Tour Sri Lanka And Lower Ganges Cruise (2019)

Meals

47 meals - 21 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 14 dinners Regional wines are available with lunch and dinner on board All meals plus local soft drinks, beers and spirits are included during your cruise

Guide

The services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and Cruise Director

Accommodation

14 nights in premium accommodation Seven nights cruising the Lower Ganges Two Nights, Kolkata, Taj Bengal Seven Nights, Lower Ganges River, RV Rajmahal Kolkata, Taj Bengal Negombo, Jetwing Lagoon Three Nights, Sigiriya Jungles Two Nights, Kandy, Amaya Hills Nuwara Eliya, Araliya Green Hills Hotel Two Nights, Jetwing Yala Two Nights, Heritance Ahungalla

Others

Airport transfers, port charges, tipping, internal flights and porterage

Transport

Airport transfers, port charges, tipping, internal flights and porterage

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Other activities and services not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Kolkata
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata

Be met on arrival at the airport.
Day 2 Day 2: Kolkata
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Kolkata

Today you will embark on a sightseeing tour to take in some of Kolkata’s famous landmarks, including the vibrant Mullik Ghat Flower Market. Other highlights include the Howrah Bridge and ‘Nirmal Hriday”, most commonly known as Mother Teresa’s House. Later this evening, get to know your fellow travellers at a Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 Day 3: Kolkata, Embark Ship, Serampore, Barrackpore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Kolkata, Embark Ship, Serampore, Barrackpore

This morning, transfer to your river ship to begin your relaxing seven-night cruise along the Lower Ganges. Sail past the old Danish colony of Serampore before arriving in the city of Barrackpore, once a place of great significance during the British Raj. Here, walk through the city’s cantonment and get a better understanding of India’s journey from colonialism to independence. Highlights include the Semaphore Tower, Flagstaff House, Government House and the Temple of Fame.
Day 4 Day 4: Chandannagar, Kalna
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Chandannagar, Kalna

Cruise to the former French colony of Chandannagar and spend some time exploring this small historical town. See the beautiful 18th-century French church before visiting the Dupleix’s House, once home to the former Governor-General of French India. Continue upstream, passing the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura. Stop in Hooghly and view the magnificent Muslim shrine of Imambara, which was built to provide employment to the citizens of Lucknow during a tragic famine.
Day 5 Day 5: Kalna, Matiari
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Kalna, Matiari

Named for the Hindu goddess Kali and often referred to as ‘Temple Town’, Kalna is famous for its iconic terracotta temples. See the eye-catching Nava Kailash, otherwise known as 108 Shiv Mandirs. This incredible structure was built in 1788 and is home to a number of remarkable terracotta sculptures. Continue on through the countryside to Mayapur. Believed to be the birthplace of an important Hindu saint, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Mayapur is a place of sacred significance for followers of the Hindu faith. Here you’ll see the ISKCON temple, which dominates the town’s skyline. Visited by over a million devotees a year, it is the headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement.
Day 6 Day 6: Matiari, Murshidabad
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Matiari, Murshidabad

Today you will explore the charming riverside village of Matiari. Later, pay a visit to the iconic battlefield of Plassey. It was here in 1757 that Commander-in-Chief of British India Robert Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah and forever changed the course of Indian history.
Day 7 Day 7: Murshidabad
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Murshidabad

A day of exploring Murshidabad begins with a trip to the Khushbagh garden, which translates to the Garden of Happiness. Wander through the peaceful Mughal-style gardens and discover what is believed to be the final resting place of the last independent Nawab of Bengal and his family. Later, see the great Katra Mosque before driving out to visit the Nashipara and Kathgola Palaces, two beautiful 18th-century buildings steeped in history.
Day 8 Day 8: Baranagar, Farakka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Baranagar, Farakka

This morning you’ll get to experience rural India at its most idyllic with a stroll through the fields of Baranagar. Here you’ll visit three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples before continuing up the Lower Ganges. Take in the stunning views as the river winds its way along banks lined with picturesque mango orchards and mustard fields. This evening you’ll moor close to the Farakka Barrage.
Day 9 Day 9: Gaur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Gaur

Today you’ll disembark the ship and go on a full-day excursion to the fascinating city of Gaur. Now in ruins, Gaur was once the capital of the Muslim Nawabs. The city is littered with ancient monuments and the remains of mosques. Rejoin the ship above the Farakka lock gate and make the most of your last evening on board the RV Rajmahal.
Day 10 Day 10: Farakka, Disembark Ship, Kolkata
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Farakka, Disembark Ship, Kolkata

Disembark the ship early this morning and transfer by local train to Kolkata. Enjoy lunch on arrival before paying a visit to the poignant Victoria Memorial, an intricate marble building and iconic symbol of the British Raj. Built in memory of Queen Victoria to celebrate her 25 years of rule over India, the memorial houses a fine collection of artwork and is surrounded by lush green gardens. Later, head to St Paul’s Cathedral, a religious site and architectural marvel completed in 1847. This evening you’ll enjoy a delicious final dinner with your fellow travellers at Sonargaon Restaurant.
Day 11 Day 11: Kolkata, Negombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Kolkata, Negombo

Fly from India to Sri Lanka where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Day 12 Day 12: Negombo, Sigiriya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Negombo, Sigiriya

Today, venture to the World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. Home to over 150 incredible Buddha paintings and statues, Dambulla is the largest and most well preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore the five sanctuaries, each containing ornate statues and ancient art relating to the life of Buddha. Later this afternoon, travel on to your hotel where you’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 13 Day 13: Sigiriya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Sigiriya

This morning visit the World Heritage-listed ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. Rising 200 metres above the central plains, this spectacular geological formation was once home to an ancient civilisation. If you’re feeling active, climb the open staircases to the top of Sigiriya and take in the impressive views at its summit. Alternatively, visit the Sigiriya Museum and learn more about the cultural significance behind the iconic rock mass. Take a guided tour of the area before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.
Day 14 Day 14: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa

Today after breakfast, head to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa for a tour of its ancient city. Once a prosperous religious centre, it was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures, including beautiful Buddha statues, impressive stupas and intricately carved Hindu sculptures. Have lunch in Polonnaruwa before returning to the hotel. This afternoon, you may wish to embark on a safari to see the herds of elephants at Minneriya National Park.
Day 15 Day 15: Sigiriya, Kandy
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Sigiriya, Kandy

This morning travel from Sigiriya to the historic city of Kandy, the last capital from the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. Here you’ll depart on a guided tour of Kandy’s major sights, learning more about its intriguing history and culture. See the World Heritage-listed Temple of the Tooth, which houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics – the tooth of Buddha. Later this evening, experience the energy of a traditional Sri Lankan cultural performance before returning to your hotel.
Day 16 Day 16: Kandy, Peradeniya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Kandy, Peradeniya

Today you will visit the exquisite Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Home to over 4,000 species of exotic flora and fauna, the gardens are renowned for their collection of beautiful orchids. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You might choose to set out on an optional trip to the sustainable farm at Tamarind Garden in the Digana country side.
Day 17 Day 17: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Today transfer to Nuwara Eliya with a stop en route at a tea plantation and factory. Enjoy lunch in Nuwara Eliya before an afternoon tour. Relax in your hotel before dinner this evening.
Day 18 Day 18: Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park

After breakfast transfer to Nanu Oya Railway station for a scenic trail rail through the Hill country to Ella. Arrive in Ella in time for lunch. Later, travel to Yala where you’ll check-in to your hotel.
Day 19 Day 19: Yala National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Yala National Park

Board a Jeep and venture out on a morning safari in Yala National Park. The park is home to over 32 species of mammals including elephants, crocodiles and sloth bears. Its star attraction however is the spectacular Sri Lankan leopard. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, or head out on an optional afternoon safari for a chance to see more of the park’s wonderful wildlife.
Day 20 Day 20: Galle, Ahungalla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Galle, Ahungalla

Travel to Galle, a fortified port city steeped in history. Here you’ll depart on a tour and see many of its major landmarks. Admire the Dutch-colonial architecture and marvel at the ancient mosques, churches and grand mansions of this World Heritage-listed city. Continue to your beachside hotel in Ahungalla.
Day 21 Day 21: Ahungalla, Lunuganga
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Ahungalla, Lunuganga

Travel to the Lunuganga Estate this morning. One of Sri Lanka’s most renowned architects, Geoffrey Bawa, spent over 40 years transforming an abandoned cinnamon plantation into what is now a beautifully landscaped estate surrounded by idyllic gardens. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your relaxing beachfront hotel.
Day 22 Day 22: Colombo, Depart Negombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Colombo, Depart Negombo

After a morning at leisure, venture to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, home to diverse races, religions and cultures. Go on a guided tour of the city and see many of its major sights. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at Lagoon Seafood Restaurant before being transferred to the airport for your evening flight home.

+19

22 days tour

Sri Lanka And Lower Ganges Cruise (2019)

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Sri Lanka And Lower Ganges Cruise (2019)

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata

Day 2: Kolkata

Day 3: Kolkata, Embark Ship, Serampore, Barrackpore

Day 4: Chandannagar, Kalna

Day 5: Kalna, Matiari

Day 6: Matiari, Murshidabad

Day 7: Murshidabad

Day 8: Baranagar, Farakka

Day 9: Gaur

Day 10: Farakka, Disembark Ship, Kolkata

Day 11: Kolkata, Negombo

Day 12: Negombo, Sigiriya

Day 13: Sigiriya

Day 14: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa

Day 15: Sigiriya, Kandy

Day 16: Kandy, Peradeniya

Day 17: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Day 18: Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park

Day 19: Yala National Park

Day 20: Galle, Ahungalla

Day 21: Ahungalla, Lunuganga

Day 22: Colombo, Depart Negombo

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