Set out on an electric rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Old Delhi, stopping off at the vibrant Chandni Chowk market. Breathe in the aromas at Asia's largest wholesale spice bazaar before exploring Indias' largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, with a capacity of more than 25,000 worshippers. Enjoy your Signature Experience and then feast on a selection of lesser-known regional cuisines at Cafe Lota.
Later, continue your Delhi exploration with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Qutub Minar. Built in the early 13th century, the intricate minaret and victory tower are constructed in red sandstone and carved with words from the Quran. Savour a Signature Experience nearby tonight. (B/L/D)
Signature Experiences:
Set out on an early morning walking tour featuring some of Kolkata's best-preserved colonial buildings including the Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court and Raj Bhawan (Governer's House). Take a tour of St John's Church, which was built in 1756, and features the tombs of several British generals who died in that year's Siege of Kolkata. After lunch on board, your ship will begin its journey upstream along the Hooghly River on the Lower Ganges.
Later today, visit the 19th-century Hooghly Imambara, a prayer hall and famous pilgrimage centre in West Bengal. Admire the massive Victorian clock, between the twin towers, the makers of which also built London's iconic Big Ben. Return to your ship and sail on to Kalna. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, it's time to explore magnificent Kalna, known as the City of Temples. On a guided cycle-rickshaw tour, you'll visit some of Bengal's most distinct terracotta temples, including the Rajbari royal palace complex. You'll also see the eye-catching Shiva temples.
Later, stroll through the local market en route back to your ship. Relax on board as you sail to the village of Matiari. (B/L/D)
Begin the day with a morning walk through Matiari, where you'll have the opportunity to peruse beautiful cooking and household items crafted from recycled copper and brass. Visit the small home factories that have been operating for generations and watch the masterful craftspeople at work.
Afterwards, continue cruising upstream near to the village of Plassey, the site of the Battle of Plassey. Learn how the British East India Company recorded a victory here in 1757, helping establish the company rule in Bengal and much of India. Sail on to the peaceful garden and cemetery of Khushbagh, and take a stroll passing by local farmers' fields to the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daula. (B/L/D)
Enjoy a restful morning as life unfolds along the river before a visit to the village of Mayapur. Here you'll learn about the Hari Krishna community and culture in a meeting with some of the movement's dedicated followers. You'll also view the final stages of construction for the enormous Temple of the Vedic Planetarium – Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, the world headquarters of ISKCON. (B/L/D)
Begin the day with a tranquil cruise to Chandannagar, which was established as a French colony in 1673. Stroll along the lively promenade as you marvel at the French architecture, then visit the 17th-century Sacred Heart Church and the Dupleix Museum, which is housed in the home of former French Governor Joseph François Dupleix.
This afternoon, continue cruising along the Ganges and soak in your final night on board. (B/L/D)
Your adventure along the Golden Triangle comes to an end today with a transfer to Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport for your onward journey. (B)
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