Boutique cruise
Your vessel is a boutique modern ship, offering high-end comfort that reflects the region of Bengal.
Echoes of Empire: A Ganges river cruise
Cruise through the soul of Bengal, discovering sacred secrets along the Ganges…
This seven-night river cruise from Farakka to Kolkata reveals the soul of Bengal, blending cultural discovery with comfort aboard the ABN Rajmahal. The boutique vessel feels personal and refined.
Each cabin features a French balcony, framing panoramic views of river life unfolding along the banks. As the ship glides past temples, villages and colonial relics, explore ashore or relax on deck. This harmonious journey through Bengal’s history and daily life is offered upstream or downstream. We suggest extending your journey either side of your cruise to explore Kolkata, Kaziranga National Park and Darjeeling, allowing you to experience the very best of the region.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Village life
Explore secluded local communities only accessible by boat.
Expert guides
The onboard expedition team include local guides who have in depth knowledge about the region.
Local crafts
Discover traditional handcrafted works created by skilled local artisans.
Why Steppes?
Rated Excellent
on Trustpilot
One of the World's
Top Travel Specialists
Transparent and
Accountable
-
Day 1
Kolkata To Chandernagore
-
Day 2
Chandernagore to Kalna
-
Day 3
Kalna to Matiari
-
Day 4
Matiari to Khushbagh
-
Day 5
Khushbagh to Baranagar
-
Day 6
Baranagar to Farakka
-
Day 7
Gaur
-
Day 8
Disembarkation
Day 1
Kolkata To Chandernagore
If you take the upstream course of this cruise, you will start in Kolkata. Board by midday, sail past Serampore to Barrackpore for a guided walk through colonial landmarks, before continuing upriver to the former French settlement of Chandernagore.
Day 2
Chandernagore to Kalna
Explore Chandernagore’s 18th-century church and Dupleix Palace, visit Hooghly’s grand Imambara adorned with Quranic verses, then sail past historic Dutch Chinsura to anchor near Kalna for the night.
Day 3
Kalna to Matiari
After breakfast, explore Kalna’s remarkable terracotta temples by rickshaw, including the 108-shrine Shiva temple. Visit a muslin-weaving centre, then continue to Mayapur to see the vast ISKCON temple before sailing overnight towards Matiari.
Day 4
Matiari to Khushbagh
Visit Matiari to see traditional brass-making, then sail to Plassey, site of the 1757 battle that shaped Indian history, before mooring near Khushbagh for the night.
Day 5
Khushbagh to Baranagar
Visit Khushbagh’s serene Mughal garden and Hazarduari Palace with its grand collection, then explore the Katra Mosque and Georgian-style Katgola Palace before mooring overnight across the river from Baranagar.
Day 6
Baranagar to Farakka
Stroll through Baranagar to see its exquisite terracotta temples, then sail along the scenic lower Ganges past mustard fields and mango orchards to moor near the Farakka Barrage.
Day 7
Gaur
Disembark for a full-day visit to Gaur near Malda, once a major Hindu and later Muslim capital, exploring its impressive ruins before returning to the ship in the evening.
Day 8
Disembarkation
Your journey on the Ganges ends today. Transfer to the station for a train journey to the vibrant city of Kolkata.
More Details
The Ganges
The Ganges, flowing from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, is India’s most revered river and a vital lifeline for millions. Sacred to Hindus, it supports daily rituals along its fertile banks. Near the delta, one branch becomes the Hooghly, a gentler distributary that passes rural villages, temples and former colonial towns. Together, the Ganges and Hooghly reveal Bengal’s layered history and the enduring connection between landscape, spirituality and daily life.
Uncover Kolkata
Kolkata, once the capital of British India, is a city where history, culture and creativity come together. Colonial buildings, trams and lively markets shape its distinctive character. Known as India’s cultural heart, it has long inspired writers and artists. Explore the Victoria Memorial, browse College Street’s bookshops or wander Kumartuli’s artisan quarter. A sunset over the Hooghly River or a meal of traditional Bengali cuisine offers a fitting end to time spent in this warm and evocative city.
Terracotta Temples
Kalna, set beside the Hooghly River, offers a gentle introduction to Bengal’s artistic and spiritual heritage. Once a lively trading and pilgrimage centre, it is renowned for its terracotta temples created in the 18th century. The highlight is the Shiva complex, designed with 108 small shrinelets in perfect symmetry. Narrow lanes, rickshaw rides and small markets reveal daily life at an unhurried pace. With its striking architecture and calm atmosphere, Kalna reflects the enduring charm of rural Bengal.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
-
-
-
Five percent of every booking with Assam Bengal Navigation supports the ABN Foundation’s initiatives. This includes providing training in hospitality and english language skills to the local people from villages in Assam and Bengal as well as supporting certain projects at schools, to improve the quality of education.
Five percent of every booking with Assam Bengal Navigation supports the ABN Foundation’s initiatives. This includes developing their fair-trade weaving unit to support rural women, contributing to the development of gender equality within the region.
Five percent of every booking with Assam Bengal Navigation supports the ABN Foundation’s initiatives in education, environmental conservation and rural community development. This includes supporting local artisans of the region in which they operate in.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
We're waiting to help you
It all starts here
Let’s put that once-in-a-lifetime trip in your hands. Get in touch with the team and we will work with you at every step to make sure that it’s extraordinary.
01285 880 980Get in touch with our travel experts to start
creating your tailor-made holiday.
Suggested Extension
Kaziranga National Park
A few days in Kaziranga National Park offer an immersive journey into India’s wild heart. Early mornings bring misty jeep or elephant safaris across tall grasslands, where one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants and buffalo roam freely. As the light softens, the park reveals its rich birdlife, from vibrant kingfishers to eagles circling above the Brahmaputra. Between safaris, unwind in a charming lodge surrounded by nature’s quiet rhythm. Boat trips along the river offer chances to spot otters and rare Gangetic dolphins. Evenings are spent beneath starlit skies, listening to the sounds of the jungle — a serene end to each unforgettable day.
3 days. Price on request
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchase through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $3,895 Per person
When to travel
India in January
January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
India in February
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
India in March
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
India in April
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
India in May
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
India in June
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
India in July
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
India in August
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
India in September
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
India in October
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
India in November
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
India in December
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?