Patna’s river port has several spots for your Ganges cruise adventure – you can board at High Level Jetty, Low Level Jetty, or the newer Kalughat Terminal.
For other India River Cruise destinations check out our River Cruise Ports in India page.
Getting around is a breeze with private cars, Uber/Ola, or your hotel’s shuttle service.
While you’re in town, don’t miss checking out the historic Golghar granary, browsing Patna Museum’s collections, or visiting the important Sikh shrine Takht Sri Patna Sahib.
Cruise boats like Ganges Voyager and RV Katha Pandaw offer pretty swanky digs, complete with your own butler and tasty local food.
The river is kept clean thanks to some pretty tough environmental rules – which is important since the Ganges is considered sacred by many locals.
Map of Patna, Bihar Cruise Ship Port
Terminal Facilities & Operations at Patna River Port
Patna’s been making waves in India’s inland waterway scene, with major upgrades to its river port since 2008.
Got cargo to move? Check out the High Level Jetty (running since 2012) and Low Level Jetty (2008) at Gaighat, both kitted out with mechanical handling systems. The brand-new Kalughat Terminal just opened in 2024, sporting a massive 125m x 30m berth that connects straight to NH-19.
The port’s got you covered with fuel stations, storage space, and can handle ships up to 2,000 DWT. And with 20 floating terminals dotted along NW-1, you’re always within reach of the river transport network.
Getting To and From the Cruise Terminals
Getting To and From the Cruise Terminals
Getting to Patna’s cruise terminals is pretty simple, even as they’re building more facilities. You’ve got plenty of ways to get there without much fuss.
Want a smooth ride? Book a private car through Savaari Car Rentals or TravelBaits ahead of time. Their drivers know exactly where the terminals are, so you won’t be wandering around lost. If you’re sailing with Pandaw, they’ll even hook you up with first-class train tickets to Varanasi and transfers to your hotel.
Watching your wallet? Hop on an auto-rickshaw or local bus – they’re cheap and get the job done. Ride-sharing apps work all over Patna too, so you can track your ride right to the terminal. Staying at a hotel? Many offer shuttle services if you give them a heads-up beforehand.
Tourist Attractions Accessible From the Port
Tourist Attractions Accessible From the Port
Once you’re settled at the terminal, Patna serves up a bunch of cool attractions just a stone’s throw away. This city mixes ancient history with spiritual hotspots, letting you connect with India’s amazing heritage without going far.
- Historical Landmarks – Climb up Golghar for killer views of the Ganges, check out the ancient Mauryan stuff at Patna Museum, or wander through the old ruins at Kumhrar archaeological site.
- Religious Sites – Drop by Takht Sri Patna Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh was born or swing by the popular Mahavir Mandir.
- Day Trips – If you’ve got time, head out to the UNESCO-listed Nalanda University ruins or the Bihar School of Yoga.
Vessel Types & Services on the Ganges
Cruising the sacred Ganges through Patna is honestly something special – you get this perfect mix of luxury and culture on some pretty amazing boats. Check out the Ganges Voyager I & II – these babies stretch 56.5 meters with three decks and room for 56 people. Or if you’re feeling nostalgic, hop on the RV Katha Pandaw with its cool 19th-century Burmese vibes.
When it comes to rooms, you’ve got options from the massive 400 sq ft Maharaja Suite down to the still-impressive 261 sq ft Colonial Suite. Every room has marble bathrooms and these gorgeous windows that let you soak in the views. The staff treats you like royalty with personal butler service, and man, the food! The Bengali fish curry is to die for. Between meals, you can join cooking classes with the chef or kick back for some interesting talks about why this river matters so much to so many people.
See what’s on offer from the Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh for a different India River Cruise destination.
Navigating Environmental Regulations for Cruises
Cruising the Ganges: Environmental Rules You Should Know
There’s more to your luxury Ganges cruise than just beautiful views – there’s a whole system of environmental rules that boats need to follow. Understanding these helps you enjoy your trip while protecting Bihar’s sacred river.
Your cruise company has to handle:
- Waste management – No dumping in the river! All sewage gets stored in special tanks and taken to treatment plants in Patna
- Engine regulations – The boats use special marine engines designed not to leak fuel into the water
- Water quality checks – They regularly test the water to make sure it’s clean enough for cruising
When we all follow these rules, we’re doing our part to keep the Ganges flowing clean for years to come.
Bihta Dry Port: Multi-Modal Transport Hub
The impressive Bihta Dry Port is basically Bihar’s ticket to global trade, completely changing the game for moving goods in and out of the region.
This 7-acre hub sits in a perfect spot near Patna, hooking you up directly with major ports like Kolkata and Mundra through rail and highways. If you’re running a local business, you’ll love the 15-20% you’ll save on logistics and saying goodbye to those frustrating customs clearance delays.
Got leather goods, farm products, or textiles to export? Bihta’s got your back with modern warehouses, cold storage, and round-the-clock security. The whole setup connects roads, railways, and potentially air cargo too, keeping your business linked to markets worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Safety Measures Are Implemented During Monsoon Season Cruises?
During monsoon season (July-September), most cruise operations simply shut down at peak times. When cruises do run, they keep you safe with several practical measures – cargo gets securely tied down, boats undergo mandatory safety inspections, crew members receive thorough emergency training, and they’ll carry fewer passengers than usual to maintain stability in choppier waters.
Are Onboard Medical Facilities Available on Ganges Cruise Vessels?
The medical setup on Ganges cruise boats is pretty bare-bones, to be honest. Think of it as a patched-together safety net – you’ll have access to basic first aid kits, defibrillators if you’re lucky, and they can call doctors on shore for advice. But if something serious happens? You’re getting evacuated to the nearest hospital on land. Just the reality of river cruising – we’re all dealing with the same limitations out there.
What Documentation Do Foreign Nationals Need for River Cruises?
For river cruises, foreign nationals should pack their passport (make sure it’s valid for at least six months), a tourist visa that covers your whole trip, and submit your APIS information correctly. Bring physical copies of everything too – border officials often want to see the actual documents when you go ashore. We’ll help you sort all this out before sailing!
How Reliable Is Cellular/Internet Connectivity on the River Route?
Ever feel like you’re floating in a digital dead zone? River cruises are notorious for patchy connections! Yeah, satellite internet is technically available, but don’t count on binging your favorite shows. Your phone might grab a signal when we drift near towns, but once we hit those gorgeous remote stretches? Total digital detox time. Don’t sweat it though—we’re all disconnected together!
What Local Cuisine Options Are Available at Port Terminals?
Hungry while waiting for your cruise? Port terminals serve up plenty of local treats! You can grab Bihar’s famous Litti Chokha, browse street food stalls for quick bites, or satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional Thekua from local vendors. If you’re craving something heartier, the waterfront restaurants dish up amazing fresh fish curry. And don’t worry about carrying cash – most food spots take mobile payments these days.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal Cruise Ship Port.
