Day 9 A Shelter of Scholarship
From the town of Bateshwar Sthan, a fascinating excursion through green hills leads to the ruins of Vikramshila, one of India’s most important monastic universities since the 8th century AD. The largest single structure found of the ruin site, built entirely of bricks, is a 330 m long square building with 208 rooms. In the afternoon, you will leave the state of Bihar and reach the neighbouring state of Jharkhand.
Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 10 At the Farakka Lock
Today’s river section captivates with its scenic beauty. Bird lovers will also get their money’s worth, as many migratory bird species rest here between October and February. You will reach the state of West Bengal and pass the lock of Farakka. The construction of the Farakka Dam allows passage from the Ganges to the sea. You leave the main arm of the Ganges and reach the Hooghly, an approximately 260-km-long branch of the river, via a connecting channel.
Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 11 Welcome to Bengal
Throughout the day, the rural life of the densely populated province of West Bengal will pass you by. Fishing boats and barges cross your path, women wash on the shore in colourful saris. Interesting on-board lectures will introduce you to Bengal, which was a gateway for the European colonial powers with its mighty river delta, the largest on earth.
Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 12 In Hazarduari Palace
Murshidabad was the capital city of independent Bengal Subah in the 18th century. This is evidenced by numerous historic buildings such as the ruins of the Katra Masjid with its many domes, which can be reached via rickshaw. The magnificent Hazarduari Palace, seat of the last Nawab of Bengal, dominates the river panorama. Greek columns, over 1000 real and fake doors, and numerous antiques reflect the growing influence of European colonial powers. Murshidabad was considered one of the centres for ivory carving in West Bengal. Since the ban on ivory, many of the craftsmen have turned to carving rosewood or sandalwood.
Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 13 Copper and Brass
Today you will go ashore in the artisan village of Matiari and look over the shoulders of the masters at work. Exquisite pots, plates and bowls are made from recycled copper. While walking through the village, there are many opportunities to chat, because the curiosity is quite mutual. In the afternoon, your ship will continue south and finally reach Kalna.
Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 14 1000 Domes
Today we will explore with e-rickshaws. Kalna resembles an open-air museum of Bengali terracotta architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries. Unique in all of India is the building complex of the 108 Shiva Mandirs or Nava Kailash, which consists of two concentric rings with 34 and 74 consecutive temple shrines. Other temples are adorned with heroes of Hindu mythology, but also with scenes of daily life. Back in the here and now, you can stroll through the hustle and bustle of the vegetable market. On the way, you will soon reach the suburbs of the metropolis of Kolkata. The passage under Howrah Bridge is particularly impressive. The steel colossus above the Hooghly River is Kolkata’s hallmark. The farewell dinner on board will enchant you with Bengali sounds.
Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 15 Oh Kolkata!
In the morning it is time to say goodbye to MV Ganga Vilas and her crew. Bengal’s exciting metropolis welcomes you with a fascinating blend of colourful chaos and spiritual beauty. Kolkata is still India’s intellectual and artistic centre and was the capital of British India until 1911. This is evidenced by the huge Victoria Memorial made entirely of white marble and the magnificent colonial buildings on the BBD Bagh. At the Mother House, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the city’s most famous daughter, Mother Teresa. After a detour to the pottery district of Kumartuli, where Hindu idols are created for various celebrations, you can enjoy a firework display of colours at the flower market below the Howrah Bridge.
Overnight: ITC Sonar (or similar) (BD)
Day 16 Farewell to India
In the morning, drive to Kolkata Airport for your flight home. (B)
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
