India’s Holy Ganges River: Rituals, History and the Sacred City of Varanasi
18 days
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Group Tour
Set sail on a voyage of discovery as you enjoy expert-led excursions to sacred sites, vibrant cities, traditional villages and architectural wonders along the holy Ganges River.
$5,393
From$3,995
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule
Highlights
- Explore colonial Kolkata and visit Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa Sail a modern riverboat along the Ganges River, visiting the ruins of long forgotten villages, temples and rural India
- Journey to the place where the Buddha obtained Enlightenment and visit the spectacular Mahabodhi Temple, which marks this pilgrimage site
What's this trip about?
Set sail on a voyage of discovery as you enjoy expert-led excursions to sacred sites, vibrant cities, traditional villages and architectural wonders along the holy Ganges River.
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Itinerary
Day
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day
2
Arrival Kolkata, Check-In
Kolkata The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata Hotel
Activity note: 2:00 p.m. hotel check-in available. Arrivals throughout the day. There is no official programming on this day. in Kolkata, we will be meeting up with Road Scholar Group #21644,...
Day
3
Orientation, Jain Temple, Kumortuli, Tagore's Home
Kolkata B,L,D The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata Hotel
Activity note: Today’s visit is by metro, coach and rickshaw rides. Up to 2 miles walking today. When visiting the Jain Temple, shoes will need to be removed, y...
Day
4
Mother Teresa's Orphanage, Embark Ship, Colonial Kolkata
Kalna B,L,D RV Bengal Ganga
Activity note: Walking .5 miles, mainly on even surfaces with a few steps up. Embark ship in afternoon. Sail throughout the night towards Kalna.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
...
Day
5
Kalna, Sail to Matiari
Matiari B,L,D RV Bengal Ganga
Activity note: While sailing on the Ganges River we will have on-shore excursions throughout the cruise. Depending on the water levels, some locations will have a jetty to disembark while others may require sma...
Day
6
Matiari Pottery Village, Plassey, Sail to Murshidabad
Murshidabad B,L,D RV Bengal Ganga
Activity note: Shore excursion in Matiari, limited walking around the village. Sail from Matiari to Murshidabad. Arrive Murshidabad and moor for the night.
Breakfast: Ear...
Day
7
Murshidabad, Sail to Jangipur
Jangipur B,L,D RV Bengal Ganga
Activity note: Shore excursion to Murshidabad. Total walking today 1.5 miles, around Katra Mosque and to and from museum and around temple grounds. Sail Murshidabad to Jangipur and moor nearby for the n...
Day
8
Sail Jangipur, Farakka, Samtaghat
Samtaghat B,L,D RV Bengal Ganga
Activity note: Early morning we will set sail towards the Farakka Barrage and cross over the lock gate by mid-day. Today is a full day sailing with no shore excursions as we sail towards Samtaghat,...
Day
9
Vikramshila University, Sail towards Bateshwarstan
Bateshwar Sthan B,L,D RV Bengal Ganga
Activity note: Sail today from Samtaghat to Bateshwarsthan. En route we will have on-shore excursion to Vikramshila University. Disembark ship and board private vehicles (15 ...
Day
10
Cooking Demonstration, Sultanganj
Sultanganj B,L,D RV Bengal Ganga
Activity note: Early morning we will set sail Batesharsthan to Sultanganj. Today is a full day sailing with no shore excursions as we sail towards Sultanganj and mooring near there for the night....
Day
11
Sail towards Munger, Bihar School of Yoga
Munger B,L,D RV Bengal Ganga
Activity note: Today we sail from Sultanganj Up to Munger, arriving mid-morning. Total walking today 1 mile, to and from the school. Moor overnight in Munger.
Breakfast: Early morning Te...
Day
12
Disembark Ship in Munger, Depart for Bodhgaya
Bodh Gaya B,L,D The Royal Residency Bodhgaya
Activity note: Today is a long travel day that requires patience and stamina. The drive from Munger to Bodhgaya is 125 miles; approximately 8 hours with rest stops along t...
Day
13
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Sujata Village
Bodh Gaya B,L,D The Royal Residency Bodhgaya
Activity note: Motorcoach from hotel to Temple Mahabodhi less than 1 mile. Walking mainly on flat. level surfaces around temple grounds. Steps to entrance temples today are...
Day
14
Depart for Varanasi, Aarti Ceremony on the Ganges
Varanasi B,L,D Rivatas
Activity note: The drive from Bodh Gaya to Varanasi is 158 miles (233km); approximately 6.5 hours with rest stops along the way. Varanasi is a very intense place. Please be prepared for lot...
Day
15
Morning Boat Ride, Sitar Performance, Free Time
Varanasi B,L,D Rivatas
Activity note: Morning boat ride requires walking down the ghats (steps) to get to the Ganges River to board small boats to go out on the river. Must climb down and up ghats, approximately 20...
Day
16
Sarnath, Program Concludes
In Flight B,L
Activity note: 12:00 p.m. hotel check-out. Coordinate airport transfers with our Group Leader today.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We check-out of hotel and depart by coach for Sarnath, where the Buddha gave...
Day
17
In transit
In Flight
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Dates & Availability
Price From $3,995
Price per day$222
Last Updated: 9/7/2021
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Logistics
Accommodation
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Meals Included
- 41 Meals
- 14 Breakfasts
- 14 Lunches
- 13 Dinners
- The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
roadscholar-142
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