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Cruise Bengal’s Hooghly River with Sam Dalrymple, exploring history, Partition, and India today through expert-led talks, riverbank excursions, and reflective time on the water: 24 November - 4 December 2026.
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Historian Sam Dalrymple accompanies the group over the course of the 11 days. Sam will deliver a series of talks on the boat, drawing upon his 2025 book "Shattered Lands", exploring the partitions of the Indian sub-continent. In addition to Sam, expert local guides will lead our group on morning excursions to the settlements on the banks of the river.
COME JOIN USAboard the ABN Rajmahal, a 22-cabin river vessel, travel in comfort and style with refined interiors, attentive service, and Bengali & Sheherwali cuisine – an elegant, unhurried way to experience the Hooghly.
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Bengal, once a wealthy Mughal province, drew European traders to the Hooghly from the 16th century, culminating in British dominance after 1757 and the rise of Calcutta. The river also became a conduit for migration, religion and empire – shaping Bengal through Partition, displacement, and the spread of ideas.
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the Hooghly
Saloon, bar, sundeck, spa – air-conditioned comfort throughout.
Kolkata
Spacious rooms, calm setting, with strong Bengali and global dining.
Kolkata
Premium 5-star hotel with multiple dining venues, pool and gardens.
Aboard the ABN Rajmahal, Sam Dalrymple draws on his book 'Shattered Lands' to explore how Partition reshaped Bengal’s landscapes, identities and politics.
He is joined by Robert Ivermee, tracing the Hooghly’s global past, with sessions moderated by Nilanjana Roy, whose work probes violence, justice and contemporary India. (Photo: Madhu Menon)
COME JOIN USMorning excursions explore the Hooghly’s riverbank settlements, from Serampore and Chandannagar to Murshidabad and Gour, visiting mosques, battlefields and trading posts that reveal Bengal’s global history.
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A special thanks to Bertie and Mya for their immaculate planning and thoughtfulness. Your meticulous attention to detail transformed this journey into an extraordinary adventure.
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Adi, Diya, Mayra & Anaya from Canada
Many thanks for your excellent organisation of our tour. We enjoyed it immensely. This was by some way our best trip for a long time and we are very grateful to Sampan for organising it.
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Geoff & Helen from the UK
From the attention to detail and their willingness to always go the extra mile to make their clients happy, Sampan is truly exceptional. We give them countless gold stars, and highest commendations.
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Susan from the USA
