Ganga Heritage Cruise West Bengal

Ganga Heritage Cruise West Bengal

The river Ganga passing through the state of West Bengal in India has been an important trade route from time immemorial. It is through this route trade was conducted with the early civilizations. Later when European colonial powers came through this river they established trade posts along the river. One can also find important places of pre colonial times also. The aim of the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal is to discover these historical places along with natural historical sites. The whole Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal stretches 260 km from Howrah to Murshidabad spanning seven districts with picturesque rural Bengal. The cruise is conducted by a number of cruise launches where staying and fooding facilities are well provided for.

The starting point is the town of Murshidabad the erstwhile capital of Bengal. The town was founded by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan and its prosperity was its silk center. With this silk trade came the European traders but after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 the British founded the British colonial empire. One of the important historical landmarks is Hazar Duari named after the thousand doors of the palace though not all are real. It is now a museum displaying rare books, military weapons, paintings, royal artifacts etc. Other places are Katra Mosque housing the tomb of the founding Nawab, Jorebangla a four terra-cotta temple complex and other historic places.

Next place is Mayapur the birth place of Shri Chaitanya who started Vaishnavism five centuries ago and Nabadwip where Shri Chaitanya propounded the Vaishnavism philosophy in 1485.

Then comes the town of Kalna with its famous 108 Shivlinga temples build by the Maharaja of Burdwan in 1809. You can also visit the beautiful terracotta temple of Pratapeswar temple built in 1849.Other important sites are Shyamsunder Bati, Krishna Chandraji temple, Amli Briksha and Pancha Bimsati temple.

Next comes the city of Chinsura the former Dutch trading post established in 1656. Discover the Dutch colonial heritage. After that visiting the city of Chandernagore, the erstwhile French settlement feels like being transported to the 16th century with its beautiful esplanade by the river with chairs. One can visit the house of Dupleix, the French Governor, the police headquarters and the French Institute. And lastly the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal stops at Belur the foundation of Ramkrishna Mission and a site for an equally imposing temple.

Go onboard the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal which takes you back in time and discover each stages of cultural, historical heritage of Bengal in a comfortable journey through the romantic river Ganga. An unforgettable experience!

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