THE GANGES CRUISE Between Calcutta and Varanasi

Transcription

1 THE GANGES CRUISE Between Calcutta and Varanasi HANDBOOK OF SAILINGS AND GENERAL INFORMATION OCTOBER 2012 APRIL 2013 & AUGUST 2013 APRIL 2014 (EDITION JUNE 2012) Managed and Operated by HERITAGE RIVER CRUISES (India) Heritage River Cruises (India) B 9 / 9123 THIRD FLOOR, LIG FLATS, VASANT APARTMENTS, VASANT KUNJ, NEW DELHI INDIA sales@bengalganga.com

2 CONTENTS THE SHIP 3 GANGES CRUISES 6 INCREDIBLY ON THE GANGES Cruise (12 Nights) 7 Incredibly On The Ganges Cruise - Calcutta to Varanasi Up-stream (12 Nights) 7 Incredibly On The Ganges Cruise Varanasi to Calcutta Down-stream (12 Nights) 11 LOWER GANGES (12 Nights) 15 Lower Ganges Cruise - West Discovery from Kolkata to Kolkata (9 Nights) 15 YATRA SHORT CRUISE (NEW 6 NIGHTS) 18 Yatra Cruise Calcutta to Farakka Up-stream (6 Nights) 18 Yatra Cruise Farakka to Calcutta Down-stream (6 Nights) 21 YATRA SHORT CRUISE (NEW 9 NIGHTS) 24 Yatra Cruise Farakka to Varanasi Up-stream (9 Nights) 24 Yatra Cruise Varanasi to Farakka Down-stream (9 Nights) 27 PRE/POST CRUISE LAND TOURS 30 Upstream Post Cruise Tour (3 Nights) 30 Downstream Pre Cruise Tour (3 Nights) 32 RETAIL RATES 34 PARTNER HOTELS 37 SAILING DATES 41 SALES TERMS & CONDITIONS 49 Retail Rates & Agent Commission 49 Reservation Policies & Payment Terms 50 PASSENGER INFORMATION 52 PASSENGER TICKET CONTRACT 59 Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 2 of 64

3 THE SHIP SPECIFICATIONS BUILT IN YANGON 2004 SHIP REGISTRY IRS APPROVED AND REGISTERED IN INDIA UNDER INDIAN FLAG LENGTH 200 FT (60 MT) BEAM 36 FT (11.00 MT) DRAFT 4.9 FT (1.5 MT) DECKS 4 DIESEL ENGINES PROPULSION NAVIGATION COMMS FIRE PROTECTION 2 X 400 HP CUMMINS INBOARD SYSTEM GPS, NAVIGATION LIGHTS, SHIPS HORN, SEARCHLIGHT GSM PHONE, INTERNAL PHONE SYSTEM, TANNOY FOR NAVIGATION SMOKE DETECTORS, HEAT DETECTORS, MANUAL ALARMS STATIONS, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, FIRE HOSE CABINETS, FIRE PUMPS SAFETY EMERGENCY LIGHTS, EMERGENCY GENSET, LIFE JACKETS, LIFE RAFTS CREW 30 HOTEL PASSENGERS 56 CABINS 28 WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM AND SHOWER A/C UPPER DECK 18 DELUXE TWINS MAIN DECK 10 SUPERIOR TWINS LOWER DECK 4 SINGLE FOR GUIDES LOUNGE & BAR DINING ROOM SUN DECK ON THE UPPER DECK ON THE MAIN DECK OPEN WITH SOLARIUM (CAPACITY: 52 SEATS) Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 3 of 64

4 SHIP PLAN Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 4 of 64

5 ABOUT HISTORY The was built in the year 2004 in Myanmar and designed as a replica of the colonial style Clyde steamers that at the height of the British Empire trudged through swamps and far flung deltas; in particular, similar ships employed were used by a succession of important officials and celebrities of the day, most notably recorded as being used by Viceroys of India and the Prince of Wales. ON BOARD Shining Teak and Brass lined state rooms opening onto similarly equipped promenade decks with rattan sitting areas. The 28 state rooms today can still ensure a fantastically comfortable and elite travelling style. Improvements to meet today s needs such as the saloon bar, dining room and observation deck are crucial facets of enhancing what otherwise would be long distance road travel, that can be arduous and frustrating at best of times Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 5 of 64

6 THE GANGES CRUISE CRUISING THE HOLY RIVER No river in the world plays a more important cultural, economic or social role in the lives of more people than the Ganges. The spiritual heart of Hinduism, the Ganges is strewn with fascinating cities, pilgrimage sites, villages, mountains and forests. There is no better way to visit deep inside India than taking a boutique cruise on the Ganges in the comfort of our original luxury steamer like boat. No more long coach trips and the hassle to pack and unpack luggage. Our comprehensive cruise programs include also all pre/post land arrangements in Calcutta and/or Varanasi where we have chosen the five stars Taj and Ganges Hotels as they better match with the concept of our colonial steamer. INCREDIBLY ON THE GANGES 12 Nights /13 Days (10 Nights cruising / 2 Nights in hotel) UPSTREAM: CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) KALNA MATIARI MURSHIDABAD JANGIPUR - FARAKKA RAJ MAHAL KARAGOLA - BATESHWARSTHAN - SULTANGANJ- MUNGER NALANDA BODHGAYA - VARANASI 12 Nights /13 Days (9 Nights cruising / 3 Nights in hotel) DOWNSTREAM: VARANASI BODHAGAYA NALANDA MUNGER SULTANGANJ - BATESHWARSTHAN - KARAGOLA - RAJ MAHAL FARAKKA JANGIPUR - MURSHIDABAD CHOURIGACHA - MATIARI KALNA - CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) LOWER GANGES 9 Nights /10 Days CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) CHANDERNAGORE - KALNA MATIARI MURSHIDABAD KUSHBAGH - MURSHIDABAD BARANAGAR - KATWA- MAYAPUR SANTIPUR BANDEL - DAKSHINESHWAR CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) THE YATRA SHORT CRUISE 6 Nights / 7 Days (5 Nights cruising / 1 night in Hotel) UPSTREAM: CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) KALNA MATIARI MURSHIDABAD JANGIPUR FARAKKA BACK TO CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) BY TRAIN DOWNSTREAM: CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) BY TRAIN TO FARAKKA JANGIPUR - MURSHIDABAD MATIARI KALNA - CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) THE YATRA SHORT CRUISE 9 Nights / 10 Days (6 Nights cruising / 3 Nights in Hotel) UPSTREAM: CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) BY TRAIN TO JANGIPUR - FARAKKA RAJ MAHAL KARAGOLA - BATESHWARSTHAN - SULTANGANJ- MUNGER NALANDA BODHGAYA - VARANASI 9 Nights / 10 Days (5 Nights cruising / 4 Nights in Hotel) DOWNSTREAM: VARANASI BODHGAYA NALANDA MUNGER SULTANGANJ - BATESHWARSTHAN - KARAGOLA - RAJ MAHAL FARAKKA JANGIPUR TO CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) BY TRAIN Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 6 of 64

7 THE CRUISES INCREDIBLY ON THE GANGES BETWEEN CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) AND BENARES (VARANASI) 13 Days on Tour: 10 Nights on & 2 Nights in Hotels UPSTREAM PROGRAM DAY 1 ARRIVE AT KOLKATA (_, _, D) Arrival of guests by International or Domestic flights in the early morning (after midnight) or before midnight the previous day at Kolkata. Transfer to the ship. Overnight for those arriving before and after midnight. Refreshment and rest for those arriving in the early morning. After lunch Kolkata Orientation Tour: The city orientation tour will take us to the Colonial parts of Kolkata; we will drive a section of the Heritage Buildings of Kolkata covering Writer s Building, The General Post Office, The High court, The Raj Bhawan, The Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, The Reserve Bank of India also visit the Dalhousie Square and then drive past St. John s Church and Victoria Memorial [Photo Stop]. After city tour return to the ship and cast off Overnight on board RV DAY 2 FROM KOLKATA TO KALNA (B, L, D) Our upstream journey to Kalna will take us through the areas where the different European settlers had established their respective East Indian Companies leaving back reminiscence of their settlements Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 7 of 64

8 during the period of 17th to 19th century. We will continue our cruise through the vast country side of golden. Overnight sailing on board RV DAY 3 KALNA MATIARI (B, L, D) Early morning we take rickshaws to visit the temple town of Kalna visit the enchanting Rajbari complex that has the maximum concentration of temples. The complex contains a unique mixture of s temple architecture. On one side of the road lies the Nabakailas Temples. Built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, the complex contains 108 'aat chala' or eight sloped roofed Shiva temples arranged in two concentric circles. The outer circle consists of 74 temples of alternate black and white lingams; while the 34 temples of the inner circle have only white lingams. Due to its ingenious planning all Shiva lingams can be seen from the centre of the temple. On the other side of the road lies a walled complex, containing the most diversified form of s temple architecture. The Pratapeshwar Temple, built in 1849 contains terra cotta plaques depicting themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga and various aspects of day to day life. The other temples are the Lalji temple built in 1739, the oldest in the complex, Krishnachandra temple built in 1751 is similar to the Lalji temple. The complex also houses a flat roofed temple of Giri Govardhan. We cruise past the religious town of Mayapur, quintessentially a temple town known for being the headquarters of the Krishna Consciousness Movement ISKON and the birth place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, born in 1486 AD and considered as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The town is situated on the banks of the confluence of the and the Jalangi rivers. Overnight at Matiari. Overnight on board RV DAY 4 MATIARI - MURSHIDABAD (B, L, D) Early in the morning (if time permits) we will visit the unique Brass making village Matiari. The unique character of the village is as we start walking towards the village, we can hear the loud noise of beating of metal coming from all the houses which specialize in making the different brass artefacts. We will have a nice walk in the village to see and experience the different process of the brass making. Cast off and sail past Plassey which is well known for the battle that took place in 1757, that turned the history of India. The battlefield of Plassey is where Robert Clive of British East India Company defeated the Mogul Nawab, the then rulers of and their French Allies; establishing the company rule in India which expanded over much of South Asia for the next 190 years. Overnight at Murshidabad. Overnight on board RV DAY 5 MURSHIDABAD JANGIPUR (B, L, D) Cast off early morning to arrive at Murshidabad Jetty opposite the New Palace now under renovation. We visit the Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah ( AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan following the Greek Doric style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors. Opposite to the Palace it the vast Imambara open only during the religious ceremony time. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 8 of 64

9 We will also visit the Katra mosque. The mosque was built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad - Murshid Quli Khan in the After Murshidabad we will visit the Temples of Baranagar. The Temple complex was built in by Rani Bhabani, the landlord of Natore. The brick built temples are considered to be amongst the best examples of Terracotta art. Overnight at Jangipur. Overnight on board RV DAY 6 JANGIPUR - FARAKKA - RAJ MAHAL (B, L, D) We cast of early morning to reach the Farakka Lock Gate and cross through the lock within 1000 hrs. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges revealing vast Panoramas. We also see the Farakka barrage which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India. Continue cruise to Rajmahal. Overnight at Rajmahal Overnight on board RV DAY 7 RAJ MAHAL KARAGOLA (B, L, D) Before Breakfast walk to visit the ruins of Rajmahal. Once known as Akbarnagar, founded by the Mogul Emperor Akbar as capital of in Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, spent a part of his youth here. Walk around and explore ruins of palaces and the mosques, through the areas where China Clay is mined. On return we cast off for Karagola. This area is rich in bird life. Large flocks of water birds including Common Cranes can be seen here. Overnight at Karagola. Overnight on board RV DAY 8 KARAGOLA - BATESHWARSTHAN TO SULTANGANJ (B, L, D) In the morning we visit the Vikramashila University. Established by King Dharampala in late 8th or early 9th Century A.D. Vikramshila University was one of the two most important centers of Buddhist learning in India during the reign of the Pala dynasty along with Nalanda University. Vikramashila was one of the largest Buddhist universities having more than one hundred teachers and about one thousand students. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics and logic were taught here. Later we cruise through the Vikramashila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, established for the protection and conservation of the Ganges River Dolphins. The area also supports a rich diversity of other wildlife, many of which are threatened with extinction. These species include the Indian smooth-coated Otter, several species of hard and soft shell turtles, and an astounding variety of migratory and resident migratory birds. Sultanganj conspicuous for two great rocks of granite, one of which on the river bank is crowned by a mosque. The second and larger one is occupied by a temple of Ghaibinath Siva. During the rule of the Maurya, Gupta and Pala many works of art and architecture were raised at Sultanganj. Excavation near Sultanpur has yielded ancient relics like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta Hindu and Buddha images. Overnight at Sultanganj. Overnight on board RV Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 9 of 64

10 DAY 9 SULTANGANJ TO MUNGER (B, L, D) After breakfast we visit Sultanganj conspicuous for two great rocks of granite, one of which on the river bank is crowned by a mosque. The second and larger one is occupied by a temple of Ghaibinath Siva. During the rule of the Maurya, Gupta and Pala many works of art and architecture were raised at Sultanganj. Excavation near Sultanpur has yielded ancient relics like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta Hindu and Buddha images. Later we sail to Munger overnight Munger Overnight on board RV DAY 10 MUNGER TO SIMARIA (B, L, D) After breakfast we visit Bihar School of Yoga: Established in 1963 by Swami Niranjanananda Bihar School of Yoga in order to preserve and regenerate the total scope of yogic science by combining academic and scientific methodology with a spiritual vision. Later we sail for Simaria. Overnight at Simaria. Overnight on board RV DAY 11 DISEMBARK SHIP AT SIMARIA - NALANDA BODHGAYA (B, L, D) BY SURFACE We disembark the ship at 0700 hrs and travel by surface to Nalanda. Nalanda perhaps is the oldest seat of learning in India. It treasures a glorious past, rich spiritual heritage and some extraordinary architectural ruins believed to be established in 5th century by the Gupta Kings. Thereafter we drive through Rajgir, the first capital of the Magadha Empire. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir, but also delivered important sermons here. Lunch at local restaurant, we continue our journey to Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. It was here, under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One. Overnight at Royal Residency / Lotus Hotel / Hotel Sujata at Bodhgaya / Indo Hokke Hotel, Rajgir DAY 12 BODHGAYA VARANASI (B, L, D) After breakfast we drive to Varanasi the holiest town for Hindus. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. in the afternoon we take the rickshaws to experience the enchanting and the incredible life on the streets of Varanasi. We continue, by walk to visit the Ghats to witness the evening Aarti on the Ganges. Overnight at Taj Gateway Varanasi / Radisson Hotel / Clarks Varanasi DAY 13 DEPARTURE FROM VARANASI Transfer to airport for your flight or depart to your onward destination. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 10 of 64

11 INCREDIBLY ON THE GANGES BETWEEN BENARES (VARANASI) AND CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) 13 Days on Tour: 9 Nights on & 3 Nights in Hotels DOWNSTREAM PROGRAM DAY 1 ARRIVAL AT VARANASI (D) Arrive at Varanasi the holiest town for Hindus. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Evening is at leisure Overnight at Taj Gateway Varanasi / Radisson Hotel / Clarks Varanasi DAY 2 VARANASI (B, L, D) After breakfast visit Sarnath the ruins and Museum. The city is famous as the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Archeological Museum of Sarnath contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years. Late in the afternoon we take the rickshaws to experience the enchanting and the incredible life on the streets of Varanasi. We continue, by walk to visit the Ghats to witness the evening Aarti on the Ganges. Overnight at Taj Gateway Varanasi / Radisson Hotel / Clarks Varanasi Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 11 of 64

12 DAY 3 VARANASI - BODHGAYA(B, L, D) - BY SURFACE After breakfast we start our journey for Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. It was here, under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One. Overnight at Royal Residency / Lotus Hotel / Hotel Sujata in Bodhgaya / Indo Hokke Hotel, Rajgir DAY 4 BY SURFACE FROM BODHGAYA NALANDA SIMARIA (B, L, D) EMBARK SHIP After breakfast we drive to Nalanda. Nalanda perhaps is the oldest seat of learning in India. It treasures a glorious past, rich spiritual heritage and some extraordinary architectural ruins believed to be established in 5th century by the Gupta Kings. Thereafter we drive through Rajgir, the first capital of the Magadha Empire. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir, but also delivered important sermons here. After lunch at local restaurant, we continue our drive to embark RV from Simaria. Overnight at Simaria. Overnight on board RV DAY 5 MUNGER - SULTANGANJ (B, L, D) We cast off for Munger. We visit the Bihar School of Yoga: Established in 1963 by Swami Niranjanananda Bihar School of Yoga in order to preserve and regenerate the total scope of yogic science by combining academic and scientific methodology with a spiritual vision. We sail past Sultanganj conspicuous for two great rocks of granite, one of which on the river bank is crowned by a mosque. The second and larger one is occupied by a temple of Ghaibinath Siva. During the rule of the Maurya, Gupta and Pala many works of art and architecture were raised at Sultanganj. Excavation near Sultanpur has yielded ancient relics like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta Hindu and Buddha images. Overnight at Sultanganj Overnight on board RV DAY 6 SULTANGANJ - BATESHWARSTHAN KARAGOLA (B, L, D) We cast off from Sultanganj to arrive at Bateshwarsthan. We cruise through the Vikramashila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, established for the protection and conservation of the Ganges River Dolphins. The area also supports a rich diversity of other wildlife, many of which are threatened with extinction. These species include the Indian smooth-coated Otter, several species of hard and soft shell turtles, and an astounding variety of migratory and resident migratory birds. Later we visit the ruins of Vikramashila University. Established by King Dharampala in late 8th or early 9th Century A.D. Vikramashila University was one of the two most important centers of Buddhist learning in India during the reign of the Pala dynasty along with Nalanda University. Vikramashila was one of the largest Buddhist universities having more than one hundred teachers and about one thousand students. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, meta-physics and logic were taught here. Overnight at Karagola Overnight on board RV Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 12 of 64

13 DAY 7 KARAGOLA - RAJ MAHAL TO FARRAKA (B, L, D) Cast off from Karagola. This area is rich in bird life. Large flocks of water birds including Common Cranes can be seen here. Later arrive at Rajmahal. Once known as Akbarnagar, founded by the Mogul Emperor Akbar as capital of in Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, spent a part of his youth here. Walk around and explore ruins of palaces and the mosques, through the areas where China Clay is mined. Overnight at Farraka. Overnight on board RV DAY 8 FARAKKA JANGIPUR (B, L, D) Morning we cross the Farakka lock gate. After we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges revealing vast Panoramas, we cross the lock. We also see the Farakka barrage which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India. Continue our cruise through the waters of West to Jangipur. Overnight at Jangipur Overnight on board RV DAY 9 MURSHIDABAD MATIARI (B, L, D) Cast off for Murshidabad. We visit the Temples of Baranagar. The Temple complex was built in by Rani Bhabani, the landlord of Natore. The brick built temples are considered to be amongst the best examples of Terracotta art. Arrive at Murshidabad Jetty opposite the New Palace now under renovation. We visit the Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah ( AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan following the Greek Doric style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors. Opposite to the Palace it the vast Imambara open only during the religious ceremony time. We will also visit the Katra mosque. The mosque was built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad - Murshid Quli Khan in the Overnight at Matiari Overnight on board RV DAY 10 MATIARI - KALNA (B, L, D) Continue to cruise past the religious town of Mayapur, quintessentially a temple town known for being the headquarters of the Krishna Consciousness Movement ISKON and the birth place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, born in 1486 AD and considered as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The town is situated on the banks of the confluence of the and the Jalangi rivers. We cruise to Kalna. Here we ride Rickshaws to visit the enchanting Rajbari complex that has the maximum concentration of temples. The complex contains a unique mixture of s temple architecture. On one side of the road lies the Nabakailas Temples. Built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, the complex contains 108 'aat chala' or eight sloped roofed Shiva temples arranged in two concentric circles. The outer circle consists of 74 temples of alternate black and white lingams while the 34 temples of the inner circle have only white lingams. Due to its ingenious planning all Shiva lingams can be seen from the centre of the temple. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 13 of 64

14 On the other side of the road lies a walled complex, containing the most diversified form of s temple architecture. The Pratapeshwar Temple, built in 1849 contains terra cotta plaques depicting themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga and various aspects of day to day life. The other temples are the Lalji temple built in 1739, the oldest in the complex, Krishnachandra temple built in 1751 is similar to the Lalji temple. The complex also houses a flat roofed temple of Giri Govardhan. Overnight at Kalna. Overnight on board RV DAY 11 KALNA KOLKATA (B, L, D) After casting off from Kalna very early in the morning our journey will take us through the areas where the different European settlers had established their respective East Indian Companies leaving back reminiscence of their settlements during the period of 17th to 19th century. We will continue our cruise through the vast country side of golden. Later arrive at Kolkata. Overnight Kolkata Overnight on board RV DAY 12 KOLKATA (B, L, D) After breakfast we will disembark and go for a city orientation tour of Kolkata. We will visit the Colonial parts of Kolkata; we will drive a section of the Heritage Buildings of Kolkata covering Writer s Building, The General Post Office, The High court, The Raj Bhawan, The Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, The Reserve Bank of India also visit the Dalhousie Square and then drive past St. John s Church and Victoria Memorial [Photo Stop]. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and later we will return to the ship. Overnight on board RV DAY 13 DEPARTURE FROM KOLKATA (B,_,_) After breakfast disembark, transfer to airport for your flight or depart to your onward destination. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 14 of 64

15 LOWER GANGES WEST DISCOVERY FROM KOLKATA TO KOLKATA 10 Days / 9 Nights on DAY 1 KOLKATA - CHANDERNAGORE (_, _, D) Arrival of guests by International or Domestic flights in the early morning Transfer to the ship. After lunch Kolkata Orientation Tour: The city orientation tour will take us to the Colonial parts of Kolkata; we will drive a section of the Heritage Buildings of Kolkata covering Writer s Building, The General Post Office, The High court, The Raj Bhawan, The Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, The Reserve Bank of India also visit the Dalhousie Square and then drive past St. John s Church and Victoria Memorial [Photo Stop]. After city tour return to the ship and cast off Overnight on board RV DAY 2 CHARDENAGORE - KALNA (B, L, D) Upon arrival we disembark the ship take the country boat to the landing site to visit. Chandernagore was established as a French colony in 1673, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of, to establish a trading post on the bank of the Hooghly River. was then a province of the Mughal Empire, and it became a permanent French settlement in On arrival at the former French colony, we will walk through French Colonial buildings and along the promenade, passing the former French Governor s residence now converted into a museum, (we will visit if open), the church and the old bakery. Some of the other buildings have now been converted into college and schools. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 15 of 64

16 We set sail and moor at Kalna Overnight sailing on board RV DAY 3 KALNA MATIARI (B, L, D) Early morning we take rickshaws to visit the temple town of Kalna visit the enchanting Rajbari complex that has the maximum concentration of temples. The complex contains a unique mixture of s temple architecture. On one side of the road lies the Nabakailas Temples. Built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, the complex contains 108 'aat chala' or eight sloped roofed Shiva temples arranged in two concentric circles. The outer circle consists of 74 temples of alternate black and white lingams; while the 34 temples of the inner circle have only white lingams. Due to its ingenious planning all Shiva lingams can be seen from the centre of the temple. On the other side of the road lies a walled complex, containing the most diversified form of s temple architecture. The Pratapeshwar Temple, built in 1849 contains terra cotta plaques depicting themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga and various aspects of day to day life. The other temples are the Lalji temple built in 1739, the oldest in the complex, Krishnachandra temple built in 1751 is similar to the Lalji temple. The complex also houses a flat roofed temple of Giri Govardhan. We set sail and arrive at Matiari and moor there. Overnight on board RV DAY 4 MATIARI - KUSHBAGH (B, L, D) Post breakfast we visit Matiari, known for manufacturing handcrafted brass pots and various kinds of brass utensils. We will get to see master craftsmen use traditional methods passed down from generations to manufacture these brass items. There is an opportunity to buy souvenirs. Today we sail to Murshidabad and en-route sail past the battlefield of Plassey where in 1757 Robert Clive of British East India Company defeated the Mogul Nawabs, the then rulers of and their French Allies establishing the company rule in India which expanded over much of South Asia for the next 190 years. Overnight on board RV DAY 5 KUSHBAGH - MURSHIDABAD BARANAGAR (B, L, D) After breakfast we will visit the pleasure garden of Nawab Ali-Vardi-Khan the Khushbagh. The place also houses the memorial of the late Nawab and his family Nawab Sriraj-Ud-Daula, who along with his entire family was murdered by his successor after the Battle of Plassey. Later we sail to Murshidabad and visit the Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah ( AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan following the Greek Doric style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors. Inside the palace museum one can observe a wide collection of antiquities including various kinds of weapons, oil paintings of Dutch, French and Italian artists, marble statues, metal objects, porcelain and stucco statues, farmans, rare books, old maps, manuscripts, land revenue records, palanquin mostly belonging to eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. We will also visit the Katra Mosque built by the founder of Murshidabad Nawab Murshid-Kuli-Khan. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 16 of 64

17 Later sail to Baranagar and moor for the night. Overnight on board RV DAY 6 BARANAGAR - KATWA (B, L, D) Post breakfast we will visit the Temples of Baranagar: The Temple complex was built in by Rani Bhabani, the landlord of Natore. The brick-built temples are considered to be amongst the best examples of Terra cotta art. We will also have a chance to see the life of rural. Later sail back to Katwa and moor for the night Overnight on board RV DAY 7 KATWA MAYAPUR - SANTIPUR (B, L, D) We set sail and arrive at Mayapur. We will visit the religious town of Mayapur, quintessentially a temple town known for being the headquarters of the Krishna Consciousness Movement ISKON and the birth place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, born in 1486 AD and considered as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The town is situated on the banks of the confluence of the and the Jalangi rivers. Post lunch we will visit a typical weaving village of Santipur, and see the local sari that is made here. Overnight on board RV DAY 8 SANTIPUR BANDEL TO DAKSHINESHWAR (B, L, D) We set sail to Bandel and visit the Imambara at Bandel, which is one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centres in West. The building was started in the year 1841 by Haji Mohammad Mahasin and was completed in the year The two storied building consisting of ranged rooms having a wide entrance of main gate flanked by two giant towers. The gravelly gong of the Victorian-era clock, the winding key of which reportedly weighs 20kg, breaks the reverie. Eighty-five large chandeliers, including the Persian ones and 165 smaller lamps light up the Imambara s gorgeous halls and passages every Muharram, when pilgrims descend on the famous Shia pilgrimage site. Today it houses Hamza-e-Ilmia, Higher Religious Education Centre. Later sail to Dakshineshwar and moor for the night. Overnight on board RV DAY 9 DAKSHINESHWAR TO KOLKATA (B, L, D) After breakfast we will visit the famous Dakshineshwar Kali temple. Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali, meaning, 'She who liberates Her devotees from the ocean of existence i.e., Samsara. The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a devotee of Kali in The temple is famous for its association with Ramakrishna a mystic of 19th Century. Continue our journey to Kolkata and moor at the Botanical Garden Jetty. Overnight on board RV DAY 10 DEPARTURE FROM KOLKATA After breakfast disembark, transfer to airport for your flight or depart to your onward destination. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 17 of 64

18 YATRA BETWEEN CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) AND FARRAKA 7 Days on Tour: 5 Nights on & 1 Night in Hotel UPSTREAM PROGRAM DAY 1 ARRIVE AT KOLKATA (_, _, D) Arrival of guests by International or Domestic flights in the early morning (after midnight) or before midnight the previous day at Kolkata. Transfer to the ship. Overnight for those arriving before and after midnight. Refreshment and rest for those arriving in the early morning. After lunch Kolkata Orientation Tour: The city orientation tour will take us to the Colonial parts of Kolkata; we will drive a section of the Heritage Buildings of Kolkata covering Writer s Building, The General Post Office, The High court, The Raj Bhawan, The Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, The Reserve Bank of India also visit the Dalhousie Square and then drive past St. John s Church and Victoria Memorial [Photo Stop]. After city tour return to the ship and cast off Overnight on board RV DAY 2 FROM KOLKATA TO KALNA (B, L, D) Our upstream journey to Kalna will take us through the areas where the different European settlers had established their respective East Indian Companies leaving back reminiscence of their settlements Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 18 of 64

19 during the period of 17th to 19th century. We will continue our cruise through the vast country side of golden. Overnight sailing on board RV DAY 3 KALNA MATIARI (B, L, D) Early morning we take rickshaws to visit the temple town of Kalna visit the enchanting Rajbari complex that has the maximum concentration of temples. The complex contains a unique mixture of s temple architecture. On one side of the road lies the Nabakailas Temples. Built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, the complex contains 108 'aat chala' or eight sloped roofed Shiva temples arranged in two concentric circles. The outer circle consists of 74 temples of alternate black and white lingams; while the 34 temples of the inner circle have only white lingams. Due to its ingenious planning all Shiva lingams can be seen from the centre of the temple. On the other side of the road lies a walled complex, containing the most diversified form of s temple architecture. The Pratapeshwar Temple, built in 1849 contains terra cotta plaques depicting themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga and various aspects of day to day life. The other temples are the Lalji temple built in 1739, the oldest in the complex, Krishnachandra temple built in 1751 is similar to the Lalji temple. The complex also houses a flat roofed temple of Giri Govardhan. We cruise past the religious town of Mayapur, quintessentially a temple town known for being the headquarters of the Krishna Consciousness Movement ISKON and the birth place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, born in 1486 AD and considered as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The town is situated on the banks of the confluence of the and the Jalangi rivers. Overnight at Matiari. Overnight on board RV DAY 4 MATIARI - MURSHIDABAD (B, L, D) Early in the morning we will visit the unique Brass making village Matiari. The unique character of the village is as we start walking towards the village, we can hear the loud noise of beating of metal coming from all the houses which specialize in making the different brass artefacts. We will have a nice walk in the village to see and experience the different process of the brass making. Cast off and sail past Plassey which is well known for the battle that took place in 1757, that turned the history of India. The battlefield of Plassey is where Robert Clive of British East India Company defeated the Mogul Nawab, the then rulers of and their French Allies; establishing the company rule in India which expanded over much of South Asia for the next 190 years. Overnight at Murshidabad. Overnight on board RV DAY 5 MURSHIDABAD JANGIPUR (B, L, D) Cast off early morning to arrive at Murshidabad Jetty opposite the New Palace now under renovation. We visit the Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah ( AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan following the Greek Doric style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors. Opposite to the Palace it the vast Imambara open only during the religious ceremony time. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 19 of 64

20 We will also visit the Katra mosque. The mosque was built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad - Murshid Quli Khan in the After Murshidabad we will visit the Temples of Baranagar. The Temple complex was built in by Rani Bhabani, the landlord of Natore. The brick built temples are considered to be amongst the best examples of Terracotta art. Overnight at Jangipur. Overnight on board RV DAY 6 JANGIPUR - KOLKATA BY TRAIN (B, L, D) Early morning check-out Disembark at Jangipur and transfer to Jangipur Road Train Station. Depart in the morning (07:30 hrs) by Intercity Express. Arrive in the afternoon (12:50 hrs) in Calcutta (Kolkata) Howrah Junction Train Station and transfer to the hotel for dinner. Overnight at Oberoi Grand / Taj DAY 7 KOLKATTA (B, _, _) After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight or depart to your onward destination. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 20 of 64

21 YATRA BETWEEN FARRAKA AND CALCUTTA (KOLKATA) 7 Days on Tour: 5 Nights on & 1 Night in Hotel DOWNSTREAM PROGRAM DAY 1 ARRIVE AT KOLKATA (_, _, D) Arrive at Kolkata by different flights and transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel Oberoi Grand or Taj Hotel DAY 2 KOLKATA FARAKKA BY TRAIN EMBARK SHIP (B, L, D) Early breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Howrah Junction Train Station and departure by the Kanchanjunga Express (06:35). Arrive in the early afternoon (12:52) in Farakka and transfer on board of Rv for lunch. Cruise through the waters of West to Jangipur. Overnight at Murshidabad Overnight on board RV DAY 3 MURSHIDABAD MATIARI (B, L, D) Cast of for Murshidabad. We visit the Temples of Baranagar. The Temple complex was built in by Rani Bhabani, the landlord of Natore. The brick built temples are considered to be amongst the best examples of Terracotta art. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 21 of 64

22 Arrive at Murshidabad Jetty opposite the New Palace now under renovation. We visit the Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah ( AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan following the Greek Doric style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors. Opposite to the Palace it the vast Imambara open only during the religious ceremony time. We will also visit the Katra mosque. The mosque was built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad - Murshid Quli Khan in the Overnight at Matiari Overnight on board RV DAY 4 MATIARI - KALNA (B, L, D) Continue to cruise past the religious town of Mayapur, quintessentially a temple town known for being the headquarters of the Krishna Consciousness Movement ISKON and the birth place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, born in 1486 AD and considered as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The town is situated on the banks of the confluence of the and the Jalangi rivers. We cruise to Kalna. Here we ride Rickshaws to visit the enchanting Rajbari complex that has the maximum concentration of temples. The complex contains a unique mixture of s temple architecture. On one side of the road lies the Nabakailas Temples. Built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, the complex contains 108 'aat chala' or eight sloped roofed Shiva temples arranged in two concentric circles. The outer circle consists of 74 temples of alternate black and white lingams while the 34 temples of the inner circle have only white lingams. Due to its ingenious planning all Shiva lingams can be seen from the centre of the temple. On the other side of the road lies a walled complex, containing the most diversified form of s temple architecture. The Pratapeshwar Temple, built in 1849 contains terra cotta plaques depicting themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga and various aspects of day to day life. The other temples are the Lalji temple built in 1739, the oldest in the complex, Krishnachandra temple built in 1751 is similar to the Lalji temple. The complex also houses a flat roofed temple of Giri Govardhan. Overnight at Kalna. Overnight on board RV DAY 5 KALNA KOLKATA (B, L, D) After casting off from Kalna very early in the morning our journey will take us through the areas where the different European settlers had established their respective East Indian Companies leaving back reminiscence of their settlements during the period of 17th to 19th century. We will continue our cruise through the vast country side of golden. Later arrive at Kolkata. Overnight Kolkata Overnight on board RV DAY 6 KOLKATA (B, L, D) After breakfast we will disembark and go for a city orientation tour of Kolkata. We will visit the Colonial parts of Kolkata; we will drive a section of the Heritage Buildings of Kolkata covering Writer s Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 22 of 64

23 Building, The General Post Office, The High court, The Raj Bhawan, The Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, The Reserve Bank of India also visit the Dalhousie Square and then drive past St. John s Church and Victoria Memorial [Photo Stop]. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and later we will return to the ship. Overnight on board RV DAY 7 DEPARTURE FROM KOLKATA (B,_,_) After breakfast disembark, transfer to airport for your flight or depart to your onward destination. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 23 of 64

24 YATRA BETWEEN FARAKKA AND VARANASI 10 Days on Tour: 6 Nights on & 3 Nights in Hotels UPSTREAM PROGRAM DAY 1 ARRIVE AT KOLKATA (_, _, D) Arrival of guests by International flights in evening, night or after midnight at Kolkata or New Delhi. Overnight at Oberoi Grand / Taj [Kolkata] / Airport Hotel New Delhi OR on the Ship DAY 2 KOLKATA JANGIPUR BY TRAIN (B, L, D) The international guests that are arriving at New Delhi will take the morning flight to Kolkata. Later go for a city orientation tour of Kolkata. The guests those who are already in Kolkata will go for the city orientation tour. The city orientation tour will take us to the Colonial parts of Kolkata; we will drive a section of the Heritage Buildings of Kolkata covering Writer s Building, The General Post Office, The High court, The Raj Bhawan, The Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, The Reserve Bank of India also visit the Dalhousie Square and then drive past St. John s Church and Victoria Memorial [Photo Stop]. After city tour we will have lunch at a local restaurant and then transfer to Howrah Junction Train Station and departure by the Intercity Express (15:15 hrs). Arrive night (20:18 hrs) in Jangipur and transfer on board of Rv. Overnight on board RV Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 24 of 64

25 DAY 3 JANGIPUR - FARAKKA - RAJ MAHAL (B, L, D) We cast of early morning to reach the Farakka Lock Gate and cross through the lock within 1000 hrs. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges revealing vast Panoramas. We also see the Farakka barrage which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India. Continue cruise to Rajmahal. Overnight at Rajmahal Overnight on board RV DAY 4 RAJ MAHAL KARAGOLA (B, L, D) Before Breakfast walk to visit the ruins of Rajmahal. Once known as Akbarnagar, founded by the Mogul Emperor Akbar as capital of in Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, spent a part of his youth here. Walk around and explore ruins of palaces and the mosques, through the areas where China Clay is mined. On return we cast off for Karagola. This area is rich in bird life. Large flocks of water birds including Common Cranes can be seen here. Overnight at Karagola. Overnight on board RV DAY 5 KARAGOLA - BATESHWARSTHAN TO SULTANGANJ (B, L, D) In the morning we visit the Vikramashila University. Established by King Dharampala in late 8th or early 9th Century A.D. Vikramshila University was one of the two most important centers of Buddhist learning in India during the reign of the Pala dynasty along with Nalanda University. Vikramashila was one of the largest Buddhist universities having more than one hundred teachers and about one thousand students. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, meta-physics and logic were taught here. Later we cruise through the Vikramashila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, established for the protection and conservation of the Ganges River Dolphins. The area also supports a rich diversity of other wildlife, many of which are threatened with extinction. These species include the Indian smooth-coated Otter, several species of hard and soft shell turtles, and an astounding variety of migratory and resident migratory birds. Sultanganj conspicuous for two great rocks of granite, one of which on the river bank is crowned by a mosque. The second and larger one is occupied by a temple of Ghaibinath Siva. During the rule of the Maurya, Gupta and Pala many works of art and architecture were raised at Sultanganj. Excavation near Sultanpur has yielded ancient relics like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta Hindu and Buddha images. Overnight at Sultanganj. Overnight on board RV DAY 6 SULTANGANJ TO MUNGER (B, L, D) After breakfast we visit Sultanganj conspicuous for two great rocks of granite, one of which on the river bank is crowned by a mosque. The second and larger one is occupied by a temple of Ghaibinath Siva. During the rule of the Maurya, Gupta and Pala many works of art and architecture were raised at Sultanganj. Excavation near Sultanpur has yielded ancient relics like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta Hindu and Buddha images. Later we sail to Munger overnight Munger Overnight on board RV Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 25 of 64

26 DAY 7 MUNGER TO SIMARIA (B, L, D) After breakfast we visit Bihar School of Yoga: Established in 1963 by Swami Niranjanananda Bihar School of Yoga in order to preserve and regenerate the total scope of yogic science by combining academic and scientific methodology with a spiritual vision. Later we sail for Simaria. Overnight at Simaria. Overnight on board RV DAY 8 DISEMBARK SHIP AT SIMARIA - NALANDA BODHGAYA (B, L, D) BY SURFACE We disembark the ship at 0700 hrs and travel by surface to Nalanda. Nalanda perhaps is the oldest seat of learning in India. It treasures a glorious past, rich spiritual heritage and some extraordinary architectural ruins believed to be established in 5th century by the Gupta Kings. Thereafter we drive through Rajgir, the first capital of the Magadha Empire. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir, but also delivered important sermons here. Lunch at local restaurant, we continue our journey to Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. It was here, under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One. Overnight at Royal Residency / Lotus Hotel / Hotel Sujata at Bodhgaya / Indo Hokke Hotel, Rajgir DAY 9 BODHGAYA VARANASI (B, L, D) After breakfast we drive to Varanasi the holiest town for Hindus. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. in the afternoon we take the rickshaws to experience the enchanting and the incredible life on the streets of Varanasi. We continue, by walk to visit the Ghats to witness the evening Aarti on the Ganges. Overnight at Taj Gateway Varanasi / Radisson Hotel / Clarks Varanasi DAY 10 DEPARTURE FROM VARANASI Transfer to airport for your flight or depart to your onward destination. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 26 of 64

27 YATRA BETWEEN VARANASI AND FARAKKA 10 Days on Tour: 5 Nights on & 4 Nights in Hotels DOWNSTREAM PROGRAM DAY 1 ARRIVAL AT VARANASI Arrive in Varanasi the holiest town for Hindus. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Evening is at leisure Overnight at Taj Gateway Varanasi / Radisson Hotel / Clarks Varanasi DAY 2 VARANASI (B, L, D) After breakfast visit Sarnath the ruins and Museum. The city is famous as the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Archeological Museum of Sarnath contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years. Late in the afternoon we take the rickshaws to experience the enchanting and the incredible life on the streets of Varanasi. We continue, by walk to visit the Ghats to witness the evening Aarti on the Ganges. Overnight at Taj Varanasi / Radisson Hotel / Clarks Varanasi Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 27 of 64

28 DAY 3 VARANASI - BODHGAYA(B, L, D) BY SURFACE After breakfast we start our journey for Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. It was here, under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One. Overnight at Royal Residency / Lotus Hotel / Hotel Sujata in Bodhgaya / Indo Hokke Hotel, Rajgir DAY 4 BY SURFACE FROM BODHGAYA NALANDA SIMARIA (B, L, D) EMBARK SHIP After breakfast we drive to Nalanda. Nalanda perhaps is the oldest seat of learning in India. It treasures a glorious past, rich spiritual heritage and some extraordinary architectural ruins believed to be established in 5th century by the Gupta Kings. Thereafter we drive through Rajgir, the first capital of the Magadha Empire. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir, but also delivered important sermons here. After lunch at local restaurant, we continue our drive to embark RV from Simaria. Overnight at Simaria. Overnight on board RV DAY 5 MUNGER - SULTANGANJI (B, L, D) We cast off for Munger. We visit the Bihar School of Yoga: Established in 1963 by Swami Niranjanananda Bihar School of Yoga in order to preserve and regenerate the total scope of yogic science by combining academic and scientific methodology with a spiritual vision. We sail past Sultanganj conspicuous for two great rocks of granite, one of which on the river bank is crowned by a mosque. The second and larger one is occupied by a temple of Ghaibinath Siva. During the rule of the Maurya, Gupta and Pala many works of art and architecture were raised at Sultanganj. Excavation near Sultanpur has yielded ancient relics like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta Hindu and Buddha images. Overnight at Sultanganj Overnight on board RV DAY 6 SULTANGANJ - BATESHWARSTHAN KARAGOLA (B, L, D) We cast off from Bhagalpur to arrive at Bateshwar Sthan. We cruise through the Vikramashila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, established for the protection and conservation of the Ganges River Dolphins. The area also supports a rich diversity of other wildlife, many of which are threatened with extinction. These species include the Indian smooth-coated Otter, several species of hard and soft shell turtles, and an astounding variety of migratory and resident migratory birds. Later we visit the ruins of Vikramashila University. Established by King Dharampala in late 8th or early 9th Century A.D. Vikramashila University was one of the two most important centers of Buddhist learning in India during the reign of the Pala dynasty along with Nalanda University. Vikramashila was one of the largest Buddhist universities having more than one hundred teachers and about one thousand students. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, meta-physics and logic were taught here. Overnight at Karagola Overnight on board RV Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 28 of 64

29 DAY 7 KARAGOLA - RAJ MAHAL TO FARRAKA (B, L, D) Cast off from Karagola. This area is rich in bird life. Large flocks of water birds including Common Cranes can be seen here. Later arrive at Rajmahal. Once known as Akbarnagar, founded by the Mogul Emperor Akbar as capital of in Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, spent a part of his youth here. Walk around and explore ruins of palaces and the mosques, through the areas where China Clay is mined. Overnight at Farraka. Overnight on board RV DAY 8 FARAKKA JANGIPUR (B, L, D) Morning we cross the Farakka lock gate. After we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges through vast Panoramas, we cross the lock. We also see the Farakka barrage which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India. Continue our cruise through the waters of West to Jangipur. Overnight at Jangipur Overnight on board RV DAY 9 DISEMBARK SHIP AT JANGIPUR BY TRAIN TO KOLKATA (B, L, D) After a very early breakfast, disembarkation and transfer to Jangipur Railway Station. Depart early morning at (07:30 hrs) by Intercity Express. Arrive in the afternoon at (12:50 hrs) in Calcutta (Kolkata) Howrah Junction Train Station and transfer to the hotel. Enroute to the hotel we will drive through the Colonial parts of Kolkata; a section of the Heritage Buildings of Calcutta covering Writers Building, The General Post Office, The High court, The Raj Bhawan, The Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, The Reserve Bank of India also visit the Dalhousie Square and the drive past St. John s Church. Overnight at Oberoi Grand / Taj DAY 10 KOLKATA (B) After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight or depart to your onward destination. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 29 of 64

30 PRE/POST CRUISE LAND TOURS UPSTREAM POST CRUISE TOUR TAJ MAHAL - AGRA A tour of India is not complete without visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra and surroundings. Tour includes four days coach excursion and accommodation in hotels like the Radisson hotel and the Bagh Hotel. DURATION: 4 Days/3 Nights DAY 1 VARANASI / DELHI ( _, _, D) Arrive Delhi by flight and transfer to Radisson hotel or Similar. Overnight in the Hotel DAY 2 DELHI / BHARATPUR ( B, L, D) Breakfast in the Hotel. Drive to Bharatpur (Aprrox 4 ½ Hrs) and transfer to The Bagh at Bharatpur Enroute - visit Deeg Palace. This small town contains the summer palace of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Built two centuries ago, it seems like a modest palace for a modest Maharaja but in 1762 the Maharaja of Bharatpur had the temerity to attack the Red Fort. Some of the booty he carried off included an entire marble building which can still be seen. Deeg has other palaces and gardens laid out with fountains in the garden. Overnight at the Bagh Hotel. DAY 3 VISIT TAJ MAHAL (B, L, D) Breakfast in the Hotel. Enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri is an epic built in red sandstone, a city of yesteryears, today lost in the mists of time Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D. A son less Akbar had gone to Sikri to seek blessings of a Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. When his son was finally born, he in gratitude constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to shortage of water and unrest in north-west, Akbar had to abandon this city. The beautiful marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti attracts thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned places are Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai's Palace and Birbal Bhavan. Further proceed to Agra and visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The Taj Mahal: One of the wonders of the world, built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum is pure white marble and an architectural marvel. Construction of Taj begun in 1631 and was not completed until Total people worked on the building. The Taj Mahal is considered as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 30 of 64

31 elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architectural styles. While the white domed marble mausoleum is most familiar, Taj Mahal is an integrated complex of structures and was completed around Later visit Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. Construction of the massive Agra Fort began in 1565, and additions were made until the time of his grandson, Shah Jehan. While in Akbar's time, the fort was principally a military structure, by Shah Jehan's tenure the fort had become partially a palace Overnight at the Bagh Hotel. DAY 4 VARANASI / DELHI ( B, L, D) Breakfast in the Hotel. Depart for Delhi. Afternoon half day city tour of New Delhi Lutyen s Delhi stands in its formal splendor, a city of wide boulevards offering ever changing perspectives with landscaped formal parks, a feel of the contemporary and the colonial past. You will drive around the magnificent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan currently the official residence of the President of India spread over 330 acres of land, once an awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys of India. We will drive to the India Gate, a memorial for soldiers who laid down their lives in World War 1 and the Afghan wars for the British Empire. Following India's independence, India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti (Immortal Soldier). Thereafter visit Humayun s Tomb, the frontrunner of Taj Mahal. This grand tomb is the best-preserved example of early Moghul architecture in Delhi and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Built in the mid -16th century by Haji Begum, wife of Humayun, the second Moghul emperor, it displays elements of Moghul design that were eventually refined and incorporated into the Taj Mahal in Agra. It comprises a squat building with high arched entrances topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens. The gardens also contain the red-and-white sandstone and black-and-yellow marble tomb of Haji Begum After Dinner transfer to the Airport to board the flight for Onward Destination Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 31 of 64

32 DOWNSTREAM PRE CRUISE TOUR TAJ MAHAL - AGRA A tour of India is not complete without visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra and surroundings. Tour includes four days coach excursion and accommodation in hotels like the Radisson hotel and the Bagh Hotel. DURATION: 4 Days/3 Nights DAY 1 ARRIVE DELHI ( _, _, _) Arrive Delhi by flight and transfer to Radisson hotel or Similar. Overnight in the Hotel. DAY 2 DELHI / BHARATPUR (B, L, D) Breakfast in the Hotel. Tour of New Delhi Lutyen s Delhi stands in its formal splendor, a city of wide boulevards offering ever changing perspectives with landscaped parks, a feel of the contemporary and the colonial past. You will drive around the magnificent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan currently the official residence of the President of India spread over 330 acres of land, once an awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys of India. We will drive to the India Gate, a memorial for soldiers who laid down their lives in World War 1 and the Afghan wars for the British Empire. Following India's independence, India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti (Immortal Soldier). Thereafter visit Humayun s Tomb, the frontrunner of Taj Mahal. This grand tomb is the best-preserved example of early Moghul architecture in Delhi and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Built in the mid -16th century by Haji Begum, wife of Humayun, the second Moghul emperor, it displays elements of Moghul design that were eventually refined and incorporated into the Taj Mahal in Agra. It comprises a squat building with high arched entrances topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens. The gardens also contain the red-and-white sandstone and black-and-yellow marble tomb of Haji Begum Later drive to Bharatpur (Aprrox 4 ½ Hrs) and transfer to The Bagh Hotel, Bharatpur Enroute - visit Deeg Palace. Barely 35 kilometers from Bharatpur, Deegh, is the summer palace of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Built two centuries ago, it seems like a modest palace for a modest Maharaja but in 1762 the Maharaja of Bharatpur had the temerity to attack the Red Fort. Some of the booty he carried off included an entire marble building which can still be seen. Deeg has other palaces and gardens laid out with fountains in the garden. Overnight at the Bagh Hotel. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 32 of 64

33 DAY 3 VISIT TAJ MAHAL (B, L, D) Breakfast in the Hotel. Depart for Taj Mahal enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is an epic built in red sandstone, a city of yesteryears, today lost in the mists of time Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D. A son less Akbar had gone to Sikri to seek blessings of a Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. When his son was finally born, he in gratitude constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to shortage of water and unrest in north-west, Akbar had to abandon this city. The beautiful marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti attracts thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned places are Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai's Palace and Birbal Bhavan. Further proceed to Agra and visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort The Taj Mahal: One of the wonders of the world, built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum is pure white marble and an architectural marvel. Construction of Taj begun in 1631 and was not completed until Total people worked on the building. The Taj Mahal is considered as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architectural styles. While the white domed marble mausoleum is most familiar, Taj Mahal is an integrated complex of structures and was completed around Later visit Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. Construction of the massive Agra Fort began in 1565, and additions were made until the time of his grandson, Shah Jehan. While in Akbar's time, the fort was principally a military structure, by Shah Jehan's tenure the fort had become partially a palace Overnight at the Bagh Hotel. DAY 4 BHARATPUR / DELHI (B, L, D) Breakfast in the Hotel. Later drive to Delhi and transfer to the Airport to board the flight SG 114 at 1410 for Varanasi. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 33 of 64

34 RETAIL RATES CRUISES RATES Per person in INR (Indian Rupee) NOTE: IN LINE WITH OTHER TOURIST LUXURY PRODUCTS AND HOTEL CHAINS, ALL RATES ARE EXPRESSED IN OUR BASE CURRENCY THE INDIAN RUPEE (INR). PAYMENTS CAN STILL BE DONE ALSO IN US$ AT THE ACTUAL CONVERSION RATE OF THE DAY OF REMITTANCE (AS AN INDICATION THE AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE IN JUNE 2012 WAS 1 US$ = 55 INR / 1 EURO = 69 INR INCREDIBLY ON THE GANGES 12 Nights / 13 Days From OCT 2012 to APR 2013 Main Deck Twin INR 390,000 Twin Single use INR 465,000 Upper Deck Twin INR 465,000 Twin Single use INR 545,000 From AUG 2013 to APR 2014 Main Deck Twin INR 445,000 Twin Single use INR 530,000 Upper Deck Twin INR 530,000 Twin Single use INR 620,000 LOWER GANGES 9 Nights / 10 Days APR 2013 Main Deck Twin INR 295,000 Twin Single use INR 350,000 Upper Deck Twin INR 350,000 Twin Single use INR 410,000 From AUG 2013 to APR 2014 Main Deck Twin INR 335,000 Twin Single use INR 400,000 Upper Deck Twin INR 400,000 Twin Single use INR 465,000 YATRA 6 Nights / 7 Days From OCT 2012 to APR 2013 Main Deck Twin INR 270,000 Twin Single use INR 325,000 Upper Deck Twin INR 325,000 Twin Single use INR 380,000 From AUG 2013 to APR 2014 Main Deck Twin INR 310,000 Twin Single use INR 370,000 Upper Deck Twin INR 370,000 Twin Single use INR 430,000 Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 34 of 64

35 YATRA 9 Nights / 10 Days From OCT 2012 to APR 2013 Main Deck Twin INR 350,000 Twin Single use INR 420,000 Upper Deck Twin INR 420,000 Twin Single use INR 490,000 From AUG 2013 to APR 2014 Main Deck Twin INR 400,000 Twin Single use INR 480,000 Upper Deck Twin INR 480,000 Twin Single use INR 560,000 IMPORTANT NOTE: For All departures should the occupancy be less than 10 PASSENGERS the Company reserves the right to cancel the cruise up to 60 days prior the departure date. A written confirmation notice will be released to all booked clients and/or their agents within and not later than 60 days prior the departure date. In case of cancellation an alternative cruise will be offered and if not acceptable all down payments will be refunded. CRUISE PRICE INCLUDES Hotel accommodation and all meals as indicated by the programs Indian Brand Mineral Water at the time of meals - Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary English / German Speaking Guide (French upon request) - All Entrance Fees Transfers by car/minivan/coach as per programs all entrance fees - camera fees (still) local assistance - Government Service Tax, fuel surcharges if applicable (*) CRUISE PRICE EXCLUDES International or domestic flights (At present *June 2012 * air fare on Economy for Delhi/Varanasi is from INR 6,300 to INR 14,400 Nett Per Pax according to the fare still available at the time of booking) or transportation beyond Calcutta or Varanasi, Wine and Spirits or Beverages, personal laundry, all visa costs, gratuities to staff, all items of a personal nature; health-accident-baggage or travel protection plan outside the ship s boundaries. (*) Within the ticket price fuel costs have been calculated on average prices June 2011 (for rates) and June 2012 (for rates).. Should fuel prices rise by more than 10 % the company will be entitled to impose a fuel supplement equivalent to the amount by which the fuel price exceeds the price allowed for in the contract, provided that the notice of this rise is given to the Passenger and/or his-her Agent within 30 days prior the cruise departure date. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 35 of 64

36 PRE/POST CRUISES LAND TOURS RATES Per person in INR (Indian Rupee) NOTE: IN LINE WITH OTHER TOURIST LUXURY PRODUCTS AND HOTEL CHAINS, ALL RATES ARE EXPRESSED IN OUR BASE CURRENCY THE INDIAN RUPEE (INR). PAYMENTS CAN STILL BE DONE ALSO IN US$ AT THE ACTUAL CONVERSION RATE OF THE DAY OF REMITTANCE (AS AN INDICATION THE AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE IN JUNE 2012 WAS 1 US$ = 55 INR / 1 EURO = 69 INR TAJ MAHAL - AGRA 4DAYS/ 3NIGHTS OCTOBER 2012 TO APRIL 2013 FOR 1 PERSONS INR 95,000 PER PERSON IN SINGLE ROOM FOR 2 PERSONS INR 53,000 PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARE BASIS FOR 3 TO 4 PERSONS INR 47,500 PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARE BASIS - SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT INR 21,300 PER PERSON AUGUST 2013 TO APRIL 2014 FOR 1 PERSONS INR108,000 PER PERSON IN SINGLE ROOM FOR 2 PERSONS INR 62,000 PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARE BASIS FOR 3 TO 4 PERSONS INR 54,400 PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARE BASIS - SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT INR 24,500 PER PERSON - CURRENT AIRFARE SUPPLEMENT: FROM INR 6,300 TO INR 14,400 PER PERSON ACCORDING TO THE FARE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING (ECONOMY CLASS, DELHI TO VARANASI OR VV.) Agra Package Price includes 1 night accommodation at the Radisson Hotel or similar +2 night accommodation at the Bagh Hotel or similar Meals & Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary English Speaking Guide - All Entrance Fees Transfers Agra Package Price excludes Drinks, laundry, all items of a personal nature; health-accident-baggage or travel protection; Air tickets and all Airport taxes; Video or still camera fees; 3.09% Government Service Tax IMPORTANT NOTE:. - Taj Mahal and Deeg Palace are closed on Friday. - Note SG flight does not have Business Class - Please include 3.09% Government Service Tax. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 36 of 64

37 PARTNER HOTELS KOLKATTA (CALCUTTA) OBEROI GRAND - Affectionately known as the Grande Dame of Calcutta, the Oberoi Grand is located in Chowringhee, the heart of Calcutta s commercial district and shopping centre at walking distance from the most famous colonial landmarks. For over 125 years the hotel is an oasis of calm and tranquility in the hustle and bustle of Kolkata. It boasts elegantly appointed rooms, excellent restaurants offering award winning cuisine and an exclusive spa and fitness center by Banyan Tree. The hotel takes pride in its 213 guest rooms and suites, variety of specialty restaurants and bars, recreation, business centre, and conference facilities. All rooms and suites convey a great sense of space, elegance and gracious living. TAJ - Taj, a city landmark in downtown Kolkata, is just 2 kms from the city s commercial centre and is the nearest luxury hotel to Government offices and Consulates. Located in the city s greenest precinct, it is within walking distance of the Victoria Memorial, Royal Calcutta Race Course, Horticulture Gardens, National Library and the Zoological Gardens. Host to Heads of State, dignitaries and businessmen of international stature, this hotel is geared to the needs of a global business traveller. Designed by legendary architect Bob Fox, Taj stands apart with its elegant façade, modern architecture, classical atrium design and interiors with genuine antiques and priceless art. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 37 of 64

38 VARANASI (BENARES) THE GATEWAY (TAJ) GANGES - The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 21 kms (45 mins drive) from the airport, Taj Ganges is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 6 kms away from the city Centre or the commercial hub of Varanasi also commonly known as The Chowk. The hotel is constructed in the holy Swastik shape (The Swastika is an ancient symbol which re-presents good fortune and blessing). Taj Ganges offers recently renovated & refurbished worldclass contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool. The hotel has 130 rooms mostly Standard Rooms and Executive Rooms. RADISSON - The Radisson Hotel Varanasi is a five-star hotel conveniently located in the heart of the city's main business district. The hotel has 116 spacious, comfortable rooms and suites with all facilities. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, and on-site spa's soothing therapies or a state-of-the-art Fitness Center. The are two restaurants, an elegant bar, casual tea/coffee lounge and poolside barbecue CLARKS - The structure of this hotel dates back to over half a century which is why the spacious rooms have a colonial accent, with wide verandahs opening on to lush gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. There are 104 tastefully furnished spacious rooms. Restaurants include Amrapal a Multi cuisine dining room with wide choice of continental, Indian and Chinese cuisine. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 38 of 64

39 BODHGAYA ROYAL RESIDENCY - Located one kilometer from Mahabodhi Temple, it is a good 3 stars superior hotel featuring 62 centrally air-conditioned twin bed rooms and 5 suites with all facilities for a property of this kind. LOTUS NIKKO - Located in the heart of the city adjoining "Maha Bodhi Temple the Hotel has forty six deluxe room and one presidential suite. Restaurant serves Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Continental Cuisine. RAJGIR INDO HOKKE - Classical Indian architecture aesthetically blended with Japanese architecture creates the true ambience for calmness, the Hotel has 44 rooms consisting of Japanese and Western style rooms and 1 Western Suite. The Japanese style rooms are furnished exquisitely with teak wood flooring, Japanese style furniture and exotic lampshades to create an ethnic Japanese ambience. Each room unit has an area of 22.5 sqm and balcony of 3.8 sqm. Lotus Restaurant serving genuine & delicious Japanese & Nepalese cuisine. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 39 of 64

40 BHARAPTUR (RAJASTHAN) THE BAGH - The Bagh is a heritage hotel set in 12 acres two hundred year-old garden in Bharatpur Rajasthan, it is located just four hours away from major destinations such as Delhi. The Bagh offers visitors an opportunity to experience quiet luxury near Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in the world. The hotel's twenty three rooms are located in three different residential complexes. A restaurant, banquet hall, coffee shop, library and a gym, all situated in a verdant orchard, allow guests to enjoy solitude and companionship in restful indoor and outdoor spaces. Sales Manual & General Information * OCT12-MAR13 & AUG13-APR14 (Ed. MAY 2012) / Page 40 of 64