: R17630
Few travellers ever imagine getting to experience India from the waters of the famous Ganges River. Board our classic riverboat in Farakka & spend eight days sailing to picturesque local villages to explore stunning temples, historical battlegrounds, tranquil gardens, & the Katgola Palace. This scenic cruise will have you wanting to return to the glory of India sooner rather than later.
{module Magic Slideshow module for VirtueMart}
| Starting from | R17 630 |
| Package Validity | Set departure dates: 09 NOV 2016 & 07 DEC 2016. *** Book & pay by 31 JUL 2016 & SAVE 30%, discount already included in the price *** |
| Duration | 8 nights |
| Destination | India |
| Starts in | Kolkata |
| Ends in | Kolkata |
{tab Description}
- Arrival & departure transfers
- 1 night twin share comfort hotel accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation on-board the Varuna riverboat
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners
- All transport to/from included activities & between destinations
- Assistance of a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
- Full day excursion to Malda
- Visits to Baranagar village & temple, Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque, Nashipara & Katgola palaces, Cycle rickshaw excursion to the Khushbagh, Battlefield of Plassey, Brassworking village of Matiari, Hare Krishna temple, Cycle rickshaw excursion to terracotta temples (Kalna), Shiva temple, Imambara, Chandannagar & Barrackpore
** Allow USD70-95 for meals not included. Drinks & tips on board not included.
{tab Day 1}
Kolkata
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
{tab Day 2}Kolkata/Farakka
Depart Kolkata & jump on the train to head to Farakka. During this 6 hour train journey, take the time to watch the scenery, or get to know the group. Upon arrival, embark the riverboat & settle in before dinner on-board.
{tab Day 3}
Farakka/Jangipur
Enjoy a full day excursion by road to Gaur, near the town of Malda (English Bazaar). Visit a number of sights from the 12th-century Hindus & 14th-century Muslims. Rejoin the ship in the evening near Jangipur.
{tab Day 4}Jangipur/Murshidābād
Sail down the Hooghly River en route to the small village of Baranagar. Walk through the fields to reach the terracotta temples & get a taste of rural Indian life. Continue to Murshidabad to visit the Nawab’s great Hazarduari Palace. Visit the Katra Mosque before driving to two 18th-century buildings – the Nashipara Palace & the Katgola Palace.
{tab Day 5}
Murshidābād/Matiari
This morning, travel by cycle rickshaw to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Moghul-style garden. Continue on the river past Berhampur, to a rural mooring near the battlefield of Plassey & opt to walk to the commemorative obelisk. Cruise on to a mooring near Katwa for the night.
{tab Day 6}Matiari/Māyāpur
Start the day with a visit to the brassworking village of Matiari to witness their ancient techniques. Later continue to Mayapur with a visit to the Hare Krishna temple. Enjoy a few of the older temples & see a giant banyan tree.
{tab Day 7}Māyāpur/Chunchura
Explore the country town of Kalna. Take cycle rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples & visit a Shiva temple. Continue to Chinsurah, to visit the historic Dutch cemetery. After, take cyclos to the Imambara before reboarding the vessel.
{tab Day 8}Chunchura/Bārākpur
Sail to Chandannagar, a former French possession, to explore. Continue to Barrackpore. Disembark for a walking tour around the main sights.
{tab Day 9}
Bārākpur/Kolkata
Cruise under the Howrah Bridge to central Kolkata to disembark. Transfer to central Kolkata or the airport. Tour ends on arrival.
{/tabs}