A cross country cruise through the Sundarbans from Kolkata, India to Dhaka, Bangladesh exploring the diverse eco-system, culture and heritage connecting the two countries.
OVERVIEW
Exploratory cruise from Kolkata to Dhaka, where we traverse the Hooghly (Lower Ganges) in India; the world’s largest mangrove forests and UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sundarbans; and the Meghna river of Bangladesh.
KOLKATA
DHAKA
Antara Ganga Vilas
Morning the ship embarks at the Botanical Garden Jetty in Kolkata. Enjoy lunch on board. In the afternoon set off on a panoramic tour of the heritage buildings in Kolkata, St. John’s Church and, the Victoria Memorial Museum.
Early morning visit the Marine House to complete immigration formalities. We then sail along the Hooghly river, cruising past Diamond Harbour & Kedgeree, towards the Bay of Bengal to reach the fishing port of Namkhana. Sunderbans are, the world’s largest delta mangrove forests and habitat of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Based on the tide situation we cross Hatania Doaniya Creek and moor, near Bhagabatpur.
Early this morning we visit the crocodile project at Bhagabatpur island, a hatchery and sanctuary of the estuarine crocodiles. Continue sailing to Jharkali where we will visit the Tiger Rescue Centre (time permitting) before anchoring at Sajnakahli, near the core wildlife zone.
Today we sail through the wildlife area of Sundabarbans to Bangladesh. After completing customs formalities at Hemnagar, we cruise down to the Bangladeshi side of the Sunderbans to Antihara and anchor overnight.
This morning we sail to Mongla and later in the day visit the Sixty Domed Mosque and Museum at Bagerhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sail to the forest station and complete the Forest Department formalities, accompanied by a forest guard. We will cruise down towards Kotka forest station and anchor for the night.
Disembark to view the mangrove’s fauna and flora and enjoy a short silent boat trip inside the forest. Visit the Kotka Jamtola sea beach and enjoy its scenic beauty. Return to the ship for Lunch. Thereafter visit Kotka forest area to find deer and other animals. Return to ship and sail onward to Harbaria.
Today at dawn, explore the narrow creeks and canals of Harbaria on rowing boats. Return to the ship for breakfast, sailing back towards Barisal mooring at Morlegonj.
This morning we sail to Barisal. Post lunch we visit the Oxford Epiphany Church.
In the morning we visit the Floating Market and continue cruising to Meghna Ghat in Dhaka.
Today after breakfast, we explore Sonargaon with an excursion to the medieval capital of Bengal. Here we explore Panam City, Sadarbari, Goaldi Mosque and an art and craft museum.
Dhakeswari Temple. During the tour, enjoy the picturesque drive to Dhaka’s heritage buildings like Dhaka University, Curzon Hall, National Assembly and the Old High Court.
