Varanasi to Kolkata Downstream Cruise tour with MV Ganga Vilas

Arrive Varanasi : Board the vessel at the Jetty in Varanasi. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

After breakfast, we explore the excavation site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon subsequent to achieving enlightenment in Bodhgaya. We then return to the ship for lunch. Afterward, we embark on a leisurely walk to the Ghats, immersing ourselves in the vibrant activities and lively atmosphere of the bustling by-lanes. Our journey continues along the riverside, where we witness the captivating evening ritual known as "Ganga Aarti." Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we spend the entire day sailing towards Ghazipur, indulging in breakfast and lunch onboard. Ghazipur, founded by the British East India Company in 1820 as an opium factory, continues to be a key producer of the drug for the worldwide pharmaceutical industry. Along our journey to Ghazipur, we anchor en route, taking in the sights and experiences along the way. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

As we continue sailing, we arrive at Ghazipur while relishing breakfast and lunch aboard the vessel. After our midday meal, we embark on a visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, a prominent figure in both Indian and British history.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.

As we savor breakfast aboard, we set sail towards Ghaghra Mod, the meeting point of the Ghaghra and Ganges rivers. After lunch, take pleasure in a leisurely stroll through the village nestled along the riverbank. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

In the morning, as we sail and relish breakfast and lunch onboard, we reach Patna, the capital of Bihar. Patna, established in 490 BCE as Pataliputra, stands as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited locales. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

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

Today, we embark on a full-day journey downstream to Simaria, savoring breakfast and lunch aboard as we soak in the picturesque riverine countryside along the way. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Following breakfast, take a stroll through the riverside village to observe the daily routines of the local inhabitants. Upon returning to the ship, embark on a full day's journey towards Munger, where lunch will be served onboard. As we sail beneath the impressive bridge at Mokameh Ghat, we reach Munger by evening. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

After breakfast, explore the Chandika Sthan Temple, venerating Goddess Shakti. This sacred site is among the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, entwined with the tale of Lord Vishnu's intervention to pacify Lord Shiva's fury by disassembling the remains of Devi Sati. Rejoin the ship for lunch before embarking on a journey to Munger Fort and the bustling local market renowned for its assortment of fruits, vegetables, textiles, and ready-to-wear garments. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

This morning, we'll enjoy breakfast on board as we sail towards Sultanganj, where we expect to arrive by afternoon. After lunch, we'll embark on an excursion to Sultanganj, known for its two prominent granite rock islands connected to the mainland by a causeway. One of the islands is home to a mosque, while the other, larger island houses the Ajgaibinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Our itinerary includes a visit to this revered Shiva temple on the larger island. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we embark towards Bateshwarsthan while savoring breakfast onboard. After lunch, we'll travel by car to explore the archaeological site of Vikramshila University, where we'll wander amidst the ruins. Under the reign of the Pala Dynasty, Vikramshila University flourished as a significant Buddhist center of learning. It offered instruction in theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic, contributing to its esteemed status in ancient times. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Today, we embark on a full-day journey towards Samtaghat, where the passing landscape and vibrant river life will captivate you as you enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard. By evening, we will reach our destination at Samtaghat. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

As we enjoy breakfast onboard, we set sail in the morning to cross the renowned Farakka Lock Gate. Our journey through the Feeder Canal provides us with an opportunity to observe the diverse birdlife of the region. After navigating through the Lock Gate, we proceed through the connecting canal to the Hooghly River, the lower Ganges. Our voyage continues as we sail towards Jangipur. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Throughout the day, we sail towards Murshidabad, relishing breakfast and lunch onboard. By evening, we reach our destination. Murshidabad stands as a concealed architectural treasure adorned with striking whitewashed colonial-era structures. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

After breakfast, we'll embark on a Toto (e-rickshaw) ride through the countryside to reach the Katra mosque, renowned for its distinctive minarets. Subsequently, we'll visit the Hazarduari Palace, an imposing structure dominating the waterfront. Designed by the English architect McLeod Duncan in the Greek "Doric" style, the palace boasts vast corridors adorned with more than a thousand real and false doors, and it houses a collection of colonial-era antiques. Afterward, we'll return to the ship for lunch and then set sail towards the shore-side village of Matiari. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

At the break of dawn, we'll take a stroll through the village, witnessing firsthand the artisans at work. These skilled craftsmen employ recycled copper to craft exquisite pots, platters, and various other items in their workshops scattered across the village. Upon returning to the ship, we'll enjoy breakfast before continuing our journey onward to Kalna. By evening, we'll arrive at our destination in Kalna. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

After breakfast, we'll hop on e-rickshaws to explore the charming town of Kalna, making our way to the captivating Rajbari Temple complex. Among its highlights is the Nabakailas Temple, housing 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The complex also boasts a variety of temples showcasing diverse architectural styles, adorned with terracotta plaques depicting scenes from Hindu epics and everyday life in the region. After our temple exploration, we'll stroll through the local vegetable market on our way back to the ship. We'll then set sail towards Kolkata, reaching our destination by evening. Onboard, we'll be treated to a delightful cultural performance to enrich our journey. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Following breakfast, visit the Flower Market, where you can see artisans craft a diverse array of garlands, ornaments, and other floral items for temples, weddings, and various things. Next, we'll explore Kumartuli, a historic potters' quarter celebrated for its sculpting mastery. Upon returning to the ship for lunch, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Dalhousie Square's heritage buildings, including St. John's Church, Victoria Memorial, and Mother Teresa's Home. After lunch onboard, we'll disembark from the ship and proceed with arrangements for our onward journey.

Please be aware that the itinerary is subject to readjustment based on local conditions and days of the week to accommodate potential closures of monuments or museums. Last-minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The precise timing for each activity will be announced or posted by the onboard tour staff. Kindly note that, As per government restrictions, no liquor will be served from Varanasi to Farakka. In Varanasi, due to its sacred location along the holy river, non-vegetarian food is not provided onboard. For travelers to Varanasi, please note that satellite phones and drone cameras are prohibited. Ensure compliance with these regulations while visiting Varanasi.