Asian river cruise specialist Pandaw has announced details of an exciting new expedition on the Hooghly River that connects Kolkata with the Ganges. Commencing October 2025, the 18-stateroom Kalaw Pandaw will sail from Kolkata to Baranagar and back on India’s most sacred rivers. The adventure captures the essence of the real India: enchanting countryside, magnificent palaces, mystical temples and artisanal villages, not to mention very friendly folk and riverside communities.
The nine-night itinerary also includes two nights in Kolkata, allowing passengers to spend two full days sightseeing in the former capital of the Indian Raj. The city has a huge museum, 18th-century churches, temples, mosques and architectural splendours that reflect the Raj’s glory days. On the final day, passengers will enjoy a late disembarkation with full board catering as most international flights from India depart in the evening.
Packaged itinerary
Acting for Pandaw in the UK Fred. Holidays, has packaged up this itinerary with regular departures between October 2025 and February 2026, and September 2026 and March 2027. Prices from 3,499 per person including return flights from London (regional flights available on request), overseas airport transfers and the nine-night cruise with all meals, excursions and activities plus a complimentary drinks package. Plus there is no single supplement for the first season.
Pandaw is the pioneer of boutique river expeditions throughout Southeast Asia. The unique design of Pandaw’s small but powerful shallow-draft ships, beautifully hand-crafted in teak and brass, allows them to sail through a tapestry of remote rivers and coastal routes in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China and India.
Last remaining Clyde-built steamer
The original company, known as the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, founded in 1865, was acquired by Paul and Roser Strachan in 1995. Renamed Pandaw, following the discovery and acquisition of this last remaining Clyde-built steamer, the company has consistently cruised through new frontiers, pushing the boundaries beyond its original home of Burma. Pandaw brought its unique concept and style to expeditions along the Mekong River through Indochina in 2003, and pioneered the first routes on both the Red River in Northern Vietnam and the Upper Mekong through Laos into China in 2015.
Pandaw believes in giving back to society. Paul Strachan, Founder & CEO, established the Pandaw charity in 2008 to support education and healthcare efforts in Burma. The charity is entirely sponsored by donations from Pandaw passengers and a profit share from Pandaw’s expeditions.
