Holy Ganges
About this expedition
The holy Ganges between Patna and Farakka — the UNESCO Buddhist university of Nalanda, the silk town of Bhagalpur, the ruins of Vikramshila, and Rajmahal, once the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s eastern capital.
Why you’ll love it
- Nalanda, the ancient Buddhist university
- Vikramshila Buddhist monastery
- Rajmahal, Akbar’s eastern capital
- Bhagalpur silk weaving
- Monghyr’s Mughal fort
- The endangered Gangetic dolphin
Day by day
Embark at Patna
Arrive in Patna and board your ship; dinner on board as you settle in.
EmbarkPatna & the cruise begins
A tour of Patna — the Gola Ghar granary, the great Sikh gurdwara and the State Museum; cruise to Barh.
CityNalanda
The UNESCO Buddhist monastery and stupa of Nalanda — the world’s oldest university — and the marble Pawapuri Jain temple.
BuddhistMonghyr & Sultanganj
Monghyr’s Mughal fort, Pirpahar Hill and the Sita Kund springs; the pilgrim island of Jahangira at Sultanganj.
HeritageBhagalpur silk & Vikramshila
Bhagalpur’s silk-weaving and a Georgian mansion; the cave temples of Colganj and the Buddhist monastery of Vikramshila.
Silk · BuddhistRajmahal, Akbar’s capital
Rajmahal — once Akbarnagar, the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s eastern capital — palaces and mosques lost in vegetation; on to Farakka.
HeritageDisembark / onward
Transfer to Farakka for the train to Kolkata (or continue to Gaur & Pandua).
DepartureCabins & fares
| Cabin | Details | From (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Deck — Single | Solo · no single supplement | $2,370 | Select |
| Main Deck Twin / Double | Main deck · French balcony | $2,370 | Select |
| Upper Deck Twin / Double | Upper deck · French balcony | $2,880 | Select |
Per person, twin/double share, 2026–27 season. Subject to 5% GST. Single-supplement & peak-season rates on request.
What’s included
Included
- Accommodation on board & full board
- All excursions & entry fees per the itinerary
- Unlimited drinks at lunch & dinner (local beer, wine & soft drinks)
- English-speaking guide on board & on excursions
- Kolkata–Farakka train tickets (where applicable)
- All transfers (shared) & port charges
Not included
- 5% GST
- Drinks from the bar, spa & laundry
- Tips, camera fees & insurance
- Flights & any pre/post-cruise hotels
- Items of a personal nature
Your ship
ABN Rajmahal
Twenty-two cabins with French balconies, a vast canopied sundeck and a small spa — colonial elegance on the Ganges. Explore the ship →
