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Sarnath

Sarnath

RV Bengal - Pandaw Cruises

RV Bengal Pandaw

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India Pandaw Cruises

Slowly on the Ganges

15 days, 14 nights

Experience a new river expedition starting September 2009 along India's most holy of rivers, the Ganges. An 800 mile voyage through the cultural heart of India, travel between Kolkata and Varanasi on the RV Bengal Pandaw. A Pandaw river journey allows you to slowly absorb the sights and everyday life that is just not possible by any other means of travel. No river in the world plays a more important cultural, economic or social role in the lives of more people than the Ganges. Its banks offer an ever-changing colourful scene and a fascinating glimpse of India, from the enchanting rural landscapes to the bustling towns and cities. A Ganges river journey is a genuinely moving experience by exploring the real India well off the beaten track.

Pandaw Cruise Map

Upstream Itinerary: (Downstream Itinerary operates in reverse)

Day 1: Kolkata. Arrive in Kolkata (formally called Calcutta) and transfer from airport to embark on the RV Bengal Pandaw moored in the Hugli River close to the city centre. City orientation tour in afternoon; moor overnight at the Outram Ghat.

Day 2: Colonial Kolkata. Further explorations of colonial Kolkata, arguably the greatest of the British Raj cities with a stupendous architectural heritage. Still largely intact, highlights include the Queen Victoria monument and neo-gothic law courts. Cast off at midday and cruise the Hugli River to Serampore, a former Danish colony and Barrackpore cantonment where the gardens of flagstaff house contain a collection of former British statues removed from the streets of Kolkata.

Queen Victoria Monument
Queen Victoria Monument, Kolkata

Day 3: Chandernagore. A French colony until 1950, we visit the house of Dupleix, a small museum, an 18th century church and then on by bus to visit the Dutch cemetery at Chinsura and a Portuguese church at Bandel where we rejoin the ship.

Day 4: Kalna. Cycle rickshaw tour of Bengali terracotta temples. The river here narrows and the tropical Bengal countryside is lush and green.

Day 5: Plassey. We visit the battlefield of Plassey where Clive of India defeated the French in 1757 and the fascinating brassworks at the country village of Metiari.

Day 6: Kushbagh. We explore the delightful Moghul gardens and tombs. Then visit the vast Hazarduari Palace built in 1837 by an English architect. Later, visits to the Katra mosque and the late 18th century Nashipara and Katgola palaces. Overnight at Baranagar, famous for its lovely miniature temples.

Day 7: Farraka Barrage. We cruise the narrow Farraka Feeder Canal and enter the Ganges by lock at the Farraka Barrage. Continue up the Ganges entering Bihar State.

Day 8: Munger. Morning cruise continuing up the Ganges. Here the river is 2 km across and vast panoramas unfold. The river is rich in activity with fishermen and country boats. At Munger we stop to visit the Bihar School of Yoga which lies within the 15th century Munger Fort. Near the fort is an 18th century British cemetery.

Day 9: Bihar State. Cruising through the heart of Bihar state, and see a rural India remote from the tourist track and rarely visited by foreigners. You will have the chance to stop for a walk ashore. State Security will accompany the ship through Bihar.

Day 10: Bodh Gaya. A day trip to the ruins of the vast Buddhist university at Nalanda. After enjoying lunch at a local hotel, proceed to Bodh Gaya, place of the Buddha's enlightenment and a major centre of pilgrimage for Buddhists of all sects from all countries.

Day 11: Patna. Explore the town with its huge hemispherical Golghar grain silo built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin, the State Museum with its Mauryan and Pala period Buddhist sculptures, and if traffic permits, the eclectic Jalan Museum where Napoleon's bed is on display. Cast off at mid day.

Day 12: Uttar Pradesh. Cruise all day with a stop at a village for a walk in this very different landscape.

Day 13: Sarnath. Cruise all morning, and in the short afternoon coach trip to visit the important site at Sarnath where the Buddha was enlightened with its Gupta monuments and stupendous museum of Gupta period sculptures.

Day 14: Varanasi (Benares). Early morning moor off the Varanasi (Benares) Ghats. Explore on foot the Ghats, palaces, temples and museums of one of the oldest cities in the world. Contemporary Varanasi with 7th century BC Babylon and Nineveh, is the cultural heart of Hindu India at its richest and most beautiful. Evening boat trip to observe the spectacular ritual fire dances to Lord Shiva held on the Ghats.

Day 15: Varanasi to your next destination. Disembark from ship at Varanasi (Benares) and transfer to airport or railway station.

Ganga River, Varanasi

2009/2010 Departures

RV Bengal Pandaw (Click for ship info)

Upstream 2009: Sep 28, Nov 2. 2010: Jan 4, Feb 1, Mar 1

Downstream 2009: Oct 12, Nov 16. 2010: Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 15

PRICES:

Special offer US$1000 off per person on all cabins for four departures Sep 28, Oct 12, Nov 16, and Feb 15. Please request current prices.

PRICE INCLUDES:

All main meals; Locally made soft drinks and beers, coffee, tea, mineral water; Sightseeing as indicated in itinerary, Entrance fees and English speaking guide; Airport transfers from/to the ship; Port dues and taxes

PRICE EXCLUDES:

International flights; imported alcoholic beverages; laundry; visa costs; fuel surcharges

ABOUT Pandaw river cruises:

Luxury Pandaw cruising is different from other forms of cruising. The ships are full of character and comfort: colonial style promenade and observation decks, cocktail bar, lecture theatre and single sitting dining room make these ships amongst the smartest and most stylish of small ships. The atmosphere on board is informal and relaxed. Pandaw passengers like to be smart casual at night, but do not dress up.

Pandaw began twelve years ago as essentially an adventure experience, and whilst accommodation and service now is of a top standard, they refuse to compromise their tradition of respecting the passenger's independence and individuality. There is a very high level of care on board a Pandaw with impeccable service. The ratio is one staff member for every two guests.

Pandaw river cruises are essentially an outdoor experience. Whilst the staterooms are very comfortable and roomy, passengers prefer to spend their time sitting outside, on the promenade decks or on the vast observation deck above.

Exploratory shore excursions are led by local guides. When sailing, passengers sit on the deck and become absorbed by great panoramas as they unfold before them. Spellbound, one cannot help but to meditate upon the unceasing human and wildlife activity upon these spectacular waterworlds.

extension idea:

If you have more time, why not visit one of the Seven Wonders of World, the Taj Mahal. We can arrange your pre/post nights and domestic flights in India to Agra, as well as a stopover in Delhi, or both.

If you enjoy luxury river cruising, or like to cruise with Pandaw in another destination, see our river journeys on the Irrawaddy river in Myanmar, the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, and jungle experience in the rainforest of Borneo- Malaysia.