Ganges
India
The Ganges River runs about 1,569 miles through India and Bangladesh. It is the most sacred river to Hindus and is worshipped as a goddess. Being the third largest river in the world by discharge, it is depended on by millions of Indians who live along its banks. On a river cruise through the Ganges, you'll explore charming local villages, impressive temples, peaceful gardens, and momentous battlegrounds.
Ganges cruises run aboard small, shallow-draft riverboats built specifically for the river's changing depths, typically sailing a stretch between Kolkata and Varanasi (or the reverse) over one to two weeks. The cruising season runs roughly October through March, avoiding both the summer heat and the monsoon floods that can make the river impassable; most itineraries build in a pre- or post-cruise stay in Kolkata or Delhi, since flights connect more easily through those cities than through the smaller river ports along the way.
Ports of Call
Kolkata, India
This city is the capital of India's West Bengal state. It is known for its art galleries, colonial architecture, and cultural festivals. It is also home to Mother House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, whose tomb is on site. Many river cruisers begin their journey in Kolkata, where they then transfer to another city to embark their boat.
Farakka, India
Farakka is oftentimes where Ganges River cruisers will board their riverboat. There is a barrage seen here that spans across the river and is just 10 miles from the border of Bangladesh. Any tours offered here visit villages, mosques, and palaces outside of the vicinity of the city.
Jangipur, India
Jangipur is a city in Murshidābād that was said to have been found by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Early in its history, under British rule, Jangipur was an important part of the silk trade. From this city and its surrounding areas, you can tour to 12th-century Hindu sights, terracotta temples, and witness rural Indian life.
Murshidābād, India
Divided into two almost equal sections by the ancient channel of the Ganges, Murshidābād holds the Nawab's tremendous Hazarduari Palace, a common site for tourists to visit. The Katra Mosque and two 18th-century palaces, the Nashipara and the Katgola, are also popular attractions.
Matiari, Pakistan
In this little village, visitors can witness the ancient techniques of brassworking, which date back over 100 years and remain the biggest form of revenue for the Matiari locals.
Māyāpur, India
Māyāpur sits on the banks of the river where the Ganges meets the Jalangi. This area is considered a holy place, often called the spiritual capital of the world, and a visit to the Hare Krishna temple is a popular excursion.
Chinsurah, India
Chinsurah lies on the Hooghly River just 22 miles north of Kolkata. It is home to the Hooghly district headquarters and the oldest Armenian church in India, along with a historic Dutch cemetery and the Imambara, a mosque with intricate designs and Quran texts engraved within.
Bārākpur, India
Also called Barrackpore, this city was a military and administrative center under British rule. The police training academy in West Bengal is also located here, and walking tours around the main sights are often available to river cruisers.
Kālna, India
The country town of Kālna is named after a famous Goddess called Kali. Its most well-known monuments are the palace Rajbari and the 108 Shiva temples.
Manihāri Ghāt, India
From the town of Manihāri Ghāt, you can cruise upstream to the picturesque Bateshwar. Here, you can view rock carvings from the 6th century and visit the ruins of a Buddhist monastery.
Kahalgaon, India
Be on the lookout for South Asian river dolphins while sailing in the area around this town. Bhagalpur, a center of silk production nearby, is often visited, with a silk-weaving village, a mansion, and ancient Hindu rock carvings.
Sultānganj, India
Sultānganj is typically a short stop. Near this city, you can take a rickshaw ride to the remains of a Mughal fort, and an East India Company cemetery can also be viewed.
Sita Kund, India
The Sita-Kund is a Hindu pilgrimage site with a neighboring Hindu temple. You can also make a stop at the local bazaar, the Sitakund hot springs, or Pirpahar Hill.
Bārh, India
Bārh is well-known for Umanath, a place of Hindu ritual cremation, and for the Alakhnath temple. Excursions to Nalanda are popular from this site, where you can walk around an excavated Buddhist monastery and stupa, and an idyllic Jain temple.
Patna, India
Patna is an ancient city that sits on the south bank of the Ganges. It is the state capital and home to the Patna Museum, believed to display a casket containing the ashes of Buddha. A tour to the domed Golghar granary or the Sikh temple are also favorites.
Bodh Gaya, India
This small village is considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage locations. Discover the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the spot where Buddha found enlightenment.
Varanasi, India
Labeled as the quintessential Indian holy city, Varanasi dates back to the 11th century B.C. Hindu pilgrims are drawn to the spiritual capital to bathe in the Ganges River, believed to have sacred waters. Over 2,000 temples are found along the city streets, most notably the Golden Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
