Dhaka to Kolkata Upstream
Dhaka – Barisal – Mongla – Sundarbans – Kolkata
11 nights / 12 days Cruise
2 to 13 Dec 2024
Arrive in Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh and proceed for panoramic drive tour of Central Dhaka’s heritage buildings like the Dhaka University, National Assembly and the Old High Court. Also visit the Dhakeshwari Temple, dedicated to goddess Dhakeshwari, the protector of Dhaka. Lunch at a local restaurant. Thereafter proceed to visit Sonargaon, the medieval capital of undivided Bengal. Here, visit the Panam City, the Sadarbari that houses a Folk Art Museum and the Goaldi Mosque. Transfer to the jetty and embark the ship.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail full day to Barisal enjoying breakfast and lunch and viewing the picturesque countryside, shore line of coconut palms, bananas, mango trees, fishermen casting their nets, small freighters heading upstream with loads of gravel, bricks, sand and, nouka ferrying passengers across the river. Arrive by evening at Barisal, fondly called the Venice of Bengal.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
After breakfast visit a Floating Market, which is renowned for its fruits, especially guava. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Oxford Epiphany Church, an Anglican church, which is one of the oldest and arguably the second largest church in Asia.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
This morning we sail to Kaukhali, a small riverine village in the Barisal district of Bangladesh. It has a launch & steamer station which date from British period. Post lunch visit a Kumar Pada (potters’ colony), the local market, and a Hindu Vaishnavite temple with a Cremation Ground adjacent to it. Return to ship.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail to Karamjol. Ride the country boat to the Karamjol Forest Reserve Centre, which protects a vast range of mammal, insects, bird species, reptiles, and fish. Gangetic River dolphins and salt-water crocodiles can also be spotted. Return to the ship for lunch. Sail onward to Mongla town, a link seaport and the gateway to the Sundarbans on the Bangladesh side.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
After breakfast visit the Sixty Domed Mosque, a World Heritage Site which has been described as "one of the most impressive Muslim monuments in the whole of the Indian subcontinent. Return to ship for lunch and sail to Antihara, the check post for the Immigration & Custom formalities of Bangladesh.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail through the wildlife area of the Sundarbans towards the Indian side of the Sundarbans to arrive in Hemnagar, the check-post for Customs formalities for crossing the international riverine border between India and Bangladesh.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Time permitting, we will visit a nearby Watchtower before we sail onward to Bali Island enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. Bali is a typical Sundarbani village whose inhabitants are engaged in farming, paddy husking, honey packing and fishing.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
After early breakfast excursions by local boat to the Sudhanyakhali and Dobanki Watchtowers. Dobanki offers a canopy walk at an elevation of 20 feet from the ground. Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter enjoy a walk in the village of Bali and interact with the villagers. Witness a tribal dance performance onboard the ship.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
This morning we cruise through the creek to the Bhagabatpur Island and visit the crocodile project which has a hatchery and sanctuary of the estuarine crocodiles. We continue sail towards Namkhana, anchoring en route.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Early morning depending upon tide conditions we sail full day towards Kolkata. Leaving behind the Bay of Bengal, we will sail past historical monuments and places that are reminiscent of the colonial period. We arrive by evening at the jetty in Kolkata.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Morning, enjoy walk in the jetty. Following lunch disembark and transfer to the airport or hotel for onward journey.
Important Program Notes:
- The itinerary maybe readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. The exact time for each activity will be announced or posted by the onboard tour staff.
- The letters in parentheses indicate the included meal of the day B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.
- Bangladesh being an Islamic country, serving of liquor is restricted.