- India Escorted Tours
- Bengal and Hooghly Ganges River Cruise with Darjeeling Extension
Journey through history on an unforgettable cruise along the Hooghly River, where terracotta temples, vibrant markets, and ancient towns reveal the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. Discover the remarkable craftsmanship of traditional weavers, potters, and local artisans, and gain an in-depth insight into the region’s spiritual legacy. Framed by the picturesque East Indian countryside, learn about India’s colonial past and experience its modern vibrancy, all while enjoying the comforts of your boutique river cruise ship, the charming MV Bengal Ganga.
Embark on a captivating journey to Darjeeling, the “Queen of the Hills,” where breathtaking Himalayan views meet rich cultural heritage. Experience the charm of the iconic Toy Train, explore serene monasteries, and stroll through historic streets steeped in colonial legacy. Complete your adventure with an immersive tea garden visit, discovering the art and tradition behind the world’s finest brews.
Depart the UK for your overnight flight to Kolkata.
Dinner
On arrival in Kolkata, you will be met by your guide. Transfer to your hotel and settle in, ready for your adventure to begin.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning transfer to the jetty to embark your ship by noon and have a welcome lunch onboard. Spend the afternoon enjoying a panoramic tour of Kolkata, viewing the city’s British colonial buildings, including the Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), and Dalhousie Square. Visit St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built in 1756. The church features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata in 1756. Stop at the Victoria Memorial before returning to your ship.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, visit Kolkata's bustling Flower Market, a feast for the eyes. Located near the cantilevered Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred River Ganges, this lively market is over 125 years old and the largest of its kind in the country: wander among the vibrant, colourful stalls and watch as artists create stunning flower garlands and ornaments for temples, weddings and other usage. From here, visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters' quarter where artisans are renowned for crafting and exporting clay idols for use in festivals across India, using clay from the river beside their homes. Return to your ship for the evening.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sail upstream to Bandel, a former Portuguese settlement and home to the first Christian prayer hall of Bengal. Visit the Hooghly Imambara, a Shiya pilgrimage centre built in 1841. The two-story building and surrounding rooms provide housing for pilgrims, as well as classrooms, or Madrasa, that teach the Koran. The building contains a lofty Victorian-era clock with a winding key weighing over 20kg, alongside colourful Persian chandeliers hat light the Imambara’s stunning hallways.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sail further upstream from Bandel to Kalna, a temple town with a unique blend of spiritual history and natural beauty. Ride electric rickshaws to the magnificent Rajbari Complex, a stunning example of Bengal’s architectural heritage, known for its dense concentration of temples. Explore the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809, which contains 108 slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Wander further through the complex to temples adorned with beautiful terracotta plaques depicting Hindu myths, images of Durga, and day-to-day life in the region. Return to your ship, walking through the local market.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cruise to Nabadwip, a pilgrimage site for Hindus and birthplace of Saint Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of the Hindu Vaishnav religion and a great social reformer. Former capital of the Sena Dynasty during the 12th-century, the town was a vital centre of education, religion, and culture. Spend some time exploring the village and enjoy a chance to observe skilled handloom weavers at work, creating saris, scarves and stoles. Ride a country boat to Mayapur, home to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) headquarters, more commonly known as the Hare Krishna Movement. See the new Temple of Vedic Planetarium, comparable in size to the Vatican, which houses a 75-foot domed planetarium. Meet Krishna followers and stroll through the vibrant pilgrim's bazaar, where all manner of goods from sweet treats, handmade clothes, spiritual statues and locally-crafted souvenirs can be found.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sail onwards to Guptipara, known for its art, religious festivals, picturesque rice paddy fields, and sweet, buttery Himsagar mangoes. Explore the 17th- and 18th-century Vaishnav temple complex, admiring the buildings’ intricate carvings, before a visit a local potter's home. Meet the artists and observe their craftsmanship. In the afternoon, cross the river to Fulia, a hub of handloom weaving for many generations, where artisans specialize in Jacquard and Jamdani Saree Weaving. The soft textures and intricate patterns of these sarees have made them popular with textile connoisseurs worldwide.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cruise downstream to Chandernagore, established as a French colony in 1673. Here, you’ll see a variety of French colonial buildings lining the promenade, including the former governor's residence (now converted to a museum) and the Sacred Heart Church, which has stood for over two centuries exemplifying the beauty of the French period’s architecture. Continue to Serampore, an erstwhile Danish colony. Marvel at Danish heritage sites like the Denmark Tavern, now restored as a café, restaurant, and luxury hotel, and St. Olav's Church, built in 1806, reflective of the designs of contemporary churches in British India. Sail to Kolkata for a farewell dinner and your final evening onboard.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Bagdogra. On arrival, meet your guide and transfer to Darjeeling to settle in at your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin your day with an optional visit to Tiger Hill, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the Himalayan Mountain Range, which includes Kanchandzonga and Mount Everest. Watch the horizon changing colours just before dawn, when the entire Himalayan range turns golden.
After breakfast, take a unique Toy Train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom (subject to operation) on the celebrated Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These small 4-wheel trains, some of which are over 100 years old, are a well-preserved piece of the past: experience the sounds, smells and romance of a bygone era as the 2-foot gauge railway, opened in 1881, criss-crosses the road, unveiling the picturesque surrounding scenery. Based on its unique features, the railway is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind. Visit the Ghoom Monastery, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling, built in 1850. In the afternoon, a Heritage Walk of Darjeeling starts from St. Andrew’s Church, taking you past the Darjeeling Gymkhana Club (established 1909 and still in use today). On the Mall, see some of the old shops like Habeeb Mullick & Sons, Das Studio, Glenary’s Restaurant, and Planters Club, established in 1868 for British planters and their wives to enjoy their evenings. Stop for a cup of tea at Keventer’s historic restaurant before strolling past the Union Church of Gandhi Road, the Municipal & Trumbull School, and other landmarks along the Laden-La road, including the Clock Tower, Head Post Office and the State Bank of India building.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning spend time at the Mountaineering Institute, home of Tenzing Norgay, the first Everest hero, and visit Tibetan Refugee Centre. Later, enjoy a tea experience, visiting a tea garden to hear the legendary stories of how this very British drink travelled all the way from China to Eastern India. Walk through the various sections of the garden before joining the tea pickers for a rustic lunch. At the tea factory, watch the timeless manufacturing process set in motion by the East India Company, and learn about the various steps that go into making your perfect cup of tea – withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and sorting. The experience culminates with a tasting session of the day’s brew.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, transfer to Bagdogra airport for your flight to Kolkata and overnight stay.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transfer to the Kolkata airport for your return flight to the UK.
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
PLEASE NOTE – The Captain reserves the right to change the route in case of bad weather conditions and if ports are unexpectedly busy.
If booking more than 17 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 17 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 17 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
A visa is required for entry into India. British Citizen Passport Holders will need to obtain a tourist visa. You can apply for an E-visa no more than 30 days in advance. Your E-visa must be valid for your whole trip so please ensure the expiry date is for the whole duration of your stay. Alternatively you can visit The Indian Visa Application Centre in London: 142-148 Goswell Road, London, EC1B 7DU. We also work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. Additionally, you will need to complete an e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before your arrival. This can be done on the Indian visa website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/. Additionally, you must complete an Ebola Self-Declaration Form before departure. This form can be completed online at https://airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in/. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before you enter India. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed e-ticket or boarding pass, along with your passport, is required for entry into Indian airports. Ensure you print your tickets before travelling, as digital copies on mobile devices are not accepted. It's also recommended to carry your invoice with flight details for reference.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace is rated Intermediate. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, and you will be getting on and off coaches, trains and boats and climbing steps which may be irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. Early morning trains and flights depending upon the schedule and some early morning sightseeing’s are also in this tour.
The currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in India should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. There are restrictions on taking Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to take any amount of Indian currency into the country. You can take cash or travellers' cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) and/or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in your local currency. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these are not mentioned in your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400-£500 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour.
Tipping is at your discretion; however, it is recommended that you allow approximately $120 USD per person for the ship’s staff, which includes the crew, ship manager, and shore excursion drivers. Additionally, a tip of $50 USD per person is suggested for the Ship Guide. Please note that it is requested all tips be given in US Dollars, rather than local currency.
For your extension:
It is customary to tip your guide and driver. This is at your discretion, but we recommend you allow approximately £4-£5 for each guide and £2-£3 for each driver per person per day. It is asked that you tip in pounds and not local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange. If you want to tip your bell boy, porter etc this is at your discretion, All tips will be collected by your guide at the beginning of your tour for your convenience.
Your cruise and excursions are not exclusive to Mercury Holidays and will be shared with other international travellers.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
When you're not on the ship, you’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide, and assistance will be provided during both embarkation and disembarkation. On board, the crew speaks English as well as other languages and is available to assist all international passengers. An English-speaking Cruise Director will also be on board to help with any questions you may have. During the excursions included in your itinerary, you will be guided by a local English-speaking tour guide. Please note that during your free time for local exploration, a tour guide will not accompany you.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK.
Breakfast is buffet-style and is always a combination of Indian and western style. Lunch is typically a buffet of mainly Indian cuisine. Dinner is served buffet-style or as a set menu, also featuring Indian dishes. All meals on the boat are served in the main deck dining room.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian and non-spicy meal options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way, so to ensure your comfort and well-being.
There are some dry hotels in India, and some hotels where alcohol can be consumed on the premise but must be brought in from outside. Your guide will pre-warn you of this and if anyone in the group would like to purchase drinks before getting then he will arrange for you to visit a local shop and get what you need wherever possible.
Dry days are when the sale of alcohol is not allowed. Most of the Indian states observe these days on major national festivals/occasions such as Republic Day in January, Independence Day in August and Gandhi Jayanti in October. Dry days are also observed during elections in India.
During visits to Churches/Temples please note long trousers or skirts should be worn to cover knees, long sleeved tops should be worn to cover shoulders and ladies should bring a scarf to cover your head.
On your arrival in Kolkata you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Jayasree Travels & Tours, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Earthen Experiences representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries you may have.
If you need to contact Earthen Experiences during your stay the details are: Earthen Experiences Earthen Experiences, 2 DDA Commercial Complex, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi 110017
Telephone Number: 0091 11 4921 1000 (09:30 – 18:00)
Monday to Fridays E-mail: info@earthenexperiences.com
Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Earthen Experiences: Mr. Mohammad Kaushar – General Manager: 24 hour number: 0091 98 9974 0800 Email Address: mohammad.kaushar@earthenexperiences.com
