Kolkata to Dhaka Downstream
Kolkata – Sundarbans – Mongla – Barisal – Dhaka
11 nights / 12 days Cruise
20 to 01 Dec 2024
Arrival in Kolkata and transfer to the jetty for embarkation. Check-in formalities followed by lunch on board. Post lunch Immigration formalities.
Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Early morning depending upon tide conditions we sail full day towards the Sundarbans National Park, a World Heritage Site, and the world’s largest delta mangrove forest in the Bay of Bengal. We will sail past historical monuments and places which are reminiscent of the colonial period to arrive in Namkhana. Time permitting walk and visit the Bhagabatpur Island which is known for its crocodile project that has a hatchery and sanctuary of the estuarine crocodiles.
Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail towards 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. Time permitting, we will visit one of the watch towers in the Sundarbans for nature walk and bird watching.
Dinner & 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
We sail early morning towards Hemnagar, the check-post for Customs formalities for crossing the international riverine border between India and Bangladesh. Time permitting, we will visit a nearby Watchtower.
Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail through the wildlife area of the Sundarbans down towards the Bangladeshi side of the Sundarbans enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. We arrive in Antihara, the check post for the Immigration & Custom formalities of Bangladesh.
Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail towards Mongla town, a link seaport and the gateway to the Sundarbans on the Bangladesh side. Post lunch 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.
Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Morning 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 to Kaukhali, a small riverine village in the Barisal district of Bangladesh.
Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
After breakfast explore Kaukhali, that has a launch and steamer station that date from the British period. Visit a Kumar Pada (potters’ colony), the local market, and a Hindu Vaishnavite temple with a Cremation Ground adjacent to it. Return to ship and sail onward to Barisal, which is fondly called the Venice of Bengal.
Dinner & 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.
Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail full day to Dhaka enjoying breakfast and lunch and viewing the picturesque countryside, shore line of coconut palms, bananas, mango trees, fishermen casting their nets, small freighters heading downstream with loads of gravel, bricks, sand and, nouka ferrying passengers across the river. Arrive by evening at a jetty in Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh.
Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
After breakfast disembark and 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. Lunch at a local restaurant. Thereafter 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. Transfer to the airport for your 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.