best ganges river cruise

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Ganges River Cruises

Sail on the sacred waters of India’s famous Ganges river. The world's leading cruise companies will take care of every aspect of your vacation as you pass through centuries of history and the rich culture of Kolkata (Calcutta) and Kalna. Travellers also often visit the temples of Matiari and Mayapur.

19 Ganges cruises with reviews

• River Cruise

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (2024) (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2024)

• Train & Rail
• Christmas & New Year

Taj to Varanasi

Cruise on the Ganges: The Sacred Waters between Kolkata and Varanasi (port-to-port cruise)

Cruise on the Ganges between Kolkata and Varanasi & the splendors of Rajasthan (port-to-port cruise)

• In-depth Cultural
• Walking Adventure

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (2025) (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2025)

ME to WE & the Sacred Ganges (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2019)

Me to We part was excellent. However, the communication re flights before was poor. The internal flights were badly planned. Leaving Udaipur at 3pm and arriving in Kolkata hotel at 3am to leave again at 9.30 am was ridiculous. Boat was excellent, but a lot of people got upset stomachs. No Indian spices in the curries!

Me to We & the Sacred Ganges (2020) (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2020)

Me to We & the Sacred Ganges (2021) (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2021)

Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express (2023) (Kolkata to Mumbai, 2023)

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (2023) (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2023)

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (2020) (New Delhi to Kolkata, 2020)

Cruising On River Ganges

• €126 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Jungle Trekking

Gems of Kerala

Threads & Makers | The Textile Cruise

Colorful India & the Ganges River with Kathmandu

Reviews of ganges cruises.

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Popular Cruise Ships

• Ganges Voyager II from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• Ganges Voyager from Avalon Waterways

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (6)
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Antara Cruises

Ganges Voyager

The mighty river Ganges, also known as Ganga in Sanskrit, represents grace and timeless existence. For centuries, travellers have explored different parts of the country through the Ganges. Ganges Voyager offers travel experiences in the Indian Subcontinent by sailing in some of South Asia’s finest luxury river cruise ships.  The epitome of elegance and luxury.

Enjoy picturesque views from a panoramic balcony-window aboard this all-suite ship featuring the largest standard accommodations in river cruising. Savour Michelin-inspired cuisine and exceptional service while discovering India’s glorious destinations. 

Exceptional Service

With the highest staff-to-guest ratio and personalised butler service, experience true Indian hospitality. Warm and friendly service which sets the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Eat.Drink.Love

Fresh ingredients, Michelin inspired menus, paired with choicest of wines take you on a culinary sojourn when you sail on Antara Cruises.

Farm fresh ingredients and Michelin inspired menus paired with choicest of wines, will take you on a culinary journey when you sail on Antara Ganges Voyager.

Enjoy a drink in our spacious lounge bar-a truly enjoyable experience with breathtaking views.

Fresh ingredients, local delicacies and regionally inspired menus are the guiding principles for our chefs, who work tirelessly to offer you the best of local and international cuisines.

Luxurious Accomodation

Luxurious Accommodation – There is a place where luxury is comfortable, simplicity is elegant, and supreme indulgence creates a sense of well-being. Here, the day breaks with enchanting views, and night falls into a dreamy slumber in your beautifully spacious suite.

Maharaja Suite

The most luxurious and spacious suite aboard, with 400 sq. ft. of space, the Maharaja Suite is a haven of luxury. Embellished with Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and rich tapestry, it also has a flat screen TV, on-demand movie service, and a writing desk. Bathrooms are as luxurious as the room and are fitted with both spacious bathtub and shower panels. Daily butler service and in-room dining are also available on request.

Viceroy Suite

Regal and ornate, the Viceroy Suite is furnished with colonial decor, Persian rugs and hand-stencilled walls. It has more than 360 sq. ft. of living space, a finely crafted day bed and a spacious bathroom fitted with all modern amenities.

Heritage Suite

Offering utmost privacy and comfort with a spacious French balcony to witness the panoramic views, Heritage Suite is a perfect retreat. It is fitted with an exquisite four-poster bed, Persian rugs and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The hand painted walls add to the charm of these suites.

Colonial Suite

The Colonial Rooms are painted in vibrant and inviting colours with picturesque prints that uplift the mood. There is a comfortable seating area in the suite and also a beautiful French balcony. 

Signature Suite

Our Signature Suite offers two styles of arrangements – 2 twin-size beds and 1 queen size-bed. It has a comfortable seating area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors to enjoy the view outside. Decorated with hand-stencils, local murals and fine wood furniture, the suite is meticulously designed for comfort.

Immersive Experiences

Soak in the Antara River experience on the holy rivers of India and witness diverse cultural and heritage traditions. Enjoy experiential exploration on the riverside aligned with enriching pursuits onboard.

Relax and lounge on our sundeck with crisp fresh air and sun for company.

In order to acquaint you with the beautiful journey of India’s past, we take you to a tour of historical monuments. These include British colonial buildings, Mother Teresa’s memorial home, Murshidabad’s Palace & Chandernagore’s French colonial buildings to name a few.

Cultural Programs

After spending the day in off-board excursions, enjoy cultural dance performances within the premises of the cruise. These folk dance forms offer a glimpse into India’s rich heritage and culture through their synchronized moves and attire.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Immerse yourself in the rituals of relaxation at the Antara Spa, which finds a natural home on the rivers of India. There is no better place to experience yoga than on the sacred rivers of India where it was born.

Enjoy a relaxing massage at our spa on Sundeck, which has two treatment rooms. Choose from a wide range of Indian and western spa treatments during the luxurious journey.

Fitness Centre

For those who wish to maintain their routine of a morning run, our gym – adjoining the spa – houses a treadmill, an exercise bike and an elliptical machine.

Wake up early and spare a few moments to rejuvenate your senses with a session of Yoga on the Ganges. Complimentary Yoga classes, geared towards beginners, are offered to all guests every morning.

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Ganges Voyager II

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River Cruises on the Ganges River

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Ganges River

Uncover the many wonders of India with a river cruise along the sacred Ganges, lifeline for millions of Indians and a subject of Hindu worship. Religious ceremonies are performed along her banks, and her waters provide sustenance for many cities both big and small. Start your Ganges River expedition in Kolkata, a unique blend of British colonialism and traditional Indian cultures. Explore Mother Teresa's former home and the Victoria Memorial Hall before starting your journey along the Ganges. Highlights of many Ganges river cruises include Bandel, Kalna, Matiari, Khushbagh, Baranagar, Murshidabad, Mayapur and more. Each one will reveal a new side of India while building your appreciation for this marvelous land and its amazing people. Featured below are a few of the best things to do when cruising through India along the sacred Ganges:

• Observe an authentic Bollywood-style music and dance performance and learn more about India's fun and spirited entertainment.  
• Marvel at the beautiful Taj Mahal - an awe-inspiring tomb and mausoleum dedicated to Emperor Shah Jahan's wife who died during childbirth. Some itineraries allow for both a sunset and sunrise tour so you can see this unique wonder in two distinct lights.  

• Enjoy a horse cart ride to the enormous Katra Mosque, built during the 1700s. An earthquake in 1897 destroyed much of the mosque, but the preserved courtyards, ruins and surviving structures are still a site to behold.  
• Visit Mother Teresa's former home and learn about the Missionaries of Charity established in 1950 by the adored Roman Catholic nun. Afterwards, visit her modest tomb and explore an exhibit dedicated to her life's work.  

• Head to the gigantic Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, which will be double the size of Rome's St. Peter's Basilica upon its completion. This massive temple features a large rotating model of the planetary system.  
• Explore Agra Fort, a red sandstone fortress surrounded by a defensive moat. You'll cross a drawbridge to enter this stunning fortress, which is as beautiful as it is formidable. Enjoy the mesmerizing architecture and unforgettable views as your explore all of Agra Fort.  

The highlights listed above are just a taste of the wonders waiting for you on an India river cruise along the Ganges. You'll marvel at ancient temples, travel through buzzing bazaars and meet the locals while learning about their heritage and lifestyle. This one-of-a-kind itinerary will show you a new side of India while inspiring you to seek new discoveries each and every day.

Map of the Ganges River:

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Ganga Vilas

Built in 2022, the luxurious, 18-suite Ganga Vilas is a state-of-the-art, handcrafted riverboat offering guests unparalleled comfort in the region and pioneering exploration of the Indian Subcontinent’s seldom-sailed waterways.

Her itineraries include the longest river cruise in the world, a unique voyage spanning the course of 27 rivers and a distance of some 3200 km (nearly 2000 miles) across India and Bangladesh. Exploring the wonders of the region like no other river cruise before, the route connects the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems via Bangladesh, traversing both the Gangetic and Bengal Plains, as well as the Sundarbans and Assam Valley.

Life On Board

Exclusively catering for up to 36 guests, the vessel’s 18 sophisticated suites are split over two decks, with 8 on the Main Deck which neighbor a gym and pair of massage rooms, and 10 on the Upper Deck bookended by a panoramic lounge-bar to the bow and dining room to the stern. Above, the half-shaded Sun Deck has a covered observation pavilion with cozy seating and tables, and a selection of loungers with umbrellas all providing unrestricted views of the stunning scenery.

The ship features a vibrant and modern decor inspired by the 1950s art scene that followed the 1947 Partition of India. These bursts of color, from bright magentas and cool blues to lustrous yellows, all delightfully complement the vivid cultures and regions explored during its sailing.

And, with sustainable principles at its heart, the Ganga Vilas incorporates pollution prevention and noise control technologies to honor the ancient rivers traveled through—and environments visited—en route.

To enrich your time on board, butlers are on hand to cater to your every whim, and the industry-leading crew-to-guest service ratios ensure there is always someone on hand to exceed your expectations with warm, personalized and friendly service. As well as being pampered—literally if you visit the on board massage rooms—there are cultural performances, educational talks and cooking classes for your entertainment.

World’s Longest River Cruise

The Ganga Vilas offers lucky guests the chance to embark on the longest river cruise in the world, and what’s more, the rare chance to experience a pioneering route across the Indian Subcontinent with privileged access to pristine vistas untouched by pollution or mass tourism, rich in mythologies, monuments, temples, palaces, artisans and biodiversity.

This is an experiential voyage of epic proportions, not only in terms of its duration—some 50 days of navigation—but also in its exploration of the riches of the region, as you embark on an immersive journey encompassing art, cuisine, wildlife, culture, spirituality, and so much more, visiting World Heritage listed sites, colonial cities, ruins of lost empires, national parks and artisanal villages.

Immersive Experiences

Descend the ghats of the holy city of Varanasi to witness the powerful “Ganga Aarti” ritual, a devotional offering to the river’s goddess, Maa Ganga, and visit the archaeological site of Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon after reaching enlightenment.

Witness the incredible wildlife and natural wonders of the world’s largest mangrove forest—the Sundarbans—and the bewilderingly biodiverse Kaziranga National Park, home to India’s Big 5: the One-Horned Rhino, Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Wild Water Buffalo and Swamp Deer.

Marvel at mysterious Mayong, a village considered the cradle of Tantra Kriya (black magic) in India where sorcery, voodoo and dark magic were traditionally practiced since time immemorial and passed down over generations.

Explore the unique island of Majuli, cultural capital of Assam and largest river island in the world. The island is home to a myriad of 15th-century Hindu monasteries, each with their own principles and devotional practices, mask-wearing monks, and traditional dances.

Travelers that prefer a shorter itinerary but still want to explore the riches of this remarkable region, the 49-night itinerary can be done in two parts, a 19-night portion from Varanasi to Kolkata (or vice-versa) along the Ganges, and a 30-night portion from Kolkata to Dibrugarh (or vice-versa) via Bangladesh along the Hooghly, Brahmaputra and other rivers.

A lavish, all-suite, and all-inclusive cruise taking you to untouched destinations along the seldom-sailed rivers of the Indian Subcontinent, all with unmatched hospitality and unparalleled comfort, a voyage aboard Ganga Vilas promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

11 Day - Treading the Buddha’s Trail

Embarkation

AM: Board an early morning train in Kolkata to Farakka. Upon arrival at the Farakka train station, transfer to embark the ship followed by lunch while the ship sails to Samtaghat revealing vast panoramas.

PM: Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

River day Samtaghat – Bateshwarsthan

AM & PM: Today we sail full day towards Bateshwarsthan. Enjoy today on board. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Bateshwarsthan – Sultanganj

AM: Morning drive to the 8-9th century excavation site of the Vikramshila University (approx. 15-mins drive) and walk around the ruins. Vikramshila University was one of the three most important Buddhist monasteries in India during the Pala Empire, along with Nalanda and Odantapuri. It was one of the largest Buddhist universities, with more than a thousand students and over one hundred teachers. Its location is now the site of Antichak village near Kahalgaon, in Bihar. Vikramshila is known mainly through Tibetan sources, especially the writings of Taranatha, the Tibetan monk historian of the 16-17 centuries. 

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj. 

Sultanganj – Munger

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock-islands in the river connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

PM: Thereafter sail towards Munger.

Munger Sightseeing

AM: Munger is known for its manufacturing of iron articles such as firearms and swords. It is the ancient city of Mahabharata legend Karna, the eldest son of Kunti and the Sun Lord. In the morning visit to the Chandika Sthan Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti it is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. 

PM: Return to ship for lunch and thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. Munger’s Fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

Munger – Simaria

AM: We continue our journey further upstream sailing to arrive in Simaria by late afternoon. Visit by walk in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people. It has a famous bridge which provides both rail and road connectivity to the local residents.

River day Simaria – Patna

AM: Today we sail full day through wonderful countryside to Patna, the capital of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra.

Patna Disembark / Nalanda – Bodhgaya

AM: Disembark early morning by 07:00 hrs after early breakfast or with packed breakfast and drive to Nalanda (approx. 2-hrs).  The archaeological ruins of Nalanda, a World Heritage Site, was a renowned Mahavihara (Buddhist monastic university) in ancient Magadha. It is considered by historians to be the world's first residential university and among the greatest centers of learning in the ancient world. Operating from 427 until 1197 CE, Nalanda played a vital role in promoting the patronage of arts and academics during the 5th and 6th century CE. It was supported by numerous Indian and Javanese patrons, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. Over some 750 years, its faculty included some of the most revered scholars of Mahayana Buddhism. It taught six major Buddhist schools and philosophies as well as subjects such as Vedas, grammar, medicine, logic and mathematics. It was perhaps the oldest seat of learning in India and treasures a glorious past, rich spiritual heritage and some extraordinary architectural ruins.

PM: Continue to nearby Rajgir where lunch can be taken at a local restaurant. 

Rajgir, is a historic town that holds a place of prominence in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain scriptures owing to it being the seat and capital of several dynasties and the dwelling ground of such historical figures as The Buddha and Mahavira. Both Mahavira and Buddha taught in Rajgir during the 6th and 5th century BC. The Buddha was offered a forest monastery in Rajgir, by the king Bimbisara. As such, the city of Rajgir became one of the Buddha's most important preaching locations, where he spent several months meditating. He also delivered some of his famous sermons and initiated king Bimbisara and others to Buddhism. It was here, on one of the hills where the First Buddhist Council was held after Buddha’s death.

Continue drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 2-hrs), which for Buddhists, is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini and Sarnath.

Dinner and overnight at a local hotel.

Bodhgaya Sightseeing

AM: Begin the day with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple. Declared a World Heritage Site, it is said to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment under a banyan tree that became known as the Bodhi Tree. Since antiquity, Bodh Gaya has remained the object of pilgrimage and veneration both for Hindus and Buddhists. Buddhist chanting and prayers can be witnessed in the temple premises.

The day can be spent exploring the several Buddhist temples and monasteries that have been built by the people of various countries like Bhutan, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam in a wide area around the Mahabodhi Temple. These buildings reflect the architectural style, exterior and interior decoration of their respective countries. The statue of The Buddha in the Chinese temple is 200 years old and was brought from China. The Japanese Nippon temple is shaped like a pagoda. The Myanmar (Burmese) temple is also pagoda shaped and is reminiscent of Bagan. The Thai temple has a typical sloping, curved roof covered with golden tiles. Inside, the temple holds a massive bronze statue of Buddha. Next to the Thai temple is a 25-metre statue of The Buddha, located within a garden which has existed there for over 100 years.

PM: Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Drive Bodhgaya / Varanasi

AM: After early breakfast we drive to Varanasi (248-kms/approx. 5-hrs), the holiest town for the Hindus. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and have lunch. Varanasi, known variously as Banaras and Kashi, is a major religious hub in India, and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Hindus believe that death in this city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. The city is known worldwide for its many Ghats, which are embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the riverbank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. 

PM: Enjoy a walk on these ghats and arrive at the Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the “Ganga Aarti” ritual, performed by a group of priests lined up on the riverbank chanting mantras and performing the prayer ritual with lamps, incense, bells and traditional Hindu instruments to honour the river. Thousands of devotees throng the riverbank to participate in the ceremony every evening.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

AM: At early dawn enjoy a Sunrise Boat Tour to witness the incredible scenes along the Holy River. Return to hotel for breakfast. 

Thereafter visit Sarnath where, circa 528 BCE, at 35 years of age, Gautama Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. The Dhamek Stupa here marks the precise location where Buddha preached his first discourse to his first five disciples, and where all five eventually became fully liberated. It is also where the Buddhist Sangha first came into existence as a result of the enlightenment of his first five disciples. It is also one of the eight stupas where Buddha’s ashes after his cremation were divided and buried.

The Archaeological Museum at Sarnath contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years. 

Thereafter transfer to the airport for onward journey. 

20 Day - Kolkata to Varanasi

PM: Embark the ship at the Jetty in Kolkata and enjoy lunch on board. The afternoon excursion features a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Proceed to visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb (closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked here until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Optional: We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children's Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour.

Enjoy cultural performances onboard. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Kolkata - Kalna

AM: Morning after breakfast, visit Kolkata’s Flower Market, a feast for the eyes. Located below and adjacent to the cantilevered Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred river Ganges, the market is bustling from the wee hours of the morning. Countless vendors and buyers exchange money for flowers and countless locals carry bales of flowers that are at least twice their weight. There are several stalls where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata, renowned for its sculpting prowess, which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them. The potters here fashioned the clay from the river beside their home into pots to be sold at the local market. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch and start sailing upstream passing below the Howrah Bridge and seeing

various colonial buildings along the Ganges River.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Kalna – Matiari

AM: In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town center of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques that depict themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.

PM: Return to the ship walk through the local market and sail onward to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.

Matiari - Murshidabad

AM: Early this morning enjoy a walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. The village is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village.

PM: Sail onward to Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

Mushidabad – Jangipur

AM: Morning visit to the Katra mosque. Built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad – Murshid Quli Khan in 1724-25, this mosque has distinctive minarets from which the muezzin calls the faithful to Friday prayers. Thereafter proceed to visit the Hazarduari Palace (closed on Fridays), which dominates the waterfront, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824-1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors and is filled with colonial-era antiques, artwork, and manuscripts. Opposite the Palace is a vast Imambara – built by the Nawab for worship.

PM: Return to the ship and sail towards Jangipur.

River day Jangipur – Samtaghat

AM: We will cast off early in the morning to reach the historic Farakka Lock Gate, which was built during the years 1963-75. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges revealing vast panoramas. We can also see the Farakka barrage at a distance, which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India.

PM: We continue to sail towards Samtaghat. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail full day towards Bateshwarsthan. Enjoy today on board. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning drive to the excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. In the late 8th or early 9th century, Vikramshila University, along with that of Nalanda, was one of the two most important Buddhist centers of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, meta-physics, and logic were taught here.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock islands in the river that are connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th-century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

PM: Thereafter sail towards Munger, one of the largest and most industrialized cities in the state of Bihar. It is a hub for railway, gun, tobacco, and dairy product manufacturing. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning visit to the Chandika Sthan Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti it is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. It is believed that Sati Devi's left eye had fallen at this place which subsequently developed into a place of worship.

PM: Return to ship for lunch and thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. The Munger Fort is built on a rocky hillock on the south bank of the Ganges River. Its history is not completely dated but it is believed that it was built during the early rule of the Slave Dynasty (12th – 13th century). The Fort had a succession of Muslim rulers followed by the Mughals, till it was finally acceded to the British. The fort became a place of considerable importance to the British in Bengal till India'a independence in 1947. The fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace, and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

AM: We continue our journey further upstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. Until the first half of the 20th century, Mokameh Ghat was an important trade and transport link for ferrying cargo and passengers by ships across the river to the northeastern parts of India. We arrive in Samaria by late afternoon. Visit by walking in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people.

AM: Today we sail a full day through the wonderful countryside to Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a center of international trade.

Patna – Ghaghra Mod

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard we proceed for a sightseeing tour of Patna visiting the Golghar, Patna Museum, and Gurudwara. The 18th-century Golghar, (closed on Mondays) literally meaning "Roundhouse", is a large beehive-shaped granary that was built "for the perpetual prevention of famine in these provinces" in 1784 by Warren Hastings, the British Governor General of India. Designed by Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers, part of the East India Company’s Bengal Army, this pillar-less building has a height of 29m. One can climb at the top of the Golghar through the spiral stairway around it. The spiral staircase was designed to facilitate the passage of the workers, who had to carry grain bags up one flight, deliver their load through a hole at the top, and descend the other stairs. The top of the Golghar presents a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges. The Patna Museum (closed on Mondays) was started in April 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artifacts found in the vicinity of Patna. Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, bronze images and sculptures, and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a collection related to the first President of India Rajendra Prasad, who hailed from the region. Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) was built to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs in 1666. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. The current shrine was built in the 1950s.

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Ghaghra Mod – en route to Buxar

AM: Morning enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail a full day towards Buxar, anchoring en route.

Arrival in Buxar

AM: We arrive in Buxar by late morning. Buxar is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar, bordering the State of Uttar Pradesh. This town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, the battlefield of gods and demons, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. The discoveries from excavations have established a link between Buxar and the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. It is most famous for the battle fought here in 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-daulah the Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

PM: Post lunch explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, which is associated with the legend of Lord Ram. It is said that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges near this ghat. He also made a “Shivling” from sand and clay and worshipped it. Located on the riverbank is the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses various types of Archaeological objects, coins, and manuscripts. It is named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection to the museum. The terracotta collection of the Mauryan and Shungan periods deserves special mention.

Buxar – Ghazipur

AM: Today we sail to Ghazipur, in the State of Uttar Pradesh, sailing past the battlefield of Chausa, where in 1539 CE, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal. Ghazipur is well known for its opium factory, established by the British East India Company in 1820 and still the biggest legal opium factory in the world, producing the drug for the global pharmaceutical industry.

PM: Afternoon, visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the major figures of Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War and then for his time as the Governor-General of India, being said to have laid the true foundation of British rule. He was later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He died in Ghazipur in 1805, soon after his return to India for his second appointment as Governor-General. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a lofty dome supported by 12 Doric columns. At the center is the bust of Lord Cornwallis, below which is an epitaph in English.

River day Ghazipur – en route to Varanasi

AM: Today we sail full day upstream towards Varanasi.

PM: We will moor for the night before Varanasi, subject to river tide conditions. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Arrival in Varanasi

AM: We sail further upstream through the day to arrive by late afternoon depending upon tide conditions in Varanasi, our final destination of the cruise, Varanasi. Known variously as Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is a major religious hub in India, and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. It is also an important industrial center, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture.

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard, visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays) here contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter, visit the Ghats by walking to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.

Disembarkation

AM: Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.

20 Day - Varanasi to Kolkata

PM: Arrive in Varanasi in the afternoon and transfer to the jetty for embarkation. Welcome and safety briefing, then enjoy lunch on board.

Samath to Ghats

River Day Varanasi - Ghazipur

AM: Today we sail a full day downstream towards Ghazipur, which is well known for its opium factory, established by the British East India Company in 1820 and still the biggest legal opium factory in the world, producing the drug for the global pharmaceutical industry.

Ghazipur - Buxar

AM: Morning after breakfast visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the major figures of Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War and then for his time as the Governor-General of India, being said to have laid the true foundation of British rule. He was later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He died in Ghazipur in 1805, soon after his return to India for his second appointment as Governor-General. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a lofty dome supported by 12 Doric columns. At the center is the bust of Lord Cornwallis, below which is an epitaph in English.

PM: Thereafter sail a full day towards Buxar, in the State of Bihar, sailing past the battlefield of Chausa, where in 1539 CE, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal.

Buxar is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar, bordering the State of Uttar Pradesh. This town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, the battlefield of gods and demons, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. The discoveries from excavations have established a link between Buxar and the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. It is most famous for the battle fought here in 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-daulah the Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

Buxar - Ghaghra Mod

AM: Morning after breakfast explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, which is associated with the legend of Lord Ram. It is said that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges near this ghat. He also made a “Shivling” from sand and clay and worshipped it. Located on the riverbank is the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses various types of Archaeological objects, coins, and manuscripts. It is named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection to the museum. The terracotta collection of the Mauryan and Shungan periods deserves special mention.

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges.Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Ghaghra Mod – Patna

AM: Morning enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail a full day to Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a center of international trade.

Patna – en route to Simaria

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Simaria, anchoring en route. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Arrive in Simaria – en route to Munger

AM: Further sailing in the morning brings us to Simaria. Visit by walking in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people.

We continue our journey further downstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. Until the first half of the 20th century, Mokameh Ghat was an important trade and transport link for ferrying cargo and passengers by ships across the river to the northeastern parts of India. We anchor en route o Munger.

PM : We arrive in Munger by afternoon which is one of the largest and most industrialized cities in the state of Bihar. It is a hub for railway, gun, tobacco, and dairy product manufacturing. Late afternoon thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. The Munger

Fort is built on a rocky hillock on the south bank of the Ganges River. Its history is not completely dated but it is believed that it was built during the early rule of the Slave Dynasty (12th – 13th century). The Fort had a succession of Muslim rulers followed by the Mughals, till it was finally acceded to the British. The fort became a place of considerable importance to the British in Bengal till India'a independence in 1947. The fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace, and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

Munger - Sultanganj

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj.

Sultanganj – Bateshwarsthan

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock islands in the river that are connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th-century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thereafter sail towards Bateshwarsthan.

Bateshwarsthan – Samtaghat

AM: Morning drive to the excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. In the late 8th or early 9th century, Vikramshila University, along with that of Nalanda, was one of the two most important Buddhist centers of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Samtaghat. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

River day Samtaghat – Jangipur

AM: We will cast off early in the morning to reach the historic Farakka Lock Gate, which was built during the years 1963-75. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to come on the Hooghly River. We can also see the Farakka barrage at a distance, which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India.

PM: We continue to sail toward Jangipur. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Riverday Jangipur – Murshidabad

AM: We sail a full day towards Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

Murshidabad

River day Murshidabad – Matiari

AM: We sail a full day today to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.

Matiari - Kalna

PM: Sail onward to Kalna. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Kalna - Kolkata

AM: In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town center of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.

PM: Return to the ship walk through the local market and sail onward to Kolkata. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon excursion features a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Proceed to visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb (closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked there until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Optional: We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children's Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour. Enjoy cultural performances onboard.

50 Day - Varanasi to Dibrugarh

Embark the ship at the Jetty in Varanasi and enjoy lunch on board. Thereafter, visit the Ghats by walking to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.

After breakfast, we will visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Return to the ship for lunch and begin sail downstream towards the outskirts of Varanasi.

Sailing Day - Varanasi - Ghazipur

Enjoy the meandering landscape as you sail to Ghazipur and enjoy the amenities onboard.

In Ghazipur, visit the tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the most important figures in Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his time as Governor General of India. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a high dome supported by 12 Doric columns. 

Continue to Buxar, famous for the 1764 war between the forces of the British East India Company and the armies of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-daulah and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company. 

After breakfast visit the Ram Rekha Ghat. It is associated with a legend from the epic Ramayana that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges here. Also visit the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum, named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection which includes archaeological objects, coins and manuscripts. Return to ship and sail towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges. 

After breakfast enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail full day towards Patna, the capital of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra.

Patna - En Route To Simaria

After breakfast proceed to visit the Golghar and Patna Museum. Return to ship for lunch and sail towards Simaria, anchoring en route.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Simaria - En Route To Munger

Further sailing in the morning brings us to Simaria. After breakfast walk in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people. Return to the ship and continue our journey further downstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat and anchor en route to Munger.

Arrive Munger

Enjoying breakfast onboard, we arrive in Munger by afternoon. Enjoy a walk through the ruins of the fort. Afterward visit the local market, famous for fruits and vegetables as well as various textiles.

After breakfast visit the Chandika Sthan Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. It is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. Return to ship for lunch and begin sail towards Sultanganj.

Sultanganj - Bateshwarsthan

After breakfast excursion to Sultanganj, which is notable for two prominent granite rock islands in the river connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one of the islands is a mosque; on the other larger one is the Ajgaibinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. We will visit the Shiva temple. Return to the ship and sail towards Bateshwarsthan while enjoying lunch onboard.

Bateshwarsthan - Samtaghat

After breakfast drive in cars to the 8-9th century excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. Vikramshila University was an important Buddhist centre of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here. We return to the ship and sail towards Samtaghat. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

Samtaghat – Farakka – Jangipur

Enjoying breakfast onboard we sail in the morning to cross the historic Farakka Lock Gate. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the Lock Gate, we cruise through the connecting canal to the Hooghly River, the lower Ganges. We continue to sail towards Jangipur. 

Jangipur - Murshidabad

We sail full day towards Murshidabad enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. We arrive in Murshidabad by the evening. Murshidabad is a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

After breakfast ride the Toto (e-rickshaw) through the countryside to the Katra mosque, which has distinctive minarets. Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Hazarduari Palace, which dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek "Doric" style, the palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors and is filled with colonial-era antiques. 

Mushidabad – Matiari

We sail full day towards the shore-side village of Matiari enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. We arrive in Matiari by the evening. 

Early this morning walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village. Return to the ship for breakfast and sail onward to Kalna. We arrive in Kalna by the evening.

After breakfast ride e-rickshaws to visit the enchanting Rajbari temple complex. The Nabakailas temple contains 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terracotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region. Return to the ship walking through the local vegetable market. Begin sail towards Kolkata and arrive by the evening.

After breakfast, visit the Flower Market, where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter, visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter renowned for its sculpting prowess. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter Panoramic Tour of Dalhousie Square’s heritage buildings; St. John's Church, Victoria Memorial, and Mother Teresa’s Home. Enjoy cultural performance onboard.

Kolkata - Immigration Formalities

After breakfast stroll around the historic Indentured Memorial Jetty, named in memory of the Indian indentured labourers who set sail from here for Suriname, which was then a Dutch colony in South America in 1873. Post-lunch Immigration formalities. 

Kolkata - Namkhana (Sundarbans)

After breakfast visit the Indian Museum and the local market. Return to the ship for lunch and based on the tide situation we will sail towards Namkhana, anchoring en route. It is the gateway of the Sundarbans National Park, a World Heritage Site.

Namkhana – Bali Island

Enjoying breakfast onboard we arrive at Namkhana. We will visit Bhagabatpur Island which is known for its crocodile project that has a hatchery of the estuarine crocodiles. Return to ship for lunch and sail to Bali Island cruising through the creek. A typical Sundarban village, Bali’s inhabitants are engaged in farming, paddy husking, honey packing and fishing.

Bali Island

After an early breakfast ride in the country boat to the Dobanki Watchtower, enjoy a canopy walk at an elevation of 20 feet to reveal the riveting flora and fauna. Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter enjoy a walk in the village of Bali and interact with the villagers engaged in creating handicrafts and witness a tribal dance. 

Bangar Island – Hemnagar

We sail to Hemnagar today enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard and viewing the wilderness of the mangrove forest. It is the southernmost habitation of the region and the check-post for customs formalities for crossing the international riverine border between India and Bangladesh.

Hemnagar - Antihara (Bangladesh)

Today, enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail through the core area of the Sundarbans down towards the Bangladeshi side to arrive in Antihara, which is the check post for the Immigration & Custom formalities of Bangladesh. 

Antihara – Mongla

Sail towards Mongla town, while having breakfast onboard. Mongla is the gateway to the Sundarbans on the Bangladesh side. Post lunch visit to the Sixty Domed Mosque, a World Heritage Site. The mosque is locally known as the 'Shat Gombuj', which in Bangla literally means Sixty Domes.

Mongla – Karamjol - Kaukhali

Morning, we sail to Karamjol. After breakfast, we visit the Forest Reserve Centre, which protects a vast range of mammals, insects, bird species, reptiles, and fish. Return to the ship for lunch and sail towards Kaukhali.

Kaukhali - Barisal

A further sail brings us to Kaukhali while we enjoy our breakfast onboard. Upon arrival walk in the village visiting a Kumar Pada (potters’ colony), the local market and a Hindu Vaishnavite temple with a cremation ground adjacent to it. Return to ship for lunch and sail to Barisal, which is fondly called the Venice of Bengal.

After breakfast visit a Floating Market, which is renowned for its fruits. Many farmers and wholesalers gather here every day to sell their produce. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Oxford Epiphany Church, an Anglican church, which is one of the oldest in the region. Its structure reflects the Greek architectural style. 

Barisal - Dhaka

Today enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail full day to Dhaka viewing the picturesque countryside, shoreline of coconut palms, bananas, mango trees, small settlements, cargo freighters and, nouka ferrying passengers across the river. Arrive at the Mawa jetty, a busy ferry ghat near Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh.

Dhaka Sightseeing

After breakfast, a panoramic tour of Dhaka’s heritage buildings like Dhaka University, Curzon Hall, Old High Court, Parliament Building, and Dhakeshwari Temple. Lunch in the city, thereafter visit Sonargaon, the ‘Golden City’ which was the ancient capital of undivided Bengal. 

Dhaka – Aricha – Tangail

Today while enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail full day upstream to the Aricha River port. Aricha is a prime spot for catching the renowned Hilsha fish and several trawlers can be seen in the vicinity. We will sail further upstream towards Tangail, anchoring en route.

Arrive Tangail

A further sail brings us to Tangail, an important handloom and cotton weaving centre, enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. Post lunch we visit the Atia Mosque, a four-domed monument built during the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir. In popular culture, it is dubbed as the 10 Taka Mosque when the Government of Bangladesh issued a 10 Taka banknote which had an image of the mosque in its obverse.

Tangail – Sirajganj

Today we sail towards Sirajganj, an important jute collection, processing, and trade centre whose jute mills were the first to be established in the Bengal area. Post lunch visit the Hatikumrul Navaratna Temple, a three-storied temple adorned with nine spires.

Sirajganj - Chandan Boisha

Today we sail full day further up the river towards the Indo-Bangladesh border that touches the north-eastern region of India. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard while viewing the riverine countryside.

Chandan Boisha - Chilmari

Further sailing brings us to the Chilmari River port, located on a beautiful scenic bank of the Teesta and Jamuna rivers, close to the international border with India. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard. Post-lunch immigration & customs formalities of Bangladesh will be done.

Chilmari – Rangpur Day Trip

After breakfast, drive to Rangpur (approx. 60 km from Chilmari) one of the largest cities in Bangladesh. Spend the day exploring this “City of Colour.” Visit the domineering Tajhat Palace and Museum, the Dimla Kali Temple, and the Carmichael College. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the ship by evening.

Chilmari (Bangladesh) / Dhubri (India)

Today, enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail upstream crossing the international riverine border to arrive at Dhubri in the State of Assam for Immigrations and Customs of India. Dhubri is an old town on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra (as the Jamuna River is known on the Indian side).

Dhubri – Goalpara

After breakfast explore Dhubri town visiting the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and the nearby pottery village notable for its traditional craft of terracotta. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Goalpara.

Goalpara – Sualkuchi

After breakfast, we drive to visit Sri Surya Pahar, a significant but relatively unknown archaeological site, which has the distinction of possessing valuable cultural remains of three important religions of India: Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism as evident from the innumerable sculptures and other relics that were excavated here. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Sualkuchi, a textile centre fondly called the "Manchester of Assam."

Sualkuchi – Guwahati

After breakfast, we will visit the silk weaving village in Sualkuchi, which is renowned for the Muga silk, a glossy fabric with fine texture and durability. Return to ship for lunch and sail upstream to arrive at the Pandu Port in Guwahati, a major hub of river transport.

Guwahati – Mayong

After breakfast proceed to visit the ancient Kamakhya Temple (from outside). Dedicated to the goddess Durga, it is an important pilgrimage destination, especially for tantric worshipers. Also, visit the Assam State Museum. Return to ship for lunch further upstream, anchoring near Mayong.

Mayong - Tezpur

We sail further upstream enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard and viewing the riverine countryside along the Brahmaputra River. We arrive by evening at Tezpur, a legendary town whose name translates to the ‘City of Blood,’ a somewhat macabre name, resulting from the legend of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva waging an epic battle here.

Tezpur - Silghat

After breakfast walk to visit the Cole Park, now called Chitralekha Udyan, a beautiful park established in 1906 by British Deputy Commissioner Mr. Cole. It features two massive ornamented stone pillars and other sculptural remnants of the 9th and 10th centuries. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Silghat.

Silghat - Kaziranga Day Trip

Spend the full day in Kaziranga National Park with morning and afternoon jeep safaris with breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant. A World Heritage Site, Kaziranga hosts two-thirds of the world's Indian rhinoceroses and is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and the royal Bengal tiger. It is also recognized as an important bird area for the conservation of avifaunal species.

Silghat – Biswanath Ghat – Dhansiri Mukh

Enjoying breakfast onboard we sail to Biswanath Ghat, popularly called Gupta Kashi due to the cluster of temples of different Gods, like modern-day Varanasi. Visit the Biswanath temple, located at the confluence of the rivers Bridhaganga and Brahmaputra. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Dhansiri Mukh, the confluence of the rivers Dhansiri and Brahmaputra.

Dhansiri Mukh – Majuli

Today we sail full day upstream enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard and arrive at Majuli, a river island in the Brahmaputra. We arrive by the evening at Majuli, which is the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture.

Majuli – Nimati Ghat

After breakfast onboard, visit the two notable satras (monasteries) at Majuli. The Kamalabari Satra is a centre of art, culture, literature, and classical studies on the island; while the Auniati Satra has an extensive assortment of ancient Assamese artefacts, utensils, jewellery, and handicrafts preserved in a museum. Return to the ship for lunch and onward to Nimati Ghat. 

Nimati Ghat – Sibsagar Day Trip

After breakfast set out to explore Sibsagar, which was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam. The place gets its name from the Sibsagar tank, which translates to “Ocean of Shiv.” Visit the Shiva Dol temple, the Talatal Ghar palace and military base, and Rang Ghar, which was the royal sports pavilion. Return to ship for late lunch.

Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer to the Dibrugarh airport (approx. 4-hrs drive) for onward journey.

Please note this itinerary is also available in reverse, sailing in the opposite direction from Dibrugarh to Varanasi.

Accommodations

Social areas.

Suites & Cabins

Main deck suite.

The Ganga Vilas' Main Deck Suites have soothing interiors with dedicated color palettes, and huge floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and have been delightfully furnished with contemporary and comfortable furniture. Amenities include an ensuite bathroom with shower, seating area with sofa, writing desk, closets, LED TV, safe, smoke detectors, life vest, and sprinklers. Cozy double beds can be converted to twins as desired.

Main Deck Suite Front

Same as The Ganga Vilas' Main Deck Suites, Main Deck Suites Front have soothing interiors with dedicated color palettes, and huge floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and have been delightfully furnished with contemporary and comfortable furniture. Amenities include an ensuite bathroom with shower, seating area with sofa, writing desk, closets, LED TV, safe, smoke detectors, life vest, and sprinklers. Cozy double beds can be converted to twins as desired.

Upper Deck Suite

Located on Upper Deck, The most luxurious and spacious suite aboard, with 265 sq. ft. of space, the Upper Deck Suite is a haven of luxury. Embellished with Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and rich tapestry, on-demand movie service, and a writing desk. Bathrooms are as luxurious as the room and are fitted with both spacious bathtubs and shower panels. 

Upper Deck Suite Front

The most luxurious and spacious suite aboard as the Upper Deck Suite but located at the front of the cruise, with 265 sq. ft. of space, the Upper Deck Suite Front is a haven of luxury. Embellished with Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and rich tapestry, on-demand movie service, and a writing desk. Bathrooms are as luxurious as the room and are fitted with both spacious bathtub and shower panels. 

Technical Information

• Air conditioning
• Excercise room
• Massage room
• Lecture room
• WIFI available
• Souvenir shop
• Hot showers
• Charging areas for electronic equipment
• Flash lights
• Water canteen/bottle
• Insect repellent
• Dry Bags/Plastic bags to protect cameras

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• I'd like to be contacted via WhatsApp.
• I'd prefer not to be contacted by phone or SMS.
• All non-charter prices displayed are PER PERSON
• The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week to avoid the closure of monuments/museums.
• Last-minute sailing and touring adjustments may also occur. The schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. The onboard tour staff will announce or post the exact time for each activity.
• No liquor will be served on board the ship from Farakka to Patna and at the hotel in Bodhgaya, as it is prohibited in the region.
• Due to the location on the Ghats and proximity to the holy Ganges, Non-Vegetarian food and Alcoholic Beverages are not served onboard.
• In the region of Varanasi to Bihar (vice versa), no liquor will be served on board, as it is prohibited.
• As per Government regulations, satellite phones & drone cameras are not allowed in Varanasi, please ensure the same, while traveling to Varanasi.
• Special meal requests like vegan, gluten/lactose-free, etc. can be arranged with advance information.

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Ganges Voyager II

The ship's spacious suites are a serene sanctuary, with beautiful hand-painted murals and all the comforts of a five-star hotel. All suites have a cozy sitting area and a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. A bed dressed in soft linens, with a choice of pillows. Your roomy bathroom has a rain shower, comfy robes and slippers, and spa-quality bath products. Other high-end amenities include a generous amount of closet space, under-bed storage, a flat-screen television with a wide selection of on-demand movies, individual climate control, glass bottled water replenished daily, fresh fruit and flowers upon arrival, makeup mirrors, and universal electrical plugs.

Viceroy Suite (Ganges Voyager II)

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Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express

16 days | kolkata to new delhi.

2024 | This adventure by land, river and train will touch all of your senses.

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13 days | new delhi to kolkata.

2025 | Delve deep into India’s fascinating historical and religious heritage.

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THE INCREDIBLE GANGES

THE UPPER GANGES RIVER

For the first time Pandaw guests will be able to explore the diverse and beautiful Ganges River between Varanasi and Farakka on our new 7 night itinerary. Sailing through the state of Bihar, this splendid journey takes travellers along one of the prettiest sections of the Ganges where Gangeatic dolphins and a host of birdlife and wildlife roam.

Explore the many villages, pilgrimage sites and handicraft havens along the banks of the Upper Ganges as you sail gently aboard Pandaw's specially crafted river vessels. With train tickets included between Kolkata and Farakka and Patna and Varanasi, said to be one of the oldest inhabited cities on the planet, there is no better way to explore the wonders of India than with Pandaw.

Please Note : This itinerary passes through the state of Bihar. In this state it is illegal to serve any drinks containing alcohol. For this reason we will not be able to serve alcohol onboard the ship.

CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE

EXPEDITION MAP

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

India's Golden Triangle 6 Nights Pre Tour

Ancient Kingdom of Bhutan & Kolkata Pre Tour 6 Nights

Kolkata Pre Tour 2 Nights

India's golden triangle 6 nights post tour.

Varanasi 2 Night Post Tour

The Land of Buddha: Varanasi, Gaya and Nalanda 4 night Post Tour

Private Dining

Day 1 farakka - arrival.

Join your Pandaw ship in the afternoon following your train journey from Kolkata. For those arriving of their own accord, please arrive to the ship docked at Rajmahal no earlier than 3pm. Be welcomed aboard your Pandaw by our crew and enjoy evening entertainment onboard before cocktails and dinner.

DAY 2 SAILING

We sail up the mighty Ganges river toward the confluence with the Koshi river. Stop along the way for a short village walk and enjoy our onboard entertainment.

DAY 3 BHAGLAPUR – SULTANGANJ

We sail early morning toward Bhaglapur, a hub of silk production. We witness the silk weaving and explore this small town before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon we visit Sultanganj with its pair of great granite rocks, one crowned with a mosque and the other a small temple dating from the 16th century.

DAY 4 MUNGER

Munger is now a large and industrialised city but has an interesting history. In 1762, Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, shifted his capital from Murshidabad to Munger, and established a firearms manufacturing centre here. Explore the Mughal fort, East India Company cemetery and step inside the Bihar School of Yoga founded in 1964 by Satyananda Saraswati. One of the leading yoga schools in the country. The institution has developed yogic techniques through a synthesis of traditional yogic, vedantic and tantric practices and contemporary health science.

DAY 5 MOKAMA

Stop at Mokama, once home to Jim Corbett the naturalist and protector of the Indian tigers. Surrounded by farmlands, Mokama has the second hightest production of lentils in the country. Learn about the freedom fighters from Mokama such as Lalldin Saheb, whose during the freedom struggle was sentenced to jail during the British rule.

Explore Barh, a town famous for Hindu ritual cremation at Urmanath and the Alakhnath Temple.

DAY 7 PATNA

Enjoy a city tour of Patna, capital of Bihar state including a visit to The Golghar, a large stupa styled granary built in 1786. Farewell dinner with your crew.

DAY 8 PATNA TO VARANASI

Disembark your Pandaw vessel ready and transfer to Patna station for your 1st class train to Varanasi. Upon arrival to Varanasi, transfer to your hotel or the airport.

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Whats included.

Cruise Price Includes : Transfer to/from Ship including one way 1st class train ticket, 1st class express train from Kolata to Farakka (24/25 Upstream), entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes.

Price Excludes : International flights, laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes, tipping for guide and drivers.

Please Note :

• This itinerary passes through the state of Bihar. In this state it is illegal to serve any drinks containing alcohol. For this reason we will not be able to serve alcohol onboard the ship.
• Entry to the Bihar School of Yoga is subject to approval and may not always be possible.
• We suggest to change money at a bank at the international airport before exiting (currently there is shortage of new money bills in India).
• 1st Class train tickets are subject to availability.

Weather Condition Warning

River cruising on the Lower and Upper Ganges can be severely affected by fog during the months of December and January. This may impact the sailing schedules and the planned excursions. While every effort will be made to make up time and include all activities this is not always possible. Similarly temperatures can drop significantly overnight and in the early mornings, though during the day warmer temperatures can be expected. Winter temperatures can be below average with many destinations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh experiencing long spells of cold.

TRANSFERS & JOINING

Transfer in the morning from any central Kolkata hotel to catch your train from Kolkata to Farakka. On arrival transfer to the ship in time for lunch.

Check out after breakfast and transfer to Patna Train Station. Train to Varanasi & transfer to your hotel or the airport for your onward flight.

TESTIMONIALS

I thoroughly recommend Pandaw to experience India away from the main tourist spots - posted by TripAdvisor Review by anntR7647JG

It was an experience we won’t forget - posted by TripAdvisor Review by Markjd123

We enjoyed our time on and off the boat. Cabin was clean and spacious. Indian food was delicious - posted by Marie and Dildar

Overall, we are glad we made this trip, even though enough went wrong for us to wonder at times. But those problems were not, on the whole, of Pandaw’s making - posted by Andrew and Margaret Polmear

This is what we have come to expect from Pandaw after cruises on the Mekong and Irrawaddy - posted by John and Jeanette

Pandaw ships, when you step aboard your "Adventure" begins - posted by Trevor and Gail Harvey

We appreciate that this was a new expedition so we anticipated a few problems - posted by Jim and Margaret Goddard

Overall though it was agreat experience. We have new friends and a lot of memories - posted by Steve Bousfield

TRAVEL BLOGS

Varanasi, india's spiritual capital, issues in india, media mentions, pandaw milestone - pandaw successfully reached varanasi, pandaw expands cruise offerings in india.

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GANGES RIVER CRUISE

Encompassing luxury in every nook and corner, the river cruises by Exotic Heritage Group are designed to make sure you have the most enthralling journey on River Ganges. From comfortable accommodation to high-end amenities, the cruises are equipped with everything you might need while sailing. Come on board and have a memorable journey!

Bengal Ganga

Upstream / downstream itinerary( 9n).

• CHANDERNAGORE

MURSHIDABAD

• Guest Capacity : 56
• No of Suites : 2
• State Rooms : 26
• No of staff : 35

Ganges Voyager I

Ganges voyager i itinerary.

• Murshidabad
• Chandernagore
• No of Suites : 5
• State Rooms : 23

Ganges Voyager II

Ganges voyager ii itinerary.

Ganga Vilas

• Launching Soon : MARCH 2020
• Capacity : 36

Nauka Vilas

• Cabin : 1 Bedroom Luxury Suite

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Testimonials

“Thank you to all the cabin crew and staff for looking after us all so well. We wish you all the very best and every success in life!“ -Philip & Wanda

A very worthwhile cruise and it was made totally enjoyable by the expert and friendly crew staff. Wonderful week.” -John & Kaye

“Everything of highest possible standard!” -John

4. “Never been on other ship where all crew members were so exceptional. Special thanks to Rahul in the dining room. Also greatly appreciated to our housekeeping” -Marcy & Alan

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Along the ganges.

The town is more popularly known as Ambika Kalna, named after a very popular deity, Goddess Kali, Maa Ambika. It has numerous historical monuments such as the Rajbari (the palace) and the 108 Shiva temples.

CHANDANNAGAR

Chandannagar was established as a French colony in 1673, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post on the right bank of the Hughli River.

Murshidabad is a city in Murshidabad district of West Bengal state in India. The city of Murshidabad is located on the southern bank of the Bhagirathi, a tributary of the Ganges River.

Mayapur is a city located on the banks of the Ganga river, at the point of its confluence with the Jalangi, near Nabadwip, West Bengal, India, 130 km north of Kolkata (Calcutta). The headquarters of ISKCON are situated in Mayapur and it is considered a holy place by a number of other traditions within Hinduism.

Kolkata also known historically in English as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly river.

Day 6 : Jaipur

Early morning on the 6th day we drive you to the airport with packed breakfast. You will be boarding the Indigo flight to Kolkata. As you arrive at the Kolkata airport, you will be escorted to the ship, Ganges Voyager where lunch, an entertaining evening and a delectable dinner await you.

Life on Board

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India River Cruise Ganges – ABN Rajmahal – 8 Days Varanasi to Patna (Downstream/Upstream)

• ABN Rajmahal
• 2024 Dates, Prices & Inclusions
• Itinerary - Patna to Varanasi, Upstream (8 Days)
• Itinerary - Varanasi to Patna, Downstream (8 Days)

‘City of Light’ Ganges India River Cruise – Overview 2024

Varanasi is without question one of India’s most extraordinary cities.  The ‘City of Light’ Ganges India river cruise offers a unique opportunity to travel in style and comfort, enjoying a leisurely cruise whilst taking is some of the sights you would not see on a regular land tour. Travelling between Patna and Varanasi you will see historic places, birds and wildlife and the highlight of the tour, Varanasi.  Our ship for our Ganges river cruise is the “ABN Rajmahal”. This beautifully appointed vessel recently entered service on the Ganges and Hooghly (Hugli) Rivers.  The delightful crew have a charming way of making you feel at home, as soon as you step onboard. Prices 8 Days from only USD 2,520 per person – Single Cabins available at NO single supplement!

For every cabin booked, a contribution of 5% will be made to environmental, education and local community development efforts in the region of Assam and Bengal. From building the Baranagar Tuition Centre to organising naturalist training camps for local youth, your support helps in the conservation of the environment, as well as the upliftment of local communities – thank you!

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!!

Sustainable tourism in India: What we love about these cruises, is the fact that local workers are hand-picked and taught skills in languages and hospitality, before progressing to become valued members of the friendly crew, drivers or local admin staff.  Projects funded by the company encourage learning and development and an awareness of environmental issues, all for the good of local communities.  Local businesses are used from initial ship build, to providing hand crafted furniture and fabrics which adorn the interiors of the vessels.  Guests will have a unique opportunity to interact with community learning projects.

The flagship “ABN Rajmahal”, operates the Historic Hooghly/Lower Ganges River Cruise (Bengal Despatch) together with her sister ship “ABN Sukapha”.  As with the other vessels in the fleet, Rajmahal offers a recently refurbished comfortable salon/bar and restaurant, together with a vast canopied sundeck, with comfortable loungers and a small bar.  A spa facility offers a wide range of treatments, under the guidance of our resident expert.   All 22 suites and public rooms on our ships are air-conditioned. Cuisine on board is a mixture of Assamese (milder than most Indian cuisine) and continental.  Wines, beer and spirits are available.

India Ganges River Cruise – ABN Rajmahal Features

ABN Rajmahal, entered service on the Lower Ganges and the Ganges proper on schedule in mid-February 2014. Built in Kolkata, her length is 51 metres and breadth is 10.40 metres. Powered by 3 engines, her extra-shallow draught and a lower profile than conventional designs allow her to cruise further  upstream than any of her competitors.

The boutique vessel, ABN Rajmahal, has 22 cabins with French balconies. The décor is stylish and fresh with touches of colonial elegance, brought to life by traditional Indian-inspired designs on hand-blocked cotton fabrics.

The excellent cuisine on board is a mixture of Assamese (milder than most Indian cuisine) and continental. Wines, beer and spirits are available. A small spa onboard offers a wide range of relaxing treatments.

• 22 spacious cabins: 14 Upper Deck spacious twin/double cabins (196 sq. ft/18.2 sq. m) 4 Main Deck spacious twin/double cabins (196 sq. ft/18.2 sq. m) 4 Main Deck spacious single cabins (160 sq ft/14.9 sq. m)
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass window with French balconies
• En suite shower/WC with boutique toiletries
• Tea/coffee making facilities in cabins
• Refrigerators in cabins
• Individual climate control
• Generous cupboard space and under-bed storage
• Hair dryer in each cabin
• In-room electronic safe
• Intercommunication telephone in cabins
• High quality bathrobes and slippers
• High quality linens
• Turndown service in all cabins
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Vast sundeck both open & shaded, with sun loungers or steamer chairs
• Spacious air-conditioned saloon with library and recorded entertainment
• Air conditioned bar and dining room
• Spa with choice of treatments
• Naturalist on board the vessel
• Single seating for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Acclaimed combination of Indian & Western cuisines
• Expertly trained culinary staff
• Wide choice of wines, spirits and beer (pay locally)
• Maximum 20 guests per guide on all excursions
• Cold towel service after excursions
• Welcome drink after excursions
• Shoe-cleaning after excursions

Holy Ganges Cruise – ABN Rajmahal Photo Gallery

Holy Ganges Cruise – ABN Rajmahal Deck Plan

click to enlarge

Map of Cruise options

City of Light 8 Days India Ganges River Cruise Between Varanasi and Patna 2024 Cruise Dates and Prices (per person) in USD

 patna to varanasi (8 days), varanasi to patna (8 days).

All prices subject to 9% local tax which will be added to the price (subject to change)

All prices subject to 9% local service tax (subject to change) Prices based on 2 persons  n.b. Children must be 15 years of age or more. Adult prices apply.

City of Light 8 Days India Ganges River Cruise – Inclusions

• 7 nights onboard accommodation
• Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) from Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 8
• Shore excursion programme including all admissions
• Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water throughout
• Welcome reception
• Farewell reception
• Local on-board dance and song performances
• Arrival transfers from city hotel or airport to rail station
• Departure transfers from ship to rail station, city hotel or airport

NOT INCLUDED:

• Drinks from the bar / restaurant
• Gratuities for crew and guides
• Local fee for camera or filming in place of interest
• Incidental expenses of a personal nature
• Local tax (tba approx. 9%)
• Indian visa (please check with your Consulate if you require a visa).
• Airport Information Varanasi (VNS) Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

How to Book and Pay

• Please complete the booking form adding your credit card details via out secure system.
• We will respond by email with confirmation of your tour.
• Upon confirmation we will collect the non-refundable deposit of  25% of the tour price from the credit card provided.
• The balance payment will be collected 70 days prior to departure date.
• If you book within 70 days of departure date we will collect the full amount due from the credit card provided.
• If your selected date is not available we will offer you an alternative.
• Your card will not be charged until you accept the alternative offered.
• If you have any special requirements please add details in the notes section.
• We will ask you later to provide passport details of passengers booked
• After you have paid in full, you will receive a voucher and joining details for the tour.

Itinerary – Patna to Varanasi, Upstream (8 Days)

“…Discover life on board an ABN small ship river cruise on the Ganges. From being served an array of never-before-tried regional cuisines to sipping G&Ts on the sundeck as you return the waves of laughing children on shore, experience a new way of travelling through rural India…”

Arrive to Patna by road, rail or air (transfer from airport or railway station to ship is included in the price). Embarkation on your cruise ship is from 4pm onwards, when you will enjoy a warm welcome from your captain and crew and a safety briefing before dinner on board, whilst sailing upstream.

This morning cruise upstream during breakfast before landing to visit a spectacular small Moghul tomb at Maner. Re-board and continue past the confluence with the River Sone to the busy river port of Doriganj. Cruise on to an overnight stop near the confluence with the River Goghra.

Continue up past Ballia to Buxar, famous for the battle fought here in 1764, which, together with Plassey, laid the foundations of the British raj. We visit the memorial on the battlefield and walk to a nearby village where you can see colourful local life in natural surroundings. Later take a short cycle rickshaw ride up to the ghats of Buxar.

Sail upstream today past Chausa to Ghazipur, which surprisingly is still a centre for (official) opium production. We visit the imposing tomb of Lord Cornwallis, the general responsible for the British defeat at Yorktown. We might also be able to spend a little time walking on the busy Ghazipur bazaar, a quintessential Indian experience.

This morning we sail to Varanasi, one of the most amazing destinations in India – a must-see for any traveller. After lunch we visit the Buddhist site at Sarnath and the Deer Park where Buddha preached his first sermon. Visit also the nearby archeological museum, which houses interesting exhibits form the local area.

We take rowing boats at dawn, past the busy and colourful bathing ghats of Varanasi. Here you get a real sense of why Varanasi is a place of pilgrimage for so many. After breakfast onboard disembark again to take a walk in the busy gullies of Varanasi to experience close up, the age old Varanasi in its elements. Later we sail upstream to Ramnagar, going past colourful Varanasi Ghats on your right. You’ll see also the burning ghats for which the city is well known.  On reaching Ramnagar visit the Maharaja’s Palace and museum. Then cruise further upstream to Chunar where we stay for the night.

Disembark at Chunar after breakfast to visit the great Moghul Fort, the old British cemetery and the Moghul tombs nearby. Carpet weaving and Chunar pottery are other attractions here. After lunch cruise down to Varanasi. PM disembark near the Assi Ghat and take rowing boats to join the evening Ganga Arti ceremony. Return to MV Rajmahal moored at Rajghat.

After breakfast disembark and transfer to Varanasi airport, railway station or your Varanasi hotel for the next stage of your adventure.

Itinerary subject to river conditions.

Itinerary – Varanasi to Patna, Downstream (8 Days)

” …Our crew on board your ship have all been handpicked from villages in and around the region, we create experiences that foster a genuine connection between guests and the places we take you…”

With Varanasi as your starting point, you may have arrived a day or two earlier. Or arrive in Varanasi today by road, rail or air. Your transfer to the boat from hotel, airport or railway station is included. Embarkation on your cruise ship is from 4pm onwards. You will receive a warm welcome from the Captain and crew, plus a safety briefing, then we sail upstream towards Chunar and enjoy dinner on board with your new travelling companions.

Disembark after breakfast to visit Chunar’s great Moghul fort, the old British cemetery and the Moghul tombs nearby. Traditional carpet weaving and Chunar pottery are other attractions here. Later, we sail downstream past the world famous ghats, to Ramnagar to visit the Maharaja’s Palace and Museum.

We take rowing boats at dawn past the busy and colourful bathing ghats and the burning ghats for which Varanasi is well known. After breakfast, we drive to visit the Buddhist site at Sarnath, the Deer Park where Buddha preached his first sermon and the site of the Archaeological Museum, which is included in the visit. In the afternoon, we disembark by boat and take a walk in the busy alleys of Varanasi to experience close up, the beating heart of this ancient city and join the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Return to ABN Rajmahal moored at Rajghat for dinner.

After breakfast on board, disembark and drive 2 hours to the city of Jaunpur to see the Mughal bridge, visit its ancient fort and walk to see the splendid Atala mosque before returning after lunch to the ship and sail downstream towards Ghazipur. Alternatively some may prefer to stay back and explore Varanasi’s tempting shopping possibilities.

Sailing today. After Lunch disembark at Ghazipur and visit the imposing tomb of Lord Cornwallis, the general defeated by George Washington in 1781 so arguably responsible for the loss of the American colonies. We might also be able to spend a little time walking in the busy Ghazipur bazaar, a quintessential Indian experience. Later sail down towards Buxar.

After breakfast, we disembark to the country town of Buxar, famous for the battle fought here in 1764, which, together with Plassey, laid the foundations of the British raj. Drive out to the battlefield and walk to a nearby village, then take cycle rickshaws down to the Buxar ghats where we re-embark. Sail down to anchor near confluence of Ghagra.

Cruise past the busy river port of Doriganj and the confluence with the Sone river to a ghat from which we visit the spectacular small Moghul tomb at Maner and walk in the village. Sail down to anchor at Patna.

After breakfast disembark and transfer to Patna airport or railway station to continue your Indian adventure.

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Taking a Magical Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata – 8 Reasons to Sail on the Holy Hooghly River

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: February 16, 2022

Categories INDIA , KOLKATA

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

If there is one thing you must do while you’re in the capital of West Bengal, it is to go on a Ganges river cruise in Kolkata.

Also known as the Hooghly River, this famous waterway snakes through the city and is used by locals every single day.  

Sailing down the Ganges, you can see many of the cities top attractions, including the temple ghats and the iconic Howrah Bridge. Plus, you can watch so much life happening on the water.

This was one of my favourite memories from my visit and ended up being an epic way to end my trip to Kolkata!  

Seeing the sunset over the horizon and watching the sky turn all different colours is something I’ll remember forever.

Here’s a complete guide to taking a Ganges river cruise in Kolkata. Including what companies are recommended, the ticket prices, the best time to go and what to expect!  

Why is it called the Hooghly River and not the Ganges?

The Hooghly River is the official name for it in Kolkata and it’s actually a river that flows off or is a distributary river of the Ganges.

This river in total is 160 miles (260 kilometres) long and flows from Kolkata to the Bay of Bengal.  

The Ganges River is around 1,500 miles (2,525 km) long in total that runs all the way through India to Bangladesh. So, the Hooghly river is actually only around 10% of the size of the Ganges!

Although it is considered holy water as it flows from the River Ganges, it is not officially part of the main body of the Ganges.

Hence, the name Hooghly.   However, despite the official name, many people in Kolkata simply call it ‘Ganga’.

Why is the Ganges river important?  

The Ganges river is considered holy and sacred. Hindus believe that the river is personified as the goddess Ganga.

Hindus also believe that the water of the Ganges is pure and bathing in the river will wash away any sins.

It’s also regarded as a place of Moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death). So, this water source plays a huge part in daily lives. It’s a place where locals meditate, drink, pray, wash and clean clothes every single day.  

Many Aarti’s, a Hindu worship ritual, is performed by this river each morning and night and there are also burning ghats for Hindu funerals.

A Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata is an amazing way to really learn about Hindu Culture and see life happen on Hooghly River Ghats.  

A ‘ghat’ is a name for steps leading down the river and you’ll see them lined up all along the banks of the Hooghly.  

What is the best company for a Ganges River Cruise Kolkata?  

Although there are many websites advertising a Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata, a lot of them like Pandaw Cruises are for an extended period of time.

Which sounds lovely, but some of us don’t want to be on the Ganges for a week!  

What you’re looking for is an option to sail on a Hooghly river cruise for a few hours.  

Most tour companies online offering day cruises on the Hooghly River, like Lonely Planet and Viator, are advertising for commissions. Selling cruise tickets via their platform for one company.

That one company that is truly recommended by most hotels in the city, and is the only company I would recommend for a Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata is Vivada Cruises.

FYI this post is NOT sponsored by Vivada Cruises. I paid my own pennies. I just had a really good experience and wanted to share.

They have quality ships, well-cooked food and run four professional day cruises every day. Those are breakfast, lunch, evening and dinner cruises.

So, when booking your river cruise, I would book it directly with Vivada Cruises online or call them to reserve tickets and pay when you get there.

We asked our hotel, the Oberoi Grand, to reserve us tickets over the phone and paid when we got there.

If you don’t have your own phone working in India, I would ask your guesthouse/hotel to do the same.

Vivada Cruise ticket prices

The online prices for booking a Hooghly river cruise are quite expensive compared to booking directly with Vivada Cruises. Most of the ones I saw online were £38 or 3,500 rupees!

Yes, those tours include pickup service, but you’ll be paying over double what the tour costs originally.  

Through Vivada Cruises’ website, the breakfast and evening cruises cost 1,000 rupees plus GST Tax (18%).

The lunch and dinner cruises are 1,500 rupees plus GST. So, I would 100% recommend booking with them directly to save yourself some money!  

If you’re worried about the pickup and drop off, getting to the dock and back for your Vivada cruise really couldn’t be simpler. 

Arriving for your Vivada cruise  

The Vivada Cruise dock can be found near Metcalfe Hall on Strand Road on the banks of the Hooghly River.

It’s easy to spot as there is Millennium Park nearby and a huge sign telling you that you’ve arrived on the harbour;

How to reach the Vivada Cruise Dock in Kolkata  

There are many ways that you can reach the Vivada Cruise Dock in Kolkata. By using the public transport system like the metro, buses and trams or to get a taxi

By Metro: The nearest Metro stop for Vivada Cruises is Chandni Chowk. From here it’s a 15-minute walk to the cruise docks via Hare Street. The Metro is really cheap and efficient to get around the city and you pay by the kilometre.  

By Bus or Tram: There is a bus stop right outside the dock called the ‘Shipping Corporation bus stop’. Many bus services in Kolkata run past this stop.

The official government transport website for West Bengal has a bus travel planner. Or, I find it easier to organise a journey via Google Maps. The nearest tram Stop is BBD Bagh which is a short walk away from the dock.

By Taxi: You can hail a yellow ambassador taxi down in the city, just remember to ask for the meter to be switched on or negotiate a price. Sometimes they can be sneaky and overcharge, especially if you’re a tourist. I personally preferred Uber and found it less hassle and a lot cheaper.  

Click here to read my article all about how to use Indian Uber with a special discount code for your first ride

Checking in and collecting Vivada Cruise boarding passes

If you’re booking directly with Vivada Cruises, I would aim to be at the dock meeting point at least 30 minutes before your river cruise to check-in, pay and collect your boarding passes at the office.

In Britain, we have a thing for being strictly on time or early. So, if a ticket tells us we need to be there 30 minutes before, we turn up earlier than that just in case.  

But, as you’ll be in India, it usually means Indian time…So, your cruise check-in and the time you sail off may be delayed. For no other reason, than…this is India!

As it was Durga Puja in Kolkata, a lot of the roads were being blocked off and so it was causing congestion. So, we got here a whole hour earlier than planned.  

If you are twiddling your thumbs and looking for something to do to pass the time. The   Vivada cruise dock is right by Millennium Park.  

We each paid 10 rupees to go in and got ice creams to cool down in the heat!

It’s wasn’t the most pleasing park in the world but very popular with locals and it had a nice promenade by the river!

If you would prefer, the Vivada Cruise office has seats to wait in and are nice and air-conditioned with the heat.  

How long is a Vivada Cruise experience?

All the Vivada Cruises that run during the day are around 3-4 hours.   Although I can’t speak for the other cruises, the evening was well worth the money and is the one I would definitely recommend.

Due to Durga Puja, there was actually only us and one other couple. So, it was like we had a private cruise ship for the evening!  

Although it advertised that we would receive small snacks and drinks, we actually had enough yummy food to keep us full through the entire evening! So, we didn’t need dinner.

Plus, we got to witness the most amazing sunset as part of our journey, watch an evening aarti at Belur Math and then return under the stars while the city lights up at night.

It really gives you the best of both worlds and was the perfect way to end my journey in Kolkata.   Here’s a full review of the Vivada evening cruise experience and all the reasons why you cannot miss it.  

Why you cannot miss a Ganges River Cruise in Kolkata

1. you get to see the city from a completely new perspective  .

The one thing I really loved was seeing Kolkata from the water. The whole of my trip, I was on road transport and walking in amongst the city streets.  

It was hectic, dirty and as it was monsoon most of the city was flooded from heavy rains. So, that meant hopping in and out of black polluted water that couldn’t drain properly.  

I had seen the Hooghly River on my travels and even saw some of the temples on the banks of it. But, actually being on the water makes you see the city in a different light.  

You’ll notice things you didn’t before and the fact you travel from North to South makes sure you get to see the outskirts too.  

It was really relaxing floating along the Ganga, watching and hearing the chaos from afar on our cruise ship.

2. Your boat will pass under the iconic Howrah Bridge  

There are many iconic bridges in Kolkata, but none so famous as the Howrah Bridge or Rabindra Setu. It sounds weird, but I was so excited to see this bridge for myself.

I had heard about it long before my visit to West Bengal and it’s almost a tourist attraction in its own right.

It was commissioned all the way back in 1871 by the British but wasn’t built until 1935. It stretches over 705 metres, required 23,000 tons of steel and it’s the busiest cantilever bridge in the entire world.

Approximately 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians cross it each day! That’s not including the cows that roam here.  

When I visited the flower market at Mullick Ghat, we got dropped off by this bridge and we walked over it at sunrise to have a look at some of the sights. We saw many locals washing and praying in the Ganges.

This time, on my cruise, we were able to go under it from the river. It was really fun to wave at the locals passing by and it provided some fantastic photo opportunities too.  

Another bridge you can see in the distance is the second Hooghly Bridge, Vidyasagar Setu, which kind of reminded me of a grey Golden Gate Bridge.

It’s the longest cable-stayed bridge in all of India.

If you are wondering, there are a total of 4 bridges on the Hooghly River connecting Kolkata to Howrah. The others are Bally Bridge (Vivekananda Setu) and New Bally Bridge (Nivedita Setu).

3. Enjoy watching life on the Kolkata Ghats  

As well as getting to see the city in a different light, I loved watching the life that goes on along the river banks.  

As we took the evening cruise, people were coming out to pray in the cooler temperatures, meditating in the low sunshine and bathing or washing clothes in the river.  

People would wave, or watch us go by. We’d see people waiting for the local ferries and heard many temples playing loud music.  

As we were visiting around Durga Puja, people were immersing idols of the Hindu warrior Goddess Durga in the river Ganga. A tradition that has taken place for centuries.

I actually went to see the idols being made in Kumartuli , the potters quarter in the city , which is another place I would highly recommend you visit.  

Apparently, to make a statue of Durga, a priest has to collect soil from outside the house of a prostitute.

Then it is mixed with clay taken from the Ganga, cow dung and cow urine too.

Durga Puja is celebrated across the world for those of the Hindu faith, but it is a really special occasion in Kolkata. The celebrations go on for 10 days or more and the city is bustling with all sorts of festivities.  

4.   You’ll get chai, and lot’s of yummy snacks on board!  

As soon as we boarded the boat and just before we left, we were showered with drinks and snacks pretty much the whole time we were sailing.  

We were offered fresh mango juice on arrival and spicy-sweet chai as we sailed along the river bank.  

Later there were fizzy drinks. But, I’m afraid there isn’t a bar or any alcohol if you were expecting a booze cruise. It is the Ganges river and many Hindus do not condone drinking.  

As there was only four of us, we had no need to secure our seats. We could just sit anywhere we liked and walked around to different sides of the boat to see a new perspective.  

What food is served on a Vivada evening Cruise?

In the first half, we were offered fried snacks. They were traditional Indian snacks like ‘Fish Fry’ which was amazing as Kolkata is famous for its fish.  

There was also Pakora or Pakoda which essentially just means deep-fried something…   So, you have onion pakoda (like onion bhaaji), paneer (cheese) pakoda, chicken pakoda etc. 

If you’re worried about spicy things, just ask the staff to help you out. But, their version of spicy and yours may be very different, lol!  

I didn’t find anything spicy save the chutneys. They did have mild tomato ketchup though for dipping.

Then on the second half of the trip, we got chicken drumsticks, more fish, more pakoda, we were offered so much food.

I was actually super full by the end of it. Then, when the local desserts came out, I thought I was going to burst! So come with an empty stomach.  

We were planning to eat dinner after if there wasn’t much food on the cruise. But I honestly couldn’t have eaten another bite. I needed rolling home as I was full of Pakoda!

5. The sky will transform in all different colours

A highlight for me was watching the sunset as we sailed towards Belur Math. As we got on the boat around the time the sun was setting, we could watch the whole thing from start to finish.

The weather for Kolkata in October was extremely temperamental. One minute we’d have sunshine, the next grey clouds and tropical rain showers.

All within the space of an hour.   It was meant to be past monsoon season. But, the rains were so heavy a lot of the city was flooded.

That meant grey skies and I hadn’t actually seen a good sunset since I had been in the city. But luckily, on the very last night for our sunset cruise, we actually got to see a sunset!  

So, we picked a great day for it and the sun definitely put on a show. We saw the sky change from orange, to red hues, then the most bright shade of pink.  

It was so beautiful to see and even better when paired with sipping on chai!  

6.   Explore Belur Math for the evening aarti

An unexpected but welcome addition to our trip was a short 45 minute stop at Belur Math in the middle of our cruise. We were led inside and shown around by a Vivada cruise leader.  

Belur Math is a HUGE temple complex that spans 40 acres on the banks of the Hooghly River.  

It’s the Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission spiritual organisation.  

It was founded in the 19th century by Sri Ramakrishna, known as the Prophet of the Modern Age and his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda, a forward thinker and religious leader.  

Although there are 4 temples, plus education and medical centres in Belur Math, the Sri Ramakrishna Temple is the jewel in its crown.

Here, we got to see the magical evening aarti. Where the priests of the temples lead the local pilgrims in prayer.  

Women must observe in one section and men must be on the other as is the custom. You’ll quickly be ushered on by security if you end up in the wrong place.  

You can also buy all sorts of books with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda in the library afterwards. We had absolutely no idea that we were stopping here but we both said it was the best part of our trip for sure.  

7. On the way back, you’ll see the city light up at night

Once we boarded the ship after the evening aarti, it was pitch black skies. As it was so clear, we did get to see the stars and started to slowly sail back to the boarding dock.  

But now the city had completely lit up with the most marvellous reflections on the river!  

So, we enjoyed our (rather huge) snacks while watching all the colourful buildings. The Howrah Bridge even lit up and so we got to see it in two ways.

There were also buildings like SBI (State Bank of India) who had lights in all different colours of the rainbow. I only know them as I always use their ATMs because they don’t charge lol. 

The reason why I loved this cruise over the others is that you got to see the best of both worlds. Kolkata by day and night on the water!

8. It’s the perfect way to start or end your trip!

I don’t know why, but I always love to end my trips with a big event like a cruise. I think it just feels nice to do something epic on your last day to say goodbye to a place.  

Kolkata quickly became one of my favourite cities in all of India after my visit, I really didn’t expect to fall so in love with it.

There was just so much to do, the streets had such a vibe and the people were really friendly.  

From the legacy of the British Raj, temple hopping, cultural events, shopping streets and the most amazing food. I don’t think I’ll ever forget my visit here and am already plotting how I’ll return.

But, wrapping up the trip with an epic colourful sunset over the Hooghly (after rain and grey skies for 4 days straight) was the best way to end my incredible journey here.  

Whatever time you decide to go on your cruise, I’m sure will be memorable. So I say, enjoy every minute!  

Top tips for your Ganges River Cruise Kolkata  

Although this trip was amazing, there are a few things I wish I knew before I came on board.

So, here are some of my top tips and things to pack for your Ganges river cruise in Kolkata;

• Jacket – although it is really warm in Kolkata during the day, it can get chilly in the monsoon or winter in the evening time. As you’re in the middle of the river, the breeze can bite. So, I’d make sure you bring a scarf or a light layer if you feel the cold.  
• Shoes – During our tour, we did have to take off our shoes to enter the temple at Belur Math. Luckily, I wore slip ons. From personal experience, temple hopping in trainers gets really annoying to have to untie shoes, then tie shoelaces again etc.  
• Toilets – There is a toilet on board on the bottom deck and it is clean! There was even toilet roll which was a bit of a blessing. But, there wasn’t soap. So, bring some anti-bacterial hand wash. I always have mine as part of my staple day kit in India.  
• Bug spray – Epic fail, I forgot bug spray. Bugs love me too. The mozzies do decide to come out when the sun is setting and at night. So, make sure you bring some to stop getting bitten!  
• Two decks – There are two deck on board the boat. The top deck is open which is lovely for views. But the bottom deck is covered if it’s raining or you’re feeling the cold.  

Other things to do in Kolkata at night

If you’ve returned from your Vivada Cruise and feel the night is still young. There are a lot of awesome places to visit in Kolkata at night time.

From temples that worship till late at night, sound and light shows and some of Kolkata’s famous street food. You’ll never be bored in this thriving city.  

Here are the top things to do in Kolkata at night.  

Kalighat Temple

Although I always like to visit temples during the day, I know that Hindu temples really come alive at night time.

When the sun sets and the temperatures are cooler, many pilgrims come to the temples to pray.  

Kalighat Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kolkata. That’s because it is one of the 4 main Shakti Peetha temples of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

If you’re not aware of what Shakti Peethas are, the legend is that Shiva’s Wife Shakti died. Shiva was so upset he carried her dead body around everywhere with him.

Eventually, Vishnu cut her body up into 51 pieces. Where her 51 pieces fell are now temples and places of worship dedicated to her.

I’ve now visited 2 of the 4 main Shakti Peetha temples, one is Kalighat temple and the other is Khamakya temple in Guwahati. But, overall there are 51 in total, so I still have a LOT left to see.

Kamakhya Temple is where Shakti’s yoni (or vagina) fell and Kalighat Temple is where her right toe fell. So, it draws many crowds and you’ll find the queues are huge and you could be waiting hours to go inside.  

Many Brahmin’s of the temple charge a ‘VIP’ fee of 300 rupees where you can skip the crowds. Even locals do it if they don’t want to queue for hours. 

It will save you a lot of time and you can be blessed and receive your red-yellow thread too (Kautuka). I still wear mine now!  

Victoria Memorial Sound and Light Show

The Victoria Memorial has to be on your list while you’re in the city and is a marvel during the day. But by night it is lit up beautifully against the night sky and they put on a sound and light show in the gardens.

You can then watch the memorial light up in different colours and watch the magic fountains dance outside on the reflection lagoon.

The sound and light show takes place every day, except Mondays and tickets cost 30 rupees per head.

Click here for more details about visiting the Victoria memorial

Try a Hot Kathi Roll on Park Street  

I can assure you that the snacks you receive on the boat will make you full!   But, if you’re still feeling peckish and looking for foodie ideas, you have to try one of Kolkata’s famous Hot Kati Rolls.  

There are many dotted around the city, but the original is a ‘hole-in-the-wall’ (quite literally) counter that can be found on Park Street.

It’s the ultimate street food and can be compared with a kebab back home.  

You’ll get a wrap, filled with hot chicken, onions, spices, some unidentifiable sauce and it will be all wrapped up and fried on the counter!  

It is absolutely delicious, ridiculously cheap at 50 rupees a pop and crowds of locals come here to eat each evening.   There are no seats as it’s just a street food counter, but just nearby you can sit down and enjoy.

Go on an evening Kolkata Street food tour!  

Kolkata is known for its street food, so if you’d rather go on a street food tour, there are a few that take place each evening.  

You’ll try a range of famous Kolkata street foods like;

• Fish Curry (Macher Jhol)
• Kolkata Biryani (yes each place has their own version in India and it’s almost criminal to just call it ‘Biryanai’)
• Mutton Curry (Kosha Mangsho)
• Phuchka – similar to Gol Gopan or Pani Puri
• and… so much more! (There are vegetarian options for those that do not eat meat)

So, make sure you book your Kolkata food tour here to learn all about them

Where to stay in Kolkata  

I stayed in the beautiful Oberoi Grand Kolkata. This was like an oasis to return to after a hot sweaty day out exploring in the monsoon!  

Their hotel is almost an attraction in itself and an icon of the city as it’s the second oldest hotel. You can stay in one of their beautiful deco-like rooms with four-poster beds and it has a gorgeous washroom with a bathtub.

I would highly recommend booking a room indoor facing as the traffic is quite loud, especially during festivals.

Their delectable buffet breakfast at ThreeSixtyThree comes included and they have a refreshing pool with free smoothies!  

Click here to book your stay at the Oberoi Grand for the night

Check out some more of my articles about Kolkata  

• The ULTIMATE Kolkata Travel Guide
• Why you need to visit the flower market in Kolkata
• Don’t miss the abandoned cemetery in Kolkata  
• A look inside the world’s biggest Banyan Tree!  
• Visiting the statue village

Save this Ganges River Cruise Kolkata review for later!

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

I spent 64 years in kolkata but still I learnt so many things! Incredible

Sophie Pearce

Thursday 26th of May 2022

Hi Neelash, thanks so much for reading. Glad you enjoyed it! I miss Kolkata. Sophie x

Wednesday 26th of February 2020

Nice article, thanks for sharing keep share more.

Hi Sam, thanks so much for your feedback! I loved this experience in Kolkata. Sophie x

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From £6,079 pp.

Complex and beguiling, India is a country unlike any other. Wondrous sights rich in romance and intrigue come alive in the “Golden Triangle”of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. Delhi’s immense red sandstone marble tomb, commissioned by Emperor Humayun’s grief-stricken wife, will capture your heart, while Raj Ghat, a black granite memorial to the “Father of the Nation,” Mahatma Gandhi, will stir your soul. Jaipur’s Pink City and Agra’s Taj Mahal, a grand tribute to love, will leave you forever mesmerized. This adventure by land and river will touch all of your senses, from Kolkata, where Mother Teresa’s humble home and tomb provide a place of pilgrimage, to the Rajbari Temples devoted to the Hindu god Shiva.

Your Ganges voyage delves deeply into India’s fascinating historical and religious heritage, working its charm in myriad ways and leaving you with memories that will forever endure. Start your trip with five luxurious nights at three different award-winning Oberoi hotels. Enjoy a rare opportunity to see the Taj Mahal two times—once at sunrise and once at sunset. Once onboard, travel to villages lining the Ganges River that only a few people get to see each year and experience our new  Wellness Programme , centered around the destination’s ancient tradition and practice of yoga.

What’s Included:

• Flights from the UK and all overseas transfers
• 2 nights in New Delhi at The Oberoi New Delhi (or similar)
• 1 night in Agra at The Oberoi Amarvilas (or similar)
• 2 nights in Jaipur at The Oberoi Rajvilas (or similar)
• 7 night all-inclusive, boutique Ganges cruise on Ganges Voyager II
• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 9 dinners
• Complimentary house wine, local spirits and beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee will be served throughout the cruise. Onshore lunches include complimentary soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Onshore dinners include complimentary house wine, local beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea
• 9 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Complimentary wellness programme, captivating onboard local entertainment & insightful lectures
• Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour

• New Delhi to Kolkata
• Optional Extensions

Fly from the UK to New Delhi

Arrive at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to your hotel, the beautiful Oberoi New Delhi Hotel.

Its sophisticated comfort will offer you the perfect launching pad for your exploration of the city.

India’s sprawling capital city is colorful, confounding and completely captivating, an exhilarating mixture of ancient and modern, sacred and secular. Your perfectly paced, expertly-led city tour provides a soft landing, an ideal first foray into this fascinating land. The capital of modern India, New Delhi is not one city but many. Sprawling, home to 17 million people, inhabited for at least 2,500 years, New Delhi has been built and destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, and all of its conquerors have left traces. Your panoramic tour today will show you some of its most remarkable landmarks.

Featured Excursion: India’s capital city with rickshaw ride to Old Delhi

Travel down the broad boulevards of New Delhi, laid out early in the 20th century after the British moved the capital of the Raj from Kolkata to New Delhi and created a new administrative city just south of the old city. Sir Edwin Lutyens, a noted British architect, was given the task of designing this new city, which is still known as Lutyens’ Delhi; though the British are long gone, this area continues to house India’s government. The British were by no means the only conquerors to make New Delhi their capital. It was also the capital of the Mughal Empire for centuries, so it hosts spectacular examples of Mughal architecture, including Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Humayun’s Tomb, erected in 1570, was the first Mughal garden tomb in India (and a model for the Taj Mahal and Birla House). Your panoramic tour includes a look at the enormous fort where the emperors lived. The old phrase says that “Delhi belongs to the large-hearted,” and no one was larger hearted than Mahatma Gandhi, the founder of modern India, whose memorial, Raj Ghat, is also on the itinerary this morning.

You have some free time after your tour to explore this exciting city on your own—you’ll find goods from all over India in bustling Connaught Place, in case you want to indulge in some shopping, and the National Museum displays 5,000 years of India’s arts and artifacts. You may opt for the optional tour to Qutab Minar and the Jagannath Hindu Temple.

Breakfast & Dinner

This morning you will check out of your New Delhi hotel and head south via motorcoach to Agra, the site of Shah Jahan’s best-known building project, the exquisite Taj Mahal. You’ll visit the Taj Mahal this afternoon and stay for sunset, as the monument’s changing colors draw comparisons to the shifting mood of the late Emperor’s wife.

Featured Excursion: Taj Mahal at sundown

Majesty and Grace: Taj Mahal at sundown Arrive this afternoon at the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas. Relax over lunch there and then check into your room, where you will be delighted to discover that your room—indeed, every room—has a view of the Taj Mahal, your next destination for the day. It’s easily the most famous building in India, and one of the most famous in the world, with its white domes and minarets floating serenely above the reflecting pools—and you will encounter it just as the setting sun bathes the white marble in a panoply of colors. It’s a monument to a love story between a great ruler, Shah Jahan, and a learned and powerful woman, his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After she died giving birth to their 14th child, he gathered some 20,000 craftsmen to build her mausoleum, who endowed it with dazzling translucent marble carvings inlaid with precious and semiprecious stones. Step through the gate and into the symmetrical gardens, and experience one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Breakfast & Lunch

Is the Taj Mahal best seen at sunset or sunrise? It’s an impossible question to answer, so Uniworld guests have the rare pleasure of experiencing both. Wake up early this morning for a second visit to this unforgettable site, so you can see the white marble monument aglow with the rosy tinge of dawn.

Featured Excursion: Early morning at the Taj Mahal

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Pink is the color of hospitality in Rajasthan, which gives you an idea of what to expect in the “Pink City” of Jaipur. Enjoy the visit to the local city bazaar. Take the afternoon to explore on your own—shuttles will be available to carry you to and from the hotel to the city’s shopping district.

Featured Excursion: Jaipur, Rajasthan’s princely city and Amber Fort

Jaipur, Rajasthan’s princely city and Amber Fort

Today you’ll tour the Amber Palace, followed by a visit to another of Jai Singh II’s architectural projects, the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site devoted to astronomy. Each of the curious structures, called yantras, in this observatory without telescopes enabled court astronomers to study the heavens, measuring various celestial phenomena—eclipses, the position of stars—or the time of day. Some of these instruments are still used by astrologers to determine which days will be auspicious for weddings or other important events.

Take the afternoon to explore on your own: Shuttles will be available to carry you to and from the hotel to the major shopping district. Jaipur’s bazaars are famous for their traditional Rajasthani crafts—jewelry, pottery, hand-printed textiles and carpets—so go and enjoy the swirl of colors even if you aren’t interested in buying some souvenirs.

Settle into your beautifully appointed suite aboard the Ganges Voyager II in Kolkata (the city formerly known as Calcutta), the gateway to your journey along the world’s holiest river. You leave Jaipur early today and fly to Kolkata, India’s second-largest city, the longtime capital of the British Raj, and the city many Indians consider their nation’s intellectual capital. Like Jaipur, it is young compared to the millennia-long history of the subcontinent; it was founded by the East India Company late in the 17th century. You’ll board the Ganges Voyager II, your supremely comfortable traveling hotel for the next seven nights, and settle into your suite. Enjoy a Welcome dinner and a cultural performance to cap your day.

Kalna, once an important trade port on the river, is best known today for the magnificent Hindu temples built by the maharajas of Bardhaman— which you’ll experience today. After marveling at the astonishing Rajbari temple complex, you may opt to walk with your guide through the colorful local market.

Make Travel Matter Excursion: India’s “Temple City”

Uniworld’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences support sustainable tourism, offering guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.

India’s “Temple City” – Make Travel Matter Excursion

You’ve seen them jostling through the busy streets of New Delhi; today’s your chance to try riding in one yourself. Board a trishaw—a pedal-powered three-wheeled rickshaw—for a view of the streets of Kalna as you head to the Rajbari temple complex. The Pratapeshwar Temple, built in 1849, is embellished with exceptional terra-cotta carvings depicting myths and rituals, as well as scenes of everyday life (see if you can spot the girl in typical Victorian dress with a violin among the hundreds of figures). Lalji, the oldest temple in the complex, dates to 1739; the three-storied structure is topped with 25 distinctive pinnacles. Next to it is Krishna Chandra, built in a similar style. Across the street you’ll find the amazing Naba Kailash, two concentric circles of intricately carved temples dedicated to Shiva. The inner circle is made up of 34 white temples symbolizing pure thought; the outer circle contains 74 temples symbolizing the everyday world.o the ship

Your ship serves as a time machine today, transporting you hundreds of years into the past, as we travel to an artisan village where craftsmen use materials and techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries. Matiari, a West Bengal village nestled above the banks of the river and surrounded by farms, is also home to a thriving metal-working tradition that you will see in action today.

Make Travel Matter Excursion: Matiari master craftsmen

Matiari master craftsmen with an introduction to brass

Artisans have been making ornamental brass objects— vases, lamps, figurines, platters—in Matiari for more than a century, so it’s no wonder that production is so well-organized and the craftsmen so skillful. Scrap metal is melted in the village foundry and pressed into new sheets of brass, which are then turned into various objects. Each craftsman specializes in a different step of the process, so one artisan might cut the metal, while another shapes it into a wide tray, and yet another etches an intricate pattern onto the surface. The sound of hammer on brass will fill the air as you stroll from workshop to workshop to see each step of the fascinating process.

Back onboard, watch as a skilled practitioner of mehndi demonstrates how the intricate henna patterns are created, and discover the meanings of the traditional motifs.

Curiosities abound in India, and that includes the country’s eclectic architectural styles. But a palace with a thousand doors? Such a thing does indeed exist, as you’ll see for yourself today, along with some famous terra-cotta carvings, the ruins of a mosque and yet another cultural curiosity—the game of cricket, India’s beloved (and rather complex) national sport. Today’s adventures take you to a duo of Bengali towns – Murshidabad and Baranagar – each one boasting surprising and beautiful architectural monuments closely linked to the ruling families of the area.

This evening, following dinner onboard, take in a lively and fun-filled Bollywood-style show, complete with music and dancing.

Featured Excursion: Visit to Murshidabad City, ride by buggy to Katra Mosque and visit to Baranagar village

Murshidabad City, ride by buggy to Katra Mosque and visit to Baranagar village

Your day begins in Murshidabad, long ago the capital of Bengal and an important administrative center during the Raj—a fact that comes clear as the ship rounds a bend in the river and you behold Hazarduari Palace. This massive neoclassical building was erected in the mid-19th century for British officials, who lived and had their offices in its 114 rooms. One might wonder why the architect, Colonel Duncan Macleod of the Bengal Corps, thought the building needed a thousand doors, but that’s how many it has—900 of them are real doors, and the remaining 100 are false. It is now a museum, which you will visit. Climb aboard a horse-drawn buggy for a ride to Katra Mosque, built in 1723 by the first nawab, Murshid Quli Khan, who gave his name to the town. The huge mosque was damaged by an earthquake in 1897, losing two of its four great towers, but it is still a remarkable sight.

Return to the ship for lunch and cruise to the town of Baranagar, where Rani Bhabani built beautiful brick temples in the 18th century. Goats frolic among them now and vines attempt to take them over, but the terra-cotta carvings are considered among the best in Bengal and the temples are well-tended.

After your tour, if time and weather allow, you can learn a bit about one of the Raj’s enduring legacies in India: a passion for that most British of all games, cricket. It remains India’s favorite sport, and the national team, nicknamed the “Men in Blue,” has won the Cricket World Cup more than once. The game is played in schools, in fields, even on village streets; watch it in action and discover the meaning of terms like “long leg,” “fast bowler” and “run-out.”

One of the world’s most sacred bodies of water, the Ganges River flows through a myriad of small villages and highly populated cities throughout India and Bangladesh. Take in the remarkable scenery as you sail and be on the lookout for a rare sighting of the endangered Ganges river dolphin.

Wellness: You may choose to relax and unwind with a body massage or treatment onboard at the soothing Voyager Spa.

Few places of worship exist on such a head-spinning scale as what you will witness today in Mayapur, the center of the international Hare Krishna movement and home to the new Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, still under construction. Most students of history know a thing or two about the British colonial powers in India, but few are aware that the French had colonies here as well. You’ll visit this former French outpost today.

Featured Excursion: Hare Krishna complex and Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

Featured Excursion: India’s French colonial heritage

Hare Krishna complex and Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

As the ship comes into sight of Mayapur, look for the new Vedic temple currently under construction. Funded in part by Alfred Ford, great-grandson of Henry Ford, the temple is designed to be larger than St. Paul’s Cathedral in London once completed. The new temple construction coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Hare Krishna movement, whose founder was born in Mayapur. Millions of Hare Krishna devotees come from all over the world to this pilgrimage site; as you walk through Mayapur’s bazaar to the temple complex, you may well spot expatriates from America, Canada and Europe. Colorful parades of followers often weave through the streets, adding to the hustle and bustle of the lively, vivid scene. You’ll tour the existing temple complex, get a look at the new Vedic Planetarium and learn something about the beliefs of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness.

India’s French colonial heritage

Bandel, founded by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, offers a typically Indian mix of religious monuments: It’s the site of the oldest Christian church in India, the location of Hindu festivals (including one devoted to the goddess Muthumariamman), and home to a famous Shia pilgrimage center, the Hooghly Imambara. You’ll board a country boat—a small boat fitted with benches that ferries passengers to and from your luxurious ship, which cannot always moor on the banks of the river—to reach the shore and the imambara. Completed in 1861 to honor Muhammad Mohsin, a revered Bengali philanthropist, the stately imambara offers shelter for pilgrims, a mosque and a school. Step into the long colonnaded courtyard for a view of the twin towers and the 19th-century clock, and climb the stairs of the clock tower for a fabulous view of the river and surrounding countryside. Visitors are sometimes allowed into the mosque, but all guests must leave before the faithful are called to evening prayers. “Liberté, Egalité et Fraternité.” These words, the famous slogan of the French Revolution, are inscribed on the gateposts of Chandannagar, a memento of the centuries the town was a French outpost in West Bengal. In fact, Chandannagar did not officially become part of India until 1952, so when you step ashore here you will find a mixture of French Colonial and Indian architecture. A broad, tree-lined riverfront promenade known as the Strand shows off the handsomest remaining French buildings, including the Dupleix Palace, now a museum, and the 19th-century Church of the Sacred Heart that replaced the 17th-century original.

The city of Kolkata is synonymous with the enduring legacies of Mother Teresa and the colonial-era British Raj, both of which you will get better acquainted with today.

Featured Excursions: Kolkata city tour – visit the Flower Market, colonial sites and Kumartulli

Choice Make Travel Matter Excursions: NGO’s Kolkata Rescue visit or Mother Teresa’s home and tomb

Kolkata city tour – visit the Flower Market, colonial sites and Kumartulli

Continue this morning with a panoramic tour of Kolkata’s city center. The first stop? A visit to the captivatingly colorful Flower Market. Located adjacent to the Howrah Bridge, this vibrant and bustling market is filled with vendors and buyers exchanging money for flowers to be used in festivals, rituals, weddings and more. You’ll also have the chance to witness local wrestlers practicing early in the morning in an area along the riverbank. Though teeming Kolkata is home to palaces and tenements, new developments and modern office buildings, grand hotels and parks, its historic architecture reflects its status as the longtime administrative heart of the British Raj. The colonial buildings still standing—and still in use—offer a blend of baroque and neoclassical styles that say much about British colonial taste. Perhaps the most surprising is the red-and-white façade of the Calcutta High Court building—a replica of the city hall in Ypres, Belgium. You’ll see it as well as the stately Palladian dome of Government House, the classical white columns of Town Hall, the red-brick Writers’ Building and the enormous General Post Office. Pay a visit to St. John’s, the oldest Anglican church in the city, and the Victoria Memorial Museum—which was partly inspired by the Taj Mahal. Built as a tribute to Queen Victoria after her death, this huge white-marble structure houses an illuminating exhibition on the colonial era. From there, you’ll venture to Kumartulli, a traditional potters’ neighborhood that specializes in making intricate clay idols, for a look at this complex and fascinating time-honored tradition.

NGO’s Kolkata Rescue visit This afternoon, you’ll visit the local NGO Kolkata Rescue, which serves the area’s underprivileged children. They provide much-needed services at no cost to the neediest people of Kolkata and West Bengal—regardless of gender, age, caste or religion—through health clinics, schools, vocational training and preventative health programs. You’ll hear about the impact Kolkata Rescue has made over the last 30 years and get some insight on some of their current projects.

Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb She came to India in 1929, after growing up in Macedonia and joining a Loreto nunnery in Ireland, and two decades later she founded her own order, the Missionaries of Charity, devoted to the “salvation and sanctification of the poorest of the poor.” Visit the Mother House, where she lived and worked for decades; see her simply furnished room and the tiny museum devoted to her—her Nobel Peace Prize medal is on display, along with informative newspaper clippings and photos—and her tomb. It’s a modest and serene spot devoted to one of the most influential women ever to live in the city.

Your incredible Indian adventure ends early this morning, as you disembark and transfer to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for your flight home—or extend your journey with an optional extension in Varanasi.

INCLUDED IN YOUR 4-DAY STAY:

• 1 night at the Trident Hotel, Gurgaon (or similar)
• 2 nights in Udaipur at the Taj Lake Palace (or similar)
• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
• All service charges, taxes and porterage
• Udaipur city tour and boat ride on Lake Pichola and Saheliyon Ki Bari
• All transfers and transportation and intra-India flights

Daily Programme

Day 1: New Delhi

Arrive at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, transfer to the Trident Hotel Gurgaon in New Delhi.

Day 2: Udaipur

FEATURED EXCURSION: City Tour of Udaipur Transfer to the New Delhi airport for an early flight to Udaipur. On arrival at Maharana Pratap Udaipur Airport, begin a half day city tour of Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East. You’ll start by visiting Jagdish Temple, a 300+ year-old monument to erstwhile Rajput kings. Continue to the magnificent City Palace—a palace complex situated in the city. It was built over a period of nearly 400 years, with contributions from several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. End the excursion with a visit to the world-famous Crystal Gallery; it’s spread across the upper gallery of the glittering Durbar Hall Sabhagaar. It has been hailed as probably the single largest private collection of crystal anywhere in the world.

After your tour, you’ll have free time to enjoy your luxurious hotel for the rest of the day.

Day 3: Udaipur

FEATURED EXCURSION: Lake Pichola and the Garden of Saheliyon-ki-Bari Relax with a fresh breakfast while taking in the views of the lake from the hotel’s dining room. Then, head out to experience a boat ride on Lake Pichola, followed by a visit to Saheliyon-ki-Bari. As per legend, the garden was designed by the king himself for his queen and the 48 maidens who kept her company. Continue with a walk through the shopping area near Jagdish Temple.

Day 4: Udaipur, New Delhi

Have a leisurely breakfast and independent morning before heading out to the airport for the flight back to New Delhi.

INCLUDED IN YOUR 3-DAY STAY::

• 1 night at the Taj Gateway Ganges, Varanasi (or similar)
• Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
• Complimentary house wine or local beer during dinner
• Panoramic city tour of Varanasi
• Private boat ride to witness a Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset
• Private sunrise boat ride along the Ganges
• All transfers, transportation and intra-India flights

Day 1: Varanasi

FEATURED EXCURSION: Varanasi panoramic city tour with private boat viewing of an Aarti ceremony at sunset

Disembark and fly from Kolkata to Varanasi, one of the seven holy cities in the Hindu faith. The faithful believe that dying in Varanasi breaks the cycle of rebirth and frees the soul, and every good deed done here confers special blessings on the doer. It draws an unending stream of Hindu pilgrims, who lend the city a special flavor. A panoramic tour shows you some of the highlights of the city. As befits a city legendary for its place in Hinduism, temples abound. Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Shiva and built in 1776, has pinnacles sheathed in gold. White Marble Tulsi Manas, erected in the 1960s, stands amid lovely gardens; ocher-stained Durga Temple, sacred to the goddess Durga, is sometimes called the monkey temple because of the many monkeys frolicking on the premises. But perhaps the most famous sights of all are the ghats, the broad steps that offer access to the sacred Ganges. Here the faithful come to wash away their sins in the river and to cremate their dead.

Day 2: Varanasi, New Delhi

FEATURED EXCURSION: Private boat viewing of life and rituals on the Ganges at sunrise and silk factory visit

Experience a magical moment on Mother Ganga at morning’s first light. Step aboard a rowboat and drift quietly along the serene water as the sun rises, listening to the call of birds and the soft splash of the paddle as it dips into the river. All along the ghats, the faithful bathe in the river, murmur prayers and perform private Aartis. As daylight brightens, more people gather on the ghats, washing clothes, practicing yoga, eating breakfast—gradually the pace of daily life picks up, and the sacred merges into the mundane, showing you how closely the two are linked by the holy river.

Next, see how one of the world’s great silk-weaving traditions has flourished in Varanasi for more than 500 years, ever since Mughal rulers first encountered the development of the craft in the 15th century. Varanasi artisans still use traditional Mughal motifs as they weave featherlight silk scarves and lustrous brocades. It can take as long as six months for an artisan to weave the six meters of fabric required for the finest sari, which is often embroidered with gold or silver threads and embellished with beading; brides in particular seek out these gorgeous and unique—and costly—sari fabrics. Discover a range of lush and colorful silks as you visit a silk workshop, where the clack of the Jacquard loom keeps alive a craft handed down from generation to generation, and learn a little about the traditional processes used to create these work of art. You’ll return to the hotel and have time to explore a little on your own, before transferring to the airport for your flight to New Delhi, where you will check into your luxury hotel for your last night in India.

Day 3: New Delhi

You’ll check out of your hotel and transfer to the New Delhi Airport. Though your Indian adventure has ended, the memories will last you a lifetime.

• Ganges Voyager II

The magnificent design and décor onboard this ship draw inspiration from the colours and gorgeous scenery throughout India.

Relax in the air-conditioned lounge, or in the shade out on the sundeck and watch this amazing world drift by.  Dining in provided in the East India restaurant where a selection of Indian and European dishes are served.  Breakfast and lunch are buffets with silver service for the evening meals.

Catering for just 56 guests the Ganges Voyager II provides accommodation in elegant, spacious suites with high celings, hand painted murals and the finest linens.  Floor to ceiling windows in all suites provide uninterrupted river views.

Keep in shape, or just pamper yourself, in the Spa and fitness rooms with a range of treatments, wellness activities and equipment available.

Onboard Features & Facilities

• 28 staterooms and suites catering for just 56 guests
• Dining room serving locally inspired and European dishes
• Panoramic lounge & bar
• Covered sundeck with loungers and chairs
• Open air observation deck with chairs and tables
• Spa and Fitness room

Accommodation & Amenities

The ship’s spacious, high-ceilinged suites are a serene sanctuary, with beautiful hand-painted murals and all the comforts of a five-star hotel. All suites have a cosy sitting area and a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. A bed dressed in soft linens, with a choice of pillows.

The roomy bathroom has a rain shower, comfy robes and slippers, and spa-quality bath products. Other high-end amenities include a generous amount of closet space, under-bed storage, a flat-screen television with a wide selection of on-demand movies, individual climate control, bottled water replenished daily, fresh fruit and flowers upon arrival, an iPhone docking station with alarm clock, makeup mirrors, and universal electrical plugs.

Maharaja Suite

400 ft² – upper deck.

• Floor to ceiling windows opening to a French balcony
• Expansive bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower
• Bathrobes, slippers and spa-quality amenities
• Enhanced sitting area with chairs and table
• Bed dressed in soft linens and choice of pillows
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Flat-screen televisions with wide selection of on-demand movies
• Individually controlled air-conditioning
• Universal electrical sockets
• Complimentary daily laundry service

Fixed bed cannot be separated

Viceroy Suite

360 ft² – upper deck.

• Large bathroom with rain shower
• Sitting area with chairs and table

Heritage Suite

280 ft² – upper deck.

• Curved floor to ceiling windows opening to a French balcony
• Expansive bathroom with a rain shower

Colonial Suite

261 ft² – upper deck, signature suite, 261 ft² – main deck.

Dates below represent the start date of the tour in New Delhi.  Your flights would leave the UK the day before.

Please call for latest prices and special offers

Enquire now about this cruise & speak to one of our friendly river cruising team on 0800 471 4754 .

This tour only operates from September through to March, avoiding the really hot and wet summer months.  Any of the available dates would therefore be a good time to go. December and January can be quite cool, so a good time to travel if you want to avoid the heat.  You will need pack some warmer clothes for the mornings and evenings this time of year.

Featured on Cruising with Jane McDonald

This India tour was featured on Jane McDonald’s television program.  Watch now on My5 from the link below:

A river cruise in India is an excellent way to see the country’s diverse landscapes and culture. The Ganges Voyager 2 is one of the most popular river cruises in India, offering a 7 night cruise as part of a luxurious 14-day journey through India. The Ganges Voyager 2 cruise price includes all meals, entertainment, and excursions, making it incredible value for this standard of tour.

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7 best US river cruises

Whether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.

Choose from two main waterways for your U.S. river cruise: the Mississippi River — which flows through nine states from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans — or the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise lines also venture onto three smaller, lesser-known rivers: the Ohio, the Cumberland and the Tennessee. You can also explore New York's Hudson River on a fall foliage cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Your choice of cruise line is equally limited. Just two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Read on for our picks of the seven best U.S. river cruises. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.

American Cruise Lines' 8-night Music Cities Cruise

From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history.

While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Viking's 14-night America's Great River Cruise

Want the total Mississippi experience? You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing.

Available three times a year (in July, September and October), the America's Great River cruise begins in Minnesota (either St. Paul or Red Wing) and concludes in New Orleans, allowing you to experience an intricate tapestry of American history and culture.

There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. As you cruise the lower Mississippi, you'll delve into civil rights history in Memphis; Civil War battles and historic architecture in Mississippi's Vicksburg and Natchez; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge; and the legendary culinary treats and jazz of New Orleans.

All sailings are aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool.

American Cruise Lines' 8-Night Columbia & Snake River Cruise

If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise . You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa).

On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.

In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Viking's 7-night New Orleans & Southern Charms

If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.

From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields. Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd.

The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines' 7-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.

Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise . You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. Feel like apple-picking? That's an option here, too.

Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship.

Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

Nature-focused cruise line Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a new seven-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History cruise on multiple dates in April, September and October 2024; there are also sailings in March, April, September and October 2025. The voyages will sail between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington.

Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington.

These sailings occur on two identical Lindblad ships: the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird.

American Cruise Line's 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise

Did you know that you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You'll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail.

Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.

This itinerary is available from June to August 2024, 2025 and 2026 on the 180-passenger modern river ship American Melody and the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage.

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Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

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The 7 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2024

T he more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days

Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days

Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days

Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days

Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days

Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

FAQ Module : Travel - Top Mississippi River Cruises FAQs

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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