BURMA

• 7-night cruise including wildlife safaris (one-horned rhinos, elephants and Indian tigers.)

• Visit the fascinating “Mishing” people, tea plantations, temples and palaces

• Enjoy the stunning natural scenery and wildlife of the Brahmaputra River. Observe river dolphins and birds of prey as we pass uninhabited islands

• See silk production from the cocoon, to spinning and weaving to make the typical saree worn by Assami women

The mighty brahmaputra river in Northern India originates high in the himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam valley where UNESCO protected national parks and remote rural communities provide the traveller with the most wonderful and authentic expedition. We are pleased to operate this new program with safaris in search of the Greater One-horned Indian Rhinoceros and Indian tiger. We also visit tea plantations and artisan villages, temples and War Graves.

INDIA - The Brahmaputra | 13

Bengal to Assam and the Sundarbans

us$12,650pp 21 nights from

Departing between the magnificent former capital of Kolkata with is outstandingly splendid colonial architecture, the ship crosses Bangladesh in a two-country reconnaissance that explores the Sundarbans, one of the most ecologically diverse regions and known for its swimming tigers.Then leaving the delta the expedition will continue up the great Brahmaputra to re-enter India and continue through Assam to the colourful city of Guwhati with its Hindu temples, the country side around filled with tea gardens and plantation houses.

Expedition Highlights

• Visit the house and tomb of the canonized Mother Teresa and learn more about the work of her still active foundation.

• Sail down the Hooglie to the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forests on earth, habitat of the famous royal bengal tiger and aUNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Visit the "Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project", a breeding and protection area of the estuary crocodiles.

• Explore Sirajganj, a city known for hand weaving and the Bangabandhu Bridge (Jamuna Bridge) the longest bridge in Bangladesh.

• Boat trip to Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River, a tranquil place whose Umananda Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati.

Book now at Pandaw.com or via your preferred travel agent

Exploring West Bengal

Kolkata To Murshidabad

us$1,440pp 3 or 4 nights from

For travellers with less time to go into the heart of West Bengal this shorter cruise takes in a number of key highlights on this most lovely of rivers flowing through the lush, fertile and agriculturally rich West Bengal countryside. These include former European colonies, finely decorated Hindu temples, rural villages and centres of traditional craftmanship not to mention the Nawab’s vast classical palace at Murshidabad from where travellers will return to Kolkata by express train in around 4 hours

Expedition Highlights

• Walk through the cantonmentpast the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House.

• Take rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples, as well as the unique Shiva temple.

• Visit the brass-working village of Matiari, a charming riverside village.

• visit the great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace 18 deluxe staterooms | Outside dining

The Lower Ganges

KOLKATA - BARANAGAR - KOLKATA

us$3,376pp 7 nights from

Expedition Highlights

• Walk past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House

• Take rickshaws to see Bengal’s terracotta temples, and the Shiva temple with 108 shrines

• Visit the brass-working village of Matiari

• Walk through the Mughal-style garden of Khushbagh that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud- Daulah – the last independent Nawab of Bengal

• Carry on to visit the great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace

• Sail up the Hoogly waterway twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards

No single supplement on selected dates

Explore the Lower Ganges onboard Kalaw Pandaw, visiting the cultural riches of Bengal with its many palaces and temples set amidst an idyllic rural landscape. The mid-way point of your cruise, Baranagar, offers a quintessential view of rural India and the chance to discover is charming terracotta temples. Before embarking the ship, and after completing your river cruise, be sure to take some time to soak up the sights and sounds of Kolkata. The Victoria Memorial and the Howrah Bridge are just two of the must-see attractions.

The Upper Ganges

Kolkata To Varanasi

us$6,752pp 14 nights from

Varanasi, said to be the oldest inhabited city on the planet, is Hinduism’s most sacred home and a place of overwhelming beauty. Its spiritual Ghats create poignant and moving moments during cremations and other ceremonies. This amazing tour brings intrepid travellers along the full Ganges between Varanasi and Kolkata, India’s former capital, for a full Indian Ganges experience.

14 deluxe

Expedition Highlights

• Take a rickshaw in Kalna to see Bengal’s terracotta temples, & the unique Shiva temple with 108 shrines

• Discover the brass-working village of Matiari

• Cross the Lower Ganges or Hooghly River to the Ganges itself through the Farraka canal and lock

• Opportunity to spot the rare Gangeatic dolphins

• Explore Barh, famous for Hindu ritual cremation at Urmanath

• Visit the archaeological site of Nalanda, the great 5th century Buddhist university