You may recall the excellent book (and later a movie) Passage to India by E.M. Forster. While in my 20s, I read the book and was captivated by the allure and complexity of India. Forster and the 1984 award-winning film wove a landscape that depicted India’s vibrant landscapes, diverse cultures and rich traditions into a tale that beckoned to this young traveler. I marveled at the wonders and challenges of exploring this foreign land, wanting to discover the country’s beauty firsthand. And so I did. Trekking around the world, with a few dog-eared books and a backpack strapped on my shoulders, I landed in Calcutta (now Kolkata). The year was 1985. India was as captivating as I had imagined it to be – and much more. It seemed that I could point my 35mm camera in any direction and capture the entire spectrum of life. Some of it was hard to see, some of it delightful. Chaos and cacophony, order and harmony coexisted. I had rarely felt as intrigued or as alive. India, then, stimulated all of the senses. I knew well before my journey ended that I would one day return.

That day may come in early March, 40 years after my visit as a 27-year-old backpacker. Antara Cruises has invited me to Kolkata for an 11-day journey on board the Ganges Voyager. I will be previewing the land package and cruise for a group trip that Britton and I hope to host in September of 2026.

Preliminary dates for our hosted group are September 18-23, 2026 for the land portion and September 23-30, 2026 for the river cruise segment. The programs plays out like this:

Beginning September 18 (2026) we’ll embark on The Golden Triangle of India, connecting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, showcasing the country’s rich heritage and culture. We’ll explore Delhi’s historic sites, Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal, and Jaipur’s royal palaces and vibrant bazaars. This circuit offers a perfect introduction to India, blending Mughal and Rajput architecture, bustling markets, and enriching experiences.

On September 23, we’ll board the Ganges Voyager in Kolkata for a 7-night, 8-day river cruise that delves into Bengal’s rich cultural heritage, focusing on traditional textile weaving, indigenous crafts, and the region’s colonial history. You’ll find the full itinerary here, Artisans of Bengal, and summarized below.

Key Highlights

• Cultural Exploration: Visit historic sites such as the Hooghly Imambara, terracotta temples in Kalna, and the ISKCON temple in Mayapur.
• Artisanal Crafts: Engage with local artisans in villages like Nabadwip and Fulia, renowned for handloom weaving of cotton fabrics, including saris and scarves.
• Colonial Heritage: Explore former European colonies, including French Chandernagore and Danish Serampore, to gain insights into their historical significance.
• Local Markets: Experience the vibrant Flower Market in Kolkata and the traditional potters’ quarter of Kumartuli, known for its sculpting artistry.

River Cruise Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Embark in Kolkata; tour British colonial landmarks.
• Day 2: Visit Kolkata’s Flower Market and Kumartuli; sail to Bally Bridge.
• Day 3: Sail to Bandel; visit Hooghly Imambara.
• Day 4: Explore Kalna’s Rajbari temple complex.
• Day 5: Visit Nabadwip’s weaving village; cross to Mayapur’s ISKCON headquarters.
• Day 6: Explore Guptipara’s Vaishnav temples and pottery artisans; visit Fulia’s weaving village.
• Day 7: Sail to Chandernagore and Serampore; return to Kolkata.
• Day 8: Disembark in Kolkata.

More details and specific pricing to follow but expect rates for the entire package (12 days) to be less than US$7,000 per person. For the moment, we’re wanting only to gauge interest to see if this trip is feasible for us and our readers. If this trip appeals to you, please let us know by completing the form below.