To travel is to discover

Exotic Heritage Group offer a unique insight into Bengali culture, history and astoundingly scenic countryside on board their new luxury ship Ganga Vilas.  River cruises are known for their scenic views and offbeat routes and this one is sure not to disappoint. It promises to be one of the most iconic routes to travel between the two destinations of Kolkata and Dhaka, passing through many colourful contrasts of rural and city life, including unexplored places like the Sundarbans National Park and Tiger Reserve at the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. Redefining the boutique experience on water is the launch of a luxury 18-suite river ship in April 2022 sailing an epic 11-night itinerary all the way from Kolkata to Dhaka and vice-versa.

Ganga Vilas is purely contemporary in design with soothing interiors in carefully blended colour palettes and furnished with attention to detail in all modern amenities including the privacy of French balconies to absorb the unfolding landscape. The spacious restaurant offers panoramic vistas and a modern dining experience of fusion Asian and Continental flavours as well as a dedicated vegan menu. Learn to create authentic aromatic Bengali dishes in exciting cooking demonstrations and explore local culture through on board dance performances, traditional clothing sessions featuring the elegant sari and topical lectures highlighting the rich history and traditions of the region. Enjoy a refreshing organic coffee or specialist tea in the Upper Deck bar or simply unwind with a personalised Indian cocktail infused with selected herbs from the onboard garden. The sundeck, restorative Ayurvedic spa treatments and daily Ashtanga yoga sessions provide the perfect chill-out escapes.

Exotic Heritage Group provide an enchanting introduction to the wonders of Bengal, where the sophisticated traveller can rely on five-star hospitality and rigorous hygiene standards for every aspect of their personal journey of discovery. The carefully crafted shore itineraries fully engage guests in an incredible variety of temples, palaces and monuments as well as the contrasting and rarely visited artisan riverine villages, while minimising the environmental and social impact of tourism on these communities.

After a warm welcome and lunch on board, an exciting tour around Kolkata shows off its well preserved British colonial buildings, including the General Post Office, The Governor’s House and the Treasury Building. A tour of St John’s Anglican Church features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India, a painting of the Last Supper by German artist, Johann Zoffany, and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Shriaj Ud Daula in 1756. Chasing sunrise the following morning, Ganga Vilas sails to the Sunderbans, the world’s largest deltatic mangrove forest and habitat of the famous Royal Bengal tigers. The ship sails along the southern end of the Hooghly River towards the Bay of Bengal to reach Namkhana, known as the gateway of Sunderbans, where hundreds of fishing boats paint a colourful scene. A visit to the hatchery at the crocodile project on Bhagabatpur island is fascinating for nature lovers and a glimpse into rural life paddy husking and honey packing in the Sunderbans village of Bali crescendos with a display of Tushu tribal dances.

There’s a beautiful watch tower near Burir Dabri reached by boat, overlooking the Raimangal River where wildlife is often seen. From the nearby port of Mongla situated at the confluence of the Pasur River and the Mongla River, a real highlight is the excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sixty Domed Mosque, the largest mosque in Bangladesh from the sultanate period. Nature and beautiful landscapes are the focus on the next part of the journey, with a stay in scenic Katka forest to discover deer and local wildlife then discover the scenic Jamtola beach with a relaxed stroll back through the forest. Navigate the narrow creeks and canals of Harbaria in the Sunderbans National Park and its mangrove flora and fauna before sailing towards Barisal, experiencing the floating market of Bhimruli. A rickshaw ride to visit Oxford Mission Epiphany Church and a little free time at a local market area in Barisal add to the variety of fascinating experiences on this cruise before arriving near Dhaka where Sonargaon, the medieval capital of Bengal, invites you to step back in time. There are many buildings to explore in Dhaka which is the economic, political and cultural centre of Bangladesh. The Lalbagh Fort, Dhakeswari Temple and the Ahsan Manzil, better known as the pink palace, the official residential palace and seat of the Nawab of Dhaka, built in 1859 in Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture, has now been designated as a national museum. Overflowing with culture, history and astoundingly scenic countryside, this itinerary is full of Eastern promise for those with a pioneering sense of adventure.