India: Kolkata & The Lower Ganges River Cruise
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 holiday includes
- 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 holiday extras
- Single supplement if required
- Personal travel Insurance
- Some meals & drinks
- Optional excursions and personal extras
- Indian tourist visa (apply online)
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:
- Strolling through the Mallick Ghat Flower Market, Asia’s largest — an explosion of colour and chaos.
- Visiting the majestic Queen Victoria Memorial – an architectural jewel in marble.
- Exploring Marble Palace, Raj Bhavan, and the iconic Howrah Bridge.
- Witnessing a kushti wrestling match at a traditional Akhara – a powerful living heritage.
- Entrances to building not normally covered
The Lower Ganges – Where Time Slows & Magic Flows
After immersing in the pulse of Kolkata, your voyage continues upstream into Bengal’s serene countryside.
- Glide past sleepy hamlets, ancient temples, and riverside life untouched by time.
- Watch the sunset paint the river in hues of gold as you sip a chilled drink on the upper deck.
- Dine on locally inspired gourmet meals, with impeccable service and timeless ambiance.
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.
Location & Itinerary
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.
NB - 2026 flight schedules are not currently available. Depending on flight departure times the departure day may require an early departure from the boat or if it is a later time it may mean you arrive back in the UK the next day (21 October).
Travel & 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:
- Panoramic French window to soak up the ever-changing river views
- Kimonos and slippers for your comfort
- Spa-branded amenities
- Unlimited mineral water replenished daily
- Electric mini safe
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Premium imported linens, duvets, and a choice of two pillow types
- High-quality mattresses for a restful night’s sleep
- Welcome flower arrangement and a thoughtful welcome gift
- Mirror and multi-configuration plugs for convenience
- Generous closet space and under-bed storage
- Hair dryer
- Nightly turndown service
- 24-hour laundry service available at an additional cost
- Complimentary evening canapés delivered to your cabin
- Yoga mats in all cabins for a mindful start or end to your day
A Note on Drinks
The inclusive drinks package finishes at 11:30 PM. Drinks bought after 11:30 will be charged separately.
Provisional flight information
10/10/26 London Heathrow to Kolkata Dep: 1405 Arr:0810(+1)
20/10/26 Kolkata to London Heathrow Dep: 0945 Arr: 1840
10/10/26 Manchester to Kolkata Dep: 1425 Arr:0810(+1)
20/10/26 Kolkata to Manchester Dep: 0945 Arr: 1900
10/10/26 Birmingham to Kolkata Dep: 1405 Arr:0810(+1)
20/10/26 Kolkata to Birmingham Dep: 0945 Arr: 2000
10/10/26 Glasgow to Kolkata Dep: 1405 Arr:0810(+1)
20/10/26 Kolkata to Edinburgh Dep: 0945 Arr: 2200
NB - All flights are indirect
The 2026 flight schedules are not currently available. When they are released (around March 2026 we will check all flights and update the timings.
Availability & Pricing
Build Your Quote| Accommodation | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Place in a double room/cabin (must be for 2) | £0.00 | Available |
| Place in a twin share room/cabin | £0.00 | Available |
| Place in a single room/comparment | £899.00 | Available |
| Flights | Price | |
| Own flight without transfers | £3435.00 | Available |
| London Heathrow | £4035.00 | Available |
| Birmingham | £4335.00 | Available |
| Glasgow/Edinburgh | £4335.00 | Available |
| Manchester | £4335.00 | Available |
Not enough spaces left for you? Click here to join the waitlist
Deposit
We have a minimum number of 20 people required to allow this trip to go ahead. We are not taking an initial deposit on this trip until we are sure it is viable and have a limited period to confirm the charter. When this is confirmed we will need to pay a large proportion of the cost for the charter and therefore it means that we must take a higher deposit than we would usually request. Following are the payment terms for this trip -
Initial deposit - £0
After charter is confirmed end May 25 - £1800 (non refundable)
09 January 26 - £1000 (non refundable)
01 May 26 - remaining balance due
Passport validity
For UK passport holders your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 6 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
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
- 2 clear blank pages for your visa
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.
The latest FCO travel guidance for India
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india
Indian Evisa - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Host & Everything Else
Claire & Andrea, WingsItaly
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