The Hooghly

From $2,950 per person

10 days

Ship: RV Katha Pandaw

The Hooghly
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We are pleased to announce an exciting new expedition on the Hooghly River, that connects Kolkata with the Ganges, starting October 2025. The 18 stateroom Kalaw Pandaw will sail from Kolkata to Baranagar and back on this most enchanting of rivers. This adventure captures the essence of the real India: lovely countryside, magnificent palaces, mystical temples and artisanal villages not to mention very friendly folk.The itinerary also includes two nights in Kolkata allowing passengers two full days sight-seeing in the former capital of the Indian Raj, with its huge museum, 18th century churches, temples, mosques and architectural splendours from the glory days of the Raj.Late check out on the 10th day enables passengers to stay on board, with full board, as most international flights from India go at night. Currently with Indian hotels competing with London or Paris in costliness, a ten-day itinerary such as this offers travellers real value as the cruise becomes a stand-alone Pandaw India trip which means that pre and post cruise hotels in Kolkata are not required.

Journey Summary

  • Day 1 - Embark Kolkata
  • Day 2 - Kolkata Immersion
  • Day 3 - Kolkata - Serempore
  • Day 4 - Kalna
  • Day 5 - Matiari
  • Day 6 - Murshidabad
  • Day 7 - Baranagar - Ajimganj
  • Day 8 - Mayapur
  • Day 9 - Chandernagore - Hooghly
  • Day 10 - Disembarkation Kolkata

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1 - October 05, 2025

Embark Kolkata

Transfer from your Kolkata hotel or the airport to embark by 1200 for lunch on board followed by city orientation tour with a walk round Dalhousie Square, the prominent Writers’ Building the former HQ of the East India Company, and step inside St John’s Church with its painting of The Last Supper. Experience the serenity of the Victoria Memorial with a stroll through the splendid gardens. Admire the domed white marble hall built in memory of Queen Victoria and discover Victorian memorabilia and British Raj-era paintings. We take dinner in a local restaurant before enjoying the rest of the afternoon at leisure. On return to ship welcome cocktails and briefing.

Day 2 - October 06, 2025

Kolkata Immersion

Early morning visit to the vibrant flower market, one of Asia’s largest. Wind through the mountains of marigolds and jasmine and watch as people buy flowers for temple offerings and prayers. Stroll down to the river to witness a traditional Akhara. Step inside and watch men of all ages practice a traditional form of wrestling known as kushti. We return to ship for breakfast. Afternoon visit to the Indian Museum and then free time in the nearby New Market before returning to ship for dinner.

Day 3 - October 07, 2025

Kolkata - Serempore

Morning visit to the market and sail at noon to cross the Hooghli to the old Danish colony of Serampore, founded in 1676, and visit the tavern, church, and museum. After, cruise past the iconic landmarks of Kolkata: the Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House.

Day 4 - October 08, 2025

Kalna

After breakfast, embark on a scenic cruise upstream, arriving at the charming country town of Kalna. Take a rickshaw ride to explore a group of Bengal's most impressive terracotta temples, culminating in a visit to the unique 18th-century Shiva Temple. This remarkable temple is adorned with concentric rings of 108 smaller shrines, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. Sail on through the night, mooring near Maitari.

Day 5 - October 09, 2025

Matiari

Step ashore in Matiari, a charming riverside village renowned for its brass-working traditions. Engage with the local artisans and witness the fascinating process of crafting intricate brass water pots and other vessels. Time permitting, venture to the historic battlefield of Plassey. Here, in the pivotal year of 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of the British East India Company, decisively defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, marking a turning point in Indian history. Moor close to Murshidabad for the night.

Day 6 - October 10, 2025

Murshidabad

Embark on a walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style Garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and his family. Continue upstream to witness the grandeur of Hazarduari Palace, an architectural masterpiece built by an English architect in 1837. Explore its opulent interiors, showcasing a fascinating collection of paintings, china, weapons, and other artifacts. Next, visit the magnificent Katra Mosque and the impressive Nashipara Palace, a testament to the wealth and influence of the local merchants during the "White Mughal" era – a period of cultural exchange between English and Indian influences. Finally, we visit Katgola Palace, an exquisite example of Georgian architecture built by wealthy local merchants, further highlighting the unique blend of cultures that flourished during this era.Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.

Day 7 - October 11, 2025

Baranagar - Ajimganj

Sail upstream along the Hoogly River, a picturesque waterway winding through a landscape of lush mustard fields and vibrant mango orchards. Disembark in Baranagar, a charming village, and enjoy a leisurely walk through its serene countryside. Visit three exquisite miniature terracotta temples, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. Continue sailing downstream, stopping at Azimganj to explore the intricately carved Jain temples. This itinerary offers a glimpse into the idyllic rural life of Bengal and its fascinating cultural and architectural heritage.

Day 8 - October 12, 2025

Mayapur

Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of the Hare Krishna movement at Mayapur, its global headquarters. Explore the magnificent ISKCON temple complex, a modern marvel comparable in size to the Vatican and generously funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford. Interact with devotees and wander through the vibrant pilgrims' bazaar.

Day 9 - October 13, 2025

Chandernagore - Hooghly

Continue sailing downstream before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Quran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. Sail past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix's House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Enjoy a TukTuk ride to the Hangseshwari Temple before sailing into the night to a mooring near Kolkata.

Day 10 - October 14, 2025

Disembarkation Kolkata

Early morning moor in Kolkata Port and transfer to hotels or airport. Passengers with night flights may stay in their cabins and are at leisure during the day with a lunch served on board and a light supper prior to departure.

Dates and Prices

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Feb 04, 2026Feb 06, 2026Feb 22, 2026Feb 22, 2026

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The RV Katha Pandaw boat is moored by the river, with a buffalo grazing in the foreground amidst lush greenery.
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RV Katha Pandaw

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