Artisans of Bengal
MAYAPUR ROUNDTRIP
7 NIGHTS 8 DAYS
A themed cruise exploring the different traditions of textile weaving by handlooms and machines; indigenous pottery making along with the diverse culture and colonial heritage of Bengal.
ANTARA DESTINATION DISCOVERIES
From active or relaxing to adventurous or enriching, our inclusive and optional Destination Discoveries offer you a world of choice. Plus, Antara is the only river cruise line that allows you to select your shoreside experiences in advance, before you arrive to the ship.
KOLKATA EMBARKATION
DAY 1
Morning arrival in Kolkata, transfer to the ship and enjoy lunch on board. Post lunch we visit the Weaver’s Studio, a Textile Study and Resource Centre dedicated to the study of the rich textile traditions of Bengal. Their creations are inspired by historical textiles, ethnic tribes, and contemporary techniques.
KOLKATA TOUR – BALLY BRIDGE
DAY 2
Return to the ship for lunch and set sail upstream, passing underneath the cantilevered Howrah Bridge, viewing various colonial buildings along the Ganges River.
BALLY BRIDGE – BANDEL
DAY 3
The two-story building provides accommodation to pilgrims with classrooms that impart teachings from the holy Koran.
BANDEL – KALNA
DAY 4
Today we sail to the temple town of Kalna. In the afternoon, we take a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling town to visit the Rajbari temple complex, which encloses several temples dating back 1800 years. The most notable being the Nabakailas temple that has 108 Shiva shrines in two concentric circles. We also visit a local weaver’s home to view the traditional weaving of muslin
KALNA – NABADWIP – MAYAPUR
DAY 5
Early morning we set sail to Nabadwip. Post lunch we explore the riverbank village walking, witnessing the locals engaged in handloom weaving of cotton fabrics like saris, stoles and scarves. We then take a country boat across the river to visit Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
MAYAPUR – GUPTIPARA – FULIA
DAY 6
Today we sail to Guptipara, a rural town renowned for its paddy fields and exotic Himsagar mangoes. Explore the architectural opulence of the Vaishnav temples that exhibit intricate terracotta works of art. Visit a potter’s home to witness clay pottery-making and interact with the artisans. In the afternoon, we sail across to visit the weaving village of Fulia. After the partition of India in 1947, many skilled weavers from Bangladesh settled here making the region a renowned centre for hand-woven fabrics.
FULIA – CHANDERNAGORE – KOLKATA
DAY 7
This morning we sail to Chandernagore, established as a French colony in 1673. Explore the French colonial buildings walking along the promenade, paying a visit to the former French governor’s residence, now converted into a museum. Also, visit the Sacred Heart Church that stands for over two centuries. Continue the journey back to Kolkata.
KOLKATA DEPARTURE
DAY 8
Disembark after breakfast and proceed to the airport for onward travel.