Bengali Craftsmen | The Holi Excursion
Day 01: Upon arrival in Kolkata, proceed to the jetty to board the ship. Enjoy lunch on board before embarking on a panoramic exploration of Dalhousie Square’s historic landmarks, including St. John’s Church and the Victoria Memorial.
End the day with dinner and stay overnight aboard the Ganges Voyager.
Day 02: Explore the Flower Market post-breakfast, witnessing artisans crafting diverse floral decorations for temples, weddings, and more. Next, venture to Kumartuli, a historic hub known for its pottery craftsmanship. Head back to the ship for lunch. Sail upstream, passing beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge, and marvel at colonial architecture along the Ganges River until reaching Bally Bridge.
Enjoy dinner and spend the night aboard the Ganges Voyager.
Day 03: As we cruise upstream towards Bandel, we relish breakfast and lunch on deck. After our midday meal, we explore the renowned Hooghly Imambara, a significant Shiya sanctuary offering accommodation and educational facilities to pilgrims.
Later, we dine and spend the night aboard the Ganges Voyager.
Day 04: Embark on a delightful journey to Kalna, where we’ll indulge in onboard breakfast and lunch. Upon reaching, hop on e-rickshaws to explore the Rajbari temple complex. The Nabakailas temple boasts 108 unique shrines honoring Lord Shiva. Wander through temples showcasing intricate architecture and terracotta panels depicting Hindu legends and daily life scenes. Afterward, stroll back to the ship through the bustling vegetable market. If you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the vibrant Dol-Jatra procession, featuring Krishna and Radha idols adorned on ornate palanquins, amidst joyful singing and playful splashes of colorful gulal. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and spend the night onboard the Ganges Voyager.
Day 05: Embark on a journey to Nabadwip today, relishing breakfast and lunch along the way. Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of Holi aboard our ship, adorned with colorful gulal, lively music, and delectable treats. Upon reaching, explore a riverside village famed for its handloom weaving, though festivities might pause work. Cross the river by traditional boat to Mayapur, home to ISKCON’s headquarters. Wander through the pilgrim’s market, mingle with devotees, and marvel at the grand temple, reminiscent in size of the Vatican.
Return to the Ganges Voyager for a delightful dinner and overnight stay.
Day 06: This dawn, we glide swiftly to Guptipara. Discover the town post-breakfast, marveling at the Vaishnav temples adorned with exquisite terracotta art. Engage with skilled potters in their homes, witnessing their craft firsthand. After a delightful lunch on board, we set sail to Fulia, renowned for its unique blend of jacquard and jamdani saree weaving.
Conclude the day with a sumptuous dinner and a tranquil night’s rest aboard the Ganges Voyager.
Day 07: Indulge in breakfast as you sail towards Chandernagore, once a French colony. Upon reaching, immerse yourself in the charm of colonial architecture lining the waterfront, with highlights including the museum housed in the former French governor’s residence, showcasing life from bygone eras. Don’t miss the serene atmosphere of the Sacred Heart Church. Afterward, returned to the ship and set sail for Serampore. Following lunch, take a stroll through the historic district to admire remnants of Danish influence, such as the Danish Tavern and St. Olav’s Church. Then, continue your journey towards Kolkata, where you’ll arrive by evening. Enjoy dinner and spend the night onboard the Ganges Voyager.
Day 08: Arrival: 9:00 AM
After enjoying breakfast, disembark from the vessel and proceed with your next adventure.
Please Note: The schedule might be altered to accommodate local circumstances and closures of attractions on specific days. Additionally, last-minute changes to sailing times may happen. The exact timings for activities will be communicated by the onboard tour staff. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)