Pandaw River Expeditions EXPEDITION No 5 THE HOLY GANGES AND THE HOOGHLY 18 NIGHTS There can be few rivers in the world so revered as the sacred Ganges - and perhaps few as charming as the Hooghly. Our upstream arrangement explores both rivers journeying from Kolkata through beautiful scenery and wonderful off the beaten track rural villages, visiting stunning palaces, stupas, gardens and ancient battlefields all the way to Patna. And along the way, aboard our comfortable partner ship, the MV Rajmahal, your knowledgeable and friendly hosts will reveal India s incredible and glorious history. A wonderful exploration of the rivers of India awaits. From Patna, we travel by coach to Bodhgaya where we visit the striking Mahabodhi Temple - where the Buddha attained enlightenment under Bodhi Tree. We avoid a the Indian traffic and fly to Varanasi for a two-night stay, including a fabulous sunrise boat trip passing the famous Ghats on the Ganges. Please Note: The State of Bihar has introduced a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol. Guests will not be able to buy beer, wine or spirits on board from Day 9 to Day 17. Please Note: This cruise is a partner programme operated by our partner, Assam Bengal Navigation. As with all Pandaw partner cruises, drinks and tips NOT included in the price. A Pandaw Cruise director will join the group.
Cruise Price Includes: Airport or hotel transfer in Kolkata to the MV Rajmahal, 15 nights cruising the Hooghly and Ganges rivers on a full board basis, excursions including entrance fees, port dues, govt tax, porterage, guide services (English language), main meals, jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes, mineral water, services of an Assam Bengal cruise director and tour guides, 1-night stay at the Royal Residency Hotel (or similar) Bodhgaya on a bed and breakfast basis, domestic flight from Bodhgaya to Varanasi, transfers and excursions as described in Bodhgaya and Varanasi, 2- night stay at the Taj Gateway Hotel, Varanasi (or similar) on a room and breakfast basis, services of a Pandaw cruise director throughout. Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, laundry, all visa costs, all drinks, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), espressos and cappuccinos at bar, all tips. Please Note: The State of Bihar has introduced a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol. Guests will not be able to buy beer, wine or spirits on board from Day 9 to Day 17. Please Note: Drinks and crew gratuities are NOT included on our partner cruises.
UPSTREAM ITINERARY
PRE TOUR EXTENSION DAY 1 ARRIVE KOLKATA Our representative will meet you at the arrivals area at Kolkata International Airport and transfer you to the 5* Taj Bengal Hotel, Kolkata for a 2-night stay on a room and breakfast basis. Rest of the day and evening at leisure. DAY 2 KOLKATA Morning guided tour of Kolkata including a visit to the marble-white Victoria Memorial, St Paul s Cathedral and Mother Teresa s House. Rest of the day at leisure for your own independent explorations. DAY 3 EMBARK RAJMAHAL After an early breakfast, transfer to Rajmahal for your river expedition on a full board basis.
5 STAR Ganges Pre Cruise Kolkata Located within walking distance of the Victoria Memorial and the Zoological Gardens, the elegant 5* Taj Bengal Hotel is the perfect base to start your India adventure. Rates include: Transfers, 2-nights accommodation in a deluxe room at the 5* Taj Bengal Hotel including daily breakfast, porterage, all entrance fees and sightseeing as described, services of local tour leader throughout. Rates exclude: Tips, additional optional excursions, travel insurance. Your Hotel One of the best places to stay in Kolkata. Public areas include several superb restaurants, outdoor swimming pool, spa and elegant lounges where you can relax after a days sightseeing. Your Deluxe Room The beautifully appointed deluxe en suite rooms include mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, safe and wireless internet. Note:
- Please note prices are subject to change, depending on availability. TAJ BENGAL HOTEL 34B Belvedere Road Alipore 700 027 Kolkata (Calcutta) India Tel: +91 33 66123939 POST TOUR EXTENSION DAY 1 VARANASI DELHI Transfer to Varanasi Airport and fly on an included flight to Delhi. On arrival, our representatives will meet you and transfer you to the 5* Heritage Vivanta by Taj Hotel for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Rest of the day at leisure. DAY 2 DELHI Half day a guided tour of Old & New Delhi including; the Jama Masjid Mosque, a rickshaw ride through the market in Old Delhi, visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, India Gate, President's House & Qutab Minar.
DAY 3 AGRA AND THE TAJ MAHAL Full day excursion to Agra (note the drive to/from Agra takes 4 hours). Visit the incredible architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. We also visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, built in 1565 partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. This massive Fort is 2.5 km long & is considered as predecessor of Delhi Red Fort. DAY 4 DELHI Transfer to Delhi International airport for onward journey. 5 STAR Ganges Post Cruise Delhi Located close to the centre of Delhi, the Vivanta by Taj Hotel is an elegant hotel built in 1945 by the colonial architect Walter. Enjoy high
ceilings, lovely gardens and superb dining (there is a choice of three restaurants and Luteyn s Lounge ideal for relaxing after sightseeing. The hotel also has a spa, fitness centre and shop. Rates include: Domestic economy class flight from Varanasi to Delhi, transfers, 3-nights accommodation in a superior Charm View room at the 5* Heritage Vivanta by Taj Hotel, Delhi including daily breakfast, porterage, all entrance fees and sightseeing as described, services of local tour leader throughout. Rates exclude: Tips, additional optional excursions, travel insurance. Your Hotel The 88 air-conditioned guestrooms offer shades of colonial nostalgia with high ceilings, spacious areas and private balconies. All rooms have wireless internet access, televisions, pillow menu, electronic safe, mini-bar, coffee/tea maker and telephone. Note: - Please note prices are subject to change, depending on availability.
River Conditions Warning! The rivers you will sail on are subject to seasonal rises and falls of water level, in some places as much as 30 metres. Water levels can change dramatically overnight and a sudden rise can impede our progress upstream considerably and even prevent us from passing under certain bridges. A sudden fall can result in our being unable to get into certain places or go as far upstream as we would hope. Groundings on sandbars are not infrequent and are part of the excitement of any Pandaw expedition. Published itineraries are indicational only and subject to sudden change. In such events alternative itineraries will be provided and we do our best to ensure that if a stop is missed we make up for it with another stop. Passengers are thus forewarned and expected to be flexible and patient. River cruising in Asia can be a dramatic and adventurous experience - not like cruising the controlled waterways of Europe or America. Note also that we operate in areas with little or no developed infrastructure and subject to the strictures of local officialdom. Be prepared for this and it is all more the fun! Useful Links Terms & Conditions General Information & Life on Board Visa Information