Kolkata to Varanasi Downstream Cruise tour mv ganga vilas

Arrive Kolkata : After arrival in Kolkata, you'll be transferred to the jetty for embarkation. Lunch will be served onboard. Following lunch, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Dalhousie Square's heritage buildings, which include St. John's Church, Victoria Memorial, and Mother Teresa's Home. We'll return to the ship for an overnight stay. In the evening, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a cultural performance onboard. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Following your morning meal, explore the vibrant Flower Market bustling with artisans crafting an array of floral garlands, decorative pieces, and ceremonial adornments for temples, weddings, and diverse occasions. Next, venture to Kumartuli, an esteemed enclave of traditional potters celebrated for their sculpting expertise. Afterward, return to the ship for a satisfying lunch before embarking on an upstream journey. As you sail, glide beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge and behold the picturesque colonial edifices lining the banks of the majestic Ganges River. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Following breakfast, embark on a delightful journey through the town of Kalna aboard e-rickshaws, bound for the captivating Rajbari Temple complex. Within this complex lies the Nabakailas Temple, boasting 108 shrines adorned with eight-slope roofs, each dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the diverse architecture of other temples in the vicinity, adorned with intricate terracotta plaques depicting scenes from Hindu epics and the vibrant tapestry of daily life in the region. Upon conclusion, meander back to the ship, traversing through the bustling local vegetable market. As you indulge in a scrumptious onboard lunch, set sail towards the quaint shore-side village of Matiari. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Early this morning walks in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village. Return to ship for breakfast and sail full day towards Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial era structures. Lunch onboard. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we embark on a voyage to Buxar, a significant town in western Bihar, adjacent to Uttar Pradesh. Delight in breakfast and lunch while on board. Upon reaching Buxar, explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, steeped in legend from the epic Ramayana. It is believed that after vanquishing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram purified himself from the sin of slaying a woman by bathing in the Ganges at this very spot. Additionally, pay a visit to the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum, named in honor of a local benefactor who generously contributed his personal collection, featuring archaeological artifacts, coins, and manuscripts. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

After breakfast onboard, we sail towards the historic Farakka Lock Gate, passing through the Feeder Canal, offering glimpses of regional birdlife. Crossing the Lock Gate, we navigate the connecting canal to the Ganges, unveiling vast panoramas en route to Samtaghat. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we embark on a full-day sail towards Bateshwarsthan, relishing breakfast and lunch onboard. Prepare to be captivated by the ever-changing landscape and the vibrant river life along the way. Our journey will culminate as we arrive in Bateshwarsthan by evening. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing excursion to explore Golghar and the Patna Museum. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

After breakfast, we'll journey to Sultanganj, known for its two striking granite rock islands linked to the mainland by a causeway. One island houses a mosque, while the larger island is home to the revered Ajgaibinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Our visit will focus on exploring the Shiva temple. Upon returning to the ship, we'll continue our voyage towards Munger, savoring a delightful onboard lunch as we sail along the river. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

After breakfast, explore the Chandika Sthan Temple, honoring Goddess Shakti as one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu intervened to save the world from Lord Shiva's anger by dismembering the body of Devi Sati that Shiva carried. Return to the ship for lunch. Following, tour the Munger Fort and the bustling local market renowned for its array of fruits, vegetables, textiles, and ready-made garments. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Indulging in breakfast and lunch onboard, we proceed upstream, passing beneath the grand bridge at Mokameh Ghat. By late afternoon, we'll reach Simaria. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the riverside village of Simaria to witness the daily rhythms and activities of the local community. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we embark on a full-day sail through the enchanting countryside, bound for Patna. Relish breakfast and lunch onboard as we traverse picturesque landscapes. Patna, the capital of Bihar, stands as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

After breakfast, embark on a visit to Golghar and Patna Museum. Upon completion, return to the ship for lunch onboard. Following lunch, set sail towards Ghaghra Mod, the junction where the Ghaghra River merges with the Ganges. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Following breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the riverside village. Subsequently, embark on a full-day sail towards Buxar, making intermittent stops along the way. Buxar, situated in western Bihar and bordering Uttar Pradesh, stands as one of the region's notable towns. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we embark on a full-day journey towards Ghazipur, relishing breakfast and lunch onboard. Situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Ghazipur was founded by the British East India Company in 1820 as an opium factory, a role it still maintains in supplying the global pharmaceutical industry with the drug. Following lunch, explore the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, a significant figure in both Indian and British history. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we embark on a full-day sail further upstream towards Varanasi, savoring breakfast and lunch onboard. We anticipate mooring for the night before reaching Varanasi, contingent upon river tide conditions. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

We continue our upstream journey throughout the day, aiming to reach Varanasi by late afternoon. Varanasi stands as a significant religious center in India, revered as the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also holds historical importance in the development of Buddhism. Additionally, Varanasi serves as a crucial industrial hub, renowned for its production of muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Following breakfast, we journey to the excavation site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon after achieving enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Afterward, return to the ship for lunch. Subsequently, take a leisurely walk to the Ghats, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling by-lanes. Then, proceed to the riverside to witness the evening "Ganga Aarti" ritual, a mesmerizing and spiritual experience. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

After breakfast, it's time to disembark from the ship and proceed with your onward journey. Safe travels! Important Note:

• The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last-minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The onboard tour staff will announce or post the exact time for each activity.
• As per government restrictions, from Farakka to Varanasi, no liquor will be served on board.
• In Varanasi, due to the location on the holy river, non-vegetarian food is not served onboard.
• Satellite phones & drone cameras are not allowed in Varanasi, please ensure the same, while traveling to Varanasi.