Antara River Cruise Ganges Voyage
Itinerary: Kolkata – Kalna – Matiari – Murshidabad – Farakka – Bateshwarsthan – Sultanganj – Munger – Patna – Buxar – Ghazipur – Varanasi
Duration: 20 Days :: Kolkata to Varanasi (Upstream)
Operational Period: October to April
Style: Luxury River Cruise, Culture & Sacred Ganges Journey
This extraordinary river voyage sails upstream along the sacred Ganges from Kolkata to Varanasi aboard MV Ganga Vilas. The journey reveals centuries of history, spiritual traditions, and vibrant riverside life while visiting historic temples, colonial towns, ancient universities, and sacred ghats. From Bengal’s cultural heartland to the holiest city of Hinduism, the voyage offers an immersive exploration of India’s living river civilization.
Day 1 — Arrival in Kolkata & Embarkation
• Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to the jetty for embarkation.
• Welcome onboard followed by safety briefing and lunch.
• Visit Mother House, the home and tomb of Mother Teresa.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas Luxury River Cruise
Day 2 — Kolkata to Kalna
• Visit the vibrant Mallick Ghat Flower Market.
• Explore Kumartuli, known for sculpting clay idols.
• See the heritage Tram line going through city.
• Begin sailing upstream, passing beneath Howrah Bridge and colonial-era buildings along the river.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 3 — Kalna to Matiari
• Explore the historic temple town of Kalna.
• Visit the remarkable Rajbari Temple Complex featuring distinctive Bengal temple architecture.
• Walk through the local market before sailing towards Matiari.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 4 — Matiari to Murshidabad
• Morning walk through the brass-craft village of Matiari where artisans produce copper and brass vessels.
• Sail upstream through rural Bengal landscapes towards Murshidabad.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 5 — Murshidabad to Jangipur
• Explore Murshidabad.
• Visit the grand Hazarduari Palace and the historic Katra Mosque.
• Return to the ship and continue sailing to Jangipur.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 6 — Jangipur – Farakka – Samtaghat
• Sail towards the historic Farakka Barrage.
• Cross the lock gate and continue cruising along the Ganges canal towards Samtaghat.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 7 — Samtaghat to Bateshwarsthan
• Enjoy a leisurely day cruising through the scenic countryside of the Ganges valley.
• Observe rural river life and riverside settlements along the banks.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 8 — Bateshwarsthan to Sultanganj
• Excursion to the ruins of Vikramshila University, once an important Buddhist learning center.
• Return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 9 — Sultanganj to Munger
• Visit Sultanganj.
• Explore the sacred Ajgaibinath Temple.
• Continue sailing towards Munger.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 10 — Munger Exploration
• Visit the revered Chandika Sthan Temple.
• Explore Munger Fort and the local markets.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 11 — Munger to Simaria
• Cruise upstream towards Simaria.
• Evening walk through the village observing everyday rural life along the Ganges.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 12 — Simaria to Patna
• Sail through the Ganges plains towards Patna, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 13 — Patna to Ghaghra Confluence
• Visit Golghar (exterior view).
• Explore Takht Sri Patna Sahib, birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
• Sail to the confluence where the Ghaghra River meets the Ganges.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 14 — Ghaghra Confluence to Buxar
• Enjoy a riverside village walk
• Sail towards Buxar along the Ganges valley.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 15 — Buxar Exploration
• Explore Buxar.
• Visit Ram Rekha Ghat & Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 16 — Buxar to Ghazipur
• Sail upstream towards Ghazipur.
• Visit the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 17 — Ghazipur to Varanasi (En Route)
• Continue sailing upstream towards sacred city of Varanasi through fertile Ganges plains.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 18 — Arrival in Varanasi
• Arrive in Varanasi, considered the spiritual heart of Hinduism.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 19 — Varanasi Exploration
• Visit Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon.
• Walk through the narrow lanes and ghats of Varanasi.
• Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti on the riverfront.
Stay: Aboard Ganga Vilas
Day 20 — Varanasi Disembarkation
• After breakfast, disembark the cruise.
• Transfer for onward journey.
Tour Concludes with the Serenity and Spirit of the Ganges River Journey
Seamless Travel Privileges as per Antara Cruise package :
• Accommodation aboard the luxury river vessel MV Ganga Vilas
• Guided shore excursions at key destinations along the journey
• All meals onboard featuring regional and international cuisine
• Entrance fees to monuments and heritage sites
• All applicable taxes and handling charges
• All inclusions as per Antara River Cruise Package
Signature Experiences Along the Journey :
Sail along the sacred Ganges from Kolkata to Varanasi, discovering temple towns, colonial cities, and riverside villages that have flourished along India’s most revered river for centuries. Explore terracotta temples in Kalna, the Nawabi heritage of Murshidabad, the ancient Buddhist university of Vikramshila, and sacred shrines along the riverbanks before culminating in the spiritual grandeur of Varanasi and the timeless ritual of the Ganga Aarti.
Antara River Cruise Map
India Live Map
Antara River Cruise Ganges Voyage
Best Time To Travel
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best
Good
Mixed
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)