Third Eye Traveller

Taking a Magical Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata – 8 Reasons to Sail on the Holy Hooghly River

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: February 16, 2022

Categories INDIA , KOLKATA

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

If there is one thing you must do while you’re in the capital of West Bengal, it is to go on a Ganges river cruise in Kolkata.

Also known as the Hooghly River, this famous waterway snakes through the city and is used by locals every single day.  

Sailing down the Ganges, you can see many of the cities top attractions, including the temple ghats and the iconic Howrah Bridge. Plus, you can watch so much life happening on the water.

This was one of my favourite memories from my visit and ended up being an epic way to end my trip to Kolkata!  

Seeing the sunset over the horizon and watching the sky turn all different colours is something I’ll remember forever.

Here’s a complete guide to taking a Ganges river cruise in Kolkata. Including what companies are recommended, the ticket prices, the best time to go and what to expect!  

Sunset Ganges river cruise in Kolkata on the Hooghly River!

Why is it called the Hooghly River and not the Ganges?

The Hooghly River is the official name for it in Kolkata and it’s actually a river that flows off or is a distributary river of the Ganges.

This river in total is 160 miles (260 kilometres) long and flows from Kolkata to the Bay of Bengal.  

The Ganges River is around 1,500 miles (2,525 km) long in total that runs all the way through India to Bangladesh. So, the Hooghly river is actually only around 10% of the size of the Ganges!

Although it is considered holy water as it flows from the River Ganges, it is not officially part of the main body of the Ganges.

Hence, the name Hooghly.   However, despite the official name, many people in Kolkata simply call it ‘Ganga’.

Hooghly River in Kolkata

Why is the Ganges river important?  

The Ganges river is considered holy and sacred. Hindus believe that the river is personified as the goddess Ganga.

Hindus also believe that the water of the Ganges is pure and bathing in the river will wash away any sins.

It’s also regarded as a place of Moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death). So, this water source plays a huge part in daily lives. It’s a place where locals meditate, drink, pray, wash and clean clothes every single day.  

Many Aarti’s, a Hindu worship ritual, is performed by this river each morning and night and there are also burning ghats for Hindu funerals.

A Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata is an amazing way to really learn about Hindu Culture and see life happen on Hooghly River Ghats.  

A ‘ghat’ is a name for steps leading down the river and you’ll see them lined up all along the banks of the Hooghly.  

Mullick Ghat on the Ganges River

What is the best company for a Ganges River Cruise Kolkata?  

Although there are many websites advertising a Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata, a lot of them like Pandaw Cruises are for an extended period of time.

Which sounds lovely, but some of us don’t want to be on the Ganges for a week!  

What you’re looking for is an option to sail on a Hooghly river cruise for a few hours.  

Most tour companies online offering day cruises on the Hooghly River, like Lonely Planet and Viator, are advertising for commissions. Selling cruise tickets via their platform for one company.

That one company that is truly recommended by most hotels in the city, and is the only company I would recommend for a Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata is Vivada Cruises.

FYI this post is NOT sponsored by Vivada Cruises. I paid my own pennies. I just had a really good experience and wanted to share.

Vivada Cruise ship in Kolkata

They have quality ships, well-cooked food and run four professional day cruises every day. Those are breakfast, lunch, evening and dinner cruises.

So, when booking your river cruise, I would book it directly with Vivada Cruises online or call them to reserve tickets and pay when you get there.

We asked our hotel, the Oberoi Grand, to reserve us tickets over the phone and paid when we got there.

If you don’t have your own phone working in India, I would ask your guesthouse/hotel to do the same.

Top deck on our Vivada Cruise ship

Vivada Cruise ticket prices

The online prices for booking a Hooghly river cruise are quite expensive compared to booking directly with Vivada Cruises. Most of the ones I saw online were £38 or 3,500 rupees!

Yes, those tours include pickup service, but you’ll be paying over double what the tour costs originally.  

Through Vivada Cruises’ website, the breakfast and evening cruises cost 1,000 rupees plus GST Tax (18%).

The lunch and dinner cruises are 1,500 rupees plus GST. So, I would 100% recommend booking with them directly to save yourself some money!  

If you’re worried about the pickup and drop off, getting to the dock and back for your Vivada cruise really couldn’t be simpler. 

Vivada evening cruise ticket price

Arriving for your Vivada cruise  

The Vivada Cruise dock can be found near Metcalfe Hall on Strand Road on the banks of the Hooghly River.

It’s easy to spot as there is Millennium Park nearby and a huge sign telling you that you’ve arrived on the harbour;

How to reach the Vivada Cruise Dock in Kolkata  

There are many ways that you can reach the Vivada Cruise Dock in Kolkata. By using the public transport system like the metro, buses and trams or to get a taxi

By Metro: The nearest Metro stop for Vivada Cruises is Chandni Chowk. From here it’s a 15-minute walk to the cruise docks via Hare Street. The Metro is really cheap and efficient to get around the city and you pay by the kilometre.  

By Bus or Tram: There is a bus stop right outside the dock called the ‘Shipping Corporation bus stop’. Many bus services in Kolkata run past this stop.

The official government transport website for West Bengal has a bus travel planner. Or, I find it easier to organise a journey via Google Maps. The nearest tram Stop is BBD Bagh which is a short walk away from the dock.

By Taxi: You can hail a yellow ambassador taxi down in the city, just remember to ask for the meter to be switched on or negotiate a price. Sometimes they can be sneaky and overcharge, especially if you’re a tourist. I personally preferred Uber and found it less hassle and a lot cheaper.  

Click here to read my article all about how to use Indian Uber with a special discount code for your first ride

Yellow Ambassador Taxi in Kolkata

Checking in and collecting Vivada Cruise boarding passes

If you’re booking directly with Vivada Cruises, I would aim to be at the dock meeting point at least 30 minutes before your river cruise to check-in, pay and collect your boarding passes at the office.

In Britain, we have a thing for being strictly on time or early. So, if a ticket tells us we need to be there 30 minutes before, we turn up earlier than that just in case.  

But, as you’ll be in India, it usually means Indian time…So, your cruise check-in and the time you sail off may be delayed. For no other reason, than…this is India!

Vivada Cruise boarding pass

As it was Durga Puja in Kolkata, a lot of the roads were being blocked off and so it was causing congestion. So, we got here a whole hour earlier than planned.  

If you are twiddling your thumbs and looking for something to do to pass the time. The   Vivada cruise dock is right by Millennium Park.  

We each paid 10 rupees to go in and got ice creams to cool down in the heat!

It’s wasn’t the most pleasing park in the world but very popular with locals and it had a nice promenade by the river!

If you would prefer, the Vivada Cruise office has seats to wait in and are nice and air-conditioned with the heat.  

Mmmm Mother Dairy Magnum's haha

How long is a Vivada Cruise experience?

All the Vivada Cruises that run during the day are around 3-4 hours.   Although I can’t speak for the other cruises, the evening was well worth the money and is the one I would definitely recommend.

Due to Durga Puja, there was actually only us and one other couple. So, it was like we had a private cruise ship for the evening!  

Although it advertised that we would receive small snacks and drinks, we actually had enough yummy food to keep us full through the entire evening! So, we didn’t need dinner.

Plus, we got to witness the most amazing sunset as part of our journey, watch an evening aarti at Belur Math and then return under the stars while the city lights up at night.

It really gives you the best of both worlds and was the perfect way to end my journey in Kolkata.   Here’s a full review of the Vivada evening cruise experience and all the reasons why you cannot miss it.  

Vivada evening cruise review - Ganges river cruise in Kolkata

Why you cannot miss a Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata

1. you get to see the city from a completely new perspective  .

The one thing I really loved was seeing Kolkata from the water. The whole of my trip, I was on road transport and walking in amongst the city streets.  

It was hectic, dirty and as it was monsoon most of the city was flooded from heavy rains. So, that meant hopping in and out of black polluted water that couldn’t drain properly.  

I had seen the Hooghly River on my travels and even saw some of the temples on the banks of it. But, actually being on the water makes you see the city in a different light.  

You’ll notice things you didn’t before and the fact you travel from North to South makes sure you get to see the outskirts too.  

It was really relaxing floating along the Ganga, watching and hearing the chaos from afar on our cruise ship.

Howrah Bridge Kolkata Ganges River

2. Your boat will pass under the iconic Howrah Bridge  

There are many iconic bridges in Kolkata, but none so famous as the Howrah Bridge or Rabindra Setu. It sounds weird, but I was so excited to see this bridge for myself.

I had heard about it long before my visit to West Bengal and it’s almost a tourist attraction in its own right.

It was commissioned all the way back in 1871 by the British but wasn’t built until 1935. It stretches over 705 metres, required 23,000 tons of steel and it’s the busiest cantilever bridge in the entire world.

Approximately 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians cross it each day! That’s not including the cows that roam here.  

Howrah Bridge Kolkata

When I visited the flower market at Mullick Ghat, we got dropped off by this bridge and we walked over it at sunrise to have a look at some of the sights. We saw many locals washing and praying in the Ganges.

This time, on my cruise, we were able to go under it from the river. It was really fun to wave at the locals passing by and it provided some fantastic photo opportunities too.  

Another bridge you can see in the distance is the second Hooghly Bridge, Vidyasagar Setu, which kind of reminded me of a grey Golden Gate Bridge.

It’s the longest cable-stayed bridge in all of India.

If you are wondering, there are a total of 4 bridges on the Hooghly River connecting Kolkata to Howrah. The others are Bally Bridge (Vivekananda Setu) and New Bally Bridge (Nivedita Setu).

The Second Hooghly Bridge

3. Enjoy watching life on the Kolkata Ghats  

As well as getting to see the city in a different light, I loved watching the life that goes on along the river banks.  

As we took the evening cruise, people were coming out to pray in the cooler temperatures, meditating in the low sunshine and bathing or washing clothes in the river.  

People would wave, or watch us go by. We’d see people waiting for the local ferries and heard many temples playing loud music.  

As we were visiting around Durga Puja, people were immersing idols of the Hindu warrior Goddess Durga in the river Ganga. A tradition that has taken place for centuries.

The Kali idols drying on the river!

I actually went to see the idols being made in Kumartuli , the potters quarter in the city , which is another place I would highly recommend you visit.  

Apparently, to make a statue of Durga, a priest has to collect soil from outside the house of a prostitute.

Then it is mixed with clay taken from the Ganga, cow dung and cow urine too.

Durga Puja is celebrated across the world for those of the Hindu faith, but it is a really special occasion in Kolkata. The celebrations go on for 10 days or more and the city is bustling with all sorts of festivities.  

Durga Puja l in Kolkata

4.   You’ll get chai, and lot’s of yummy snacks on board!  

As soon as we boarded the boat and just before we left, we were showered with drinks and snacks pretty much the whole time we were sailing.  

We were offered fresh mango juice on arrival and spicy-sweet chai as we sailed along the river bank.  

Later there were fizzy drinks. But, I’m afraid there isn’t a bar or any alcohol if you were expecting a booze cruise. It is the Ganges river and many Hindus do not condone drinking.  

As there was only four of us, we had no need to secure our seats. We could just sit anywhere we liked and walked around to different sides of the boat to see a new perspective.  

Ganges river cruise in Kolkata

What food is served on a Vivada evening Cruise?

In the first half, we were offered fried snacks. They were traditional Indian snacks like ‘Fish Fry’ which was amazing as Kolkata is famous for its fish.  

There was also Pakora or Pakoda which essentially just means deep-fried something…   So, you have onion pakoda (like onion bhaaji), paneer (cheese) pakoda, chicken pakoda etc. 

If you’re worried about spicy things, just ask the staff to help you out. But, their version of spicy and yours may be very different, lol!  

I didn’t find anything spicy save the chutneys. They did have mild tomato ketchup though for dipping.

Then on the second half of the trip, we got chicken drumsticks, more fish, more pakoda, we were offered so much food.

I was actually super full by the end of it. Then, when the local desserts came out, I thought I was going to burst! So come with an empty stomach.  

We were planning to eat dinner after if there wasn’t much food on the cruise. But I honestly couldn’t have eaten another bite. I needed rolling home as I was full of Pakoda!

Snacks on Vivada evening cruise in kolkata

5. The sky will transform in all different colours

A highlight for me was watching the sunset as we sailed towards Belur Math. As we got on the boat around the time the sun was setting, we could watch the whole thing from start to finish.

The weather for Kolkata in October was extremely temperamental. One minute we’d have sunshine, the next grey clouds and tropical rain showers.

All within the space of an hour.   It was meant to be past monsoon season. But, the rains were so heavy a lot of the city was flooded.

Sunset on the Ganges in Kolkata

That meant grey skies and I hadn’t actually seen a good sunset since I had been in the city. But luckily, on the very last night for our sunset cruise, we actually got to see a sunset!  

So, we picked a great day for it and the sun definitely put on a show. We saw the sky change from orange, to red hues, then the most bright shade of pink.  

It was so beautiful to see and even better when paired with sipping on chai!  

Sunset over the Hooghly River in Kolkata

6.   Explore Belur Math for the evening aarti

An unexpected but welcome addition to our trip was a short 45 minute stop at Belur Math in the middle of our cruise. We were led inside and shown around by a Vivada cruise leader.  

Belur Math is a HUGE temple complex that spans 40 acres on the banks of the Hooghly River.  

It’s the Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission spiritual organisation.  

It was founded in the 19th century by Sri Ramakrishna, known as the Prophet of the Modern Age and his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda, a forward thinker and religious leader.  

Although there are 4 temples, plus education and medical centres in Belur Math, the Sri Ramakrishna Temple is the jewel in its crown.

Here, we got to see the magical evening aarti. Where the priests of the temples lead the local pilgrims in prayer.  

Women must observe in one section and men must be on the other as is the custom. You’ll quickly be ushered on by security if you end up in the wrong place.  

You can also buy all sorts of books with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda in the library afterwards. We had absolutely no idea that we were stopping here but we both said it was the best part of our trip for sure.  

Shri Ramakrishna Temple in Belur Math Kolkata

7. On the way back, you’ll see the city light up at night

Once we boarded the ship after the evening aarti, it was pitch black skies. As it was so clear, we did get to see the stars and started to slowly sail back to the boarding dock.  

But now the city had completely lit up with the most marvellous reflections on the river!  

So, we enjoyed our (rather huge) snacks while watching all the colourful buildings. The Howrah Bridge even lit up and so we got to see it in two ways.

There were also buildings like SBI (State Bank of India) who had lights in all different colours of the rainbow. I only know them as I always use their ATMs because they don’t charge lol. 

The reason why I loved this cruise over the others is that you got to see the best of both worlds. Kolkata by day and night on the water!

Howrah Bridge at night

8. It’s the perfect way to start or end your trip!

I don’t know why, but I always love to end my trips with a big event like a cruise. I think it just feels nice to do something epic on your last day to say goodbye to a place.  

Kolkata quickly became one of my favourite cities in all of India after my visit, I really didn’t expect to fall so in love with it.

There was just so much to do, the streets had such a vibe and the people were really friendly.  

From the legacy of the British Raj, temple hopping, cultural events, shopping streets and the most amazing food. I don’t think I’ll ever forget my visit here and am already plotting how I’ll return.

But, wrapping up the trip with an epic colourful sunset over the Hooghly (after rain and grey skies for 4 days straight) was the best way to end my incredible journey here.  

Whatever time you decide to go on your cruise, I’m sure will be memorable. So I say, enjoy every minute!  

Ganges river cruise in Kolkata

Top tips for your Ganges River Cruise Kolkata  

Although this trip was amazing, there are a few things I wish I knew before I came on board.

So, here are some of my top tips and things to pack for your Ganges river cruise in Kolkata;

  • Jacket – although it is really warm in Kolkata during the day, it can get chilly in the monsoon or winter in the evening time. As you’re in the middle of the river, the breeze can bite. So, I’d make sure you bring a scarf or a light layer if you feel the cold.  
  • Shoes – During our tour, we did have to take off our shoes to enter the temple at Belur Math. Luckily, I wore slip ons. From personal experience, temple hopping in trainers gets really annoying to have to untie shoes, then tie shoelaces again etc.  
  • Toilets – There is a toilet on board on the bottom deck and it is clean! There was even toilet roll which was a bit of a blessing. But, there wasn’t soap. So, bring some anti-bacterial hand wash. I always have mine as part of my staple day kit in India.  
  • Bug spray – Epic fail, I forgot bug spray. Bugs love me too. The mozzies do decide to come out when the sun is setting and at night. So, make sure you bring some to stop getting bitten!  
  • Two decks – There are two deck on board the boat. The top deck is open which is lovely for views. But the bottom deck is covered if it’s raining or you’re feeling the cold.  

Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata | Vivada Evening Cruise review

Other things to do in Kolkata at night

If you’ve returned from your Vivada Cruise and feel the night is still young. There are a lot of awesome places to visit in Kolkata at night time.

From temples that worship till late at night, sound and light shows and some of Kolkata’s famous street food. You’ll never be bored in this thriving city.  

Here are the top things to do in Kolkata at night.  

Kolkata at night

Kalighat Temple

Although I always like to visit temples during the day, I know that Hindu temples really come alive at night time.

When the sun sets and the temperatures are cooler, many pilgrims come to the temples to pray.  

Kalighat Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kolkata. That’s because it is one of the 4 main Shakti Peetha temples of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

If you’re not aware of what Shakti Peethas are, the legend is that Shiva’s Wife Shakti died. Shiva was so upset he carried her dead body around everywhere with him.

Eventually, Vishnu cut her body up into 51 pieces. Where her 51 pieces fell are now temples and places of worship dedicated to her.

I’ve now visited 2 of the 4 main Shakti Peetha temples, one is Kalighat temple and the other is Khamakya temple in Guwahati. But, overall there are 51 in total, so I still have a LOT left to see.

Kamakhya Temple is where Shakti’s yoni (or vagina) fell and Kalighat Temple is where her right toe fell. So, it draws many crowds and you’ll find the queues are huge and you could be waiting hours to go inside.  

Many Brahmin’s of the temple charge a ‘VIP’ fee of 300 rupees where you can skip the crowds. Even locals do it if they don’t want to queue for hours. 

It will save you a lot of time and you can be blessed and receive your red-yellow thread too (Kautuka). I still wear mine now!  

Kalighat temple Kolkata

Victoria Memorial Sound and Light Show

The Victoria Memorial has to be on your list while you’re in the city and is a marvel during the day. But by night it is lit up beautifully against the night sky and they put on a sound and light show in the gardens.

You can then watch the memorial light up in different colours and watch the magic fountains dance outside on the reflection lagoon.

The sound and light show takes place every day, except Mondays and tickets cost 30 rupees per head.

Click here for more details about visiting the Victoria memorial

Victoria memorial Kolkata reflection

Try a Hot Kathi Roll on Park Street  

I can assure you that the snacks you receive on the boat will make you full!   But, if you’re still feeling peckish and looking for foodie ideas, you have to try one of Kolkata’s famous Hot Kati Rolls.  

There are many dotted around the city, but the original is a ‘hole-in-the-wall’ (quite literally) counter that can be found on Park Street.

It’s the ultimate street food and can be compared with a kebab back home.  

You’ll get a wrap, filled with hot chicken, onions, spices, some unidentifiable sauce and it will be all wrapped up and fried on the counter!  

It is absolutely delicious, ridiculously cheap at 50 rupees a pop and crowds of locals come here to eat each evening.   There are no seats as it’s just a street food counter, but just nearby you can sit down and enjoy.

Hot Kati Roll in Kolkata

Go on an evening Kolkata Street food tour!  

Kolkata is known for its street food, so if you’d rather go on a street food tour, there are a few that take place each evening.  

You’ll try a range of famous Kolkata street foods like;

  • Fish Curry (Macher Jhol)
  • Kolkata Biryani (yes each place has their own version in India and it’s almost criminal to just call it ‘Biryanai’)
  • Mutton Curry (Kosha Mangsho)
  • Phuchka – similar to Gol Gopan or Pani Puri
  • and… so much more! (There are vegetarian options for those that do not eat meat)

So, make sure you book your Kolkata food tour here to learn all about them

Hot Kati Roll Kolkata

Where to stay in Kolkata  

I stayed in the beautiful Oberoi Grand Kolkata. This was like an oasis to return to after a hot sweaty day out exploring in the monsoon!  

Their hotel is almost an attraction in itself and an icon of the city as it’s the second oldest hotel. You can stay in one of their beautiful deco-like rooms with four-poster beds and it has a gorgeous washroom with a bathtub.

I would highly recommend booking a room indoor facing as the traffic is quite loud, especially during festivals.

Their delectable buffet breakfast at ThreeSixtyThree comes included and they have a refreshing pool with free smoothies!  

Click here to book your stay at the Oberoi Grand for the night

The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Check out some more of my articles about Kolkata  

  • The ULTIMATE Kolkata Travel Guide
  • Why you need to visit the flower market in Kolkata
  • Don’t miss the abandoned cemetery in Kolkata  
  • A look inside the world’s biggest Banyan Tree!  
  • Visiting the statue village

Mallick Ghat Flower Market Kolkata Calcutta

Save this Ganges River Cruise Kolkata review for later!

Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata | Hooghly River Cruise

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

I spent 64 years in kolkata but still I learnt so many things! Incredible

Sophie Pearce

Thursday 26th of May 2022

Hi Neelash, thanks so much for reading. Glad you enjoyed it! I miss Kolkata. Sophie x

Wednesday 26th of February 2020

Nice article, thanks for sharing keep share more.

Hi Sam, thanks so much for your feedback! I loved this experience in Kolkata. Sophie x

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Boat Tours – Kolkata

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Experience Boat Tours in Kolkata

Best things to do: The West Bengal capital is more than just a city of colonial architecture and art galleries, although those places are well worth seeking out. Mix it up a little, and you’ll have the full Kolkata package. There’s the Victoria Memorial to visit and the dominating Howrah Bridge. The Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity is a place well worth seeking out. It’s the convent where Mother Teresa is buried. For those who like a museum, Science City and the Indian Museum are well worth checking out.

Best time to visit : Visit Kolkata in summer, and you will experience hot and humid conditions. So head there during the winter months, and you’ll find the weather to be far more favourable. October to February is the month to aim for.

Ready for an adventure? What better way to explore this city than taking a walking tour? Head into the markets and see Kolkata life close up. Perhaps sample the local cuisine or walk through the colleges and universities. Combining your Kolkata visit with a river cruise and walking tour will capture the best this city offers.

• Believe it or not, Kolkata's heart doesn’t beat just for cricket. It’s actually football that is most loved. It has the second-oldest football league in the world! Sorry, Cricket takes a backseat here!

• Kolkata was once the capital of India due to the trade importance during British Rule. Delhi became the capital. Kolkata lost its capital status back in 1911.

• You might find getting around Kolkata fun or perhaps hard work! Whatever way you get about, do try the metro service, as it’s India’s oldest. Making it well worth checking out. Move over to Delhi and Mumbai. Kolkata was there first!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: dinner and a cruise.

You will find there are several Kolkata lunch and dinner cruise options available. Check the individual tour details for the menu and the options available.

Q: Do Kolkata Boat Cruises offer free Wi-Fi onboard?

We realise you want to capture those destination hotspots on your tour. Many operators do offer free Wi-Fi on board, but you will need to check with the individual operator.

Q: Do Kolkata Boat Cruises run throughout the year?

Yes, but be aware that there is a high season (November to March) and Low Season (May to October). Check the tour details for timings.

Q: Can you give me some alternative tours to your cruise and boat tours?

Kolkata is a region full of attractions and experiences to enjoy and immerse in. Check out our Kolkata Tours by visiting isango.com

Q: What is the duration of the Kolkata Boat Tour?

Each tour is different, but in general, they will have a duration between 1 to 2 hours. Make sure to check the specific tour for timings.

Q: What time do Kolkata Boat Tours operate?

Boat tours will run at different times of the day, especially if you are booked on a lunch or dinner cruise. Make sure to check the tour details for a full listing of times.

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boat trip in kolkata

THE 10 BEST Kolkata (Calcutta) Boat Tours

Boat tours in kolkata (calcutta).

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boat trip in kolkata

1. Tour de Sundarban

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2. India Beacons Sojourn

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3. Sundarban Houseboat

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4. Vivada Cruise

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5. Crossindia Travel To Adventure

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6. FliqaIndia

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7. IMPRESSION TOURISM SERVICES (INDIA) PVT. LTD.

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8. Backpackers

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9. Take A Break Travels & Holidays

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10. Yellow Umbrella

boat trip in kolkata

11. Portolan

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12. Antara Ganges Voyager

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13. Travel Chhuti

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14. Pratima travels and tours

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15. Travelloo

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16. Holiday Club

17. la fiesta - the sundarban boat house.

boat trip in kolkata

18. La Fiesta

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19. Trikhal Tourism

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20. Bengal Tour Plans

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21. Trips N Trek

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22. Prabir Paul

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23. HappyIndiaTours.Com

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24. Sundarbans Tour

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25. Wander wilds

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26. Rajat Saraya

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27. MD NASIR RAZA

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28. SBST Tourist

29. adrija travels, what travellers are saying.

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Kolkata Tours & Hooghly River Cruises

Your Kolkata cruise on the Hooghly or Lower Ganges River will take you through the lush countryside of West Bengal past culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. This pretty journey starts or ends in Kolkata, India’s third-largest city, which still retains much of its colonial-era architecture; its crumbling, weather-beaten buildings contrasting starkly with its air-conditioned shopping malls, hip cafés and restaurants.

The river is spanned by the remarkable cantilever Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel that links the city with the magnificent Howrah Railway Station, the tranquil Botanical Gardens, and the eclectic Indian Museum housing one of the largest collections in Asia. Other important sights in Kolkata include the grand white marble Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral with its tall Gothic spires, and the famous Writers’ Building, built in 1780 and the seat of state government, which originally housed the junior clerks or “writers” of the East India Company.

boat trip in kolkata

Ganga Vilas

boat trip in kolkata

Kalaw Pandaw

boat trip in kolkata

Heritage Of India

boat trip in kolkata

Enchanting India

boat trip in kolkata

Indian Myths & Mangroves

boat trip in kolkata

Golden Triangle & Ganges

boat trip in kolkata

Ganges Voyager

boat trip in kolkata

Bengal Ganga

boat trip in kolkata

boat trip in kolkata

Explore Kolkata the local way with a beautiful boat ride in the Hooghly River

Photo of Savvy Fernweh

The city of Kolkata is located on the east bank of Hooghly river. Kolkata is one of the metro cities in India and is the main commercial and financial hub of East and North-East India. It was capital of India under British Raj. Today it is widely known for its love for variety of fish dishes and sweets, grand British colonial architecture, cultural festivals, lazy afternoon and intellectual 'addas'. It is a cosmopolitan city and quite densely populated. As a visitor, you need to know the correct places to hang out and eat to get the best flavor of Kolkata.

Photo of Explore Kolkata the local way with a beautiful boat ride in the Hooghly River 2/8 by Savvy Fernweh

Boating Experience

The boating experience in Hooghly river during the sunset time is quite refreshing and a budget friendly choice. We reached Prinsep Ghat late in afternoon. The Prinsep Ghat in Strand road is one of the architectures from British time, which is restored and beautifully maintained. It is just beside the Hooghly river and overlooked by the Second Hooghly bridge. It is quite a perfect place to take some cool pictures. From here, walk across the railway crossing and reach the walkway which runs parallel to the river till Babughat.

Photo of Explore Kolkata the local way with a beautiful boat ride in the Hooghly River 3/8 by Savvy Fernweh

Surrounding Places

There are many ghats along the way to reach to the river. Walk towards the ghat close to Outram ghat and inquire for the ride. Previously, it was perfect for photo shoot in the boat but nowadays, after some mishaps, they made life jacket mandatory. Hence, in all your photos, you will be wearing life jacket. The price for half an hour is Rs. 400 and if you wish to stay for an hour it would be double. I was wearing a saree and really wished to take some nice pictures. I was disappointed initially by the life jacket but was very excited and happy to get into the boat.

More about Ferry…

The boats are vibrantly colored which instantly lifts the mood. The ferry man rowed his boat slowly though the very calm water. The sun was golden and bright, just at an angle in the sky above the Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge). It was no less than a painting to watch the Second Hooghly bridge with the background of evening sunset sky and golden sun. On the other side, far away, Howrah bridge was visible.

Howrah bridge is a suspension bridge and one of the most iconic landmarks of Kolkata. The evening was serene and peaceful. It felt as if the time stood still there. We took pictures and captured video clips. There is not much to do in the boat but to relax and cherish the calmness. They don’t take the boat toward the middle as the water current is high. The sun was about to set now, and it changed color in shades on golden yellow and orange. It was beautiful.

Photo of Explore Kolkata the local way with a beautiful boat ride in the Hooghly River 5/8 by Savvy Fernweh

Safety first

Do not try to remove life jacket as it is your own safety and do not force the ferry man with demands that he refuses. The rules are strict these days. Even if you are not choosing to go for boating, you would love to take a stroll along the riverfront and enjoy local fast food in evening before leaving the place. Check out our video for the experience in our YouTube channel Savvy Fernweh.

Photo of Explore Kolkata the local way with a beautiful boat ride in the Hooghly River 8/8 by Savvy Fernweh

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BREAKFAST CRUISE (8.30 am to 11.30 am)   Set sail at early morning under the magnificent Howrah Bridge towards Swami Vivekananda's Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission. You witness the ghats come alive with activities - masseurs, bathers, rituals, ferries carrying office goers between the two banks, fisherman throwing their nets around. 

Treat your taste buds with the delicious and sumptuous menu specially chosen by chef. You will have two Veg & two Non-veg options to choose from. A lavish buffet spread for your taste buds.* 

Lunch and Dinner Cruise Cost Per Person 2100 per person.

boat trip in kolkata

The Kolkata Street Food Ganga Aarati Cruise

COUNTRY BOAT  Escape from the humdrum of the hectic city into a lazy afternoon with friends and family. Amid laughter and ebullience on belly satisfying delicious lunch menu. Treat your taste buds with the delicious and sumptuous menu specially chosen by chef. You will have two Veg & two Non-veg options to choose from. A lavish buffet spread for your taste buds.

Country Boat Heritage Cruise With & Without Meals

Breakfast & Evening River Cruise

DINNER CRUISE (7.30 pm to 10.00 pm)  With the reflection of the Kolkata city-lights shimmering in the river, with no destination in mind. Come along and enjoy the magic and romance of the historic with majestic city. Onboard with a warm smile and a drink along with sumptuous dinner menu.

1 HOUR JOY RIDE CRUISE IN COUNTRY BOAT Escape from the humdrum of the hectic city into a lazy afternoon with friends and family. Amid laughter and ebullience on belly satisfying delicious lunch menu. Treat your taste buds with the delicious and sumptuous menu specially chosen by chef. You will have two Veg & two Non-veg options to choose from. A lavish buffet spread for your taste buds.

Set sail on the River Ganges with the Kolkata Heritage Hoogly River Cruises .

There are multiple cruise options from small country boat rides to Luxury multi day cruises to enjoy. Here you will find all Kolkata Heritage Ganges Hoogly River Cruises and make Online Booking  for the same. The Ganges or Hoogly River cruises covers some of the most iconic attractions of the heritage importance as well as the modern architectural marvel the banks of the majestic river has a  lot to offer for a tourist. 

boat trip in kolkata

EVENING CRUISE (4.00 pm to 7.00 pm) ​ Spend the evening sailing on the river and experience setting sun over the historic Howrah Bridge and catch the breathtaking beauty of the lights and city scapes of the banks.

Lunch & Dinner Cruise

boat trip in kolkata

Kolkata River Cruise Luxury Ganga Ganges Hoogly Tours With Food Online Booking Timinig Prices Cost

Kolkata ganga hoogly river cruise tours booking, kolkata ganga hoogly river cruise tours.

A visit to Belur Math for 45 minutes (charges inclusive ).

Treat your taste buds with the delicious and sumptuous menu specially chosen by chef. You will have two Veg & two Non-veg options to choose from. A lavish buffet spread for your taste buds. Cost* Rs. 1750/- per person

What is the Kolkata River Cruises? From the time when Job Charnock dropped his first anchor to the modern monolithic bridge, the second Hooghly-Bridge, the winding river has woven itself around the lives of this city. A Kolkata River Cruise on the Ganges, will be the best way to explore the city. There are 54 ghats (quayside) and all have great history and heritage. Some of them are Bathing ghats, Ceremonial ghats and then the Ferry ghat which connects the two banks at various places. Many monuments, memorials and markets are there by the river side, to be explored & experienced from the river. A evening Ganga river cruise in Kolkata offers a wonderful experience of the pristine sunset and the ganga Arati.  

EVENING GANGA AARTI AND KOLKATA STREET FOOD RIVER CRUISE

Immerse yourself in the spiritual Ganga Aarti and soulful live folk music on the sacred Ganges over an unforgettable two-hour boat tour simultaneously, experiencing mouth watering live Phuchka (Pani-Puri) station and sipping tea in kullars, to relish the true flavour of the region and the essence of local culture along with a lot more!

Available on Saturdays and Sundays.

For group of more than 25 heads tour organised on any day. Riverboat Hi-tea Menu Jhalmuri, Phuchka with khatta mitha pani, Veg pakora & Chicken pakora, Ghughni Chaat, Egg Bhurjee with Pao Ice cream Tea/ coffee Adult- INR 1675, Child 7 to 12 yrs- INR 1365.

TERMS & CONDITIONS- Kolkata River Cruise 1. Tickets once booked cannot be exchanged or refunded. 2. An Internet handling fee per ticket may be levied. Please check the total amount before payment. 3. We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior at the venue for a seamless entry. 4. It is mandatory to follow all necessary safety precautions  5. Please do not purchase tickets if you feel sick 6. Unlawful resale (or attempted unlawful resale) of a ticket would lead to seizure or cancellation of that ticket without refund or other compensation 7. Rights of admission reserved 8. Outside food is not allowed 9. Pets are not allowed on the boat. 10. Wearing life jacket is compulsory. 11. One cannot stand on the nauka in the middle of the water even after wearing the jacket.

Kolkata Heritage Ganges Hoogly River Cruises Online Booking

Q&A - Kolkata Ganga River Cruise

Q: What is the reporting time for ganges Cruise? A: Reporting time for all Ganges Cruise are 30 minutes prior to departure time. Q: Do You need to carry any special items for the cruise? A: No there are nothing to be carried for the cruise, all items re provided by us. Q: How to pay to book the cruises? A: Direct bank deposits, UPI Scanners or pay by Credit Card in our website. Please do not transfer funds before confirming availability on your preferred date. Q: Can I smoke or Drink during the cruise? A: Yes you can smoke in the open areas of the vessel or boats, but drinking is strictly prohibited unless you have booked a same package.

LUNCH CRUISE (12.30 pm to 3.30 pm)  Escape from the humdrum of the hectic city into a lazy afternoon with friends and family. Amid laughter and ebullience on belly satisfying delicious lunch menu. Treat your taste buds with the delicious and sumptuous menu specially chosen by chef. You will have two Veg & two Non-veg options to choose from. A lavish buffet spread for your taste buds.

boat trip in kolkata

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Take This Old School Boat Ride On The Hooghly River In Kolkata

Take This Old School Boat Ride On The Hooghly River In Kolkata

Take This Old School Boat Ride On The Hooghly River In Kolkata

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Princep Ghat in Kolkata is one of the most visited tourist spots in the city, but very few know about this scenic boat ride through the Hooghly river .

What Is It?

Kolkata’s Hooghly River which flows under the iconic Howrah Bridge is not just considered pious but is also an attractive tourist spot. The scenic boat ride from Princep Ghat on one of the old-fashioned boats reveals a side of the city that cannot be witnessed from land.

One can either take the ferry or go for a more private option- the boat. Oared by one of the may boatmen who wait by the ghat, this is one tourist activity that is yet to find fame. The ride takes you up close to the magnanimous Howrah Bridge from where you can view the wonder clearly.

What’s In It?

This boat ride is a favourite amongst locals who want to spend some alone time in a setting that is quite unlike any other and with an unmatched view of the city of joy on both sides. The boats, unlike the ferry ride from Bagbazar to Howrah, is more private and gives you the space to enjoy the views .

The ride is best taken during the golden hours when the view surpasses any other of its kind. If one truly wishes to experience the heritage of the city and its old-world charm this boat ride cannot be missed while in Kolkata.

Address:  Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021 Price:  Varies according to the time of the day and the tides.

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boat trip in kolkata

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Evening day cruise of ganga river in... - Vivada Cruise

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  • Vivada Cruise

It was a beautiful tour. All the guests were looked after very well. The supporting staff was... read more

boat trip in kolkata

Our afternoon/evening cruise with Viada was a highlight of our time in Kolkata. What a peaceful and... read more

boat trip in kolkata

Evening day cruise of ganga river in Kolkata

It was a great experience, for me. I never knew such a thing was there in Kolkata. Have taken so many cruises in famous rivers all over the world, I think this one too is not bad. But still so much can be improved to reach that standard. What I loved about this cruise was, unlimited food and drinks(non alcoholic) at such an affordable price. And second is the great ease of booking it online. Last very friendly staff. What I think needs improvement is the sitting area (AC one) maybe needs more space. Second the music was too loud during the return part of the trip, which gave me an headache. And lastly the part of do it on your own thing in belur should be a bit more organized. Lots of people were late, and people if from outside Kolkata may have difficulty knowing where to go without any guidance.

boat trip in kolkata

did the evening cruise and witnessed a fabulous sunset over Belur Math. Food was average, especially the options was vegetarians was limited. Staff was cordial. Approx 1 hr stay at Belur Math. The guide was not at all impressive, I dont even remember making any note of what he said. Tickets are non refundable.

We visited on our Anniversary and luckily had the Dinner Cruise to ourselves. The staff were courteous & Polite and always trying to please. The Food was good, view excellent and overall a differene texperience

Vivada cruise was great when i visited Kolkata. It has nicely fitted boats with an scenic beauty. The Food is amazing too. The facilities of this cruise is excellent. Must Visit place

Vivada Cruises has nicely fitted out boats which do a scenic cruise on the river Hooghly in Kolkata, India. The cruise takes 3 hours in all and starts from the Millenium Jetty. The leisurely cruise takes us past the many Ghats ( bathing areas ) that dot the river banks and docks at the Belur Math. It is the head quarters of the famous Ramakrishna Math .. a 100 + year old organisation founded by the disciples ( chief among them Swamy Vivekananda ) of the famous sage Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. This is a place with great spiritual significance . During the cruise , we have a live commentary and there is an abundant supply of very good snacks ! The evening cruise starts at 4 pm and returns at 7 pm to the same jetty. They also offer a dinner cruise which is from 730 pm A very well run cruise that offers one the additional advantage of being able to visit a Must See place like the Ramakrishna Math Would highly recommend this activity Chandrasekaran

Vivada cruises on the Hooghly river is one of the not-so-well-explored attractions of the city. We opted for the day lunch. They operate four cruises a day. Being winters we could comfortably sit on the upper deck which was quiet spacious.For summers they have an airconditioned room downstairs which looked slightly small. We were a large group with elders and kids and we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. The vessel matsyakanya was beautiful, i believe in the evenings it would have looked more beautiful, all lit up. The morning and evening cruises have a stopover at Belur. The journey under the Howrah Bridge is very interesting. We could see a series of ghats as we moved towards Belur. As it was an afternoon cruise, Belur temple in closed so there is no halt. However, we could see the temple clearly from a distance. The snacks and the lunch served in the cruise in very tasty . The people serving were quite accommodating. I only wish they had a narration giving some snippets of information on Kolkata history in general and the ghats we crossed. It can be recorded narration too. That would surely make the cruise more interesting. As of now thee play popular Hindi movie tracks which is quite irritating. All is all, a very interesting and well-organised cruise.

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boat trip in kolkata

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  • Sundarban Houseboat

THE BEST Kolkata (Calcutta) Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in kolkata (calcutta).

  • Scuba & Snorkeling
  • Dolphin & Whale Watching
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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  • Indian Escape
  • Howrah Bridge
  • College Street (Boi Para)
  • Nandan West Bengal Film Centre
  • Menoka Cinema
  • SITA World Tours
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

boat trip in kolkata

1. Kolkata - A Sea of Faces and A Thousand Places (local guide)

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2. Half Day Sunset Cruise with Dinner in Kolkata

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3. Half Day Tour to the Flower Market and Howrah Bridge in Kolkata

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4. Kolkata - A View from the River

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  • Yellow Umbrella
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  • Vivada Cruise
  • Tour de Sundarban
  • Crossindia Travel To Adventure
  • Sundarban Houseboat

Sundarban Day Tour

Sundarban 1 night 2 days tour package, sundarban 2 night 3 days tour package, sundarban 3 nights 4 days tour package.

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  • Kolkata Tour
  • Mandarmani Tour
  • Tajpur Tour
  • Shankarpur Tour
  • Bishnupur Tour

Sundarban Tiger Roar Resort

Sunderban tiger camp, hotel sonar bangla - sundarban.

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Sundarban Wildlife Tourism - Best Travel Experience at Mangrove Forest.

Explore the Sundarban Tour Package by boat with Delicious Lunch

You might be able to see the Sundarban Royal Bengal Tiger

Enjoy the best Sundarban Tour from Sunrise to Sunset

Enjoy The Best Sundarbans Sightseeing sunrise to sunset.

You might able to see Sundarbans people survival fishing boat.

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