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Day 5 - TUESDAY MURSHIDABAD - JANGIPUR (B, L, D) Cast off early morning to arrive at Murshidabad Jetty opposite the New Palace now under renovation. We visit the Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824 - 1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan following the Greek "Doric" style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors. Opposite to the Palace it the vast Imambara open only during the religious ceremony time. We will also visit the Katra mosque. The mosque was built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad - Murshid Quli Khan in the 1724 - 25. After Murshidabad we will visit the Temples of Baranagar. The Temple complex was built in 1714 - 1793 by Rani Bhabani, the landlord of Natore. The brick built temples are considered to be amongst the best examples of Bengal Terracotta art. Overnight at Jangipur. Overnight on board RV Bengal Ganga. Day 6 - WEDNESDAY JANGIPUR - FARAKKA - RAJMAHAL (B, L, D) We cast of early morning to reach the Farakka Lock Gate and cross through the lock within 1000 hrs. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges revealing vast Panoramas. We also see the Farakka barrage which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India. Continue cruise to Rajmahal. Overnight at Rajmahal Overnight on board RV Bengal Ganga. Day 7 - THURSDAY RAJMAHAL - KARAGOLA - BEFORE BATESHWARSTHAN (B, L, D)  This area is rich in bird life. Large flocks of water birds including Common Cranes can be seen here. Overnight at Bateshwarsthan. Overnight on board RV Bengal Ganga. Day 8 - FRIDAY BATESHWARSTHAN - SULTANGANJ (B, L, D) In the morning we visit the Vikramashila University. Established by King Dharampala in late 8th or early 9th Century A.D. Vikramshila University was one of the two most important centers of Buddhist learning in India during the reign of the Pala dynasty along with Nalanda University. Vikramashila was one of the largest Buddhist universities having more than one hundred teachers and about one thousand students. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, meta-physics and logic were taught here. Later we cruise through the Vikramashila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, established for the protection and conservation of the Ganges River Dolphins. The area also supports a rich diversity of other wildlife, many of which are threatened with extinction. These species include the Indian smooth-coated Otter, several species of hard and soft shell turtles, and an astounding variety of migratory and resident migratory birds. Sultanganj conspicuous for two great rocks of granite, one of which on the river bank is crowned by a mosque. The second and larger one is occupied by a temple of Ghaibinath Siva. During the rule of the Maurya, Gupta and Pala many works of art and architecture were raised at Sultanganj. Excavation near Sultanpur has yielded ancient relics like stupas, seals, coins, terracotta Hindu and Buddha images. Overnight at Sultanganj. Overnight on board RV Bengal Ganga. Day 9 - SATURDAY SULTANGANJ - MUNGER (B, L, D) Early morning cast off. After breakfast we visit Bihar School of Yoga: Established in 1963 by Swami Niranjanananda Bihar School of Yoga in order to preserve and regenerate the total scope of yogic science by combining academic and scientific methodology with a spiritual vision. Overnight at Munger. Overnight on board RV Bengal Ganga. Day 10 - SUNDAY BY SURFACE - MUNGER - NALANDA - BODHGAYA (B, L, D) We disembark the ship at 0700 hrs and travel by surface to Nalanda. Nalanda perhaps is the oldest seat of learning in India. It treasures a glorious past, rich spiritual heritage and some extraordinary architectural ruins believed to be established in 5th century by the Gupta Kings. Thereafter we drive through Rajgir, the first capital of the Magadha Empire. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir, but also delivered important sermons here. Lunch at local restaurant, we continue our journey to Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya - one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. It was here, under a banyan tree, "the Bodhi Tree" Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become "Buddha", the Enlightened One. Overnight at Royal Residency / Lotus Hotel / Hotel Sujata at Bodhgaya / Indo Hokke Hotel, Rajgir. Day 11 - MONDAY BODHGAYA - VARANASI (B, L, D) After breakfast we drive to Varanasi - the holiest town for Hindus. In the evening we take the rickshaws to experience the enchanting and the incredible life on the streets of Varanasi. We continue, by walk to visit the Ghats to witness the evening Aarti on the Ganges. Overnight at Taj Varanasi / Radisson Hotel / Clarks Varanasi.  Day 12 - TUESDAY VARANASI DEPARTURE (B)After a leisurely breakfast transfer to the Airport for onward flight. * Please note the cruise itinerary may vary slightly depending on local conditions - you will be advised locally if changes are necessary. (END OF OUR SERVICES)  CRUISE PRICE INCLUDES: • Hotel accommodation and all meals as indicated by the programs. • Indian Brand Mineral Water at the time of meals. • Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary. • English Speaking Guide. • All Entrance Fees. • Transfers by car/minivan/coach as per programs • Camera fees (still) • Local assistance • Government Service Tax • Fuel surcharges if applicable (*). CRUISE PRICE EXCLUDES: • International or domestic flights or transportation beyond Calcutta or Varanasi • Wine / Beer, Spirits and Bottle Beverages • Personal laundry • All visa costs • Gratuities to staff • All items of a personal nature • Health-accident-baggage or travel protection plan outside the ship's boundaries. Please Note: RIVER CONDITIONS WARNING! • The rivers we sail on are subject to seasonal rise and fall of water level and flow of water, in some places the change is 10 meters or above. There can be significant change in water levels overnight and a sudden rise can hamper our progress upstream considerably and even prevent us from passing under certain bridges. A sudden fall in water levels can result in our being unable to get to certain places or go as far upstream as we would hope to. Groundings on sandbars are a possibility and are a part of the excitement of our River expedition. The itineraries published, are indicative and subject to sudden change. During such times we provide an alternative Itinerary and we do our best to ensure to make up for the missed stop or sightseeing, by offering another stop. It would be prudent for Passengers to be flexible and patient since cruising on the Rivers in India particularly the Ganges is Incredible, adventurous, tranquil at the same time an intense experience, quite unlike cruising the controlled waterways of America and Europe. ALSO NOTE to a certain extent we operate in areas with little or under developed infrastructure and subject to the confines of local conditions. It is advisable to be prepared for such experiences to make it all the more spectacular! |
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| An 800 mile Voyage through the cultural heart of India - Ganges Cruise |
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Day 4 - MONDAY MATIARI - MURSHIDABAD (B, L, D)