There can be no river in the world as sacred as the Ganges and an expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the prettiest river journeys imaginable. The river wends its way through the lush countryside of West Bengal with its culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. A rich and vibrant rural life abounds and there is never a dull moment as we sedately ply this pleasant waterway.

A decade ago, for the first time since colonial times, Pandaw pioneered river expeditions in India. Since then we have depended on modern style and often impractically designed partner ships. We are now able to offer an original Pandaw ship, vastly more suited to river expeditions in the tropics and far more comfortable too.

There can be no better vessel to explore this rich tapestry than the stately Orient Pandaw, built in Vietnam in 2008 and pride of the Pandaw fleet having seen service now in four countries. With thirty staterooms on two decks, all with personal verandah space, the ship boasts indoor dining, a deck bar, a movie / lecture theatre and spa.

We have arranged exciting excursions to breathtaking landmarks to which we invite you before or after your Pandaw Ganges expedition!

Direct flights between Kolkata and Paro make it now possible to combine a Pandaw river expedition with a visit to the ancient Kingdom of Bhutan, one of the world's most intriguing countries. Discover Bhutan's unique way of life, magnificent clifftop monasteries and soaring mountain peaks..

The Taj Mahal cannot be missed on any visit to India. We created two different itineraries for you for 3, 4 or 6 nights visiting Delhi, Taj Mahal and the Royal City of Jaipur with its palaces and forts.

Finally, explore Kolkata's highlights while staying at the historic Oberoi Grand, the Grand Dame of the Chowringhee district, which is a palatial villa dating back to the 1880s.