Cruises · India
India: Kolkata & The Lower Ganges River Cruise
Arrive on your own; Claire and a group of about 24 are with you the whole way.
10 Oct 2026 – 20 Oct 2026 10 nights from £3,485pp own travel
Hosted by Claire Dymond 24 people have booked so far
Places available India: Kolkata & The Lower Ganges
Spice Escapes and WingsItaly adventures is proud to unveil a rare and unique exclusive journey along the enchanting Hooghly River, a lesser-travelled waterway that connects the cultural heartbeat of Kolkata to the timeless serenity of the Lower Ganges.
Welcome aboard RV Kalaw Pandaw , your floating sanctuary for 9 luxurious nights . With just 18 elegant staterooms, this intimate river cruiser becomes your private palace, gliding through palm-fringed villages, ancient temples and tranquil waterscapes steeped in legend.
This is your invitation to discover a beautiful, rarely seen corner of India in true Spice style.
Your Journey at a Glance
2 Nights Moored in Kolkata – Often referred to the City of Palaces, and the London of India, where colonial grandeur meets vibrant Bengali tradition.
7-Night River Cruise – a seamless voyage into the soul of Bengal aboard your luxury vessel, complete with gourmet dining, elegant lounges, and sweeping upper-deck views and an all-inclusive drinks package.
While all staterooms offer the same elegant design, early bookers will be placed on the upper deck — a sought-after location, offering elevated views.
Discover Kolkata – Where History Wears a Crown
Once the dazzling capital of Indian under the British Raj, Kolkata still echoes with imperial charm and cultural richness. From neoclassical facades to Italian-inspired mansions, first post offices electricity and more, this is a city of grandeur and grit.
Highlights include:
The Lower Ganges – Where Time Slows & Magic Flows
After immersing in the pulse of Kolkata, your voyage continues upstream into Bengal’s serene countryside.
Why Kolkata is Called the "City of Palaces"
Back in 1803 , Italian traveller Lord Valentia marvelled at Kolkata’s grandeur, famously describing it as a “village of palaces.” It’s a name that has endured — and with good reason. Under British rule, the city blossomed into a showcase of opulence, its streets lined with grand mansions and public buildings, blending Victorian, Scottish, and Italian neoclassical architecture into a striking, unique cityscape.
With WingsItaly, you’ll have the chance to uncover the hidden treasures and architectural gems tucked away in Kolkata’s timeless streets — a city often affectionately known as the London of India .
Availability and pricing
| Option | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| India: Kolkata & The Lower Ganges River Cruise- Accommodation | ||
| Place in a double room/cabin (must be for 2) | £0.00 | Sold out |
| Place in a twin share room/cabin | £0.00 | Sold out |
| Place in a twin share room/cabin (female only) | £0.00 | 1 place left |
| Place in a sole occupancy room/cabin | £899.00 | Sold out |
| India: Kolkata & The Lower Ganges River Cruise | ||
| Own flight without transfers | £3485.00 | 1 place left |
| London Gatwick | £4285.00 | 1 place left |
| London Heathrow | £4285.00 | 1 place left |
| Birmingham | £4385.00 | Sold out |
| Edinburgh | £4385.00 | 1 place left |
| Manchester | £4385.00 | 1 place left |
Why you'll love this holiday
- Just 18 staterooms aboard, so you are never in a crowd.
- A rickshaw ride at Kalna to a Shiva temple ringed by 108 shrines.
- A private visit to Raj Bhavan, arranged for Spice Escapes guests only.
Where you'll go
Day to Day Itinerary (may be subject to some changes)
Day 1 (10 October)
Depart UK
Day 2 (11 October)
Welcome to Kolkata Meet and Greet by Wings, then a private transfer to the boat. Transfer takes approximately 45 minutes, though this may vary depending on traffic. Welcome aboard the RV Kalaw Pandaw! Enjoy a welcome reception with drinks and snacks on embarkation. Then, time to enjoy a gentle and local city orientation tour, complete with lunch. Afterwards, return to the boat for welcome cocktails, a briefing, and dinner.
Day 3 (12 October)
Early morning visit to the largest flower market in Asia, Mallick Ghat Flower Market. (Guests who prefer to rest can do so.) Return to the ship for breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a Spice Escapes exclusive private visit to the Raj Bhavan, formerly known as Government House, famous for its historical significance as the seat of British Imperial power in India. Built between 1799 and 1803 by Marquis Wellesley, its design was inspired by Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, England, the ancestral home of the Curzon family. Visit the Victoria Memorial — this marble masterpiece stands as a vision of serenity. Built by Lord Curzon in memory of the late Queen Victoria, the first Empress of British India. Free time in the nearby New Market before returning to the ship for pre-dinner drinks and dinner.
Day 4 (13 October)
Serampore In the morning, visit the market, then return to set sail and cross the Hooghly River to the Danish colony of Serampore, founded in 1676. Afterwards, cruise past the iconic landmarks of Kolkata, including the Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House.
Day 5 (14 October)
Kalna A scenic cruise upstream, reaching the charming country town of Kalna. Enjoy a rickshaw ride to explore some of Bengal's most impressive terracotta temples, ending with a visit to the unique 18th-century Shiva Temple. This remarkable temple features concentric rings of 108 smaller shrines, creating an awe-inspiring sight. Continue sailing through the night and moor near Maitari.
Day 6 (15 October)
Matiari Arrive in Matiari, a charming riverside village famous for its brass-working traditions. Observe the fascinating process of creating intricate brass water pots and other vessels. If time allows, take a trip to the historic battlefield of Plassey. In the pivotal year of 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of the British East India Company, achieved a decisive victory over Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal. This battle marked a significant turning point in Indian history.
Day 7 (16 October)
Murshidabad Take a stroll to Khushbagh, a tranquil Mughal-style garden that houses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, along with his family. Continue your walk upstream to experience the magnificence of Hazarduari Palace, an architectural masterpiece designed by an English architect. Next, check out the stunning Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace, symbols of local merchant wealth during the "White Mughal" era, highlighting the blend of English and Indian cultures. Finally, visit Katgola Palace, an exquisite example of Georgian architecture built by wealthy local merchants.
Day 8 (17 October)
Baranagar - Azimganj Disembark in Baranagar, a charming village, and enjoy a leisurely walk. Visit three exquisite miniature terracotta temples that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Next, visit Azimganj to explore the intricately carved Jain temples.
Day 9 (18 October)
Mayapur Explore the spiritual heart of the Hare Krishna movement. Discover the magnificent ISKCON temple complex, a modern marvel comparable in size to the Vatican, generously funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford.
Day 10 (19 October)
Chandernagore - Hooghly Sail downstream until you reach the imposing Imambara in Hooghly. Unlike the rest of India, which was a British colony for two hundred years, Chandernagore was under French rule — a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix's House, former residence of the Governor-General of French India. Enjoy a TukTuk ride to the Hangseshwari Temple before sailing into the night to a mooring near Kolkata.
Day 11 (20 October)
Farewell Kolkata Say goodbye to Kolkata as you start your journey back home. You will have free time onboard until your departure to the airport. Depending on flight times, guests with late evening flights will be served a light supper.
What's included
- 9 Nights aboard the luxurious RV Kalaw Pandaw (7 nights cruising)
- Private transport throughout the itinerary
- All-inclusive full board dining with regional, vegetarian, and European options
- All cabins en suite and air-conditioned 24/7 for your comfort
- Welcome Cocktails and a Farewell Reception
- All-inclusive drinks package: local soft drinks, mixers, spirits, beers, and local wines (finishes 11.30pm)
- Mineral water, coffee, teas, and herbal infusions
- Elegant bistro dining with air-conditioned indoor and scenic outdoor seating.
- Onboard experiences including cultural performances, cooking classes, educational talks, and a guided ship tour
- Culinary excellence led by a local master chef and an experienced international team
- Expert-led shore excursions with entrance fees and English-speaking guides included
- Gratuities for onboard staff
- Hosted by WingsItaly
- Luxury river cruise amenities: two walk-around passenger decks, open-air promenades, and interiors finished in polished teak and brass
- All Port Charges & Taxes
- Your Spice host, Claire Dymond
Not included
- Single supplement if required
- Personal travel Insurance
- Some meals & drinks
- Optional excursions and personal extras
- Indian tourist visa (apply online)
Travel and where you'll stay
Your Home for 9 Nights – RV Kalaw Pandaw
Step aboard the charming RV Kalaw Pandaw, a beautifully crafted boutique river cruise vessel from the renowned Pandaw Cruises fleet. Famous for their elegant colonial-style ships, Pandaw vessels are designed to explore Asia’s most historic and scenic waterways. Originally built for the upper Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, the RV Kalaw Pandaw found a new home on India’s Lower Ganges in 2019.
Cabins and Facilities
The RV Kalaw Pandaw is designed for comfort, character, and charm. With just 18 staterooms on board — 8 Upper Deck Staterooms and 10 Main Deck Staterooms — guests enjoy an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Each stateroom measures a generous 170 square feet and is finished in timeless teak and brass, reflecting Pandaw’s signature colonial style.
All cabins feature:
A Note on Drinks
The inclusive drinks package finishes at 11:30 PM. Drinks bought after 11:30 will be charged separately.
Getting there
Departing from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow.
London Heathrow
Manchester
Birmingham
Glasgow departing only
Edinburgh arriving only
These are the times currently scheduled. Airlines change them, sometimes months before departure, so please treat them as provisional rather than final.
Before you travel
Passport validity
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date
Travel insurance
Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel. Spice Escapes have arranged a scheme with Staysure who are fully authorised and regulated by the FCA (firm reference number 663617) full details of which can be found on the FCA website www.fca.org.uk . For an instant online quotation please click here .
Who else is going
The question everyone asks and nobody wants to.
- On this departure
- 24 people booked The operator's own count for this trip — you'd make 25. It can still grow before you travel.
- Travelling alone
- Most people book on their own
Gallery
Everything else
Deposit
Following are the payment terms for this trip -
Deposit - £1800 (non refundable)
09 January 26 - £1000 (non refundable)
01 May 26 - remaining balance due
Indian Evisa - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Before you book
Will I be the only one on my own?
No. Almost everyone books on their own — that is the whole point of the trip. Nobody has to pair up and nobody sits on their own at dinner unless they want to.
Do I have to share a room?
Only if you want to. Sharing a twin with another solo traveller of the same sex costs nothing extra, and it is how most people keep the price down. If you would rather have a room to yourself, you can — see the single-room price on the trip you are looking at.
Is there a single supplement?
There is a charge for a room of your own and it varies a great deal by trip, so the honest answer is the figure on the holiday you are looking at rather than an average. What there is not is any obligation to pay it: sharing a twin with another solo traveller of the same sex costs nothing extra, and it is a genuine option rather than a token one.
Every holiday with a single room available, and what each one costs, is listed on single rooms and single supplements.
How big is the group?
Small enough to learn everyone’s name in the first day or two. Group sizes vary by trip and are listed on each holiday.
What does the host actually do?
Your host is there to make your holiday feel easy, welcoming and fun. They travel with the group throughout the trip, help everyone get to know each other, keep things running smoothly and are there if you need anything along the way.
They’re not a traditional holiday rep — they’re part of the group, sharing the experience with you and helping make sure nobody feels left out.
Is my money protected?
Yes. Payments are held in a bonded trust account and the holidays are ATOL protected under licence 9046.
What age are the other travellers?
It varies by trip. Most groups span a wide range of ages with a shared interest in the destination rather than a shared birth year.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes — 18. Spice Escapes holidays are adults only.
Most people who travel with us are in their forties and beyond, but that is who books rather than a rule. There is no upper age limit, and two people travelling together do not need to be a similar age: a daughter in her thirties travelling with her mother in her sixties is an ordinary booking.
What travellers say
4.9/5 from 63 reviews on Google
Questions about this holiday?
Ring the office, send us a question, or chat any hour. A real person, not a call centre.
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