Day 01: Arrive in Kolkata (Calcutta).
Our representative will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. He or she will answer questions on the immediate arrangements and escort you to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to recover from your jet lag.
Day 02: Kolkata.
Full day sightseeing tour of Kolkata visiting Kalighat: This is an important shrine of Hindu Shakti worship. The temple is in the southern part of the city, Victoria Memorial is a huge white-marble structure and the most enduring of remains of the British Raj in India. The Indian Museum built in 1874 is one of the oldest museums in India, Howrah Bridge is an engineering marvel of its day and a vital link across the river Hooghly, Saheed Minar: This 165 ft. High monument was erected by public subscription in 1828, tohonour Sir David Ochter Lony, a one- time resident of Malwa & Rajputana, The Botanical Gardens in Howrah were laid out in 1786 on the west bank of the river. There is a great variety of carefully classified flora and fauna. A great tourist draw is the 200 year old Banyan tree with a circumference of over 400 metres. Overnight stay.
Day 03: Kolkata to Millennium Park Jetty by surface.
Morning at leisure for independent activities. By 1230 Hrs: Transfer to Millennium Park Jetty to embark the Sunderbans Cruise.
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. In the evening, the guests will have several choices – watching wild life film shows or a talk with a wildlifer and a gala dinner with music from modern and traditional Bengal. The cruiser will drop anchor at the mouth of Namkhana for the night. Overnight on board cruise.
Day 04: Cruise.
The busy fishing harbour will give an insight into the lifestyle of the fisherman. The guests can buy fresh fish and other sea foods to be cooked in the live kitchen counters for the dinner. The guests will have the first glimpse of the dense mangrove and the vast river system with several creeks flowing into the main rivers, while cruiser sails towards the east.
Before the night fall we cross Namkhana and head towards Kolkata. This is Captain’s night with a sea food fare. Overnight on board cruise.
Day 06: Cruise – Kolkata.
The vessel will reach Kolkata in the forenoon depending on the tide. Upon arrival meet and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 07: Depart Kolkata.
In time transfer to airport to board the flight for onward destination.
Please note that the itinerary outlined above is strictly subject to river conditions and daylight hours, which change continually. It offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse conditions or weather or other local considerations may necessitate some re-ordering of the programme during the course of the cruise. Any such changes will always be done to maximise the best use of time and weather conditions available. Guests willing to undertake this tour are advised to check with us the precise dates on which this journey can be undertaken.
