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The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River
There’s no river more sacred than the Ganges. Cruising the Lower Ganges (also called the Hooghly) is one of the most beautiful river journeys you can take. It winds through West Bengal’s lush countryside, passing culturally rich towns dotted with temples and palaces. Life along the banks is vibrant and lively—never a dull moment as you drift along this peaceful waterway. Pair this with the majestic Brahmaputra up north, which starts high in the Himalayas and flows through Assam’s scenic valley. Along the way, you’ll encounter UNESCO-protected parks and remote rural communities, making this an authentic and unforgettable expedition.
Itinerary Details
Arrive in Guwahati and transfer to the ship. Explore this charming Assamese city—visit Nilachal Hill temple and the Commonwealth War Graves. By late afternoon, the ship sets sail upriver.
Spend a full day cruising upstream through the lush Assamese countryside. Meet the crew and guides on board, enjoy lectures, take part in cooking demonstrations, and pause at a market-garden village for a stroll.
Arrive in Tezpur in the afternoon. Explore by trishaw, visiting De Parbatia Temple with its ornate carvings, and Cole Park—home to a collection of medieval sculptures from the region.
After breakfast, drive two hours to Nameri National Park at the foot of Arunachal Pradesh’s blue hills. Float for about two hours on the Jia-Bhoreli River, soaking in breathtaking scenery and bird-watching (look out for hornbills and maybe even elephants!). After lunch, enjoy a village walk, then return to the ship. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Assamese folk dance and moor at Silghat.
Set off on a jeep safari through the 430 km² UNESCO World Heritage site—that’s where you’ll find the largest population of one-horned rhinos in the world, plus Indian wild water buffalo. Kaziranga boasts the highest density of Bengal tigers—though they’re usually elusive—and a rich range of wildlife: elephants, bison, swamp deer, capped langurs, and many bird species like oriental honey buzzards, white-tailed eagles, and Himalayan griffons. Later, we set sail downstream again.
Ride the currents downstream on the Brahmaputra. Step ashore in a typical Assamese village and learn about local life. Then visit a tea estate with a historic plantation house, where you’ll see the tea-making process from leaf to cup.
Early morning, visit the Noonmati Tea Garden near Guwahati. After lunch, cruise past Guwahati and moor at Sualkuchi—a hub for silk weaving. Explore the production process from cocoon to weaving, and learn about the crafting of Assam’s traditional silk sarees.
Disembark and fly to Kolkata. Re-embark at noon and cruise past Serampore (an old Danish colony) to Barrackpore. Take a walk through the cantonment area—spotting landmarks like the Semaphore Tower, Government House, Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House.
Sail upstream to Chandernagore, a former French colony until 1950. Visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix House, once home to a French Governor-General.
After breakfast, land at Kalna. Take a rickshaw tour of Bengal’s beautiful terracotta temples, including the Shiva temple surrounded by 108 shrines. That night, sail on toward Matiari.
Explore Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement. Tour the new temple—comparable in size to the Vatican—funded in part by Alfred B. Ford, and stroll through the vibrant pilgrims’ bazaar.
In Matiari, discover brass-making in a traditional riverside village. If time allows, visit the historic battlefield of Plassey, where Robert Clive defeated Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah in 1757, changing Indian history forever. Then moor near Murshidabad.
Start the morning at Khushbagh—lovely Mughal-style gardens and the tomb of Siraj-ud-Daulah. Continue upstream to see the grand Hazarduari Palace, its museum of art and artifacts, the Katra Mosque, Nashipara Palace, and the Georgian-style Katgola Palace. Moor overnight across from town.
Cruise up the Hooghly, bordered by mustard fields and mango orchards. Walk through sleepy Baranagar to admire its delicate terracotta temples. Visit Jain temples at Azimganj, then continue to the Farakka Barrage.
Enjoy one last breakfast on deck before disembarking at Farakka. Transfer to your hotel or train station for your journey back to Kolkata.