THE SUNDER-BANS WHERE the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers melt into the embrace of the Bay of Bengal is a large delta spread across 40,000 square kilometres of India and Bangladesh. A five-day cruise on the Antara Ganges Voyager was a tempting idea redolent of slow travel where one could drift in a sea of timelessness, weaving in and out of one of the world's largest mangrove forests.
We boarded the Antara Ganges Voyager, an elegant 28-suite vessel, at Chandannagar (an hour and half drive from Kolkata airport), a former French colony steeped in colonial nostalgia. We hopped off a tender boat and boarded our hotel which glided like an over-sized swan on the slate grey waters of the Hooghly River, an arm of the Ganges. Steamed towels and a welcome drink were pressed into our hands and we were shown to our suite whose French balcony showcased the moving landscape. As we stood on its polished Burma teak flooring, surrounded by hand-painted murals and modern creature comforts like a mini bar, safe and a TV, it felt as if we were straddling multiple worlds-the 21st century inside the vessel, and outside it, the ancient, tangled mangrove forests bristled with unseen wildlife.
Much of our first day on board was spent watching the sights unfolding beyond the sun deck adjacent to the lounge-the skyline of Kolkata and its rural hinterland where fisherfolk, standing tall in their fragile boats, cast nets and reeled in fish from a gently flowing river. The setting sun soon gilded the clouds and painted the waterway a shade of honeygold. Everyone on the deck let out a collective gasp in response to this show.
Denne historien er fra April 2024-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
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Denne historien er fra April 2024-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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SOARING ABOVE THE REST
Surrounded by stunning mountain views yet located in the city centre, the Hilton Kathmandu captures the essence of Nepali culture and cuisine.
HEARTWARMING HOSPITALITY
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in India has 60 hotels under its umbrella, all of which offer exceptional hospitality, a comfortable stay, and memories for a lifetime.
FOOD IS ART,
and we truly believe so-which is exactly what the fifth edition of the Delicious Dining Awards 2024 celebrated, acknowledged, and honoured. From the stalwarts of the F&B industry choosing the restaurants, cafes, and menus that they love to readers picking their favourites across restaurants and bars in leading hotels to the growing offerings of homegrown spirits and mixers as well as applauding for the T+L tastemakers who are changemakers in their own way, this year's DDA was all about the artistic excellence of the culinary industry in our country.
The Great Wide Open
At a new camp in the steppes of central Mongolia, Kate Eshelby saddles up for the adventure of a lifetime.
Life Of Pai
Japleen Kaur escapes to this lesser known Thailand town that's right out of a dreamy storybook
EAT, PRAY, LOVE with ABHAY DEOL
When he's not playing characters that'll leave an impression for a lifetime, Abhay Deol is a homebody in pursuit of new creative skills. SAMREEN TUNGEKAR spends the day at the actor's Goa casa-a home he's built himself and discovers his approach to life, travel, and the importance of replenishment
Space Odyssey
Couturier Amit Aggarwal talks to Chirag Mohanty Samal about how travel inspires him to create, reflect, and innovate
HANOI LIKE A LOCAL
The 1,000-year-old capital city offers a time-travel experience with its hearty dose of culture, an elegant fusion of architectural styles, and a fascinating food and coffee heritage
FARM FAB
Enjoy the gift of nature without sacrificing your comforts at Oleander Farms for your upcoming family holiday
10 Emerging Experiences in Asia
Thrilling, relaxing, exciting and indulgent-here is our handpicked list of must-dos that bare the vibrant and diverse soul of this fascinating continent