Kerala Backwaters & the Hooghly River · Downstream

Two rivers, two regions, and two very different adventures through India come together on this Kerala Backwaters & Hooghly River combo expedition. One part of the journey explores the winding waterways of the Kerala backwaters around Kochi. Spanning more than 900 kilometers of interconnected rivers, canals, and lakes, the backwaters lead through landscapes lined with coconut palms. Along the way, guests step ashore to visit historic churches and temples, walk through local communities, and experience traditional Kathakali and Mohiniattam performances that have long been part of Kerala’s cultural life. Connecting the two cruises is a two-night stay in Mumbai to make the journey between India’s west and east coasts more relaxed. Rather than a long travel day between the cruises, guests have time to explore the city, including the famous Gateway of India. The expedition also travels along the Hooghly River in Bengal. For centuries this river served as the gateway for traders and empires entering India, with Kolkata standing as the capital of the British Raj until 1911. Sailing past former European trading settlements established by the Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, and French, guests ride rickshaws through the terracotta temple complex at Kalna, meet brass craftsmen in the riverside village of Matiari, and explore the palaces, mosques, and gardens of Murshidabad, once the seat of power in Bengal.