Princely Murshidabad​ on the Ganges Voyager

8 day expedition
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    Class of Ship

    Small River Ship
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    Sustainability

    Low Impact, Locally Built
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    Berths

    56
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    Ice Class

    Not applicable
/media/s4zhaf0m/ship-icon.png
Class of Ship
Small River Ship
/media/2flfscuh/leaf-icon.png
Sustainability
Low Impact, Locally Built
/media/dx3mvpdd/bed-icon.png
Berths
56
/media/jzdbslpr/iceclass_2.png
Ice Class
Not applicable

Expedition overview and highlights

  • Walk through Murshidabad’s grand past at Hazarduari Palace and Katra Mosque
  • Discover French and Danish colonial heritage in Chandernagore and Serampore
  • Explore Mayapur, the spiritual hub of the ISKCON movement
  • Experience daily life along the Hooghly River

Step back in time on this immersive river journey through the cultural heartland of Bengal, where the rise and fall of empires shaped the destiny of South Asia. Aboard the elegant Ganges Voyager, sail past riverside temples, colonial mansions, and once-glorious royal capitals that tell the story of Bengal’s princely past. From the European enclaves of Chandernagore and Serampore to the Mughal-style gardens of Khushbagh and the majestic Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad, this journey offers a rare glimpse into the rich and layered history of the region. Watch artisans at work in copper-making villages, explore terracotta temples, and witness spiritual life unfold along the riverbanks. Guided excursions and meaningful cultural experiences make this journey especially rewarding for passengers who are passionate about history, architecture and heritage.

Princely Murshidabad​ on the Ganges Voyager

Arrive in Kolkata in the morning, then transfer to the jetty to board the ship. Have lunch on board. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb. Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity and worked here until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, where we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Dinner and an overnight stay on board the Ganges Voyager.

Begin the day with a panoramic tour of Dalhousie Square, taking in its impressive colonial-era landmarks, including St. John’s Church and the iconic Victoria Memorial. Return to the ship for lunch as you set sail toward Bandel. In the evening, visit the Hooghly Imambara, an important Shia pilgrimage site known for its grand architecture and its role as both a religious center and place of learning. Later, the ship continues its journey toward Kalna.

After breakfast ride e-rickshaws through the town to visit the Rajbari Temple complex. The Nabakailas Temple contains 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terracotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics and various aspects of day-to-day life. Return to the ship walking through the local vegetable market. Enjoy lunch onboard as the ship sails toward the riverside village of Matiari.

Start the day with an early morning walk through the village to observe local artisans at work. These skilled craftsmen repurpose recycled copper to create beautiful pots, platters, and other items in their traditional workshops. Return to the ship for breakfast and continue sailing to Khushbagh. After lunch onboard, take an evening stroll through scenic farmland to visit the Mughal-style garden built by Nawab Ali Wardi Khan. The garden features the Nawab’s private mosque and the tomb of Siraj-ud-Daula, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, who was defeated by the British East India Company at the Battle of Plassey.

After breakfast, explore the village of Baranagar, a charming glimpse into rural life in India. Visit the 18th-century Char Bangla terracotta temple, built by Rani Bhabani of Natore. Return to the ship and continue sailing to Murshidabad. After lunch onboard, visit the grand Hazarduari Palace, which commands the riverside with its impressive presence. Then, ride an e-rickshaw to reach the Katra Mosque, known for its distinctive minarets.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast onboard, taking in scenes of daily life along the riverbanks. Arrive in Mayapur, the global headquarters of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). After lunch, explore the vibrant pilgrim’s bazaar, meet Krishna devotees, and visit the impressive temple complex—one of the largest of its kind, comparable in scale to the Vatican. Much of the temple’s construction has been funded by Alfred B. Ford, great-grandson of automobile pioneer Henry Ford.

Enjoy breakfast onboard as the ship sails to Chandernagore, once a French colony along the Hooghly River. Upon arrival, stroll the riverside promenade and explore its colonial-era architecture, including the former French governor's residence—now a museum showcasing life during the French period. Visit the elegant Sacred Heart Church. Return to the ship and continue our journey to Kolkata while enjoying lunch onboard. We arrive in Kolkata by evening.

Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey. Important Note: The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last-minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The onboard tour staff will announce or post the exact time for each activity.

Fares & Departure Dates

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 Signature Suite (single occupancy) 

Ganges Voyager Signature Suite
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Signature Suites offer a marvellous home away from home, with their queen-size bed, panoramic balcony, spacious en suite, living area and luxurious amenities.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Twin beds or Queen bed
Rooms 0 room
Footage 281 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony Yes
View River
Location Main Deck
Suitable for Solo travellers
Accessibility None
Amenities Bathroom with robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV and individual air conditioning.
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 Signature Suite (double occupancy) 

Ganges Voyager Signature Suite
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Signature Suites offer a marvellous home away from home, with their queen-size bed, panoramic balcony, spacious en suite, living area and luxurious amenities.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Twin beds or Queen bed
Rooms 0 room
Footage 281 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony Yes
View River
Location Main Deck
Suitable for Couples
Accessibility None
Amenities Bathroom with robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV and individual air conditioning.
More details

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 Colonial Suite (single occupancy) 

Ganges Voyager Colonial Suite Antara
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Delight in a stay in a Colonial Suite, a luxurious suite matching the Signature Suites, but with expansive views from the Ganges Voyager's upper deck.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Queen size
Rooms 0 room
Footage 261 sq ft.
Windows None
Balcony Yes
View River
Location Upper Deck
Suitable for Solo travellers
Accessibility None
Amenities Bathroom with robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV and individual air conditioning.
More details

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 Colonial Suite (double occupancy) 

Ganges Voyager Colonial Suite Antara
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Delight in a stay in a Colonial Suite, a luxurious suite matching the Signature Suites, but with expansive views from the Ganges Voyager's upper deck.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Queen size
Rooms 0 room
Footage 261 sq ft.
Windows None
Balcony Yes
View River
Location Upper Deck
Suitable for Couples
Accessibility None
Amenities Bathroom with robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV and individual air conditioning.
More details

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 Heritage Suite (single occupancy) 

Ganges Voyager Heritage Suite View & Decor
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Captain's view from the bow of the ship and a private butler service.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Four-posted bed
Rooms 0 room
Footage 280 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony Yes
View River
Location
Suitable for Solo travellers
Accessibility None
Amenities Bathroom with robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, writing desk and individual air conditioning.
More details

Show details

 Heritage Suite (double occupancy) 

Ganges Voyager Heritage Suite View & Decor
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Captain's view from the bow of the ship and a private butler service.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Four-posted bed
Rooms 0 room
Footage 280 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony Yes
View River
Location Upper Deck
Suitable for Couples
Accessibility None
Amenities Bathroom with robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, writing desk and individual air conditioning.
More details

Show details

About the Ship

Ganges Voyage Exterior

Purpose-built for intimate exploration along India’s iconic Ganges River, the Ganges Voyager blends colonial-era charm with modern comfort. This 28-suite vessel provides a refined yet authentic setting for cultural discovery.

Ganges Voyager I & II Sundeck

Boutique exploration

Accommodating just 56 guests, the ship offers an exclusive atmosphere ideal for slow, immersive travel. Spacious suites—each with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows—allow for ever-changing views of rural life, historic landmarks and riverside temples as you cruise past some of India’s most storied regions. A spa, lounge, and sun deck on board create peaceful spaces to relax between guided excursions.

Ganges Voyager Heritage Suite View

Sailing through stories

With its small size and shallow draft, Ganges Voyager can navigate stretches of the river that larger vessels rarely visit, allowing guests to experience India's culture, history, and daily rhythms from a different perspective.

Ganges Voyager Food Counter

The expertly trained culinary team on board ensures a refined dining experience that blends comfort, variety and regional flavours. Guests can enjoy various meals designed to suit different tastes and preferences. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, featuring a mix of Indian dishes and international favourites, while evenings end with relaxed, multi-course dinners.

Antara Ganges Voyager Food

The ship can accommodate special dietary requirements, including vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. Guests can enjoy complimentary beverages such as water, tea, coffee, fruit juices and soft drinks throughout the day.

Ganges Voyager Main Deck

Main Deck

  • Signature Suites (201-210)
  • Restaurant
  • Galley & Pantry
  • Office

 

Ganges Voyager Upper Deck

Upper Deck

  • Maharaja Suite (304)
  • Heritage Suites (301, 302)
  • Viceroy Suites (313, 314)
  • Colonial Suites
  • Smoking Area

Ganges Voyager Sun Deck

Sun Deck

  • Wheel House
  • Spa
  • Gym
  • Lounge
  • Boutique
  • Covered Deck
  • Observation Deck

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