Metroscape

July 26, 1999

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Go Mumbai

Go Calcutta: River Cruise
It's not quite the African Queen. But the West Bengal Department of Tourism last week floated its own brand of adventure: a three-day heritage cruise down the Hooghly aboard the MV Chitrarekha to -- and past -- such historic places as Murshidabad, Chandannagore, Kalna, Belur Math and more.

The organisers were clearly plugging experience. A leisurely float, ghazals over the pa system and drinks, dinner on a rainwashed deck while a string quartet played Rabindra Sangeet. Even the food was designed to give passengers a taste of the Bengal of yore. A special bonus: the passengers get their fill of history after-hours -- no jostling, no haggling with guides. At Rs 5,000 a head, not cheap though. Cruises leave from Outram Ghat jetty. For details, contact (033) 248-8242/7302 or fax (033) 248-8290.

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