Ganges River Expedition – India
The GANGES Experience onboard and on land with Vegan Culinary Cruises
Offering more than a mere journey, we take you on an experiential voyage into luxury, art, culture and numerous stories. Every little detail on the Ganges has been carefully assimilated to make your vacation fulfilling.
SPA: Enjoy a relaxing massage at our spa on Deck 4, which has two treatment rooms. Choose from a wide range of Indian and western spa treatments during the luxurious journey.
GYM: For those who wish to maintain their routine of a morning run, our gym – adjoining the spa – houses a treadmill, an exercise bike and an elliptical machine.
YOGA: Wake up early and spare a few moments to rejuvenate your senses with a session of Yoga on the Ganges. Complimentary Yoga classes, geared towards beginners, are offered to all guests every morning at 6:30 AM.
EXCELLENCE ON YOUR PLATE: Our warm and beautifully appointed dining room at Deck 2 is a tribute to the incredibly flavorful cuisine of India, though familiar European delicacies are also served here. The meals are served buffet style three times a day, complete with delectable Indian desserts.
BAR: For a fitting end to a perfect day on-board, we serve a wide range of Indian and International vegan wines, along with specially handcrafted cocktails and other beverages.
CULTURAL SHOWS: After spending the day in off-board excursions, enjoy cultural dance performances within the premises of the cruise. These folk-dance forms offer a glimpse into India’s rich heritage and culture through their synchronized moves and attire.
HERITAGE TOURS: In order to acquaint you with the beautiful journey of India’s past, we take you to a tour of historical monuments. These include British colonial buildings, Mother Teresa’s memorial home, Murshidabad’s Palace & Chandernagore’s French colonial buildings to name a few.
SPIRITUAL INTERACTIONS: In order to get in touch with their spiritual side, the guests get to visit 19th century Kalna Temples and Mayapur ISKCON Temple. During this encounter, they also get to have enriching philosophical interactions with religious sages and pilgrims.
The mighty river Ganges, also known as Ganga in Sanskrit, represents grace and timeless existence. For centuries, travelers explored different parts of the country through the Ganges and we at Vegan Culinary Cruises continues this tradition. The epitome of elegance and luxury, our ship the Ganga Voyager offers travel experiences in the Indian Subcontinent by sailing in some of South Asia’s finest luxury river cruise ships.
THE JOURNEY
With a vision to make the journey along the ancient river routes of East India memorable, we have meticulously carved out itineraries to explore some of the most beautiful destinations from Kolkata to Varanasi. Discover new cultures, new experiences and new destinations while you sail on the Ganges.
THE SHIP
Our award-winning river cruise promises to sail you into a world of comfort and style. With 28 well-equipped cabins, The Ganges Voyager has the capacity to accommodate 56 guests. There are 35 crew members on board to make your sail carefree and only about fond memories. There are 5 categories of rooms to choose from, where you can relax while we take you places.
There is ample of space on the cruise ship with many options to relax and just enjoy the views from. Lounge at the bar, or enjoy a sumptuous buffet at the dining area, snooze at the sun deck or simply get a relaxing massage at the spa.
With 28 cabins to choose from, your stay at the Ganges Voyager is every bit of what a luxury vacation is meant to be. Offering 5 room categories, we make sure that your personal space for the journey is equipped with everything that you could possibly need. Our regal décor, balconies, bathrooms and all other amenities have an equal contribution in what we call the Ganges Voyager experience.
THE ITINERARY
The colonial heritage of Bengal has inspired many a traveler to embark on a journey that depicts the region’s history through the river Ganges. On the banks of the Lower Ganges, the French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese and English made settlements to trade, preach and farm while local rulers, saints, agriculturalists, musicians and writers created new ways of living as they encountered European commerce, tastes and power. Experience true luxury and relax while witnessing this culture with the care and hospitality of Vegan Culinary Cruises.
Pricing from: $5790pp/dbl
Dates: 7/2/20 to 7/11/20
Itinerary
DAY 1 KOLKATA / EMBARKATION
On the first day we arrive on-board. In the afternoon we visit Mother Teresa’s home, memorial and the Missionaries of Charity orphanage that she founded. This is followed by a cultural performance in the evening.
DAY 2 KOLKATA / BANDEL / KALNA
Our second day starts with an early morning city-tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata, including Victoria Memorial Museum. Then, we sail upstream through European East India companies of the 17th & 19th Centuries accompanied by a visit to the Bandel’s Imambara, a colonial era Islamic school and pilgrim rest house on the riverbank.
DAY 3 KALNA / MATIARI
On the third day, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride to the Rajbari temples in Kalna, built in the 19th century that are adorned with intricate terracotta reliefs of the gods and humans.
DAY 4 MATIARI / KHUSHBAGH
The fourth day starts with an early morning walk on the shore side village of Matiari, which is famous for its handcrafted brass and copperware.
DAY 5 KHUSHBAGH, BARANAGAR AND MURSHIDABAD
On the fifth day, we visit Khushbagh, a tomb complex set in scenic fields, built by a local ruler; and the village of Baranagar with its beautiful terracotta temples, built by a rich woman who made her wealth in the colonial trade. Take a walk through local villages and sail to Murshidabad. We walk to the vast Neo-Classical Hazarduari Palace built in the 19th century by a British architect.
DAY 6 MAYAPUR
After sailing in the morning, we stop in the village of Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrims’ bazaar.
DAY 7 CHANDERNAGORE & KOLKATA
Day seven starts with a visit to Chandernagore, once a French colony, and explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade. After that, we return to the ship and continue our journey downstream to Kolkata.
DAY 8 DISEMBARK KOLKATA
On the last day, following breakfast, we disembark and transfer to the Kolkata airport or hotel.
Pre / Post Cruise
Delhi is a land of many experiences and a part of your journey with us includes exploring the hidden and known gems of the capital city. The tour continues with a visit to Agra and the ‘Symbol of Love’, Taj Mahal, which is then followed by the exploration of Jaipur. From architecturally brilliant heritage sites to the local markets, your visit to the Pink City will be a beautiful experience. The voyage is then continued with our luxury cruise, Ganges Voyager that takes you to the holy land of Varanasi. Experience true comfort and finesse when you plan this expedition with us.
DAY 1 DELHI
On the very first day, just as you arrive at Delhi International Airport, you will be directed to the hotel. All the guests will be provided with a warm and comfortable stay at the hotel for the night.
DAY 2 THE CITY TOUR
The 2nd day starts with a delightful breakfast, which is followed by a city tour. A trip to Humayun’s Tomb (the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Humayun), India Gate (a war memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives in World War I), Gandhi Smriti Museum (a remembrance of the ‘Father of the Nation’) and Qutab Minar Complex (a reflection of the beginning of Islamic era in India) will offer you a glimpse of Delhi’s rich history.
DAY 3 DELHI / AGRA
As the 3rd day arrives, the guests, via a 4 hour drive through the Expressway, are taken to Agra after the morning breakfast at the hotel. After the arrival, a city tour will be arranged to explore the architectural brilliance of Agra. The exploration of the city starts with the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an exemplary Islamic architecture. After capturing the beauty of Agra Fort on your lenses, you will be taken to the hotel to freshen up. Wind up the day perfectly with the sight of the ‘Symbol of Love’, Taj Mahal during the sunset.
DAY 4 AGRA / JAIPUR
We commence our 4th day with a soul-soothing view of Taj Mahal sparkling in the dawn light. Adding charm to that beautiful morning, a breakfast will be arranged at the hotel. Those wishing to acquaint themselves with Agra’s manufacturing industry can join us for a visit to the inlay marble factory. The excursion is followed by a lunch at the hotel after which we will soon leave for Jaipur. After the 5 hour drive as we reach at the Jaipur hotel, we have a cocktail evening awaiting you with live Rajasthani folk music. A heavenly supper and a comfortable stay will make your day all worth it.
DAY 5 JAIPUR
Get ready to explore the Pink City after a delicious breakfast. Our first stop is City Palace, which is known for beautifully depicting the fine blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. Adjacent to this palace, Jantar Mantar, a monument housing a commendable collection of 19 architectural astronomical instruments is our next destination. We end our city tour in a grand way with a visit to the ‘Palace of the Winds’, Hawa Mahal. After lunch at the hotel, travellers interested to dive into the culture of Jaipur can join us on a safari to Amber Fort and shopping at the local market.
DAY 6 JAIPUR
Early morning on the 6th day we drive you to the airport with packed breakfast. You will be boarding the Indigo flight to Kolkata. As you arrive at the Kolkata airport, you will be escorted to the ship, Ganges Voyager where lunch, an entertaining evening and a delectable dinner await you.
Connect With Us
Call Us: USA +1 206-971-1114
Office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm PST
E-mail: info@veganculinarycruises.com
Our Newsletter
Get the latest news and updates on Vegan Culinary Cruises