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GANGES RIVER CRUISES

Discover an unseen India on our Ganges River Cruises

Life on the river Ganges is important to many people in India. It provides a lifeline to millions of natives who live on the banks and close by, as well as a spiritual site to many Hindus.

Pandaw's Ganges river cruises take you into the heart of the country, they allow you to experience India in a more intimate way. Explore riverbank villages, ride on rickshaws, and see the awe-inspiring terracotta temples. If wildlife is your thing, you may even be lucky enough to spot some Gangetic dolphins playing in the water beside you as you dine on deck.

The Ganges River is over 2,500km long and flows through India and Bangladesh. It begins its journey in the western Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and makes its way south and east through the Gangetic Plain of India and Bangladesh, before finally draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Many tourists come to India to experience the rich culture, they immerse themselves in the hustle and bustle, the sights and smells, but not all of them see life from the river.

Time onboard a Pandaw cruise ship is relaxed and comfortable. We go out of our way to make sure you have space and time to enjoy your surroundings as much as possible. Dining can be indoors or out, depending on the time of year you are travelling and of course, the weather.

If you do wish to take part, we have talks and demonstrations from local Indian people, to make your trip that little bit more fruitful.

Our staterooms are spacious and come with fresh fruits and flowers on arrival. We supply kimonos, slippers and spa-branded amenities to make your stay extra special.

Longer Expeditions

The All Ganges

12 or 14 NIGHTS

Your 14 night cruise on the Ganges will be full of Indian splendour, with visits to an 18th-century church and Dupleix's House, the erstwhile Governor-General of French India. You will pass the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura and a visit to the imposing Imambara at Hooghly with verses from the Koran written on its walls. What better way to see true Indian life than onboard a Ganges cruise. You will visit over 20 towns and villages. Places of sacred importance, battlefields, brass working villages, the world's largest opium factory and many great Palace's are just some of the places you will witness. Depending on whether you are travelling up or downstream, your journey will begin or end in the magnificent city of Varanasi.

Rivers : Ganges River

Ships : RV Kalaw Pandaw

from US$7,200 per person

Save up to 10% and No Single Supplement on selected dates

The Lower Ganges River

If time is a little more limited, a 7 night cruise on the Ganges is ideal. Life from the river on the Lower Ganges offers beautiful scenery; you will make your way through the often unseen countryside of West Bengal, stopping to take in the culture-rich towns that are full of temples and palaces. Your voyage can include visits to Kolkata and travels to Kalna where you will see the town by rickshaw and onto the brass-working village of Matiari. As you travel further into the heart of India you will walk the mustard fields and mango orchards and on to the quiet village of Baranagar to see the miniature terracotta temples. Seeing rural India in such a way really brings with it a true sense of their way of life.

from US$4,050 per person

Save 10%, No Single Supplement & Kids go FREE on selected dates

The Upper Ganges River

Your 14 night cruise on the Ganges will be full of Indian splendour, with visits to an 18th-century church and Dupleix's House, the erstwhile Governor-General of French India. You will pass the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura and a visit to the imposing Imambara at Hooghly with verses from the Koran written on its walls. What better way to see true Indian life than onboard a Ganges cruise. You will visit over 20 towns and villages. Places of sacred importance, battlefields, brass working villages, the world's largest opium factory and many great Palace's are just some of the places you will witness. Depending on whether you are travelling up or downstream, your journey will begin or end in Varanasi with a beautiful trip on rowing boats for sunrise over the bathing ghats.

Combination Cruises

The All Ganges & Brahmaputra River

19 or 21 NIGHTS

Join us for a grand tour of India sailing 19 or 21 nights along the glorious Ganges & mighty Brahmaputra rivers. Inclusive of flights and transfers between Kolkata and Guwahati, Pandaw's newest combo cruise invites you to experience the best of India's waterways aboard our timeless colonial vessels. Add on one of our pre and post-cruise packages to Dehli & the golden triangle for a truly 'All India' experience.

From September 2024, Pandaw is happy to announce that our India expeditions will be all-inclusive, with complimentary local beers, spirits, mixers and soft drinks for all guests. Also included free of charge is select house wines during lunch and dinner only. Subject to availability.

Please Note : The Upper Ganges segment of this itinerary passes through the state of Bihar. In this state it is illegal to serve any drinks containing alcohol. For this reason we will not be able to serve alcohol onboard the ship.

Rivers : Ganges River, Brahmaputra River

Ships : RV Kalaw Pandaw, RV Kindat Pandaw

from US$10,841.85 per person

The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River

There can be no river in the world as sacred as the Ganges and an expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the prettiest river journeys imaginable. The river wends its way through the lush countryside of West Bengal with its culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. A rich and vibrant rural life abounds and there is never a dull moment as we sedately ply this pleasant waterway. Combine this with the mighty Brahmaputra river in Northern India which originates high in the Himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam Valley where UNESCO protected national parks and remote rural communities provide the traveller with the most wonderful and authentic expedition.

from US$7,691.85 per person

Free internal flights & transfers between ships

Ganges River Ships

RV Kalaw Pandaw

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India's Lower Ganges River onboard the RV Kalaw Pandaw

By Jennifer Dunbar First appeared in SilverStreak. sg (https://silverstreak. sg) India , renowned for its vibrant culture, bustling streets....

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A voyage of luxury – An extension of yourself. A statement of your lifestyle.

Presenting the Ganges, A state of the art river ship, that delivers unforgettable experiences for you, your family and friends. Embark on a journey of opulence and style aboard a luxury watch in Kolkata. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the premium interiors makes it the only such retreat in Eastern India.

Equipped with advanced lifestyle facilities, the 3 deck floors provide a premium space to host special occasions all year round!

A formal area that is ideal for hosting corporate events, seminars, kirtan and baby showers. Revel in the beauty and tranquility of the Ganges, making it a memorable occasion for your loved ones.

From an open bar to keep your spirits high, a dedicated dance floor to shake a leg and a DJ console to get you in the mood, the first floor of the deck gets your adrenaline pumping!

Witness the panoramic beauty of the ‘City of Joy’ glittering in night lights while you sail by the 300 year old legacy of Kolkata as you flow on the gentle waters of Ganga.

From special arrangements such as projector, sound systems and lights to culinary creations in our kitchen, we give you the taste of comfort and luxury! In addition to these, special care is taken with life saving equipment, lifeguards and security personnel. From the moment you land on our website, and get in touch with our team to make your bookings – we aim to make these experiences for you, as close to seamless as possible.

Birthday Parties

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We take pride in our years of experience and focus on constantly evolving – to meet your needs.

For additional information and bookings, contact us or request a private appointment.

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Evening day cruise of ganga river in... - Vivada Cruise

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First took the evening cruise in 2019 and then last month, price hike was exorbitant, nonetheless... read more

We took an evening cruise and really enjoyed the trip. The commentary was good and the snacks just... read more

Evening day cruise of ganga river in Kolkata

It was a great experience, for me. I never knew such a thing was there in Kolkata. Have taken so many cruises in famous rivers all over the world, I think this one too is not bad. But still so much can be improved to reach that standard. What I loved about this cruise was, unlimited food and drinks(non alcoholic) at such an affordable price. And second is the great ease of booking it online. Last very friendly staff. What I think needs improvement is the sitting area (AC one) maybe needs more space. Second the music was too loud during the return part of the trip, which gave me an headache. And lastly the part of do it on your own thing in belur should be a bit more organized. Lots of people were late, and people if from outside Kolkata may have difficulty knowing where to go without any guidance.

did the evening cruise and witnessed a fabulous sunset over Belur Math. Food was average, especially the options was vegetarians was limited. Staff was cordial. Approx 1 hr stay at Belur Math. The guide was not at all impressive, I dont even remember making any note of what he said. Tickets are non refundable.

We visited on our Anniversary and luckily had the Dinner Cruise to ourselves. The staff were courteous & Polite and always trying to please. The Food was good, view excellent and overall a differene texperience

Vivada cruise was great when i visited Kolkata. It has nicely fitted boats with an scenic beauty. The Food is amazing too. The facilities of this cruise is excellent. Must Visit place

Vivada Cruises has nicely fitted out boats which do a scenic cruise on the river Hooghly in Kolkata, India. The cruise takes 3 hours in all and starts from the Millenium Jetty. The leisurely cruise takes us past the many Ghats ( bathing areas ) that dot the river banks and docks at the Belur Math. It is the head quarters of the famous Ramakrishna Math .. a 100 + year old organisation founded by the disciples ( chief among them Swamy Vivekananda ) of the famous sage Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. This is a place with great spiritual significance . During the cruise , we have a live commentary and there is an abundant supply of very good snacks ! The evening cruise starts at 4 pm and returns at 7 pm to the same jetty. They also offer a dinner cruise which is from 730 pm A very well run cruise that offers one the additional advantage of being able to visit a Must See place like the Ramakrishna Math Would highly recommend this activity Chandrasekaran

Vivada cruises on the Hooghly river is one of the not-so-well-explored attractions of the city. We opted for the day lunch. They operate four cruises a day. Being winters we could comfortably sit on the upper deck which was quiet spacious.For summers they have an airconditioned room downstairs which looked slightly small. We were a large group with elders and kids and we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. The vessel matsyakanya was beautiful, i believe in the evenings it would have looked more beautiful, all lit up. The morning and evening cruises have a stopover at Belur. The journey under the Howrah Bridge is very interesting. We could see a series of ghats as we moved towards Belur. As it was an afternoon cruise, Belur temple in closed so there is no halt. However, we could see the temple clearly from a distance. The snacks and the lunch served in the cruise in very tasty . The people serving were quite accommodating. I only wish they had a narration giving some snippets of information on Kolkata history in general and the ghats we crossed. It can be recorded narration too. That would surely make the cruise more interesting. As of now thee play popular Hindi movie tracks which is quite irritating. All is all, a very interesting and well-organised cruise.

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India – Ganges River Cruises – 2024 & 2025

India river cruises 2024 & 2025 river ganges.

River Ganges – ABN Rajmahal

Sustainable tourism in India: What we love about our Ganges River Cruises, is the fact that local workers are hand-picked and taught skills in languages and hospitality, before progressing to become valued members of the friendly crew, drivers or local admin staff.  Projects funded by the company encourage learning and development and an awareness of environmental issues, all for the good of local communities.  Local businesses are used from initial ship build, to providing hand crafted furniture and fabrics which adorn the interiors of the vessels.  Guests have a unique opportunity to interact with community learning projects.

Vessels and Programmes: Enjoy touring on our India Ganges River Cruises at a wonderful, leisurely pace.  A unique opportunity to see Indian villages and sites off the usual tourist trail in fascinating and culturally rich parts of India – we’ll visit on foot, by cycle rickshaw or minibus​. Onboard the highly acclaimed Ganges River cruise vessels ABN Rajmahal and ABN Sukapha, simply unpack and settle in for the journey.  The changing scenery is captivating, as are the Ganges dolphins and birds and other wildlife that you may see along the way. Carefully crafted excursion programmes highlight the wealth of places of interest, alongside visits to remote villages, where a nomadic lifestyle is still the norm and visitors are infrequent.   Enjoy relaxing on deck, with complimentary tea and coffee or enjoy the scenery from your own cabin with fully opening floor to ceiling windows and French balcony.  Cuisine on board is a mixture of Assamese (milder than most Indian cuisine) and continental. The chef will demonstrate some of his dishes during a cookery lesson.  Wines, beer and spirits are available at reasonable bar prices.

We offer a range of different cruises; the busy ‘ Historic Hooghly’ on the Lower Ganges, which visits more populated historic towns between Kolkata and Farakka (8 days cruise operates all year round) , ‘ Holy Ganges’ between Farakka and Patna (7 or 9 days) is a fascinating insight into rural India,  ‘City of Light’ (8 days), visits Varanasi, offering a once in a lifetime experience for many travellers and ‘Bengal Memories’ (4 days) from Kolkata to Kolkata, a great add-on to your India tour.  Whichever cruise you choose, you will be treated as a VIP guest by the welcoming crew and Cruise Manager of the RBN Rajmahal.

GANGES Cruises 2024 & 2025 now available:

Kolkata to kolkata bengal memories 4 days from only usd 690 p.p., kolkata to farakka historic hooghly 8 days from only usd 1,610 p.p., farakka to patna holy ganges cruise 7 or 9 days from only usd 2,160 p.p., patna to varanasi city of light cruise 8 days from only usd 2,520 p.p., abn rajmahal – single cabins with no single supplement all dates.

Pre and Post Cruise stay in India: Take time to stay on for a couple of nights in the City of Palaces, Calcutta (Kolkata) – the capital of British India for around 150 years, with much superb colonial architecture. It can also claim to be the intellectual capital of modern India, and is a thriving, bustling, colourful and up to date city, with some excellent shops. In the northern suburbs lie the old French, Dutch and Danish colonial enclaves, still retaining a distinctive flavour.  Please ask us for more information.

Group Travel: These small vessels are ideal for groups, ABN Sukapha accommodates maximum 24 guests and ABN Rajmahal maximum 40 guests. Please contact us with your requirements for more information.

Please click on images below to view India River Cruise details, dates & prices…

India Cruise – 8 Days Lower Ganges between Kolkata & Farakka

Ganges River Cruise – Bengal Memories (Lower Ganges)

India River Cruise Ganges – ABN Rajmahal – 8 Days Varanasi to Patna (Downstream/Upstream)

Ganges Cruise between Farakka and Patna (7 or 9 Days)

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Kolkata Tours & Hooghly River Cruises

Your Kolkata cruise on the Hooghly or Lower Ganges River will take you through the lush countryside of West Bengal past culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. This pretty journey starts or ends in Kolkata, India’s third-largest city, which still retains much of its colonial-era architecture; its crumbling, weather-beaten buildings contrasting starkly with its air-conditioned shopping malls, hip cafés and restaurants.

The river is spanned by the remarkable cantilever Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel that links the city with the magnificent Howrah Railway Station, the tranquil Botanical Gardens, and the eclectic Indian Museum housing one of the largest collections in Asia. Other important sights in Kolkata include the grand white marble Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral with its tall Gothic spires, and the famous Writers’ Building, built in 1780 and the seat of state government, which originally housed the junior clerks or “writers” of the East India Company.

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GANGES RIVER CRUISE

Encompassing luxury in every nook and corner, the river cruises by Exotic Heritage Group are designed to make sure you have the most enthralling journey on River Ganges. From comfortable accommodation to high-end amenities, the cruises are equipped with everything you might need while sailing. Come on board and have a memorable journey!

Bengal Ganga

Upstream / downstream itinerary( 9n).

• CHANDERNAGORE

MURSHIDABAD

• Guest Capacity : 56
• No of Suites : 2
• State Rooms : 26
• No of staff : 35

Ganges Voyager I

Ganges voyager i itinerary.

• Murshidabad
• Chandernagore
• No of Suites : 5
• State Rooms : 23

Ganges Voyager II

Ganges voyager ii itinerary.

Ganga Vilas

• Launching Soon : MARCH 2020
• Capacity : 36

Nauka Vilas

• Cabin : 1 Bedroom Luxury Suite

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“Thank you to all the cabin crew and staff for looking after us all so well. We wish you all the very best and every success in life!“ -Philip & Wanda

A very worthwhile cruise and it was made totally enjoyable by the expert and friendly crew staff. Wonderful week.” -John & Kaye

“Everything of highest possible standard!” -John

4. “Never been on other ship where all crew members were so exceptional. Special thanks to Rahul in the dining room. Also greatly appreciated to our housekeeping” -Marcy & Alan

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Along the ganges.

The town is more popularly known as Ambika Kalna, named after a very popular deity, Goddess Kali, Maa Ambika. It has numerous historical monuments such as the Rajbari (the palace) and the 108 Shiva temples.

CHANDANNAGAR

Chandannagar was established as a French colony in 1673, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post on the right bank of the Hughli River.

Murshidabad is a city in Murshidabad district of West Bengal state in India. The city of Murshidabad is located on the southern bank of the Bhagirathi, a tributary of the Ganges River.

Mayapur is a city located on the banks of the Ganga river, at the point of its confluence with the Jalangi, near Nabadwip, West Bengal, India, 130 km north of Kolkata (Calcutta). The headquarters of ISKCON are situated in Mayapur and it is considered a holy place by a number of other traditions within Hinduism.

Kolkata also known historically in English as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly river.

Day 6 : Jaipur

Early morning on the 6th day we drive you to the airport with packed breakfast. You will be boarding the Indigo flight to Kolkata. As you arrive at the Kolkata airport, you will be escorted to the ship, Ganges Voyager where lunch, an entertaining evening and a delectable dinner await you.

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Antara Cruises

For you,  from India, on the river .

Antara River Cruises has introduced luxury river cruising across India with an exceptional  attention to detail. An invitation to take you to untouched destinations bringing unmatched hospitality and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences.

Encompassing luxury in every nook and corner, the river cruises by Antara are designed to make sure you have the most enthralling journey on our rivers. From comfortable suite accommodation to high-end amenities, the cruises are equipped with everything you might need while sailing. Come on board and have a memorable journey.

Indian Hospitality

Come aboard and discover India’s fine tradition of hospitality. A place where everything you want just appears served with a smile and warmth.

Luxurious Accommodation

To make your journey along the ancient river routes of South Asia enriching and pleasurable, we have designed itineraries to explore some of the most beautiful destinations from Varanasi to Kolkata to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh and in Bhitarkanika National Park, India’s second largest mangrove forest. Discover new cultures, experiences and destinations.

All Inclusive

Enjoy all the pampering you deserve with our all inclusive amenities and services. With one price that includes accommodation, all meals, speciality teas and shore excursions to complimentary Wi-Fi and more. All you need to do is sit back and unwind.

Sail on the all-suite ships designed to give you a sense of place as you sail on iconic rivers. With large indoor and outdoor public spaces, French balconies and large windows, you have the perfect perch to absorb riverscapes.

Exceptional Service

All-suite cruises with personalised butler service and the highest staff-to-guest ratio, your Antara River Experience is the new luxury.

Farm to Table and Much More

Our chefs have curated world cuisine with local ingredients and regionally focused menus that take you on a culinary journey.

Cultural Immersion

After spending the day immersed in off-board excursions, enjoy yourself with cultural dance performances on board the ship.

Antara Shore Experiences

Curated experiences at each destination with unrivalled options – both inclusive and optional – are curated to give you ample choices  which range from culinary to cultural, wildlife to spiritual and much more.

Signature Event

Each voyage has a signature event. This complimentary experience combines privileged access and transformational experiences to make you want even more.

Extend Your Travels

From Jaipur to Delhi, linger a little longer in some of India’s most intriguing cities with a choice of optional pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and curated multi-night programs.

Key Inclusions

Butler Service

Wide range of Beverages

World cuisine, farm to table

Free Wifi onboard based upon connectivity

All inclusive shore  excursions

Signature Events

Housekeeping & Nightly Turn-down

Testimonials

Antara Cruises provides luxury river expeditions in diverse and stunning destinations. Explore our itineraries to uncover the specific regions we cover.

Our cruises are designed for utmost comfort and luxury. Enjoy premium amenities such as gourmet dining, spacious accommodations, and unique onboard activities.

Booking with Antara Cruises is simple! Visit our website to explore available cruises and use our easy booking system. For personalized assistance, contact our dedicated support team.

Antara Cruises stands out for its commitment to providing unparalleled experiences. Our cruises blend luxury, adventure, and exceptional service, making each journey unique.

Yes, Antara Cruises caters to families seeking luxury and adventure. Discover family-friendly activities, spacious accommodations, and a memorable experience for all.

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

River Cruises from Kolkata (Calcutta)

A cruise starting in Kolkata (Calcutta) is a great way to experience river cruising. We have 9 cruises that range from 8 days up to 24 days in length. The most popular time for river cruises leaving Kolkata (Calcutta) is November.

9 Kolkata (Calcutta) river cruises with reviews

• River Cruise

Sail To Explore Ancient Kingdoms On River Ganges In Luxury Cruise [ 19 Days ]

• €126 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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Ganga Luxury Cruises

Ganga Luxury Cruise in India ; Exploring the Sacred Waters India, a land known for its diverse culture, rich heritage, and spiritual significance, is also home to one of the most revered rivers in the world, the Ganges, or Ganga as it is known locally. Ganga Cruises offer a unique opportunity to embark on a journey of discovery along this sacred river, immersing oneself in the mesmerizing beauty and spiritual aura that surrounds its waters. The Ganges River holds immense religious importance for Hindus, who consider it as a goddess and believe that a dip in its holy waters can cleanse one's sins and lead to salvation. This belief has attracted pilgrims from all over the world for centuries. With the growing popularity of Ganga Cruises, tourists now have the opportunity to witness the vibrant culture and ancient traditions that thrive along the river's banks. The journey typically begins in the city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), where numerous cruise operators offer different itineraries to explore the Ganges River. As the cruise sets sail, passengers are greeted by a serene environment, surrounded by lush green landscapes, quaint villages, and sacred temples. One of the most iconic stops along the Ganga Cruise is Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. Varanasi is known for its famous ghats, the steps that lead to the river, where pilgrims gather to perform various religious rituals and ceremonies. The morning boat ride along the ghats of Varanasi is a magical experience, as the rising sun casts a golden glow on the river while devotees offer their prayers and bathe in its sacred waters. Moving further upstream, the cruise takes you to other significant destinations such as Allahabad, where the Ganges meets the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers, forming the Triveni Sangam. This confluence is considered highly auspicious, and taking a dip at this sacred junction is believed to bestow blessings upon the devotees. Another highlight of Ganga Cruises is a visit to the city of Patna, known for its historical importance and architectural marvels. The Patna Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and antiquities, offers a glimpse into the region's rich past. Exploring the city's bustling markets and sampling its culinary delights are also memorable experiences for travelers. As the cruise sails further, passengers can witness the beautiful countryside, with its picturesque landscapes and rural charm. The passing villages showcase the simplicity of life along the river, where traditional practices and customs are still deeply rooted. Ganga Cruises are not only about spirituality and cultural immersion; they also offer opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to explore the diverse flora and fauna found in the Ganges River and its surrounding ecosystem. The river is home to various species of freshwater dolphins, turtles, and a rich variety of birdlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. To enhance the cruise experience, many operators provide onboard facilities and entertainment options. From comfortable cabins with panoramic views to live cultural performances showcasing traditional music and dance, passengers can indulge in luxury while embracing the essence of India's cultural heritage. It is worth noting that Ganga Cruises are not limited to a single route or duration. There are shorter cruises that focus on specific sections of the river, as well as longer journeys that span several days, allowing travelers to explore different regions and experience the true essence of the Ganges. Key Tags: Ganga River Cruise Varanasi | Ganga Cruise Kolkata | Varanasi Ganga Cruise | Ganga River Cruise Kolkata | Cruise on Ganges Kolkata

‘Children of the Ganges’ - the boatmen of India’s Varanasi

Their lives are deeply entwined with the sacred river Ganges but Varanasi’s mallah community say they have been overlooked.

Varanasi, India - “ Hum paani ke jeev hain . We are creatures of water,” says 29-year-old Vishwakarma Sahni.

Sahni belongs to Varanasi’s community of approximately 8,000 mallah , the boatmen whose lives are deeply intertwined with the Ganges - a river considered sacred in India and which they hold in profound reverence.

To them, the Ganges is not merely a river; it is their lifeline.

On its journey eastward from the Himalayas, the Ganges traverses more than 2,500 km (1,550 miles) before flowing into the Bay of Bengal in the northeastern Indian Ocean. Along its route, it passes through several regions, including the ancient city of Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras in Hindi. "Banaras" is derived from the word "Banarasi" in the Pali language.

Varanasi has long fascinated historians, anthropologists, artists and storytellers and is often celebrated as one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. It also happens to be the constituency of India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who rode to power in 2014 with a promise to transform Varanasi into a Kyoto-style smart city , and who is facing elections again from later this month.However, the lives of Varanasi’s boatmen have remained largely overlooked, they say.

In 2018, despite widespread protests from the community, the Government of India granted permits to three private cruise ships to operate along the ghats of Varanasi - the small staircases which descend to quays and cremation facilities along the river.