Artisans of Bengal - MV Bengal Ganga Cruise by Antara

Discover the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal aboard the elegant MV Bengal Ganga by Antara as you cruise along the historic Hooghly River, one of India's most fascinating waterways. This immersive journey combines colonial history, magnificent temples, riverside villages and centuries-old artisan traditions, offering an authentic glimpse into Bengal's artistic and spiritual heart.

From Kolkata's grand colonial architecture and colourful flower markets to Portuguese, French and Danish settlements, sacred temple towns and renowned weaving villages, this cruise celebrates the craftsmanship, culture and timeless charm of Bengal.

Kolkata - Bandel - Kalna - Mayapur - Guptipara - Fulia - Chandernagore

9 Nights / 10 Days

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Departure Dates:

29 Jan 2027

06, 14 & 22 Feb 2027

02, 18 & 26 Mar 2027

04 & 19 Apr 2027

7 nights cruise aboard the MV Bengal Ganga along the Hooghly River

Explore the colonial heritage of Kolkata, Chandernagore and Serampore

Visit the UNESCO-inspired temple town of Kalna and its remarkable Rajbari Temple Complex

Discover traditional handloom weaving villages, pottery workshops and local artisan communities

Visit Mayapur, the global headquarters of ISKCON and one of India's most important pilgrimage destinations

Guided sightseeing, cultural experiences and all meals on board the cruise

Arrive at Kolkata International Airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore Kolkata. The cultural capital of India, is a vibrant city where colonial architecture, artistic heritage and intellectual traditions blend seamlessly with modern urban life. From the iconic Howrah Bridge and the Victoria Memorial to bustling markets and historic tramways, the city offers an unmistakable old-world charm.

Overnight: Kolkata

Meals Included: None
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the cruise jetty to board the MV Bengal Ganga.

Following lunch on board, enjoy a panoramic tour of Kolkata's colonial district, passing many of the city's beautifully preserved British-era landmarks, including Writers' Building, Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House), the General Post Office, Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, the Reserve Bank of India, High Court and Dalhousie Square.

Continue to St. John's Church, Kolkata's oldest Anglican church, renowned for its historic cemetery, impressive pipe organ and paintings dating back to the colonial period. Finish with a photo stop at the magnificent Victoria Memorial, one of India's most iconic monuments.

Return to the ship for dinner and your first evening on board.

Overnight: MV Bengal Ganga

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, visit Kolkata's vibrant Flower Market, one of Asia's largest wholesale flower markets, where thousands of colourful blooms are traded beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred river Ganges each morning.

Continue to Kumartuli, Kolkata's famous potters' quarter, where generations of artisans handcraft intricate clay idols for festivals across India and around the world. The potters here fashion the clay from the river bank beside their home into pots to be sold at the local market. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.

Return to the ship for lunch before beginning your cruise upstream along the Hooghly River. Sail beneath Howrah Bridge, passing historic riverside buildings and bustling ghats before mooring near Bally Bridge for the evening.

Overnight: MV Bengal Ganga

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
This morning, continue sailing upstream to Bandel, one of Bengal's oldest European settlements, established by the Portuguese during the 16th century.

Visit the impressive two-storeyed Hooghly Imambara, one of West Bengal's most important Shiya pilgrimage centres, built in 1841 by Haji Mohammad Mahasin. Admire its grand courtyards, Persian chandeliers, intricate interiors and the famous Victorian clock tower with it’s winding key weighing 20kg.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on board as the cruise continues through the scenic Hooghly countryside.

Overnight: MV Bengal Ganga

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, sail to the historic temple town of Kalna, renowned for its remarkable concentration of terracotta temples.

Travel by electric rickshaw to the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, home to the famous Nabakailas Temple built in 1809 with its unique circle of 108 Shiva shrines. Explore other beautifully decorated temples within the complex adorned with intricate terracotta panels depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday village life.

Return to the ship via Kalna's colourful local market, where seasonal fruits, vegetables and local produce are sold.

Overnight: MV Bengal Ganga

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Early this morning, we sail to Nabadwip, one of Bengal's most important spiritual centres and the birthplace of Saint Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, founder of the Hindu Vaishnav religion and a great social reformer. Once the capital of the Sena Dynasty under King Lakshman Sena, who ruled during the 12th century, the town was an important centre of education, religion and culture.

After breakfast, take a guided walk through a riverside weaving village, where local artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of handloom weaving, producing cotton saris, scarves and textiles.

Later, cross the river by country boat to Mayapur, the international headquarters of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). Visit the magnificent temple complex built in 2016 to commemorate its jubilee, which was largely funded by Alfred B Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford, the car maker. The complex is home to an impressive 75ft domed planetarium. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrim’s bazaar.

Overnight: MV Bengal Ganga

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Enjoy a short morning sail to Guptipara, a charming rural town known for its terracotta temples, mango orchards, paddy fields and traditional village life.

Visit beautifully preserved Vaishnav temples featuring exquisite terracotta artwork before meeting local potters in their homes to observe traditional clay craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Later, cross to the weaving village of Fulia, one of Bengal's finest centres for Jamdani and Jacquard weaving. Jamdani is typically handloom-woven fabric using a mixture of cotton and gold thread. Discover the intricate process of hand-weaving saris and meet the artisans who continue this renowned craft.

Overnight: MV Bengal Ganga

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, cruise downstream to Chandernagore, a former French colony established in the 17th century.

This afternoon, stroll along the elegant riverside promenade and admire beautifully preserved French colonial buildings. Visit the former French Governor's Residence, now a museum exhibiting items depicting life during the period, and the striking Sacred Heart Church designed by French Architect Jacques Duchatz. It’s an excellent example of French architecture in India.

Continue cruising to Serampore, once a Danish trading settlement. Explore its historic quarter, including the restored Danish Tavern, St. Olav's Church and other colonial landmarks reflecting the town's European heritage. Serampore, a popular stop for Danish and English traders in 1786, saw a British innkeeper, James Parr, open the Denmark Tavern & Hotel, popularly called the Danish Tavern, which became a favourite among Europeans.

Return to the MV Bengal Ganga for a farewell dinner as the ship sails back to Kolkata.

Overnight: MV Bengal Ganga

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, disembark the MV Bengal Ganga and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for last-minute shopping or to explore Kolkata at your own pace. Enjoy your final dinner at the hotel this evening.

Overnight: Kolkata

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Kolkata International Airport for your onward flight.

Your Artisans of Bengal river cruise comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Bengal's rich heritage, artisan traditions, sacred temples and colonial riverfront towns.

Meals Included: Breakfast

9 nights accommodation as below

2 nights hotel 5*, Kolkata

7 nights Antara MV Bengal Ganga Cruise in Premium Suite (Upper Deck)

9 Breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners

All transfers in Kolkata for pre- and post-cruise services by air-conditioned vehicle

Shore excursions as per the cruise itinerary, including entry fees, local transport and accompanying local English-speaking guides.

Meet and greet and assistance at the airports, hotels and jetty

Transfers to/from the jetty for embarkation and disembarkation

Onboard Ship:

Complimentary purified bottled water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices onboard

Welcome fresh fruit upon arrival

Welcome drink and cold towel service following excursions

All meals during the cruise

Shoe cleaning after excursions

Onboard cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes and other scheduled activities

Complimentary indoor board games and reading material

Complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas

All applicable taxes included, along with basic porterage at airports and hotels

International flights

Visa fees & travel insurance

Optional activities (available at an additional cost)

Camera/video charges at monuments and attractions, where applicable