11 Nights 12 Days
Treading the
Buddha’s Trail
aboard MV Ganga Vilas
The Itinerary
Embark the Ganga Vilas and set out to explore some historical sites associated with the life of Buddha along with a journey through Magadha, (modern day Bihar), which was the centre of politico-cultural power and a haven of learning since ancient times. Combined with a land tour of Bodhgaya, and Varanasi.
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
Farakka
Farakka is a town, with a police station and
a post office, not identified in 2011 census as a
separate place, in the Farakka community
development block in the Jangipur subdivision
of Murshidabad district in the state of West Bengal,
India. It is also known as the northernmost point
of Ganga Delta. wikipedia
Bateshwar Sthan
Bateshwar Sthan ( Sanskrit: बटेश्वर स्थान ) is an ancient
site related to the Vedic sage Brahmarshi Vashishtha
at Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district of Bihar, India.
It is believed as the Taposthali ( penance place )
of the sage Vashishtha where he established Shivlinga
known as Bateshwar Nath Mahadeva. wikipedia
Munger
Munger, formerly spelt as Monghyr,is a twin city
and a Municipal Corporation situated in the Indian
state of Bihar. It is the administrative headquarters of
Munger district and Munger. Division. Munger was one
of the major< cities in Eastern India and undivided
Bengal during Mughalperiod and British Raj. wikipedia
Patna
Patna (Hindi: Paṭanā, pronounced, historically known
as Pāṭaliputra,is the capital and largest city of the
Indian state of Bihar. According to the United
Nations, as of 2018,Patna had a population of
2.35 million, making it the 19th largest city
(97 sq mi) and over 2.5 million people wikipedia
Nalanda
Nalanda was a renowned Buddhist mahavihara
(great monastery) in medieval Magadha (modern-day
Bihar),eastern India. Widely considered to be among
the greatest centres of learning in the ancient world
and often referred to as "the world's first residential
university wikipedia
Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gayā is a religious site and place of pilgrimage
associated with the Mahabodhi Temple complex,
situated in the Gaya district in the Indian
state of Bihar. It is famous for being the place
where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained
enlightenment (Pali: bodhi) under
what became known as the Bodhi Tree. wikipedia
Varanasi
Varanasi (Hindi pronunciation: also Benares, Banaras
Hindustani pronunciation, or Kashi, is a city
on the Ganges river in northern India that has
a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage,
death, and mourning in the Hindu world. wikipedia
day 1
TRAIN KOLKATA / FARAKKA, EMBARK
Board a morning train in Kolkata for Farakka. Upon arrival at the Farakka train station, transfer to embark the ship followed by lunch. Farakka is known for the historic Lock Gate which connects the Hooghly to the main Ganges river.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 2
RIVER DAY FARAKKA – SAHIBGANJ
Today we sail full day towards Sahibganj enjoying breakfast and lunch. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 3
SAHIBGANJ - BATESHWARSTHAN
Enjoy a Village Walk in the morning. Return to ship and sail towards Bateshwarsthan enjoying lunch onboard. We will arrive in Bateshwarsthan by evening. Time permitting, enjoy a walk on the Ghats (embankments).
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 4
BATESHWARSTHAN – VIKRAMSHILA EXCURSION
After breakfast drive in cars to the 8-9th century excavation site of the Vikramshila University. Spend the day walk around the archaeological ruins. Vikramshila University was an important Buddhist centre of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 5
BATESHWARSTHAN - SULTANGANJ - MUNGER
This morning, we sail to Sultanganj while enjoying breakfast onboard. At Sultanganj, visit the Ajgaibinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is located on a rock island in the river. Return to the ship and sail towards Munger while enjoying lunch onboard.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 6
MUNGER
After breakfast visit the Chandika Sthan Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Shakti associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Munger Fort and the local market.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 7
MUNGER – BARH
Enjoying our breakfast and lunch onboard, we continue our journey further upstream to arrive at Barh, a historic town located on the southern banks of the Ganges. We arrive by late afternoon. In the evening walk in the riverside village of Barh to see the daily activities of the local people.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 8
BARH - NALANDA EXCURSION
After breakfast, embark on a full day excursion to archaeological ruins of Nalanda (approx. 1-hour drive). A World Heritage Site Nalanda was a renowned Mahavihara (Buddhist monastic university) in ancient Magadha. It is considered by historians to be the world’s first residential university and among the greatest centers of learning in the ancient world. Return to the ship by evening.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 9
RIVER DAY BARH - PATNA
Today we sail full day through wonderful countryside to Patna, enjoying breakfast and lunch. Patna is the capital of the State of Bihar and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 10
PATNA DISEMBARK / DRIVE BODHGAYA
After an early breakfast, disembark the ship and drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 3-hrs drive). Upon arrival proceed to visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a World Heritage Site said to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment under a banyan tree.
Transfer to hotel for check-in and lunch. The day can be spent exploring the several Buddhist temples and monasteries around the Mahabodhi Temple.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 11
DRIVE BODHGAYA / VARANASI
After early breakfast we drive to Varanasi (approx. 5-hrs). Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and have lunch. In the evening enjoy a walk on the ghats and arrive at the Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the “Ganga Aarti” ritual, performed by a group of priests lined up on the riverbank.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
day 11
VARANASI - SARNATH / DEPARTURE
At early dawn enjoy a Sunrise Boat Tour to witness the incredible scenes along the Holy River. Return to hotel for breakfast. Thereafter visit Sarnath where Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. The Dhamek Stupa here is one of the eight stupas where Buddha’s ashes after his cremation were divided and buried.
Thereafter transfer to the airport for onward journey.
- Breakfast
Suite
The most luxurious and spacious suite aboard, with 400 sq. ft. of space, the Maharaja Suite is a haven of luxury. Embellished with Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and rich tapestry, it also has a flat screen TV, on-demand movie service, and a writing desk. Bathrooms are as luxurious as the room and are fitted with both spacious bathtub and shower panels. Daily butler service and in-room dining are also available on request.
Exceptional Service
With the highest staff-to-guest ratio and personalised butler service, experience true Indian hospitality. Warm and friendly service which sets the stage for an unforgettable journey.
Eat.Drink.Love
Fresh ingredients, Michelin inspired menus, paired with choicest of wines take
you on a culinary sojourn when you sail on Antara Cruises.
Restaurant
Lounge
Cuisine
Immersive Experiences
Soak in the Antara River experience on the holy rivers of India and witness diverse cultural and heritage traditions. Enjoy experiential exploration on the riverside aligned with enriching pursuits onboard.
Sun Deck
Excursions
Cultural Programs
Relax and Rejuvenate
Soak in the Antara River experience on the holy rivers of India and witness diverse cultural and heritage traditions. Enjoy experiential exploration on the riverside aligned with enriching pursuits onboard.
Spa
Fitness Centre
For those who wish to maintain their routine of a morning run, our gym – adjoining the spa – houses a treadmill, an exercise bike and an elliptical machine.
Yoga Sessions
Wake up early and spare a few moments to rejuvenate your senses with a session of Yoga on the Ganges. Complimentary Yoga classes, geared towards beginners, are offered to all guests every morning.
Relax and Rejuvenate
Accommodations:
- 8 Deluxe Suites with a king bed (can be separated into twin beds); a living room with an optional murphy bed and two ensuite 3-fixture bathrooms (290 sq. feet/27 sq. meters). Ideal for families.
- 2 Premier Suites with a fixed king bed, an ensuite 3-fixture bathroom, and wide windows with colonial balconies (236 sq. feet/22 sq. meters).
- 10 Deluxe Cabins with fixed twin beds, outdoor sitting area, and an ensuite 3-fixture bathroom (145 sq. feet/14 sq. meters).
- Indoor Slippers and Honeycomb Bathrobes.
- All-Natural Spa Quality Bath Amenities.
- In-room Electronic Safe.
- Individual Temperature Control.
- Plush Linen; Duvet and Mattresses.
- Drinking Water replenished daily: packaged and RO purified.
- Hair Dryer.
- Alarm Clock and Multi-configuration Plugs.
- Built-in Closet and Under Bed Storage.
- Welcome Fresh Fruit Upon Arrival.
- Deluxe Suites have the below additional amenities: Make-up Mirror, Mini Bar, Tea/Coffee Kettle.
Complimentary Onboard & Excursion Amenities:
- Complimentary Wireless Internet in Public Areas (Sundeck / Saloon).
- Transfers to/from Kolkata and Mayapur for embarkation/disembarkation.
- Shore Excursion program series including entry fees and local transport.
- Shoe Cleaning after Excursions.
- Welcome Drink and Cold Towel Service following Excursions.
Included Dining & Entertainment:
- Trained Culinary Team providing Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Lunch and Seated Multiple Course Dinner.
- Special meal requests like vegan, gluten/lactose free etc. can be arranged with advance information.
- Complimentary Water, Tea/Coffee, Soft Drinks & Juices.
- Onboard activities like Cultural Performance, Educational Talk, Cooking Class, etc.
- Air-conditioned Saloon/Lounge.
- Indoor Board Games and Books to read in the Saloon/Lounge.
Other Onboard Facilities (on chargeable basis):
- Bar with Indian and international liquor (wine, beer, spirits).
- Spa.
- Boutique.
- Laundry.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Taxes GST, subject to revision.
- Airfare to/from Destination.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Shipboard Gratuities.
- All Incidentals.
pre & post cruise extensions
Enrich your voyage with a curated Antara Hotel Program or Extended Land Experience. Stay in premier hotels or add a unique journey to the beginning or end of your cruise.
4 Nights 3 Days
Divine Varanasi
pre cruise extension
A swirl of color and ritual and oddities galore, Varanasi may very well be the most ethereal and exotic place you will ever visit. Considered the holiest spot on India’s holiest river, it is also one of the world’s oldest cities—as ancient as Babylon and Thebes. It is the goal of every devout Hindu to come here at least once to purify body and soul in the sacred waters of the Ganges. Your visit includes a fascinating tour of this otherworldly and intoxicating city, followed by a private boat ride to observe a Ganga Aarti ceremony. Led by a Hindu priest at sunset, this spellbinding devotional ritual is performed in honor of the goddess of the river, a spectacle you’ll remember the rest of your days. You will also have an opportunity to take a boat ride along the river at sunrise, when hundreds of sari- and dhoti-clad Hindus can be observed bathing, washing laundry, performing yoga asanas, and making respectful offerings to Mother Ganga along the broad stone ghats lining the Ganges. Magical and mystical, surreal and deeply spiritual, Varanasi is a city that is truly unlike any other.
4 Nights 3 Days
The Golden Triangle
pre cruise extension
Complete your journey with our three-night program featuring the fabled pink city of Jaipur and visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, musts when exploring India. In Jaipur, revel in the imposing City Palace and Observatory and spend one night in the deluxe Oberoi Rajvilas hotel. Enjoy a scenic train ride to Agra Fort for a visit of this imposing structure turned palace. Transfer to the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas hotel for one night, the closest hotel to the Taj Mahal. In the morning, witness the sunrise on the stunning Taj Mahal, a mesmerizing experience. Travel to New Delhi for one night before heading back home. Airport transfers, portage, all applicable taxes and breakfast daily are included. Internal flight from Kolkata to Jaipur is additional.
Start your Antara Cruise Today
upcoming voyages
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