Along the Banks of The Hoogly
A unique and original cruise along the River Hoogly from Calcutta, observing rural India at its very best with excursions to rarely visited ancient and historical sites
Day 1Fly from London Heathrow to Kolkata (formerly
Calcutta) arriving early the following morning.
Day 2Transfer to one of Kolkata’s landmark hotels, the 5-star Oberoi, for an early breakfast before checking in for an overnight stay. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3Morning sightseeing includes the Victoria memorial, St. John’s church, atmospheric South Park Street cemetery and other Calcutta landmarks. Midday embarkation on the RV Sukapha sailing to the old Danish colony of Serampore and on to Barrackpore for a walk through the cantonment.
Day 4 Sail to Chandernagore. Visit the 18th-century church, the Dutch cemetery and Portuguese church before cruising through the night to Kalna.
Day 5Take cycle rickshaws to view terracotta temples continuing through the countryside to Mayapur. Sail to the brassworking village of Matiari.
Day 6View the brassworking process before cruising to the battlefield of Plassey, where in 1757 Clive of India defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, and visit the commemorative obelisk. Continue cruising to moor at Murshidabad.
Day 7 Visit the Nawab’s great Hazarduari Palace, the Katra mosque and the fine late 18th-century palaces of Nashipara and Jagat Sett.
Day 8Moor at the sleepy village of Baranagar, rural India at its most idyllic, and walk through the fields to three miniature terracotta temples.
Continue up the Hoogley to moor at Jangipur.
Day 9A full-day excursion visits the town of Gaur, via English Bazaar (now the town of Malda). Quiet and deserted Gaur was once one of India’s great cities and there is much of archaeological interest. Please note this tour involves a long drive to and from Gaur.
Day 10 Dawn transfer to Jangipur station for the morning 5-hour train journey in air-conditioned carriages with Pullman-style seats to Howrah station (refreshments will be available). Upon arrival transfer to the Oberoi. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 11Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Heathrow arriving later the same day.
