culture. Once the capital of British India – now the capital of West Bengal. A visit to Kolkata may bring visitors in touch with a combination of a rich 400 years old heritage, vibrant modern life and different cultures.

Ganges cruise: DAY 02 KOLKATA SIGHTSEEING
Morning 8.30 AM starts the half day city tour with an introduction about the glory of Bengal, visit the Flower Market – a unique wholesale market of flowers which is situated in the bank of river Ganges near the famous Howrah Bridge. Drive around the Heritage Buildings of Dalhousie Square, Visit the Mother Teresa’s House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity followed by Victoria Memorial, Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Hop on to an old charming Local Tram and travel to the famous Kali Temple, experience a short Hand pulled Rickshaw ride.
Late afternoon you will be taken to Dakshineswar Kali Temple. It is famous for its association – with Ramkrishna who achieved spiritual vision here. Rani Rashmoni built this temple in 1847. The 12- spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the river cruise from Dakshineswar Temple to Belur Math across river Ganges by motorised boat and watch the glimpse of river along with the vibrant modern life and cultures of Kolkata.
Belur Math is the international headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission. It was founded in 1899 by Swami Vivekananda, the world famous yogi and disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

Ganges cruise: DAY 03 KOLKATA – VIVADA CRUISE
This morning at 7.30 AM you will be transferred to Millennium Park Jetty to board your Vivada Cruise to Sunderbans on the Ganges. The cruiser sets sail along the beautiful Ganges towards the south, passing through the various heritage sites to reach the gate way of Sunderbans Namkhana.
The Sunderbans are a part of the world’s largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The place derives its name from the Sundari trees growing in this region. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and a Biosphere Reserve in 1989. The bio-diversity of the region is amazing. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the ever elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, otherwise you can always watch Cheetal Deer, monkey, and aqua life – olive ridley turtle, hermit crab, water monitor, king cobra, rock python etc. Besides the diversity of flora and fauna another unique feature of this place is the existence of human civilization in these adverse situations and their struggle for life everyday.

Ganges cruise: DAY 04 ON BOARD VIVADA CRUISE
Early this morning at 5.30 AM you may enjoy a spectacular sunrise, while the cruiser sails towards the east. Enjoy the unique scene of hundreds of fishing boats busy with their daily chores in the small fishing hamlet of Namkhana. The busy fishing harbour will give an insight to the lifestyle of the fishermen. The guests can buy fresh fish and other sea foods to be cooked in the live kitchen counters.
Afternoon guests can disembark to walk through the thick mangrove Forest of Lothian Island having extensive range of mangrove species where the guests can feast their eyes on the wide range of migratory and local birds of this region. excellent birding opportunity. Later the guests will visit the crocodile project on Bhagabatpur island which is a hatchery and sanctuary to the biggest estuarine crocodiles in the world.

Ganges cruise: DAY 05 ON BOARD VIVADA CRUISE
Early morning visit the Nethidopani Watch Tower. Nethidopani has ruins of a 400-year-old temple and legends lend mystery to the atmosphere. Later after breakfast enjoy extensive creek ride through the dense Mangrove forest. Later have a Canopy walk and explore Dobanke, the Deer Rehabilitation Centre. Afternoon visit the Wildlife Watch Tower at Sudhayanakhali; famous for its watchtower and wildlife sighting.

Ganges cruise: DAY 06 ON BOARD VIVADA CRUISE & DEPARTURE TRANSFER
Spend the morning at Bali Village, a typical Sunderban village for an interaction with the villagers to experience their life style. Guests will experience farming, paddy husking, honey packing, fishing and various occupations of the region. After lunch check out and transfer to small vessel for disembarkation. Sail to Gothkhali Jetty and transfer to Kolkata by surface (120Kms/3Hrs). Tour Ends.

Ganges cruise itinerary also operates in reverse