The Holy Ganges Cruise: Kolkata to Sunderbans Itinerary Destination Information

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The Holy Ganges Cruise: Kolkata to Sunderbans

Itinerary Day 1 - Embarkation: 1 pm from Vivada Jetty in Millennium Park, Kolkata

Report at 1.00 p.m. at the embarkation point Vivada Jetty in Millennium Park. This is situated in the center of Kolkata. 40 minutes from airport. Checkin at the cruiser M.V. Paramhamsa. After safety and tour briefing the cruiser sails for Sunderbans, the kingdom of the famous Royal Bengal Tigers as well as the World’s largest Mangrove Forest belt. The cruiser sails along the beautiful Ganges towards the south, passing through the various heritage sites to reach an the gate way of Sunderbans Namkhana.

Day 2 - Enjoy the unique scene of hundreds of fishing boats

Early this morning enjoy the unique scene of hundreds of fishing boats busy with their daily chores in the small fishing hamlet of Namkhana. The busy fishing harbour will give an insight to the lifestyle of the fishermen. The guests can buy fresh fish and other sea foods to be cooked in the live kitchen counters. Afternoon guests can disemark to walk through the thick mangrove forest of Lothian island having extensive range of mangrove species where the guests can feast their eyes on the wide range of migratory and local birds of this region. excellent birding opportunity.Later the guests will visit the crocodile project on Bhagabatpur island which is a hatchery and sanctuary to the biggest estuarine crocodiles in the world.

Day 3 - Visit the Nethidopani Watch Tower

Early morning visit the Nethidopani Watch Tower. Nethidopani has ruins of a 400yearold temple and legends lend mystery to the atmosphere. Later after breakfast enjoy extensive creek ride through the dense Mangrove forest. Later have a Canopy walk and explore Dobanke, the Deer Rehabilitation Center. Afternoon visit the Wildlife Watch Tower at Sudhayanakhali; famous for its watchtower and wildlife sighting

Day 4 - Kolkata Departure

Spend the morning at Bali Village, a typical Sunderban village for an interaction with the villagers to experience their life style. Guests will experience farming, paddy husking, honey packing, fishing and various occupations of the region. After breakfast check out and transfer to small vessel for disembarkation. Depart for Kolkata by surface (3 Hours). Reach Kolkata for your onward journey.

Destination Information Calcutta / Kolkata

The Holy Ganges Cruise: Kolkata to Sunderbans(© www.palacetours.com) 1/6 Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and was capital of British India until 1912. The urban agglomeration of Kolkata covers several municipal corporations, municipalities, city boards and villages and is the third largest urban agglomeration in India and the seventh largest in the world. Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River (a distributary of the Ganges), Kolkata was arguably second only to London in administrative importance in the British Empire. The city lost its past glory and economic importance in the years following Indian independence. The city is also noted for its revolutionary tradition, from the pre-independence era to the Naxalite movements. Home of luminaries like Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, Mother Teresa, and Satyajit Ray, the city is often referred to as the "cultural capital of India", while other sobriquets like "the city of processions" and "the city of joy" also adorn Kolkata. Once called a "dying city", Kolkata is now undergoing a process of economic uplift and revival.

Price Chart All Rates in US$ per person including ALL taxes and surcharges Group Tour Rates Class Dates Single Rate Double Rate Deluxe For departures October 3,2015 through March US$ 1,201 US$ 801 5,2016 Luxury For departures October 3,2015 through March US$ 1,318 US$ 879 5,2016

Departures

Oct 2015 3 Nov 2015 28 Dec 2015 26 Jan 2016 23 Feb 2016 20 Mar 2016 5

PLEASE NOTE: The above rates are calculated based on the local currency (INR) and are subject to change based on exchange rate fluctuations. Your balance payment will be due and payable based on the exchange rate at that time. An option to pay in full and lock in today's exchange rate is also available; please contact us for details. Your tour cost includes:

Accommodation on board M.V. Paramhamsa for 03 nights All meals, beginning with breakfast on Day 01 Guided shore excursions to destinations as per the itinerary Entrance fees and camera fees at places specified in the itinerary All onboard entertainment Bottled water throughout the tour, non-alcoholic beverages at mealtimes Your tour cost does not include: Transfers to/from Millennium Jetty in Kolkata Any hotel accommodation in Kolkata Domestic or international airfare Visa fees or travel insurance Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, or any items of a personal nature Any item not specifically mentioned as included

Accommodation M.V. Paramhamsa , River Ganges (5 -Star) 14, Southern AvenueKolkata - 700 026, West Bengal, India

The Holy Ganges Cruise: Kolkata to Sunderbans(© www.palacetours.com) 2/6 Sailing aboard this inland luxury cruiser is all about grandeur, comfort and imbibing the flavor of one of the greatest rivers of the world – the Ganges. M.V. Paramhamsa is 53 meters long and 32 meters broad. The ship flaunts four decks – under deck, main deck, first deck, and sun deck. There are 20 deluxe rooms on the main deck and 12 luxury rooms on the first deck. The spacious rooms, coupled with great hospitality, helps you relax and unwind. The chefs aboard the ship prepare delicious fresh seafood dishes as you float along the serene river. Facilities Steam room/Sauna • Juice counter • Library and TV • Loungers • Gift Shop • Conference rooms • Fax facilities • Internet connection • Library • Massage rooms • Cruise gym • Bar • Restaurant • Art gallery • Entertainment programs onboard • Room facilities: King-sized beds • Attached bath • Telephone connection • Emergency kit • Tea and coffee maker • All Rooms are River Facing • Air conditioned with individual controller • Attached Bath with Hot & Cold water • Intercom facility • Locker on request • The suites have extra bed provision.

** The above accommodations are for reference and all efforts will be made to give these accommodations. In some circumstances if they are not available, alternate arrangements will be made in similar hotels Travel Tips & FAQ's What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to India? A passport with validity at least six months beyond your departure from India is required. Also, visas must be obtained prior to arrival in India. Please note that Palace Tours cannot provide visas. Please visit www.mea.gov.in, click on "Welcome" and then under "MEA Links" at the right, click on "Missions and Posts Abroad" and then click "Consulate Generals". You can then select your appropriate Consulate General office and link directly to its website, where detailed visa information and application forms can be found. Please budget at least 14 days to receive it from the consulate.

What is the best time of year to visit the area? September to March. The region has a tropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. Maximum and minimum temperatures during the summer are 42°C and 37°C respectively. In winters, the maximum and minimum temperatures are 29°C and 9.2°C respectively.

What precautions should I take while on the tour? Drink only purified water provided in the cruise, only consume food that is served in the cruise. Carry sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, and don't forget your camera! Also do not forget to carry your personal medicines if you are on medication.

What kinds of clothing are recommended? During the winter season (December, January and February) light woolens are required during the night. For the rest of the year, casual cotton outfits would be the most comfortable. Fully covered shoes with good traction are advisable. There is no official dress code on board the cruise ship.

What onboard facilities does the ship have? The 4-decked luxury cruiser M.V. Paramhamsa was built in 2006. It has a gym, Ayurvedic massage parlor, steam room, activity room with satellite television, library, art gallery, conference rooms with internet connectivity and fax facilities, fully-stocked bar, sun deck, onboard entertainment and laundry service. There is a terrace coffee shop as well as a kebab corner for delicious snacks outside of mealtimes.

Please describe the rooms on board. The 32 comfortable rooms of M.V. Paramhamsa are air-conditioned, spacious, are river-facing and possess attached baths for your convenience. The ship has 12 luxury rooms on the first deck and 20 deluxe rooms on the main deck. Luxury rooms measure 5.4m x 3m (approx. 162 sq. ft) while deluxe rooms are slightly smaller at 4.5m x 3m (approx. 135 sq. ft). All rooms are equipped with telephone, ample reading material, tea and coffee maker and even an emergency kit.

What kind of cuisine is served throughout the tour? The ship's spacious restaurant, The Mangrove, offers a variety of delectable Oriental, continental and Indian dishes. Take your pick from the lunch buffet selections and the mouthwatering seafood section. Vegetarian options are always available, and special requests can be accommodated for; please inform Palace Tours upon booking and

The Holy Ganges Cruise: Kolkata to Sunderbans(© www.palacetours.com) 3/6 please advise upon boarding if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

What kinds of electrical outlets are there on board? The ship has 220-240 volt outlets.

What types of onboard cultural entertainment are planned? The evening programs showcase rural Bengal through various folk songs and cultural activities.

Is it permissible to smoke on board? Smoking in confined areas is prohibited. You may, however, smoke on the open decks of the vessel.

Is the tap water safe to drink? Bottled water is provided complimentary throughout your tour, on board and on land excursions. We also recommend brushing your teeth with bottled water.

What is the recommended gratuity? Tipping is a matter of individual preference. We advise that you do not tip the individual directly for services; separate boxes are kept for such a purpose. As a guideline, a tip of about 2,000 rupees for the 3-night tour would be appropriate.

Can the tour accommodate passengers with special needs? Yes, if you require a wheelchair, one can be provided (please mention upon booking) and can fit through the passageways on board. If you have a medical condition that might put you at risk, discuss it with your doctor and inform us at the time of booking. And, whenever you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers. We do have some professionals to handle emergency situations and can arrange immediate medical facilities.

What is the recommended currency? The local currency is the Indian Rupee. We recommend that you utilize currency exchange facilities in Kolkata before your tour, as some of the smaller towns may not be able to accommodate an exchange. On board accounts may be settled by major credit card or cash. 1 . Do I need a Visa for India? All visitors to India need a Visa

2 . Do you help with getting a Visa

Unfortunately, we don't offer Visa assistance but we can provide you with all the information that you need for getting a visa to India

Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: 25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking 75% or balance no later than 65 days prior to tour departure date

CANCELLATION FEES: (i) 25% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 45 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (ii) 55% of the total tour value if cancelled 20-44 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (ii) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 0-19 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

The Holy Ganges Cruise: Kolkata to Sunderbans(© www.palacetours.com) 4/6 Palace Tours Contact Information

If at any time you have questions, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us via any of the below methods:

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By phone: 1-800-724-5120

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By postal mail: Palace Tours Ltd. 20 Wall Street Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA

DIRECTIONS TO OUR CORPORATE OFFICE Please call ahead for hours and appointments!

By Car:

From Princeton area: Our office is located on the north side of Route 206 in Princeton, New Jersey. We are in the Research Park office complex, directly opposite from the Princeton Airport.

From points North: Via Route 1: Take Route 1 South towards Trenton. After you pass Forrestal Village Campus, you will begin to see signs for “Downtown Princeton & Shopping”. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

Via Route 287: Take Route 287 South towards Somerville. Take exit 17 for Route 206 South (Somerville). You will pass through a traffic circle – follow signs for Route 206 South. Follow Route 206 South for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Wall Street.

From points South: Via the Garden State Parkway: Take the Parkway North/South to exit 98 for Route 138 West toward Trenton. Route 138 West becomes Route 195 West. Follow 195 West for approximately 17 miles. Merge onto Route 295 North toward Trenton. Follow directions below.

Via Route 95/ 295: Take Route 95 North until it becomes Route 295 North toward Trenton. Take exit 67A and merge onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North for approximately 5 miles. Take the exit for Washington Road.

The Holy Ganges Cruise: Kolkata to Sunderbans(© www.palacetours.com) 5/6 Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

By train: Princeton Junction is the main train station along the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. Visitors can take a cab from here to Princeton or transfer to a one-car train to Princeton called the "Dinky". The train ride takes about 5 minutes, and drops you at University Place across from McCarter Theatre. If you choose this option, be sure to purchase a rail ticket to “Princeton” for presentation upon boarding the Dinky.

Our office is a 10-minute cab ride from Princeton station (approx. 4.5 miles).

By bus: Several buses arrive and depart daily from Princeton Research Park (i.e., New Jersey Transit’s 605 Montgomery Line). From the bus station, walk into the Research Park office complex. We are located at #20 Wall Street.

For emergencies while traveling within India, you may contact our Jaipur office. Details will be provided in your travel vouchers, which are issued upon full payment.