Depart on your flight to Kolkata.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This itinerary captures the essence of Bengal: from Kolkata’s colonial heritage and the gentle rhythms of the Hooghly River to the wild beauty of Kaziranga National Park.
As you sail along India’s eastern waterways, you’ll uncover forgotten towns, riverside temples, and unspoiled wilderness. Each day brings new contrasts — spotting one-horned rhinos in lush grasslands, watching rural life unfold from your boat, and sampling regional cuisine rich with spice and story. A captivating blend of culture, wildlife and serenity, this journey reveals Bengal’s quiet magic and enduring spirit.
Rivers, Rhinos and Culture
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Kolkata
Your introduction begins with a stay at the Glenburn Penthouse, an elegantly decorated boutique hotel in the heart of Kolkata’s historic old town. Explore the ghats of the River Hooghly and the colourful riverside flower market, followed by a historical tour of Dalhousie Square’s colonial landmarks. Visit British-era museums before enjoying lunch at the home of local art dealer and collector Bomti Lyengar.
Kolkata has more to explore, from visiting the Howrah Botanical Gardens to shopping for diverse crafts and textiles. Sports fans can enjoy an afternoon at the Calcutta Races or a round of golf at the Tollygunge Club or the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, while culture vultures can indulge themselves at The Indian Museum, The Asiatic Society or with a visit to the Tea Auction Centre.
Days 5 - 11
Ganges River Cruise
Now you’ve settled into India, it’s time to cruise up the River Ganges from Kolkata to Farakka. This remarkable 7-night journey will take you through the old Danish colony of Sermapore and to the once French-owned Chandernagore, giving a glimpse of India’s colonial past.
The journey continues to the imposing Imambara at Hooghly, a mosque with verses of the Koran engraved into the walls, which showcases Islamic architecture and history. You’ll then land in the country town of Kalna and travel by rickshaw to visit some of Bengal’s most exquisite terracotta temples, including a unique Shiva temple circled by 108 small shrines. After a stop at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), you’ll sail through the night to Matiari, a charming village known for its brass working. Cruise on to the battlefield of Plassey before mooring at Khushbagh.
Visit the peaceful Mughal garden surrounding ancient tombs before stopping at the Hazarduari Palace. The palace was built in 1837 and houses an extensive collection of artefacts and artwork representing the area’s history. Continue to the great Katra Mosque and Katgola Palace for an insight into a particularly interesting point in English and Indian history.
Experience rural India with a stop at the sleepy village of Baranagar and walk through its fields to three miniature terracotta temples before continuing to the lower Ganges (or Hooghly), which becomes a picturesque waterway lined with mustard fields and mango orchards.
As you approach the end of your voyage, you’ll disembark for a full-day trip to the historical site of Gaur. Gaur was once one of India’s finest cities, dating back to the 12th century, but it is now a deserted land with just the remains of mosques, palaces, and gateways where it once stood.
Your journey will end on the eighth day, and you’ll return to Kolkata.
Day 12
Kolkata
Spend another night in your home away from home, the Glenburn Penthouse, and catch up on any activities you missed during your first three days in Kolkata.
Days 13 - 17
Kaziranga National Park
Fly north to Guwahati, transfer to Kaziranga National Park and check into the Diphlu River Lodge. The park is home to a wide variety of animal species, including the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinos and a high density of Bengal Tigers. On guided safari trips from your lodge, you may also spot leopards, sloth bears, swamp deer, water buffalo, and reptile life.
If you’re more interested in the avifauna, Kaziranga comprises over 400 species of native and migratory birds, from hornbills to fish eagles to peacock pheasants. Spend your days here exploring the biodiversity of the park and your evenings relaxing at the lodge’s cosy bar and restaurant, where some wildlife may even come to you.
Day 18
Fly home
Depart Guwahati for your onward flight. You can either continue your trip further into India or connect in Delhi for a flight home.
Highlights of East India
We had a wonderful trip to Calcutta, Sikkim and Darjeeling. ETG know their stuff and it goes without saying that they get all the logistics just right... But above all Sara was careful to explore what it was that we wanted from our trip and then to use her expertise and knowledge of the destination to develop a mix of interest, exploration and relaxing comfort which went beyond expectation.
Judith
11 December 2018Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Kolkata, India
Assam Bengal Navigation River Cruise
Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) offers boutique river cruises through some of India’s most culturally rich and lesser-known landscapes. With heritage-style boats, thoughtfully designed routes, and a focus on local life and wildlife, ABN cruises combine comfort with cultural discovery.
Highlights
Highlights
River cruising, Cultural immersion
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Groups
Gallery
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Assam, India
Diphlu River Lodge
Diphlu River Lodge offers a peaceful and immersive retreat on the banks of the Diphlu River, right beside Assam’s renowned Kaziranga National Park. This eco-conscious lodge blends local Assamese design with modern comforts, providing a prime base for exploring the park’s exceptional wildlife. Expect rustic charm, expert-led safaris, and a deep connection to the landscape.
Highlights
Highlights
Wildlife safaris,
Riverside setting
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Nature Enthusiasts
Gallery
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Kolkata, India
Glenburn Penthouse
Perched above the bustle of central Kolkata, Glenburn Penthouse is a refined, colonial-style hideaway with sweeping views over the city, including the Victoria Memorial and the Maidan. Designed as an urban retreat by the owners of the Glenburn Tea Estate, this elegant property offers a blend of old-world charm, impeccable service and modern comfort.
Highlights
Highlights
City views,
Rooftop pool
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Heritage Enthusiasts
Gallery
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
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Kolkata, India
The Kolkata City Experience
On this tour you will start with a visit to Kolkata’s most famous monument, the Victoria Memorial, which is set in beautiful grounds. You’ll then take a walking tour of the vibrant and diverse city of Kolkata, starting at BBD Bagh, formerly known as Dalhousie Square. Much of Kolkata’s finest colonial architecture is in the BBD Bagh area, which houses the secretariat of the state and is the central business hub of the city.
Then visit the Writer’s Building, the General Post Office, St John’s Church and several other Raj-era buildings. Next, drive north to visit a traditional bazaar in “Black Town”, as well as the potter’s colony of Kumartuli. Lunch will be at a fantastic local restaurant, after which you will take a short journey on the historical tram, which is the oldest operating electric tram in Asia, running since 1902. The carriages are basic and you can stay on for as little or as long as you like.
Kolkata is a town to experience, rather than just tick off the sites.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
