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As a country of well over a billion people, it should come as no surprise that India is a place of diverse wonders. Yet somehow, it always is—surprising, that is. At times you’ll find yourself delightfully overwhelmed by everything there is to experience: intricately decorated forts, tombs, and palaces; cities swathed entirely in shades of pink or blue; dramatic temple complexes; richly spiced cuisine; and so much more. At other times, particularly cruising down the sacred Ganges River, the world seems to stand still with picture-perfect serenity.
Our river cruises in India emphasize finding ways to give back to the communities along the Ganges. A selection of MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences will be available during your cruise. Support sustainable cities and communities as you watch brass craftsmen at work in the village of Matiari or stroll the impressive “Temple City” of Kalna.
Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites await in India—particularly in the Golden Triangle—made up of New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. You’ll see the beautiful Taj Mahal, a mausoleum dedicated to the third wife of the 17th century Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Humayun’s Tomb is the first garden-tomb in India. Its remarkable design inspired such monuments as the Taj Mahal. Its red and white exterior, geometric motifs, and domed rooftops are truly breathtaking.
Just outside of the rose-hued streets of Jaipur, the Amber Palace presides over a rocky hill. As imposing as it appears at first glance, a tour of the fort’s interior reveals a gorgeously ornate design.
Indian cuisine is famously complex and generous in spices—of which there are so many that we like to host a fascinating spice workshop onboard our Ganges cruises.
Don’t be tempted to paint the entire country with one brush, however, as regional differences in cuisine abound. While you’ll find meat and seafood integral to plenty of Indian dishes, there are primarily Hindu regions that avoid beef and primarily Muslim areas that avoid pork—and many that eschew meat entirely, with a broad range of delicious vegetarian dishes.
While traveling in the Golden Triangle, you may be more likely to dine on rich dishes, such as creamy curries and stews. The international influence skews Tibetan here, so dumplings and noodles find their way onto many local menus. Along the Ganges, fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful, as is seafood. This is the Bengali region of India, and desserts are especially popular here. Think sweet rice pudding and donuts soaked in syrup.
Numerous holidays and festivals are held throughout India every year, creating a special opportunity to engage with local culture from a unique perspective. When our sailings overlap with these holidays, you may have the chance to witness local celebrations. Dance on the sun deck amidst the splash of bright colors during Holi, light firecrackers for Diwali, and listen to the chants rising from the riverbanks outside the ship during Chhath Puja.
Celebrate the holistic health benefits of yoga with us through our complimentary Wellness Program, available on every India river cruise. Led by a certified, resident yogi, this program introduces travelers to the different types of yoga with group lectures and daily classes as well as individualized meetings, so that guests at every stage of their practice can participate in this culturally immersive program comfortably.
When to go: Fall and winter are the best times to visit India, when the climate is drier and the high temperatures are most manageable. Both of our Indian itineraries operate during this time frame to give you the best experience possible of this incredible destination.
How to pack: Bring lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in the warm weather. Long sleeves, sunglasses, hats, and ankle-length pants will help protect you from the strong sun. Sunscreen and mosquito spray are recommended.
Avg. Temp. 95º F / 35º C
Avg. Temp. 97º F / 36º C
Avg. Temp. 90º F / 32º C
Avg. Temp. 73º F / 23º C
Rupee (INR)
India Standard Time (IST)
London GMT +5.5
Standard of 230V
Plug types C, D, and M
"I deeply enjoy being able to creatively showcase the richness of the cuisine along the Hooghly tributary to our guests using fresh seasonal ingredients, while also ensuring my guests have the comforts of western dishes to satiate any cravings."
"The Ganges Voyager II is my home and the guests are like my family. It's my pleasure and delight to share India and her hospitality with each guest who chooses this ship as their holiday home. Sailing on the Ganges is unique, spellbinding, and exciting with each group."
"You blink & you miss! On the Ganges, it feels as if the water changes every two minutes, and the language changes every four."
"This isn't just a cruise for me; it's a shared voyage of transformation and discovery that etches lasting memories both in the hearts of our guests and in mine."
"India is a potpourri of exceptional experiences and a melting pot of various cultures and ethnicities."
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"The onboard team was extraordinary. They worked as a team, always with the interest of the guest first. I felt like I was on a 5 star experience at all times. Every need was anticipated, and met. The onboard team exceeded all of my expectations."
– Kathryne Daniels
"To see the Taj Mahal had been a long time dream of mine. That I got to, not only see it, but so many other interesting places in India was extraordinary. The trip was well planned to gave us as much as possible of this area of the world."
– Gail Rucker
"The tour around the Golden Triangle destinations was amazing. However, the experience of the river cruise got us close to the real Indian way of life. We had the opportunity to visit villages that gave us a much better understanding of everyday life in this amazing country. The organisation of the tours and the little surprises along the way made for a memorable trip."
– John Barber
New Delhi to Kolkata | 13 days
Wondrous sights rich in romance and intrigue come alive from India's “Golden Triangle”—Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra—to the waterways of the Ganges. Start your trip with five...
Ship: Ganges Voyager II
Country: India
River: Ganges
4.7/5 (348 reviews)
From $6,199 per person
Kolkata to Mumbai | 16 days
Start your journey onboard the luxurious riverboat, the Ganges Voyager II. Travel to villages lining the Ganges River that only a few people get to see each year and experience our Wellness Program,...
Ship: Ganges Voyager II
Country: India
River: Ganges
4.5/5 (11 reviews)
From $21,599 per person
