The Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers form one of the largest river systems on the earth and the history of the vast estuary formed from their combined deltas is both fascinating and complex. As geological movement caused the main channels of the rivers to shift, new areas of settlement and trade were created. Ideas and architecture often underwent significant adaptations in the process. More recently political frontiers created by the British have divided a region geographically split by water channels yet culturally united. Join scholar Hilary Smith on a unique journey through a lush land of rich archaeological sites, mangrove forests and decaying mansions of nineteenth-century maharajas.
Begin the trip in Dhaka, the intriguing capital of Bangladesh. The oldest section of the city runs along the waterfront of the Buriganya River and was developed when Dhaka was a significant Moghul trading center. Discover Lalbagh Fort, an unfinished fort and the National Museum which houses a fascinating display of Bangladesh's Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Moghul past. Fly to Jessore and continue by road to Bagerhat, the historical Khalifatabad, a lost city located at the meeting-point of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. Founded by Ulugh Khan Jahan, the citys’ infrastructure reveals considerable technical skill and an exceptional number of fine mosques and early Islamic monuments, many built of brick. Head north to visit the late Mughal-era temple of Kantanagar whose surface is superbly decorated with infinite panels of sculpted terracotta plaques.
Spend three days in Bogra and discover the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paharpur, an enormous Buddhist monastery. From the central courtyard a high stupa dominates the surrounding countryside and the monastery's recessed walls are embellished with well-preserved terracotta bas-reliefs. Close by is the ancient city of Mahastangarh, a site considered holy by Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists, which was, until recently buried under soil. The spectacular site has a fortified enclosure beyond which ruins fan out within a semi-circle. Drive to Gaur passing through spectacular landscapes where foot-worn paths meander through brilliant-yellow mustard fields and enormous expanses of land dotted with mud-brick huts. Under the Afghans, Gaur became a prosperous city surrounded by fortified ramparts replete with temples and palaces and visited by merchants from all over Central Asia, Arabia and Persia.
Cross the border into West Bengal and admire Pandua with its superb Hindu sculpture. Travel by train to Kolkata, the capital of present day West Bengal. Visit the National Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India which houses one of the finest collections in Asia. End the trip with a cruise through the spectacular Sundarbans National Park, home of the Royal Bengal tiger, where for miles and miles the lofty treetops form an unbroken canopy shading the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world. Thousands of meandering streams, rivers and estuaries are home to a large variety of wildlife. Fly home from Kolkata.
Group size is limited to 20 travelers.
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