Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the RV Kalaw Pandaw, a luxurious river cruise that will take you to the heart of West Bengal in India. Immerse yourself in the heart of the country’s rich culture and natural beauty, all while enjoying the comfort of a relaxed river cruise.
Pandaw is a river cruise that was revived in 1995 by Paul Strachan, a known historian from Scotland. The company offers cruises on the Ganges and Brahmaputra in India, Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, Ha Long Bay and the Red River in Northern Vietnam, and the Laos Mekong between Laos and Thailand. The Pandaw fleet comprises 14 ships, which all are of small size and have shallow drafts, which means they can reach far-off regions that larger ships can’t reach. The company’s cruises are known for their accentuation on cultural immersion, the opportunity to travel to smaller towns, dive deeper into the culture, and be a witness to the excellence of the region.
Our Cabin
The cabins on RV Kalaw Pandaw have been designed to provide guests with a comfortable and relaxing retreat. Each cabin has large panoramic French windows with stunning views of the river and is beautifully furnished with teak and brass finishes. Kimonos and slippers, spa-branded amenities, air conditioning control, quality linens, two types of pillows, premium mattresses, a nightly turndown service, 24-hour laundry service, complimentary evening canapes, and yoga mats add to the homely comforts.
Day-to-Day Activities
Cultural Immersion, going beyond the confines of the ship, you can venture into the rich cultural tapestry of West Bengal. You can visit the majestic sight of the Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace, and witness the architectural masterpiece that is the Katgola Palace, the perfect fusion of the English and Indian cultures.
Discover the temples, and dive as well into the quaint village of Baranagar. Walking across Baranagar will feel like venturing into a work of art. The village is recognised for its terracotta temples that exhibit exquisite craftsmanship. Also, visit the Jain temples at Azimganj, which adds another layer to West Bengal’s rich cultural fabric.
Take a spiritual venture, step into the haven that is Mayapur, the headquarters of the ISKCON movement, and see the beauty of Krishna’s consciousness and faith. Feel the energy of devotion of this spiritual haven as you explore the temple, known as one of the largest Hindu temples in the world.
Historical Sights to behold as you sail downstream, you will encounter the remnants of the French colonial influence in the town of Chandernagore, rich in history and beauty. Venture and visit the Imambara at Hooghly, an outstanding monument that showcases the architectural greatness of Islamic culture.
Leisure and Onboard Activities, enjoy what the ship has to offer by spending a day onboard and relaxing. The boat’s sun deck is a sanctuary of harmony and presents an opportunity to meet other voyagers. The ship tour is a must and you can see behind the scenes where all the magic happens from the engine room to the kitchen. At night the ship turns into a cultural retreat, as a traditional performance of Bengali music and dance takes place.
Cultural Tapestry is an excursion that will take you to the core of Bengal’s creative legacy. Visit a local village and be a first-hand witness to the skills the traditional artisans possessed. The stories of a rich cultural past are told through the intricate pottery and weaving passed down through generations. Discussing with locals, finding out about their art, and understanding the meaning behind their craft will be an encounter that will bring you closer to the soul of West Bengal.
Embrace the natural wonders tranquility surrounding the Ganges, and have a guided nature walk alongside the riverbank. Be a witness to the diverse birdlife and vibrant flora the region has to offer as a testament to its natural charm. Before you know it, we are back in Kolkata and ready to continue our adventure.
Culinary Offerings Onboard
RV Kalaw Pandaw offers you a culinary delight where every meal is a celebration of the taste and culture of West Bengal. The ship’s dining room is a masterpiece of design, blending traditional Indian motifs with contemporary elegance. While you enjoy the perfect meal, the scenery of the Bengal riverside will provide a stunning backdrop to your dining experience.
For drinks, Pandaw has announced that its India expeditions are now all-inclusive experiences with local soft drinks, mixers, spirits and beers included as part of the cruise fare. Also included is onboard house wine during lunch and dinner only. Onboard purchases of alcoholic beverages will not be possible. We enjoyed this package on board with some quality offerings. The talented bar team can mix you up any drinks you would like and if you fancy it, you can also make your own!
Sushinto and the kitchen team are brilliant. There is an Indian choice with all mealtimes and Sushinto can make you any dish as long as he has the ingredients. The menu is a carefully curated selection of local and international delicacies. Chefs onboard use the freshest ingredients, many sourced from the regions the ship passes through, ensuring that each dish not only teases your taste buds but also tells a story of the local cuisine. Whether you’re indulging in a Bengali fish curry, savouring a European gourmet dish, or enjoying a light, healthy salad, the culinary journey is as diverse as the landscapes you cruise through. Dining here isn’t just about food; it’s about immersing yourself in a sensory experience that blends taste with scenic beauty.
Life Onboard
Once inside the ship, enjoy the comfort of the RV Kalaw Pandaw has to offer to its guests, where every detail is crafted to make of your experience a dream. Relax amongst the sound of the river’s flow in the stateroom, or venture into the ship’s library and enjoy a dinner with an outstanding performance of Bengali music and dance choreography. Our favourite tradition was the cocktail hour each day where the team prepared a different cocktail each day for everyone to try along with some little pre dinner snacks.
The team make it feel so homely and the ratio of guests to staff on our trip was 1:1. Led by Siddh and Guest Services Director Myo, the team made life onboard so easy. There was plenty of space on the ship to relax, sit in the sun, hang out, play board games, share stories, nap and importantly, check out the menu for the next day!
Pandaw Cruises
An experience on this cruise will be more than just a trip. It’s the ideal journey that weaves together the threads of luxury, culture, and adventure. An enlightening experience that takes you to discover the hidden gems of West Bengal, taste the flavors of Indian cuisine and explore the vibrant cultural tapestry of this stunning region. Have the journey of a lifetime with Pandaw Cruises and discover what West Bengal has to offer.
To discover more, visit: pandaw.com
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All imagery courtesy of Pandaw Cruises