Arrive Kolkata in the morning and transfer to the jetty for embarking the ship. Welcome onboard followed by safety briefing. Depending upon tide timings we sail towards Namkhana, the gateway of the Sundarbans National Park.

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

A further sail early in the morning brings us to the fishing port of Namkhana. Post breakfast visit the Fishing Cove and walk in the local market. Return to ship and sail full day to Kaikhali on the Matla River in the Sundarbans. 

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

After breakfast enjoy a walk in the village of Kaikhali that gives an insight into the daily lives of the people living in this geographically difficult and economically under-developed zone.

Sail further into the Sundarbans. Post lunch ride in local boats to visit the Nethidopani Watchtower and experience the spectacular nature of the surroundings. Apart from the elusive tiger, the region houses various wildlife species and a plethora of birds. We sail onward to Bali, an island village on the Bidyadhari River. 

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

After breakfast enjoy a creek cruise by local boats to visit the Dobanki Watchtower. It offers a canopy walk at an elevation of 20 feet from the ground and about half a kilometer in length. Post lunch spend the afternoon cruising further in the creeks by local boat to visit the Sudhanyakhali Watchtower that offers a panoramic view of the Sundarbans. 

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

This morning after breakfast enjoy a walk in the village of Bali and interact with the villagers engaged in creating handicrafts and visit a local home. Return to the ship and sail to Namkhana, enjoying lunch onboard. 

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

Today we sail back to Kolkata, crossing the creek as per tide chart and onward to Serampore passing below Kolkata’s famous landmark the cantilevered Howrah Bridge, and seeing various colonial buildings along the Hooghly River.

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

After breakfast, enjoy a walk in the old quarters of Serampore an erstwhile Danish colony. Visit the St. Olav’s Church and the Goswami Rajbari, a palatial mansion. 

We sail onward to the textile village of Shantipur. Post lunch enjoy a walking tour of Shantipur which is famous for handloom sarees and hand-woven fabrics. Reboard the ship and set sail further upstream to Guptipara, a rural town, renowned for its paddy fields and the Himsagar mango. 

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

Explore the town visiting the Vaishnav temple complex that houses four different terracotta temples. Visit a Potters home to see and interact with the artisans creating various daily use items in their home workshops. Also visit a Brick Factory to see the process of making clay bricks. Return to the ship and sail to Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). 

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

After breakfast, visit the ISKCON temple to experience the fascinating culture of these followers and their ornate, colourful decorated statues of Krishna. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrim’s bazaar. Return to ship and sail towards Bandel, that was founded by Portuguese settlers. 

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

Today after breakfast we visit the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centres built in 1841. The two-story building and surrounding rooms provide housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms. Return to the ship and sail back to Kolkata, arriving by the evening. 

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

After breakfast, visit the Flower Market and Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter. Return to the ship for lunch with the afternoon free for packing and personal activities. 

Dinner & Overnight onboard MV Ganga Vilas

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.