The Hooghly River, that connects Kolkata with the Ganges. The 18 stateroom Katha Pandaw sailed from Kolkata to Baranagar and back on this most enchanting of rivers. This adventure captures the essence of the real India: lovely countryside, magnificent palaces, mystical temples and artisanal villages not to mention very friendly folk.
The itinerary also included two nights in Kolkata allowing two full days sight-seeing in the former capital of the Indian Raj, with its huge museum, 18th century churches, temples, mosques and architectural splendours from the glory days of the Raj.
RV Katha Pandaw
This was a radical new design, based on the old K class used in Burma from the 1880s on. This ship is the third Katha to run on the Irrawaddy. The first was built at Dalla in 1887 but lost on the Chindwin in 1889. The second was built by Denny of Dumbarton in 1904 and decommissioned in 1937
The third was built by Pandaw in Vietnam in 2012. Yjey ran her a year on the Mekong before sending to Burma. With only two decks these smaller K class ships have lower air draft so can get under bridges and supposedly a shallower draft, though in fact the Vietnam ship yards were not as successful in achieving this as the Burmese yards and later Burmese-built K class ships achieved remarkable reductions in draft.
The Katha was efitted for expedition sailings in India from September 2019, Pandaw have reduced the number of staterooms from sixteen to twelve to create an enlarged indoor saloon / dining area as winter cruising in India can be chilly first thing.
| Thurs 2 Oct | Valencia |  |
Valencia overnight by accident rather than design |
| Fri 3 Oct | Fly Spain to Kolkata |  |
Turkish from Valencia to Kolkata via Istanbul & Delhi |
| Sat 4 Oct | Arrive Kolkata |  |
Taj Bengal Hotel. They pick us up at airport |
| Sun 5 Oct | Embark Kolkata |  |
Transfer from our Kolkata hotel to embark Cabin 201 by 1200 for lunch on board followed by city orientation tour with first stop at Archeology Museum. Then the iconic Victoria Memorial with a walk through the splendid gardens. Admire the domed white marble hall built in memory of Queen Victoria and discover Victorian memorabilia and British Raj-era paintings. Then good seats to see the Hindu festival procession, before returning to ship for dinner |
| Mon 6 Oct | Kolkata Immersion |  |
Early morning visited a traditional Akhara by the river, where men of all ages practice a traditional form of wrestling known as kushti. We returned to the ship for breakfast. Then on to the vibrant flower market, one of Asia’s largest. Wind through the masses of marigolds and jasmine and watch as people buy flowers for temple offerings and prayers. Then a walk over the bridge to Howrah Station. Back to ship for lunch Afternoon visit to the St John’s Cathedral and then free time in the nearby New Market before returning to ship for dinner. |
| Tues 7 Oct | Chandernagore |  |
Sailed upstream to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visited the 18th-century church and Dupleix's House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Enjoyed a TukTuk ride to the Hangseshwari Temple Then sailed on to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Quran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. |
| Wed 8 Oct | Kalna |  |
After breakfast, embarked on a scenic cruise upstream, arriving at the charming country town of Kalna. Took a rickshaw ride to explore a group of Bengal's most impressive terracotta temples, culminating in a visit to the unique 18th-century Shiva Temple. This remarkable temple is adorned with concentric rings of 108 smaller shrines, creating an awe-inspiring sight. Sail on through the night, mooring near Maitari. |
| Thurs 9 Oct | Matiari |  |
Step ashore in Matiari, a charming riverside village renowned for its brass-working traditions. Saw the local artisans working at the fascinating process of crafting intricate brass water pots and other vessels.
Moored close to Murshidabad for the night. |
| Fri 10 Oct |
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Embark on a walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style Garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and his family Then we visited Katgola Palace, an example of Georgian architecture built by wealthy local merchants, further highlighting the unique blend of cultures that flourished during this era.. Sailed upstream along the Hoogly River, a picturesque waterway winding through a landscape of lush mustard fields and mango orchards. Disembarked in Baranagar, a charming village, and enjoyed a walk through its countryside. Visit three miniature terracotta temples, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. Continued sailing downstream, stopping at Azimganj to explore the intricately carved Jain temples. This itinerary offers a glimpse into the rural life of Bengal and its fascinating cultural and architectural heritage. |
| Sat 11 Oct | Hazarduari Palace Museum |  |
Continued upstream to witness the grandeur of Hazarduari Palace, an architectural masterpiece built by an English architect in 1837. Explored its interiors, with a fascinating collection of paintings, china, weapons, and other artifacts. Next, visited the magnificent Katra Mosque and the impressive Nashipara Palace, a testament to the wealth and influence of the local merchants during the "White Mughal" era – a period of cultural exchange between English and Indian influences. |
| Sun 12 Oct | Mayapur |  |
Visited the spiritual heart of the Hare Krishna movement at Mayapur, its global headquarters. Explore the magnificent ISKCON temple complex, a modern marvel comparable in size to the Vatican and generously funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford. Our tour was guided by a devotee . Wandered through the vibrant pilgrims' bazaar. And their extensive cow stables |
| Mon 13 Oct |  |
The old Danish colony of Serampore, founded in 1676, and visited the tavern, church, and museum. Afterwards, cruise past the landmarks of Kolkata: - the Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House. |
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| Tues 14 Oct | Disembarcation Kolkata | |
Early morning moor in Kolkata Port and transfer Taj Bengal Hotel after lunch |
| Wed 15 Oct | Fly from Kolkata to Bodhgaya |  |
Taj Bengal supply car to the airport . Here we caught a flight to Bodhgaya on Indigo Airlines . Depart 10:45 - Arrive 11:55 |
Holy Gange & Hill Stations with Wild Frontiers