22 Nights 23 Days
Indo Bangladesh Cruise
The Itinerary
Explore the many facets of Bengal region – mangrove forest of Sundarbans, colonial heritage of Serampore, textile traditions of Shantipur, Vaishnav culture in Guptipara, Hare Krishna chants in Mayapur, a Shiya Imambara in Bandel and of course the splendor of the City of Joy Kolkata.
Includes
Fine dining
Exquisite Onboard Fine Dining with Curated Menus and Complimentary Beverages.
Excursions
Every Excursion Thoughtfully Included, with Total Onboard Privacy.
Private Guide
A Dedicated Expert Guide, Tailoring Each Experience to Your Preferences.
Kolkata
Kolkata, also known as Calcutta
(its official name until 2001), is the
capital and largest city of the Indian state of
West Bengal. It lies on the eastern bank of
the Hooghly River, 80 km (50 mi) west of the
border with Bangladesh. wikipedia
Namkhana
When the Tebhaga movement broke out in 1946, the
peasant movement affected several areas of
what is now South 24 Parganas. Kakdwip and
Namkhana were the storm centres of the movement.
Bali Island
Bali Island in the Sundarbans, West Bengal,
India, isn't the famous Indonesian Bali but a unique,
inhabited mangrove island serving as a gateway to the
Sunderban delta, known for eco-tourism, local village
life (fishing, honey collecting), biodiversity (mudskippers,
lizards, tigers nearby), and rustic stays like Sunderbans
Jungle Camp.
Hemnagar
Hemnagar is a riverine Land Customs Station
(LCS) located on the India-Bangladesh border. It is
situated at the northern fringe of the Sundarbans in
West Bengal and primarily operates along various rivers
and tidal inlets that criss-cross the area, including the
Ichhamati and Raimangal rivers
Mongla
Mongla refers to a vital port and upazila
(subdistrict) in southwestern Bangladesh, known for
its strategic seaport (Bangladesh's second-largest),
proximity to the Sundarbans, and role in regional trade,
especially for India's Northeast. It's a growing economic
hub with an export processing zone, developing infrastructure,
and a unique position as a potential refuge and adaptation
model for climate migrants, attracting people displaced by
climate change impacts like river erosion and sea-level rise.
Kaukhali
Kaukhali is a small town in Pirojpur District in the
Barisal Division of southwestern Bangladesh. It is the
mother town of Kaukhali Upazila, Pirojpur. Kaukhali's
communication depends on rivers and roads. It has a
launch & steamer station which date from British period.
The Gabkhan Channel starts from Kaukhali near the village
of Ashoa. On it many ships run from Mongla seaport to
Dhaka. wikipedia
Barisal
The Barisal region, situated within the
Bengal delta, originated from the long-term sediment
deposition of the Padma (Ganges), Jamuna (Brahmaputra),
and Meghna rivers. These rivers transported vast quantities
of sediment from the Himalayas, gradually forming fertile
alluvial soil over millennia through the processes of
fluvial aggradation and tidal action. wikipedia
Dhaka
The history of urban settlements in the area
of modern-day Dhaka dates to the first millennium.
The region was part of the ancient district of Bikrampur,
which was ruled by the Sena dynasty.[45] Under Islamic
rule, it became part of the historic district of Sonargaon,
the regional administrative hub of the Delhi and the Bengal
Sultanates.wikipedia
Tangail
Tangail has been a local business center
since the early 19th century.[6] In 1860, Tangail became
the 4th ranking area of the Greater Mymensingh District
due to its fertile land near the Louhajong River. It was
close to Begun Bari, Mymensingh. In 1969, Tangail District
was established.wikipedia
Sirajganj
During British rule, Sirajganj was a town
in the Pabna District of Eastern Bengal and Assam. Its
location on the right bank of the Jamuna River or main
stream of the Brahmaputra was a six-hour journey by
steamer from the railway terminal at Goalundo. It was
the chief river mart for jute in northern Bengal, with
several jute presses.wikipedia
Chilmari
Chilmari was river port during the Pakistani and British
Rule.cDuring the war of Independence of Bangladesh
in 1971, the Chilmari Riverborne Amphibious Landing
Assault was conducted by then BDF Sector 11, Mankarchar
Sub-Sector, led by Squadron Leader M. Hamidullah Khan
with participation of the 3rd East Bengal Regiment.
wikipedia
Rangpur
According to Ain-i-Akbari, the Mughal period Rangpur
consisted of three types of administrative areas. Rangpur
was conquered by the army of Raja Man Singh, a
commander of the Mughal emperor Akbar, in 1575,
but it was not until 1686 that it was fully integrated
into the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Empire was
established in the whole of Rangpur in 1611 AD.
Place names Mughalbasav wikipedia
Dhubri
Until 1874, Dhubri was mostly ruled by Koch Kings.
In 1874, the British government created a new province
named Assam Valley Province and incorporated Goalpara
district area comprising three civil subdivisions Dhubri,
Goalpara and Kokrajhar with the new Assam Province. In
1879, the district headquarters was shifted from Goalpara
to Dhubri city. wikipedia
Goalpara
Goalpara is located on the bank of the river
Brahmaputra.[3] It has an average elevation of 35 metres
(114 feet). Hulukanda Hill, located at the heart of Goalpara
on the bank of the Brahmaputra River, is one of the natural
scenic views in the town, with various kinds of waterfowl
and monkeys. There are some other bodies of water,
such as Hashila Beel, Kumri Beel, and Urpad Beel.wikipedia
Sualkuchi
SualkuchivAssamese pronunciation is a census town in
Kamrup district in the Indian state of Assam. It is situated
on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra, about 35 km
from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is a block of Kamrup District.
It has large number of cottage industry engaged in
handloom, for which it is also known as the "Manchester
of Assam".wikipedia
Guwahati
Naraka, also known as Narakāsura, and Bhaumāsura
was an asura king, the legendary progenitor of all three
dynasties of Pragjyotisha-Kamarupa, and the founding
ruler of the legendary Bhauma dynasty of Pragjyotisha.
Though the myths about Naraka are first mentioned in
the Mahabharata, later texts embellish them.
wikipedia
day 1
Arrive Kolkata, Embarkation
Arrive in Kolkata in the morning and transfer the jetty for boarding the ship.
Embarkation: 12:00 PM
Welcome onboard followed by a Safety Briefing and Lunch. Post lunch Immigration formalities. In the evening enjoy cultural performance onboard.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 2
Kolkata – Namkhana
Morning after breakfast, visit Kolkata’s Flower Market and the potters’ quarter Kumartuli. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit Mother Teresa’s Home. Return to the ship and based on tide situation we will sail towards the fishing port of Namkhana.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 3
Namkhana – Bhagabatpur
Arrive in the Sundarbans and proceed to visit Bhagabatpur Island which is known for its crocodile project that has a hatchery and sanctuary of the estuarine crocodiles. Continue sail to Bali Island cruising through the creek.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 4
Bali Island
Early this morning ride in the country boat through the narrow creeks to climb the Dobanki Watchtower and enjoy a canopy walk to view the riveting flora and fauna. Return to the ship for lunch.
Thereafter enjoy a walk in the village of Bali and interact with the villagers engaged in creating handicrafts and witness a tribal dance.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 5
River day Bali Island – Hemnagar
We sail full day towards Hemnagar, the check-post for Customs & Immigrations in India.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 6
River day Hemnagar (India) – Antihara (Bangladesh)
Today we sail through the wildlife area of the Sundarbans down towards the Bangladeshi side of the Sundarbans to arrive in Antihara village, which is the check post for the Immigration & Custom formalities of Bangladesh.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 7
Antihara – Mongla
Today we sail towards Mongla town, the gateway to the Sundarbans on the Bangladesh side. In the afternoon drive to Bagerhat and visit the Sixty Domed Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mosque is locally known as the & “Shat Gombuj” which in Bangla literally means Sixty Domes
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 8
Mongla – Karamjol – Kaukhali
Today we sail to Karamjol. Ride the country boat to the Forest Reserve Centre, which protects a vast range of mammals, bird, reptiles, and fish. Wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to viewing Gangetic River dolphins, salt-water crocodiles, and other fauna. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Kaukhali, anchoring en route.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 9
Kaukhali – Barisal
Arrive in Kaukhali, a small riverine village, which has a launch & steamer station dating to the British period. Explore the village visiting a potters colony, the local market, and a Hindu Vaishnavite temple. Sail onward to Barisal, which is fondly called the Venice of Bengal.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 10
Barisal
Morning, visit a Floating Market, which is renowned for its fruits. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Oxford Epiphany Church, which is one of the oldest and arguably the second largest church in Asia.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 11
River day Barisal – Mawa (Dhaka)
Today we sail full day to Dhaka viewing the picturesque countryside. Arrive at the Mawa jetty, a busy ferry ghat near Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 12
Dhaka & Sonargaon
After breakfast proceed for a Panoramic drive tour of Dhaka’s heritage buildings like: Dhaka University, Curzon Hall; Old High Court; Dhakeswari Temple. Also visit Sonargaon, the “Golden City.”
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 13
River day Mawa – Aricha – Tangail
We sail full day upstream to Aricha river port, which is a prime spot for catching the renowned Hilsha fish and onward to Tangail.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 14
Arrive Tangail
Further upstream sailing brings us to Tangail, an important handloom centre. Post lunch we visit the 17 th century Atia Mosque, that was built in the in honour of a prominent Sufi saint. It is dubbed the 10 Taka Mosque after the Bangladesh government issued a 10 Taka banknote which had its image in the obverse.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 15
Tangail – Sirajganj
Today we sail towards Sirajganj, an important jute centre. In the afternoon visit the Hatikumrul Navaratna Temple, adorned with nine spires, giving it its name Nava (nine) ratna (jewels).
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 16
River day Sirajganj – Chandan Boisha
Today we sail full day further up the river towards the Indo-Bangladesh border that touches the north-eastern region of India.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 17
Chandan Boisha - Chilmari
A further sail brings us to the Chilmari River Port, located in a beautiful scenic bank of the Teesta and Jamuna rivers. Immigration & Custom formalities of Bangladesh will be done at Chilmari.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 18
Chilmari – Rangpur – Chilmari
Today after breakfast full day trip to Rangpur, the “City of Colour.” We will visit the domineering Tajhat Palace, Rangpur Museum; Dimla Kali Temple, and Carmichael College.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 19
Chilmari (Bangladesh) – Dhubri (India)
Today we sail upstream crossing the international border and arrive at Dhubri in the Northeast State of Assam on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra (as the Jamuna River is known on the Indian side). Immigrations and Customs of India will be done here.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 20
Dhubri – Goalpara
Morning after breakfast explore Dhubri town visiting the Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and a Pottery village notable for its traditional craft of terracotta. Return to the ship and sail onward to Goalpara, located at the foothills of the Garo Hills.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 21
Goalpara – Sualkuchi
After breakfast today we set out to visit Sri Surya Pahar, a significant archaeological site, which has the distinction of possessing valuable cultural remains of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. Return to the ship and sail further upstream to Sualkuchi, fondly called the “Manchester of Assam”.
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 22
Sualkuchi – Guwahati
This morning we visit the silk weaving village, which is renowned notably for the Muga silk. This silk is known for its glossy, fine texture and durability. After the excursion we sail upstream and arrive at the Pandu Port in Guwahati
Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 23
Guwahati Disembarkation
After breakfast disembark the ship and proceed to visit the Kamakhya Temple (from outside) and the Assam State Museum. Thereafter transfer to the Guwahati airport for onward journey.
- Breakfast
reservations
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