Jetwing Journeys unveils exclusive luxury river cruise Mysteries of the Ganges

By Uma Chandrasiri

Pioneering the introduction of extraordinary river cruise experiences to Sri Lanka, Jetwing Journeys will be launching ‘Mysteries of the Ganges’ along the Hooghly River, a distributary of the sacred Ganges. 

This luxury river voyage, which can accommodate up to 40 travellers, will take place from 15 to 26 December onboard the majestic ABN Rajmahal. Jetwing Journeys’ decision to charter the ABN Rajmahal marks a bold step forward in expanding their portfolio of curated outbound travel experiences.

Jetwing Journeys, a subsidiary Jetwing Travels, recently hosted an exclusive evening at Virticle by Jetwing to launch ‘Mysteries of the Ganges’ – bringing together travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and members of the media. 

The gathering was hosted by Jetwing Symphony PLC Chairman Hiran Cooray, Jetwing Travels Managing Director Shiromal Cooray, and Vice Chairman Gehan Cooray. 

Gehan Cooray opened the evening by tracing the group’s origins to the early 1970s, when his late grandfather and Founding Chairman Herbert Cooray first entered Sri Lanka’s hotel sector. The early 1980s saw Jetwing expand beyond the hospitality industry and into the travel and tourism sphere. 

“In today’s fast-paced digital world, where travel can be scheduled with the click of a button, Jetwing Journeys reminds the traveller that exceptional travel is more than information and bookability,” said Gehan Cooray. “It requires judgment, insight, and interpretation. It is more about finding what will move, inspire, and transform a person, rendering a destination into a lasting and meaningful memory. Travellers can also look forward to more than just an exceptional journey as they return home with lifelong friendships forged with like-minded fellow travellers.” 

According to Cooray, Jetwing Journeys organises global travel with tailor-made private holidays, seamlessly and thoughtfully curated to cater to the unique desires and ambitions of each client. A traveller’s every expectation is not only met but exceeded, with their in-house visa team that guides travellers through every stage of the process and a dedicated air ticketing division. 

Hiran Cooray shared personal reflections and memories from his voyage on ABN Rajmahal along the Ganges two years ago, which prompted Jetwing’s current venture. ‘Mysteries of the Ganges’ will begin in Farakka and conclude in Kolkata, which Cooray labels “a city of contrasts” – a city of beauty, clamour, crowds; a city that stands still but is simultaneously fast-paced.

Kolkata was home to the revered Mother Teresa, celebrated author and poet Rabindranath Tagore – whose houses are still maintained today – and acclaimed filmmaker Satyajit Ray. As Cooray noted, Jetwing Journeys believes the true value of this cruise lies in its exploration of the rich culture, history, and architecture of northern India, transforming ‘Mysteries of the Ganges’ from the stereotypical cruise into something far more enlightening.

Spanning 12 days, ‘Mysteries of the Ganges’ takes guests through historic towns, sacred sites, architectural landmarks, and vibrant local communities, immersing them in the unique rhythm of life along the Ganges. The cruise itinerary begins on Tuesday, 15 December, with the travellers’ arrival in Kolkata, before boarding a train from Howrah to Farakka on Thursday, 17 December. The travellers will visit the historic city of Gaur, dotted with remains of mosques, palaces, and gateways. The group will then set sail down the lower Ganges. Saturday, 19 December, will see the group visit the sleepy village of Baranagar, home to historic miniature terracotta temples. 

Another compelling stop will be the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah – the last independent Nawab of Bengal – and his family, set within Khushbagh, a Mughal-style garden. The guests will also have the opportunity to visit the oldest hotel in India, The LaLiT Great Eastern in Kolkata. 

Throughout the cruise, guests will also visit brassworking villages, take cycle rickshaws, enjoy a walking tour of the flower markets, and explore a traditional potter’s quarters. 

The journey concludes in Kolkata on Christmas Day, providing a fitting occasion to visit the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, the residence of one of history’s most iconic figures, Mother Teresa. 

Jetwing Journeys invites travellers to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime voyage along one of the world’s most sacred rivers. ‘Mysteries of the Ganges’ is priced at Rs. 1,460,000 per person on double-sharing basis.