Ganges cruises can be taken separately or together to offer a choice of durations from three to 15 nights (by combining two itineraries). Ganges and Lower Ganges (Hooghly) cruises are all about visits to villages, towns, temples and monuments in a little-known but fascinating and culturally rich part of India, on foot, by cycle rickshaw or minibus.
Cruises on the Lower Ganges operate all year round, while the Ganges proper cruises operate in the winter months only.
During months of August and September, when water level is high the Ganges Cruise operates up to Varanasi.
Offering a wide range of river cruise options for 'Ganges and Brahamputra Rivers.'
River Cruises
Historic Hoogly - 7 Nights / 8 Days - price starting from US$ 1,470
The Holy Ganges - 6 to 8 nights - price starting from US$ 1,680
City of Light - Varanasi Summer Special - 7 nights - price starting from US$ 1,470
With our specially designed ship, ABN Rajmahal, we are able to offer two one-week cruises which access the Holy Grail of Ganges cruises, the sacred city of Varanasi itself. Operating only in periods of high water, when India is at its most lush and attractive, they explore untouched villages and towns of rural India along the river between Patna and Varanasi. Both cruises feature two days of sightseeing in Varanasi itself, while the downstream cruise also includes a visit to the spectacular Chunar Fort. MV Mahabahu Cruise - 7 nights - Price Starting from US$ 4,900 per cabin
The Upper Ganges Cruise - Upstream - from Kolkata to Varanasi
The Upper Ganges Cruise - Down Stream - from Varanasi to Kolkata
The Upper Ganges Cruise - Down Stream - from Varanasi to Kolkata
The Brahmaputra Cruise - 7 nights
The mighty Brahmaputra river in Northern India originates high in the Himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam Valley where UNESCO protected national parks and remote rural communities provide the traveller with the most wonderful and authentic expedition. We are pleased to operate this new program with safaris in search of the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros and Indian tiger. With fascinating visits to ‘Mishing’ people who live on the world’s largest river island, tea plantations and many exotic Satras to explore, your Assam adventure will leave lifetime-lasting memories.Note: Our Brahmaputra programme will start in October 2020.
Upstream - from Guwahati to Sibasagar
Downstream - Sibasagar to Guwahati
KOLKATA/CALCUTTA
The City of Palaces, Calcutta was the capital of British India for around 150 years, and boasts much superb colonial architecture. It can also claim to be the intellectual capital of modern India, and is a thriving, bustling, colourful and up to date city, with some excellent shops. In the northern suburbs lie the old French, Dutch and Danish colonial enclaves, still retaining a distinctive flavour.
KALNA
A pleasant agricultural centre, boasting some of Bengal’s finest terracotta temples.
PLASSEY
The battlefield of Plassey, where the foundations of the British Raj were laid, lies close to the river, with a commemorative obelisk.
MURSHIDABAD
Capital of the Nawabs of Bengal, losers at Plassey, and a delightful backwater town full of abandoned mosques, tombs and crumbling palaces. Nearby Baranagar boasts further examples of charming terracotta temples.
FARAKKA BARRAGE
Where the Hooghly flows out from the Ganges, this great dam, opened in 1975, protects much of Bengal from flooding as well as generating electricity.
GAUR
First Islamic capital of Bengal, now a collection of superb early mosques and other buildings standing amongst paddy fields and mango orchards.
RAJMAHAL
An early Moghul capital of Bengal on the banks of the Ganges.
MONGHYR
A fine Moghul fort further expanded by the East India Company.
PATNA
One of the major centres of the East India Company, enriched by opium and indigo plantations, and now boasting a superb museum as well as fascinating places of worship.
VARANASI
Varanasi, known as the City of Light, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, dating back to 3000 years ago. It's the most important religious site for Hindus who come here to attain moksha or salvation through intimate rituals of life and death, all of which add to the deeply spiritual atmosphere. There's no place on Earth like Varanasi.
Downstream - Sibasagar to Guwahati
WHAT IS THERE TO SEE
KOLKATA/CALCUTTA
The City of Palaces, Calcutta was the capital of British India for around 150 years, and boasts much superb colonial architecture. It can also claim to be the intellectual capital of modern India, and is a thriving, bustling, colourful and up to date city, with some excellent shops. In the northern suburbs lie the old French, Dutch and Danish colonial enclaves, still retaining a distinctive flavour.
KALNA
A pleasant agricultural centre, boasting some of Bengal’s finest terracotta temples.
PLASSEY
The battlefield of Plassey, where the foundations of the British Raj were laid, lies close to the river, with a commemorative obelisk.
MURSHIDABAD
Capital of the Nawabs of Bengal, losers at Plassey, and a delightful backwater town full of abandoned mosques, tombs and crumbling palaces. Nearby Baranagar boasts further examples of charming terracotta temples.
FARAKKA BARRAGE
Where the Hooghly flows out from the Ganges, this great dam, opened in 1975, protects much of Bengal from flooding as well as generating electricity.
GAUR
First Islamic capital of Bengal, now a collection of superb early mosques and other buildings standing amongst paddy fields and mango orchards.
RAJMAHAL
An early Moghul capital of Bengal on the banks of the Ganges.
MONGHYR
A fine Moghul fort further expanded by the East India Company.
PATNA
One of the major centres of the East India Company, enriched by opium and indigo plantations, and now boasting a superb museum as well as fascinating places of worship.
VARANASI
Varanasi, known as the City of Light, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, dating back to 3000 years ago. It's the most important religious site for Hindus who come here to attain moksha or salvation through intimate rituals of life and death, all of which add to the deeply spiritual atmosphere. There's no place on Earth like Varanasi.