Ganges River Cruise: Friend of All That Lives

Ganges River Cruise Overview

“Friend and benefactor of all that lives.” The Ganges winds its way through the hills and plains of India and through the lives of all those who have sought purification, protection, and fortune from this mighty river. We will be modern-day seekers on this Ganges river cruise, exploring the sacred and secular history of the river and learning how the Ganges continues to shape life in India.

Get an intimate look at India’s cultural capital

We begin our adventure on land with four days in Kolkata, India’s artistic and intellectual capital. Kolkata is a book lover’s dream, and its famous College Street is home to Asia’s largest book market. Kolkata was also the home of author Rabindranath Tagore and filmmaker Satyajit Ray, hugely influential forces in modern Bengali and world culture. We’ll explore their legacies with our local guide.

No visit to Kolkata is complete without a stop at its colourful flower market at the Howrah bridge, and here we will embark our cruise.

See the highlights of West Bengal in comfort

We have exclusively chartered the 28-cabin R/V Bengal Ganga for this special voyage. Based on teak 19th-century steamers, the river cruiser offers atmosphere and comfort in equal measure. On board, we’ll continue our reading and discussion of contemporary literature.

Each day we’ll be ashore visiting Bengali temples, known for their terra cotta work, and vestiges of India’s complex colonial past.

Savour a classic chicken tikka — and much more

Don’t get us wrong, we love a good chicken tikka, butter chicken, or saag paneer. These northern Indian dishes are beloved around the world for good reason. But we also love sharing Bengali delicacies like cholar dal — a lentil dish flavoured with coconut — with our travellers. Bengali cuisine is known for its abundance of fish and use of mustard oil. And its sweets are legendary.

This is an experience for the culturally curious and for adventurous travellers who relish discovery. This voyage combines hallmarks of Classical Pursuits—slow travel and learning in community—with an experience of the Ganges river that is beguiling, infinite, and profound.

Ganges River Cruise Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Meet in Kolkata
Day 2: Kolkata: Beth El Synagogue, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Kalighat Temple
Day 3: Kolkata: College Street, coffee shop, ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore
Day 4: Kolkata: Letterpress workshop in Kumartoli district, Belurmath
Day 5: Visit the Mullik Ghat Flower Market and botanical gardens, embark our ship
Day 6: Visit Serampore and Chandernagore colonial outposts
Day 7: Learn about Bengali cuisine on-board, visit Shantipur — a region famous for its handloom weavings
Day 8: Ride rickshaws to the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex
Days 9: Mayapur, headquarters of the ISKCON (International Centre for Krishna Consciousness)
Day 10: Guptipara’s terracotta temples dating from the 17th and 18th centuries
Day 11: Ride cycle rickshaws to the Basilica of Our Lady of Bandel
Day 12: Disembark in Kolkata
Day 13: Depart Kolkata

Accommodation

ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata and the R/V Bengal Ganga

Readings

Hooghly, by Robert Ivermee
Selected works by Rabindranath Tagore
Contemporary Bengali fiction

Image credits: Tile on main travel page: Brahmaputra river (Ganges tributary), Manu/Lensmatter on Flickr; a boy on a boat on the Ganges, Braja Sorensen on Wikipedia; Ram Chadraji temple, SuvadipSanyal on Wikipedia; boy reading in shop, Biswarup Ganguly on Wikipedia

Melanie is wonderful. She is very hard-working, pleasant and goes beyond her working hours to make sure we were happy.

Fred and Anna, Ontario

"Lewie is unflappable. There was no obstacle too large or complicated for Lewie. No matter what happened, the tour proceeded seamlessly."

Past Ganges River Cruise traveller

Leaders

Melanie Blake

Melanie Blake is the executive director of Classical Pursuits and organizer of the annual Toronto Pursuits cultural salon. She has travelled extensively in India while working as an editor in New Delhi, and especially enjoyed trips to Kolkata to browse the College Street book market and savour a fish curry. She looks forward to exploring the region's cross-cultural literature and history with you.

Lewie Gonsalves

Lewie Gonsalves, president of Worldwide Quest, has over 35 years’ experience researching and organizing trips throughout the world. He has led groups to all parts of India, has native country, on more than 40 tours.

FAQs

What is the cost of this tour?

The per-person cost based on double occupancy in a main deck cabin is US$6875. Upper deck cabins start at US$7475 per person, and upper deck suites at US$7775 per person.

I've never travelled in India before. Is this a good tour for me?

This tour is a great choice for first-time travellers to India. We understand that it might feel intimidating to travel in India. Our tour partner Worldwide Quest has been showing travellers the best of India since 1970, and knows how to make your tour comfortable and safe. On the tour are Worldwide Quest president Lewie Gonsalves, who leads groups to his native country of India multiple times a year, and Classical Pursuits director Melanie Blake, who lived in India from 2007 to 2010. We are happy to talk with you more about what to expect.

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Canadian and US passport holders will need a visa to travel to India. For tourist stays of fewer than 60 days, Canadian and US passport holders can apply online for an e-visa. The Worldwide Quest team will provide you with guidance to get your visa.

How long does it take to get a visa?

It’s quicker than you might think! Times vary, but e-visas for tourist purposes are generally processed within three working days. For tourist stays of fewer than 60 days, Canadian and US passport holders can apply online for an e-visa. More information can be found on the Government of India’s e-visa page, the US State Department, and the Consulate General of India in Toronto.

What will the weather be like?

Expect temperatures around 32°C (high 80s°F) during the day and 19°C (high 60s°F) overnight. This is the dry season with little rain expected.

Do I need any vaccines before travelling to India?

Worldwide Quest can provide more specific guidance. Although there are no official vaccine requirements for entry, health organizations recommend travellers are up to date with routine vaccinations, hepatitis A, and other vaccines depending on individual circumstances. See current information from the Centers for Disease Control here.

How active is this tour?

This tour has a moderate level of activity. It involves walking on uneven terrain in busy cities and on dirt roads in villages. You should be comfortable walking up to two hours unassisted.

Our ship is not always moored at a pier; entering and exiting
the ship may be on a dirt track with assistance. Should you have any questions about your ability to take part in this tour, please give us a call.

Where can I learn more about what it's like to go on one of your tours?

Our About Our Tours page has more FAQs that cover topics related to all our tours. We also welcome your questions at info@classicalpursuits.com.

What’s Included

Airport transfers for passengers arriving and departing as per the group itinerary
Accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar
Accommodation based on double occupancy in selected cabin on board the Bengal Ganga
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
All meals on board the Bengal Ganga
All internal transportation by private, air-conditioned coach
Sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides
All activities and entrance fees
Taxes and gratuities (for guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants)

Online Learning: Presentations

The Historical Ganges

March 6, 2025 at 2 p.m. Eastern

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Toronto, Canada. Classical Pursuits organizes literary and cultural trips and seminars in Toronto, Canada, and around the world with our travel partner Worldwide Quest (TICO Reg: #2667946). Design by Ctrl Alt Create.