Gangas Heritage Cruise

Day 1
M. V. Paramhamsa casts off at 3 PM. from Millennium Park Jetty, Kolkata The vessel sails down the Howrah Bridge, the unique Cantilever Bridge across the river Ganga joining the two metropolises of Kolkata and Howrah. Sailing past the Howrah Railway Station, one of the busiest in the world, and various heritage sites on the banks of the great river, including the numerous temples and bathing ghats, the historical point of Job Charnock, house of Dolls, Nimtolla Ghat and oldest Gun & Shell Factory in India at Cassipur the tourists arrive at Belur. Here the visitors disembark to visit Belur Math, a ‘shrine built’ by Swami Vivekananda, in honour of his great master Ramakrishna Paramhamsa Deb, The visit will give an insight Sri Ramakrishna’s equality of religious.

By dusk the visitors embark the vessel to sail up the river to Chandannagar, a colony of the French till 1950. At the Chandannagar Strand, the ancient French colony comes alive with bands recreating French flover. After a tour of the French Architecture of historical importance in the Strand like the Church, the Clock Tower and the old hotels, now housing the Civil Court and various educations the visitors embark the vessel to be treated to a French Dinner, befitting the ambience and the aroma of the French settlement of yore. The vessel sails as the visitors dine and later anchors at Triveni for the night.

Day 2
As the vessel sails, rural Bengal unfolds itself in all its beauty, bounty and glory. The Forenoon is spent on board and activities include a talk about the magnificent Ganga heritage by a well-known Historian.

The vessel reaches Mayapur, the headquarters of ISKON. The visitors disembark at the divine abode of Lord Krishna. The rich vegetarian lunch at the divine temple at Mayapur tantalizes the taste buds with its purity and simplicity. The Hare Krishna cult of the Gaudiya Vaishnav philosophy believes that Mayapur is the place of Sri Chaitanya and it is the spiritual capital of the world.

Nabadwip, the ancient capital of Lakhsman Sen, the famous ruler of the Sen dynasty, situated in the western bank due to the changing course of Ganga, was a great center of learning and intellectual prowess, referred to as the Oxford of Bengal and the place where Chaitanya Deb was born in 1486. This was captured by Bakhtiyar Khilji, to pave the way for Muslim Rule in Bengal. The visitors enjoy a stroll through these twin towns of Chaitanya faith and return to the vessel for a quiet evening to let the divine feeling sink in. At night the vessel cruises to anchor at Lal Bagh in front of HazarDuari, the Palace with thousand doors.

Day 3
Murshidabad is one of the oldest cities of West Bengal and has a rich heritage. It was the capital city of Sasanka, the great king of Gaur. The Nawab Murshid Ali Khan made Murshidabad the capital city of Sube Bangal, comprising of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. It was last capital of independent Nawabs of Bengal and the first capital of Bengal under the British.

The visitors start the day with a pleasant walk through Khushagh, an idyllic Mughal style Garden enclosing the tombs of Siraj-ud-Dauiiah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal and his family. The visitors return to the vessel for breakfast. As the recharged visitors come back on land they visit places of historic interest like the Nizamat Kila (the Fortress of the Nawabs), also known as the Hazaarduari Palace (Palace of a Thousand Doors), built by Duncan Mc Leod of the Bengal Engineers in 1837, in the Italianate style, the Moti Jhil (Pearl Lake) just to the south of the place, the Muradbagh Palace and the Khushbagh Cemetery, where the remains of Ali Vardi Khan and Siraj Ud Daulah are interred. After visiting the Hazar Duari Museum collections of pictures, china, weapons and other objects the visitors see the great Katara Mosque and the 18th Century marvels of the Nashipura Palace and the palace of Jagat Sett, both built in classical Georgian style by rich local merchants and represents the other side of the coin of the “White Mughal” period when English and Indian cultures came close to fusion.

In the afternoon, after a sumptuous lunch the visitors have a delightfully expensive shopping experience of Murshidabad silk. Since the vessel will be in port throughout the day the visitors can also plan to explore the city of silk on their own. After a day well spent, the cruiser bids good bye and passes through the historic battleground of Palassey, where Robert Clive’s men defeated Siraj-ud-Daullah’s soldiers ushering in British Rule in India. Entertainment at nightfall is the highlight of the evening as the cruiser winds its way back and the visitors carry with them pleasant memories of historical past and enjoy the delightful cuisine.

Day 4
Visitors enjoy an early morning trip to the ancient terracotta temples at Kalna. One may choose to take a cycle rickshaw ride or have a lovely morning walk breathing in fresh air. The old Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 srinelets enthralls the visitor with return to the vessel and head back to Kolkata. The visitors cast a last, long, lingering look behind to have a clear look at the Dutch Cemetery at Cainsura and the Portugese Church at Bandel. The cruise ends at about 3Pm at the Millennium Park, Kolkata.

On board Activities / Facilities:
The cruiser has several activities onboard to unwind, distress and relax.
Evening Entertainment – Each Day a different form suiting the ambience, the evening entertainment is almost like a theme party.
First Night – Modern Bengali and Hindi Music
Second Night – Rural Bengali folk drama and. folk songs
Third Night – classical and folk Music.
Cuisine – Each meal is carefully designed to give a rich experience of the culinary wealth of India particularly Bengal. Exotic but Non greasy, healthy, wholesome, hygienic is the objective.
Library on the skydeck with good collection of Books and Films.
TV room for viewing films
Games – caroms, cards, chess
Gym & Yoga – to burn the calories
Spa – for an ayurvedic massage and steam / sauna bath.
Night vision binoculars
Telescope for star gazing
Artisans at work and stock of art work, local handicrafts for buying.
Historian cum sailor who will share his experience – Talk shows and films shows are on his agenda

The second and third day is filled with activities but spaced out carefully. There are three excursions each day – Early morning, forenoon or afternoon and late afternoon.

All tours are guided tours with the historian, life guards, full service for drinks and munching snacks while on excursions.

Sunderban Cruise

Day 1
Check in at the Millennium Park Jetty by 8.30 AM. M.V. Paramhamsa will cast off at 9.00 AM, once all guests have checked in.

The cruiser sets sail along the beautiful Ganges towards the south, passing through the various heritage sites for seven hours to reach Namkhana, a fisherman's cove and the Gateway to Sunderbans. The guests can unwind, relax, soak in the beauty of the river, read books in the library, interact with artisans or take an Ayurvedic massage.

The cruiser will drop anchor at Namkhana for the night. The guests will have several choices – watching wild life film shows or a talk with a wild lifer and a dinner with music from modern and traditional Bengal.

Day 2
At 5.30 AM the guests can see the spectacular sunrise, while the cruiser sails towards the east. This day the guests will experience the lifestyle of the people of Sunderbans, their traditions, culture along with the rich Biodiversity of the region.

The busy fishing harbour will give an insight to the lifestyle of the fishermen. The guests can buy fresh fish and other sea foods to be cooked in the live kitchen counters.

After the interaction of the guests with the fishermen, the cruiser enters Sunderbans to navigate through the narrower creek of Hatania – Doania. The guests will have the first glimpse of the dense mangrove and the vast river system with several creeks flowing into the main rivers.

The first excursion will be to Lothian Island, a forest trail or visit to the Crocodile project at Bhagabatpur. Thereafter, the vessel will turn towards the towards North-East.

The vessel will again drop anchor at the confluence of the River Malta and River Bidya. From here the guests will be transferred to a small creek boat for a ride through the creeks and shore visits to some of exotic Sunderban islands – Nethidopani / Dobanki, Sajnekhali, along with a Wildlifer, who will guide the guests to experience the forest, sight animals and birds, explain various mangrove species and tell interesting stories of the islands.

Later in the evening before the sun sets, the vessel will anchor.

After sun sets, the guests will enjoy a rich mythological folk drama by the local artists.

Later in the evening, the guests will enjoy a traditional Bengali meal.

The guests can also enjoy a romantic night with star gazing from the sky deck, soak in the serenity and tranquility of nature.

Day 3
This morning there will two exciting shore visits – First a visit to Bali, a beautiful Sunderban Village. Guests will experience farming, paddy husking, honey packing, fishing and various occupations of the region. And.

Second to Sudhonyakhali, an island most visited by the Royal Bengal Tigers.

As we traverse back we will visit some of the other exotic locales not visited on the previous day like Lothian Island, or Crocodile project at Bhagabatpur before starting the return journey to Kolkata.

Day 4
Sailing through the various Ghats of the River Ganges, the cruiser will pass the magnificent confluences of the rivers Rupnarayan and Damodar and cross the ancient port of Diamond Harbour and the distant Industrial town Haldia, on the opposite bank. The cruiser would reach Kolkata by 11:00 AM.

Brahmaputra Cruise 1A

Cruise Highlights: Guwahati – Mayong / Pobitora – Tezpur – Kaziranga National Park – Majuli – Jorhat – Sivasagar – Dibrugarh

Day 01
Arrival at LGB (Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi) International Airport, Guwahati. Reception by our representative. If time permits, drive up Nilachal Hill to see the holy Maa Kamakhya Temple and city skyline from top of the hill. Embark on the vessel in the ancient city Guwahati. Lunch onboard. The vessel leaves Guwahati at 14:30 hours and quickly crosses the city scape. The vessel moors in a little sand island in the late afternoon near Kuruwa. You get to know the crew and the layout of the vessel in the evening. Our English speaking Tour Escort will brief you about the journey.

Day 02
The day is spent cruising upstream, battling against strong currents near Ganesh Pahar. After a few more hours sailing we cross Mayong, the village known for its ancient forms of black magic. We moor upstream Mayong for a visit to the village.

Day 03
Rising early morning we cruise in our country boat to visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary for an Elephant Safari. After safari, we take a village walk in Mayong. We visit the Museum where we can still see the age old manuscripts of Black Magic. If luck favours, we may also have a small interaction with the King of Mayong. We return to our vessel by noon. Lunch onboard as we start sailing. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on board, while the vessel takes us to a deserted sleepy sand island near Chutiagaon. (Chutiya denotes an ethnic group in Assam that established a strong kingdom that existed for more than three hundred years until it was overrun by the Ahom kingdom in the 16th century).

Day 04
Early risers can watch the sunrise from the Sun Deck while savoring a cup of freshly brewed tea or walk laps on the Sun Deck before heading to the delectable morning buffet table. During breakfast, you will be cruising through green valleys and blue hills. The landscapes are unrepentantly poetic and romantic. It’s a truly bracing experience, akin to cruising on one of the greatest rivers of the world. The vessel departs and cruises quietly through the day, and finally takes us to a deserted sand island near Singri. Enjoy the barbeque dinner on the island.

Day 05
Today we cruise further upstream to reach our next destination - Tezpur, a town of magnificent scenic beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins. After reaching there, we explore the little charming town. We will visit 6th century ruins of the door frame of Da-Parbatia temple, Agnigarh, Bamuni Hill ruins, Mahabhairab temple and the Cole Park. Return to the vessel in the late afternoon and cruise to a deserted sand island near Tezpur for spending the night.

Day 06
We cruise leisurely upstream crossing the Kalia Bhumura Bridge named after the Ahom General on the river Brahmaputra. We reach our next destination Silghat by noon. Lunch onboard. We go for a Jeep Safari in one of the range of the famous Kaziranga National Park. Return back to our vessel in the evening for the night stay.

Day 07
We rise early and drive to Kohora, the central range of the Kaziranga National Park for an exciting elephant safari through the tall swamp grasslands. The great one-horned Indian Rhinoceros is very easy to see. Few sanctuaries anywhere can provide as certain an assurance of a unique setting and sight of its best known wild animals and birds as can Kaziranga. Breakfast in a forest lodge. After Breakfast jeep safari in one of the range of the park, accompanied by a naturalist . After Safari return to the Vessel. Lunch on board. Sailing continues till dusk. Arrival at Biswanath Ghat, a Hindu pilgrimage site for overnight stay.

Day 08
Morning, visit Biswanath Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage center. After the visit, we cruise through Kaziranga National Park on its Eastern boundary. If luck favours, we may have sightings of herds of deer, wild elephants or even a big cat! Arrive at Dhansirimukh Ghat for overnight stay. Evening, barbeque dinner on a secluded island.

Day 09
We start an early cruise and stop over a river side ‘Mishing’ village.(They migrated from nearby state known as Arunachal Pradesh to Assam centuries ago.) We take a small walk and experience the life of a tribal village. Return to the vessel by noon and cruise further upstream. Lunch onboard while sailing. We moor in a deserted sand island and enjoy the scenic beauty of western Majuli. Overnight onboard.

Day 10
We start sailing leisurely and reach Majuli by afternoon. We take a small walk in the nearby village and return back to the vessel. A cultural evening awaits us onboard. We enjoy the colourful dances performed by the local artist of Majuli. In dinner, we enjoy the local and ethnic cuisine along with the traditional beverage. Overnight onboard. near Kamalabari in Majuli.

Day 11
After breakfast we will go for an excursion to Majuli, the largest river island in the World. It is the centre of Assam’s famous Vaisnavite form of Hinduism. The religious and cultural traditions are kept alive by the dedicated monks living in the monasteries locally known as Sattra. The monastery of Samaguri known as Samaguri Sattra is famous for the unique masks of Majuli which are used in Bhaona or religious plays. We shall visit some monasteries & interact with the monks. Multifaceted in its attractions Majuli also unfolds a variety of interest like migratory birds, traditional handicrafts and pottery, ethnic culture and dance forms. The Sattriya dance from this sect is the latest entry into India’s recognized classical dances. Later in the evening, we sail to Neemati for overnight stay.

Day 12
Early morning, we go for a land excursion to Sivasagar, an hour drive, to the Kingdom of Ahom Rulers. We shall visit the ruins of the Ahom Kingdom, the famous Shiva Temple, and the lakes namely Borpukhuri,Ranghar and Talatal Ghar (The Last capital of the Ahoms and the Military Station) Lunch in one of the City Restaurant. After Lunch back to the Vessel. Today is the last night on the vessel. Enjoy a cultural evening at Mou Chapori, an island resort near Neemati on the Brahmaputra along with the Captain's farewell Dinner. Overnight onboard.

Day 13
Early morning sail to Neemati ghat. Breakfast onboard. Transfer by road to Dibrugarh Airport (3 ½ hours). Tour Terminates.

More itineraries available on demand

Brahmaputra Cruise 2A

Cruise Highlights: Guwahati – Mayong / Pobitora – Tezpur – Kaziranga National Park – Guwahati

Day 01
Arrival at LGB (Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi) International Airport, Guwahati. Reception by our representative. If time permits, drive up Nilachal Hill to see the holy Maa Kamakhya Temple and city skyline from top of the hill. Embark on the vessel in the ancient city Guwahati. Lunch onboard. The vessel leaves Guwahati at 14:30 hours and quickly crosses the city scape. The vessel moor in a little sand island in the late afternoon near Kuruwa. You get to know the crew and the layout of the vessel in the evening. Our English speaking Tour Escort will brief you about the journey.

Day 02
The day is spent cruising upstream, battling against strong currents near Ganesh Pahar. After a few more hours sailing we cross Mayong, the village known for its ancient forms of black magic. We moor upstream Mayong for a next day visit to the village.

Day 03
Rising early morning we cruise in our country boat to visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary for an Elephant Safari. After safari, we take a village walk in Mayong. We visit the Museum where we can still see the age old manuscripts of Black Magic. If luck favours, we may also have a small interaction with the King of Mayong. We return to our vessel by noon. Lunch onboard as we start sailing. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on board, while the vessel takes us to a deserted sleepy sand island near Chutiagaon.(Chutiya denotes an ethnic group in Assam that established a strong kingdom that existed for more than three hundred years until it was overran by the Ahom kingdom in the 16th century).

Day 04
Early risers can watch the sunrise from the Sun Deck while savoring a cup of freshly brewed tea or walk laps on the Sun Deck before heading to the delectable morning buffet table. During breakfast, you will be cruising through green valleys and blue hills. The landscapes are unrepentantly poetic and romantic. It’s a truly bracing experience, akin to cruising on one of the greatest rivers of the world. The vessel departs and cruises quietly through the day, and finally takes us to a deserted sand island near Singri. Enjoy the barbeque dinner on the island.

Day 05
Today we cruise further upstream to reach our next destination - Tezpur, a town of magnificent scenic beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins. After reaching there, we explore the little charming town. We will visit 6th century ruins of the door frame of Da-Parbatia temple, Agnigarh, Bamuni Hill ruins, Mahabhairab temple and the Cole Park. Return to the vessel in the late afternoon and cruise to a deserted sand island near Tezpur for spending the night.

Day 06
We cruise leisurely upstream crossing the Kalia Bhumura bridge on the river Brahmaputra. We reach our next destination Silghat by noon. Lunch onboard. We go for a Jeep Safari in one of the range range of the famous Kaziranga National Park, accompanied by a Naturalist. Return back to the vessel in the evening overnight on board.

Day 07
We rise early and drive to Kohora, the central range of the Kaziranga National Park for an elephant safari through the tall swamp grasslands. The great one-horned Indian Rhinoceros is very easy to see. Few sanctuaries anywhere can provide as certain an assurance of a unique setting and sight of its best known wild animals and birds as can Kaziranga. Breakfast in a forest lodge. After Breakfast jeep safari in one of the range of the park, we are accompanied by a naturalist Return to the Vessel Lunch onboard. After lunch we leave the vessel and drive to Guwahati for overnight stay.

Day 08
IF TIME PERMITS, Early morning, we drive up Nilachal Hill. Visit the Maa Kamakhya holy temple and see the city skyline from top of the hill. Finally depart to the Airport for onward journey. Tour terminates.

More itineraries available on demand

Rates & Tariff

Introductory Package Price:
On Twin Sharing Basis	: USD 299 Per Pax Per Night
Single Supplement	: USD 200 / Night
Season	: November 2009 – April 2010
Maximum nos. of Pax	: 28
Offer valid for the season	: Nov 2009 Apr 2010
Price includes	: All transfers, meals, cultural shows, cruising charges, safari charges, entry fees, tea tours, ferry charges and guide charges.
Price does not include	: Camera fees, Any Insurance Cover, Expenses arising out of sudden extension of the tour due to natural calamities or political strike & any expenses of personal nature such as tips, alcoholic beverages etc.
Service Tax	: Price is exclusive of 3.09 % Service Tax.

PACKAGES OF M.V. Manashputra

Introductory Package Price:
On Twin Sharing Basis	:USD 299 Per Pax Per Night
Single Supplement	:USD 200 / Night
Season	:November 2009 – April 2010
Maximum nos. of Pax	:28
Offer valid for the season	:Nov 2009 Apr 2010

Price includes:
All transfers, meals, cultural shows, cruising charges, safari charges, entry fees, tea tours, ferry charges and guide charges.

Price does not include:
Camera fees, Any Insurance Cover, Expenses arising out of sudden extension of the tour due to natural calamities or political strike & any expenses of personal nature such as tips, alcoholic beverages etc.

Service Tax:
Price is exclusive of 3.09 % Service Tax.

Sunderban Cruise Rates & Tariff

Holidays Cruise	Duration	Luxury	Deluxe	Luxury	Deluxe	Luxury	Deluxe
Sunderban / Ganges Heritage	3 N/ 4 D	35000	29000	28000	24000	39000	34000
		OCT 09 to Mar 09		Apr 09 to Sep 09		Oct 09 to Mar 10
Bengal on Hooghly	6 N / 7D	63000	52200	50400	43200	70200	61200
Mahanagar	6 hours	1000

Rates in INR
The above programs are available as per declared fixed sailing schedules.

Inclusions

Per person rate on Twin sharing basis
All Meals
Shore excursions with Naturalist / Historians
Evening entertainment
Activities Creek
Rides, village walks, Yoga sessions, films shows, talk shows.

Exclusions

Bar charges and Spa charges
Service Tax as applicable; Presently we charge 3.09%
Single Suppliment charge 50% of applicable rates.
Third person only in Luxury category and chargeable at 40%
Children between 5 years and 10 years and sharing the room with adults, chargeable at 20%


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