13 Days: Kolkata - Bhubaneswar - Puri

Tour overview:

Discover the cultural treasures of eastern India on a luxurious River cruise aboard MV Bengal Ganga, complemented by an immersive exploration of Odisha's sacred temples, artisan villages, and UNESCO-listed monuments. Blending colonial heritage, vibrant traditions, spiritual landmarks, and timeless craftsmanship, this journey offers an unforgettable insight into India's rich cultural legacy.

Day 1 - Arrive Kolkata

Upon arrival in Kolkata, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Day 2 - Kolkata Sightseeing

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at leisure before embarking on an afternoon city tour of Kolkata covering Kalighat Kali Temple, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Victoria Memorial & Dalhousie Square. (B)

Day 3 - Kolkata – Embark Cruise

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the jetty to board your cruise. Complete the embarkation formalities and begin your unforgettable river cruise journey. Lunch onboard. Post lunch, proceed for a Panoramic Tour of Kolkata, featuring a view of the well preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. We proceed to visit St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India, a painting of the Last Supper by German artist, Johann Zoffany, and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Shriaj Ud Daula in 1756. We then halt at the grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Overnight onboard MV Bengal Ganga. (B/L/D)

Day 4 - Kolkata Tour – Bally Bridge

Morning after breakfast, visit Kolkata’s Flower Market, a feast for the eyes. Located below and adjacent to the cantilevered Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred river Ganges, the market is bustling from the wee hours of the morning. Countless vendors and buyers exchange money for flowers and countless locals carry bales of flowers that are at least twice their weight. There are several stalls where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other usage. Thereafter visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata, renowned for its sculpting prowess, which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them. The potters here fashioned the clay from the river 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 and start sail upstream passing below the iconic Howrah Bridge and seeing various colonial buildings along the Ganges River. We moor for the night on the outskirts of Kolkata city near the Bally Bridge. Overnight onboard MV Bengal Ganga. (B/L/D)

Day 5 - Bally Bridge – Bandel

This morning we set sail upstream to Bandel, meaning port in Bengali was founded by Portuguese settlers who built the Church and a Monastery around 1660. We visit the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centres in West Bengal, built in 1841 by Haji Mohammad Mahasin. The two-story building and surrounding rooms provide housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms, or Madrasa that teach the Koran. The structure contains a Victorian-era clock with a winding key weighing 20kg. Large Persian chandeliers and lamps light the Imambara's stunning hallways and passages. Overnight onboard MV Bengal Ganga. (B/L/D)

Day 6 - Bandel – Kalna

Today we sail further upstream to the temple town of Kalna. Ride electric rickshaws to the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region. Return to the ship walking through the local market selling different kinds of seasonal vegetables and fruits. Overnight onboard MV Bengal Ganga. (B/L/D)

Day 7 - Kalna – Nabadwip – Mayapur

Early morning, we sail towards Nabadwip. Literally meaning New (Nab) Island (Dwip), it is the birthplace and abode of Saint Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the 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 center of education, religion and culture. Post breakfast we will explore the riverbank village by walk to see the local people engaged in Handloom Weaving of Cotton fabric, mainly saris and stole/scarves and other activities. Ride the country boat across the river to visit Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The new temple being built to commemorate the Jubilee year of ISKCON in 2016 and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car-maker Henry Ford, can be compared to the Vatican. It also contains a 75- foot domed planetarium. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrim’s bazaar. Overnight onboard MV Bengal Ganga. (B/L/D)

Day 8 - Mayapur – Guptipara – Fulia

This morning a short sail brings us to Guptipara, a rural town, renowned for its paddy fields and the Himsagar mango. Explore the town visiting the Vaishnav temples that contain some fantastic terracotta works. Visit a Potter’s home to see and interact with the artisans creating various clay items. In the afternoon, we sail across to the opposite riverbank and visit the weaving village of Fulia. After the partition of India and the division of Bengal into West Bengal (in India) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), many skilled weavers from Bangladesh, came and settled here and the region become a renowned centre for hand-woven fabrics. Fulia specializes in a combination of Jacquard and Jamdani Saree Weaving. Jamdani is typically handloom woven fabric using a mixture of cotton and gold thread. Overnight onboard MV Bengal Ganga. (B/L/D)

Day 9 - Fulia – Chandernagore – Serampore – Kolkata

This morning we sail further downstream to Chandernagore, which was established as a French colony in 1673. In the afternoon, explore the French colonial buildings walking along the promenade, including the former French governor's residence, now converted to a museum (Closed on Thursdays & Saturdays) that features an exhibition of items that depict life during this period. Also visit the Sacred Heart Church, designed by French Architect Jacques Duchatz. The church was inaugurated in 1884 and stands for over two centuries to mark the beauty of the architecture during the French period. Return to the ship and continue our journey back to Kolkata en route we halt to visit Serampore, an erstwhile Danish colony. Enjoy a walk in the old quarters to see the Danish Tavern, St. Olav's Church and other Danish heritage monuments. With Serampore being a popular pit-stop for Danish and English traders in 1786 a British innkeeper called James Parr opened the Denmark Tavern & Hotel, popularly called the Danish Tavern, which became a favourite among Europeans. You’ll also visit St. Olav’s Church, locally known as the Danish Church, that was constructed by the Danish Management between 1755 and 1845. The church is not particularly Scandinavian but reflects the designs of contemporary churches in British India. Continue sail to Kolkata and moor for the night. Evening farewell dinner. Overnight onboard MV Bengal Ganga. (B/L/D)

Day 10 - Disembark Cruise – Kolkata – Bhubaneswar

After breakfast, disembark your cruise and transfer to the airport for your flight to Bhubaneswar. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, embark on an afternoon sightseeing tour of Bhubaneswar, renowned as the "Temple City of India." Visit the exquisite Rajarani Temple, Parsurameswar Temple, Mukteswar Temple, often regarded as the gem of Odishan architecture, Brahmeswar Temple, and the magnificent Lingaraj Temple, the largest and most revered temple in the city. (B)

Day 11 - Bhubaneswar - Puri

After breakfast, drive to Puri, visiting several fascinating cultural and heritage sites en route. Stop at Dhauli, home to the renowned Buddhist Peace Pagoda, built near the site of Emperor Ashoka's historic Kalinga War. Continue to Hirapur to visit the unique 64 Yogini Temple, one of the few surviving circular Yogini shrines in India. Next, explore Pipli, celebrated for its vibrant appliqué handicrafts, before visiting Raghurajpur, a heritage artisan village renowned for its exquisite Pattachitra paintings, palm leaf engravings, wooden toys, Tussar silk paintings, and other traditional crafts.

Upon arrival in Puri, check in to your hotel. In the evening, visit the revered Lord Jagannath Temple (entry is restricted to Hindus) or relax on Puri's golden sandy beach. Overnight in Puri. (B)

Day 12 - Puri – Konark Excursion

After breakfast, drive to Konark to visit the magnificent Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's finest architectural masterpieces, popularly known as the "Black Pagoda." En route, stop at the revered Ramachandi Temple and the tranquil Chandrabhaga Beach, renowned for its pristine shoreline and scenic beauty. Later, return to Puri and spend the evening exploring the lively beach market, known for its local handicrafts, souvenirs, and regional delicacies. Overnight in Puri. (B)

Day 13 - Puri – Bhubaneswar – Delhi – Departure

After breakfast, drive to Bhubaneswar Airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to a hotel near the airport, where a day-use room has been reserved for you to relax and freshen up before your onward journey. Later in the evening, transfer to the airport for your international flight back home. (B)