Nimati Ghat – Dhaka – Kolkata Epic Cruise
Nimati Ghat – Majuli – Kaziranga – Guwahati – Dhaka – Sundarbans – Kolkata
30 nights / 31 days Cruise
28 Feb to 29 Mar 2024 | 26 Feb to 28 Mar 2025
Arrive in Dibrugarh and transfer to Nimati Ghat (approx. 4-hrs drive) for embarking the ship.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Excursion by road to Sibsagar (approx. 1-hour drive), the capital of the Ahom Kingdom. The place gets its name from the Sibsagar tank, which translates to “Ocean of Shiv.” Visit the Shiva Dol temple, the Talatal Ghar, an 18th-century palace and military base; and the Rang Ghar, a two-story building that served as the royal sports pavilion. It is said to be one of the oldest surviving amphitheaters in Asia.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Sail to Majuli, a river island in the Brahmaputra which is the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture. It houses several monasteries and hermitages known as Satra. We will visit two of the most notable ones - Kamalabari Satra, which is a center of art, culture, literature, and classical studies on the island; and Auniati Satra, which is famous for the Apsara dances and a museum.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail full day downstream to Dhansiri Mukh, the confluence where the Dhansiri River meets the Brahmaputra.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Morning sail to Biswanath Ghat, popularly called Gupta Kashi due to the cluster of temples of different gods, like in Kashi (modern-day Varanasi). Visit the Biswanath temple, located at the confluence of the Burigonga river with the Brahmaputra. Afternoon sail to Silghat
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Spend the full day in the Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site with morning and afternoon jeep safaris and lunch at a local restaurant. Kaziranga has achieved notable success in wildlife conservation. It hosts two-thirds of the world's Indian rhinoceroses and is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and the royal Bengal tiger, which collectively are known as the 'Big Five' of Kaziranga. The park is also recognized as an important bird area by BirdLife International for the conservation of avifaunal species.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
This morning sail to Tezpur, which is one of the largest cities on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River. Post lunch, walk to visit Cole Park. Now called Chitralekha Udyan, it is a beautiful park established in 1906 by British Deputy Commissioner Mr. Cole. It features two massive ornamented stone pillars and other sculptural remnants of the 9th and 10th centuries.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail a full day downstream towards Mayong, a village considered the cradle of Tantra Kriya (black magic) in India, and onward to Guwahati. We anchor en route.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Arrive at the Pandu Port in Guwahati in the early morning. Proceed to visit the Kamakhya Temple (from outside) a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Durga and an important pilgrimage for Tantric worshipers. Also visit the Assam State Museum, founded in 1940 by Sir Robert Reid, the British Governor of Assam. The exhibits of the Museum are displayed under different sections, viz., Epigraphy, Sculptures, Miscellaneous, Natural History, Art and Crafts, Anthropology, Folk Art, and Arms section.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
We begin our sail downstream on the Brahmaputra to Sualkuchi, which is a textile center fondly called the "Manchester of Assam". Post lunch visit the silk weaving village, which is renowned notably for the Muga silk.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail onward to Goalpara, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River at the foothills of the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. After lunch excursion to visit Sri Surya Pahar, a significant archaeological site, that has the distinction of possessing valuable cultural remains of three important religions of India – Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism as evident from the innumerable sculptures and other relics that were excavated here.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
We sail further downstream to Dhubri for Immigration and Customs of India. Dhubri is an old town on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra, with historical significance. Explore the town by visiting the Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Also, visit the nearby Pottery village notable for its traditional craft of terracotta.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail downstream crossing the international border and arrive at the Chilmari River Port, located in a beautiful scenic bank of the Teesta and Jamuna rivers. Immigration and customs formalities of Bangladesh will be done at Chilmari.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail full day towards Samtaghat. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river while enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. We arrive by the evening at Samtaghat.
Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today after breakfast full-day trip to Rangpur (approx. 60 km from Chilmari). Visit the domineering Tajhat Palace & Museum, the Dimla Kali Temple, and the Carmichael College.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail towards Sirajganj, an important jute collection, processing, and trade center. In the afternoon visit to the Hatikumrul Navaratna Temple, a three-storied temple is adorned with nine spires.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Further downstream sailing brings us to Tangail, a major city in Bangladesh. The handloom industry here is one of the oldest cottage industries of Bengal; the most famous product being the Tangail saree. Post lunch visit the Atia Mosque, a four-domed monument built in the 17th century during the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
We sail a full day downstream to Aricha River port, which is a prime spot for catching the renowned Hilsha fish.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
A further full day of sailing brings us to the Mawa jetty, a busy ferry ghat near Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
After breakfast visit the Dhakeswari Temple, which is the centre of the Hindu faith in Bangladesh dedicated to Dhakeswari, the protector of Dhaka. Enjoy a Panoramic drive tour of Central Dhaka’s heritage buildings like the Dhaka University, Curzon Hall, National Assembly Building, and the imposing Old High Court, which is the finest example of the European Renaissance style in Dhaka. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then visit Sonargaon, the medieval capital of Bengal.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail a full day to Barisal viewing the picturesque countryside. Barisal is fondly called the Venice of Bengal.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Morning, we 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 and steamer station which dates from the British period. Explore the village by visiting a Kumar Pada (potters colony). Also, visit the local market, a Hindu Vaishnavite temple with a Cremation Ground adjacent to it.
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 mammals, insects, bird species, reptiles, and fish. It has a deer breeding center and a wooden trail over the mangrove forest stretching. Wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to viewing Gangetic River dolphins. Sail onward towards Mongla town, anchoring en route.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail further up to Mongla a link seaport on the Pashur River and the gateway to the Sundarbans on the Bangladesh side. Excursion to Bagerhat and visit the Sixty Domed Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest mosque in Bangladesh from the sultanate period (1204-1576). Explore the riverside of Mongla town visiting the local market.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail a full day towards Antihara through the mangrove forests. Antihara is a village in the Bangladeshi Sundarbans and the check post for the Immigration and Customs formalities of Bangladesh.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Today we sail through the wildlife area of the Sundarbans up towards the Indian side of the Sundarbans to Hemnagar. It is the check-post for Customs formalities for crossing the international riverine border between India and Bangladesh. After completing immigration formalities, we sail onward to Bali Island, a typical village whose inhabitants are engaged in farming, paddy husking, honey packing, and fishing.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Early this morning ride in the country boat through the narrow creeks to climb the Dobanki Watchtower and enjoy a canopy walk at an elevation of 20 feet from the ground and about half a kilometer in length, to reveal 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
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 sail towards Namkhana, anchoring en route.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Based on the tide situation we continue our sail to the fishing port of Namkhana, where one can experience the unique scene of hundreds of fishing boats busy with their daily chores. Leaving behind the Bay of Bengal, we sail up the Hooghly River, cruising past the Diamond Harbor to reach Kolkata.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Morning after breakfast, visit Kolkata’s Flower Market, and Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter renowned for its sculpting prowess. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter proceed for a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata; the St. John's Church, and the Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Also, visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Transfer to the airport or hotel for onward journey.
Important Note:
- The itinerary may be altered and adjusted contingent on local conditions and days of the week when monuments/museums are closed. Last-minute sailing adjustments may also happen. The onboard tour staff will announce or post the exact time for each activity in advance.
- The letters in parentheses indicate the meals included: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.
- Bangladesh being an Islamic country, serving of liquor is restricted.