Kolkata to Dhaka Downstream Cruise tour with mv ganga vilas

Arrive Kolkata : Upon reaching Kolkata, proceed to the jetty for embarkation. Complete the check-in procedures and then enjoy lunch onboard. Following lunch, attend to immigration formalities. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

In the early morning, contingent upon tide conditions, we embark on a full-day journey towards the Sundarbans National Park, an esteemed World Heritage Site and the largest delta mangrove forest globally, situated in the Bay of Bengal. En route, we will glide past historical landmarks and sites reminiscent of the colonial era before reaching Namkhana. If time allows, take a stroll and explore Bhagabatpur Island renowned for its crocodile project, featuring a hatchery and sanctuary dedicated to estuarine crocodiles. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we set sail towards Bali Island while relishing breakfast and lunch onboard. Bali epitomizes a quintessential Sundarbani village where residents are involved in farming, paddy husking, honey packing, and fishing. If time allows, we will explore one of the watch towers in the Sundarbans, offering opportunities for nature walks and bird watching. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Following an early breakfast, embark on excursions by local boat to the Sudhanyakhali and Dobanki Watchtowers. Dobanki provides a canopy walk elevated 20 feet above the ground. Return to the ship for lunch. Later, take a leisurely stroll through the village of Bali, engaging in interactions with the villagers. Conclude the day's activities with a captivating tribal dance performance onboard the ship. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

We set sail early in the morning towards Hemnagar, the check-post for Customs formalities required for crossing the international riverine border between India and Bangladesh. If time allows, we will visit a nearby Watchtower to explore further. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we embark on a journey through the wildlife-rich area of the Sundarbans, navigating towards the Bangladeshi side of the Sundarbans while indulging in breakfast and lunch onboard. Our voyage leads us to Antihara, the designated checkpoint for the Immigration & Customs formalities of Bangladesh. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we cruise towards Mongla town, a pivotal seaport serving as the gateway to the Sundarbans on the Bangladesh side. Following lunch, we embark on a visit to the Sixty Domed Mosque, designated as a World Heritage Site and renowned as "one of the most impressive Muslim monuments in the whole of the Indian subcontinent." Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

In the morning, we take a tranquil country boat ride to the Karamjol Forest Reserve Centre, safeguarding a diverse array of mammal, insect, bird species, reptiles, and fish. This sanctuary is also home to Gangetic River dolphins and salt-water crocodiles, which we may have the chance to spot. Afterward, we return to the ship for lunch and then set sail to Kaukhali, a quaint riverine village nestled in the Barisal district of Bangladesh. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Following breakfast, we venture out to explore Kaukhali, renowned for its launch and steamer station dating back to the British era. Our exploration includes a visit to a Kumar Pada (potters’ colony), the bustling local market, and a Hindu Vaishnavite temple situated adjacent to a Cremation Ground. Afterward, we return to the ship and continue sailing onward to Barisal, affectionately known as the Venice of Bengal. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Following breakfast, we head to explore the Floating Market, celebrated for its abundance of fruits, particularly guava. Upon concluding our visit, we return to the ship for lunch. Subsequently, we journey to the Oxford Epiphany Church, an Anglican church distinguished as one of the oldest and perhaps the second largest church in Asia. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we embark on a full-day voyage to Dhaka, relishing breakfast and lunch while taking in the picturesque countryside scenery. Along the way, we are treated to views of coconut palms, banana and mango trees lining the shore, fishermen casting their nets, and small freighters transporting gravel, bricks, and sand downstream. We also witness noukas ferrying passengers across the river. By evening, we arrive at a jetty in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Following breakfast, we disembark and set out to explore Sonargaon, the medieval capital of undivided Bengal. Our visit includes exploring Panam City, the Sadarbari housing a Folk Art Museum, and the Goaldi Mosque. We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afterward, we embark on a panoramic drive tour of Central Dhaka's heritage buildings, including Dhaka University, the National Assembly, and the Old High Court. Additionally, we visit the Dhakeshwari Temple, dedicated to goddess Dhakeshwari, the protector of Dhaka.
Finally, we conclude our journey with a transfer to the airport for your onward travel arrangements.

The itinerary maybe readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. The exact time for each activity will be announced or posted by the onboard tour staff. Bangladesh being an Islamic country, serving of liquor is restricted.