India River Cruises 2023/2024

India Travel Guide

India River Cruises Things To Do

• 
  New Delhi

  River cruise lines with longer river cruise itineraries normally start in New Delhi. While some people think New Delhi and Delhi are the same places, they are wrong. New Delhi is the capital of India while Delhi describes the surrounding area. Indeed, a visit to New Deli gives you a seamless blend of the ancient and the new, with temples, landmarks, and palaces providing revelations about the city's culture and past.

   

  You Should Know

  The Mughal landmark, the Qutub Minar, is the world's tallest brick structure at 73 meters or 240 feet tall. With respect to population, New Delhi is only second in size to the world's most populated city, Tokyo. The city regularly experiences earthquakes and tremors. On average, about one-third of the quakes will rank higher than 2.5 on the Richter scale. The city features the Lotus Temple – the only one of its kind representing the Bhai faith. However, people of all faiths can visit the temple.
• 
  Agra and the Taj Mahal

  Known as the home for the Taj Mahal, Agra, India lies south of the India capital of New Deli. The 17th century Taj Mahal was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and is frequently regarded as the best example of Mughal architectural design.

  Best Time To Visit

  To avoid crowds and enjoy better temperatures, it is best to see the attraction in February. 

   

  You Should Know

  The Mughal ruler, Shah Jahan, built the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal in the mid-1600s. In the Arabic language, the Taj Mahal means "crown of palaces."The Taj Mahal is considered a treasure of Islamic artistic design, although India is primarily Hindu.
• 
  Jaipur

  The capital of Rajasthan state, Jaipur still evokes a royal feel with its Pink City, which references Jaipur's palace complex – a pink colonnaded structure that features courtyards, gardens, and museums. Part of the building is still used as a royal residence.

  Best Time To Visit

  Schedule a trip to Jaipur in February when the temperatures and weather are milder.

   

  You Should Know

  Under the reign of Sawai Ram Singh, Jaipur gained its reputation as the "Pink City." The ruler ordered Jaipur to be painted pink to welcome Edward, Prince of Wales. The color is still preserved today, giving the city its pink claim to fame. Built by Maharaja Sawai Singh, Hawa Mahal allowed royal ladies to watch daily life in the street below without being seen.
• 
  Kolkata

  Originally known as Calcutta, Kolkata was considered the epicenter of the British Empire for hundreds of years. Today, the visages of Kolkata's colonial past are seen in the city's buildings and the massive Victoria Memorial Hall, which features a garden and museum. However, the city also has its slums – places where Mother Teresa ministered to the poor. When stopping here, a must-see attraction is Mother Teresa's former home.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Kolkata in February when the smog subsides and you can see more of the sights.

   

  You Should Know

  The Hare Krishna headquarters is based in Kolkata. Some river cruise operators feature a guided tour of the facility. Chess is a favorite game in Kolkata. In fact, it is so famous that people play the game in the middle of Gariahat Road. After work, chess enthusiasts visit the place to take their turn at playing the game.
• 
  Kalna

  Ambika Kalna, referred to simply as Kalna, was named for Ma Ambika, a deity. It is mainly known for its temples with terra cotta designs, which were built during the late 1700s by Maharajas of Bardhaman. While the city no longer flourishes as it once did, the temples still remind visitors of Kalna's rich history and thriving past. 

  Best Time To Visit

  Mark February on your calendar as the best time to see Kalna.

   

  You Should Know

  The only way to get around in town, besides walking, is by toto (a three-wheeler battery-operated vehicle) or by rickshaws. The fares are not fixed, so you need to know how to barter. The Rajbari temple complex highlights two of the 25 Kalna pinnacled temples. Nicely laid out, the complex boasts crisscrossing walking paths and nicely maintained lawns with beds of flowers and manicured hedges. One of the best examples of Kalna's terracotta temples is the Pratapeswar Temple, which can be found at the Rajbari Complex's west entry. The 1849-built religious structure displays a facade of terracotta embellishments. A side trip to see Muslim weaving in Kalna is featured on some India river cruise itineraries.
• 
  Matiari

  The town of Matiari sits along the Hooghly River, which is a branch of the Ganges River. Kolkata craftspeople, who specialized in brass-work, founded Matiari about a century ago. Local vendors display metal souvenirs, such as copper and brass bangles, and statues depicting Hindu gods. 

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Matiari in February, when the weather is milder and clearer.

   

  You Should Know

  The city is referred to as the "Brass Working Village" by residents. When it first was settled, the village's elders applied their brass-making craft, learned in Calcutta factories, to support their families. If you love history, add the Krishna Rai Jeu Temple to your trip's itinerary. The religious building sits a small distance from the center of town.
• 
  Murshidabad

  Located in West Bengal, Murshidabad district and town lies on the Ganges River's left bank. Famous for producing silk, Murshidabad was made the Bengal capital in 1717 until the British shifted the location to the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1773.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Murshidabad in February when the area has not yet been hit with increased humidity. Temperatures normally range from 68 degrees to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

   

  You Should Know

  Some river cruise-goers opt to visit the Katra Mosque by horse-drawn cart. The mosque was built in 1724 by local Muslim rulers. The Hazarduari Palace, built in the 1800s, features 1,000 doors, most of which are fake. Tuk-tuk rides can be taken to the center of Murshidabad to shop for textiles.
• 
  Varanasi

  Varanasi sits next to the Ganges city and is often featured on India river cruises because of its religious significance.  The Hindu people believe that if they die in this holy city that they will instantly receive enlightenment.

  Best Time To Visit

  The best time to see Varanasi is during February when the temperature and level of humidity is comfortable.

   

  You Should Know

  Hindu pilgrims bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges at the site as well as perform last rites. The city features 2,000+ temples, including the famed Golden Temple, which has been dedicated to the Hindu deity, Shiva.
• 
  Ghats

  A series of steps that lead you down into the water, they are used for a series of things. You can find that those bathing in the water use them, as well as rituals for funerals. You can come and see these holy steps for yourself and even go down them if you wish. There are many different ones at different points in the river, so depending on where you are, you might see one or another.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The weather should be mild, not raining, and comfortable for you to spend some time outside in. The Ghats are located in the water and you do have to be outside in order to see them or use them.  

   

  You Should Know

  You do not need to go into the murky water if you are not comfortable doing so. You can just watch the locals use the Ghats. There is no charge to go to these or see them, or even use them.
• 
  Yoga

  Yoga is a beautiful thing to do, and something that can keep you in great shape. There are many shops and places that will not only teach you yoga but also provide you with meditation techniques and more. You can practice right to the side of the river, as well. Yoga is a big part of the Hinduism religion.   

  Best Time To Visit

  There is no right or wrong time to practice yoga, so make sure to make the most of the time you spend doing it. Of course, if you're going to be doing this outside then make sure it is nice out.  

   

  You Should Know

  You can speak with the teachers a bit more and do a one-time class while you are there. Some yoga places will recommend great places to grab food or hike through the lush gardens.
• 
  Allahabad

  A much different town from Varanasi, Allahabad is an industrial town that is viewed by many as a working area. There are no monuments or temples, but there are a lot of places where you can learn more about the history of the area and the country. You can speak with the locals and learn more about the area from the shops and places.   

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit this city when it is nice out so you can walk through the streets. You can enjoy the weather, the shops, and more during this time.   

   

  You Should Know

  There is a festival that is held once every three years to provide thanks to the gods and bathe in the rivers.
• 
  Gangotri

  As an isolated pilgrimage site, it is one that is definitely a bit different. There is a temple located here dedicated to the goddess Gange. If you are in this city then make sure to stop by the Bhagirathi gorge. This is a great place to see the waterfalls and inside the caves.   

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit the attraction when it is warm out and comfortable. You can walk through the many natural attractions and enjoy the nature around you.  

   

  You Should Know

  Be respectful when you are here, since a lot of the areas are protected and mean a lot to those in the area.

India River Cruise Packages

India River Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are India River Cruises?

  Tour operators normally offer India river cruises along the lower Ganges River in 7-day and 14-day trips. If you opt for a longer trip, some of the cities you visit will not be located along the Ganges River, but are important, if not, major attractions. These cities include New Delhi (India's capital); Agra (home of the Taj Mahal); and Jaipur. These trips then continue along the Ganges, or toward destinations, which usually are the starting points for the 7-day trips. Some of the river cruise ports include Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Kalna, and Varanasi. People who take the 7-day journeys usually start in Kolkata and make a return trip back.

• What is Included with a Ganges River Cruise?

  Since these cruises are all-inclusive, you can expect that the food, lodging, activities, and more are included with the cruise. This is an affordable way to visit places. There are extras that can be added on such as alcohol, excursions, and specialty items. Make sure to look into these when you are booking your cruise.

• What’s the Best River Cruise of India River Cruises?

  The best river cruise for you will be defined by your personal interests and the time you can spend traveling. One of the premier river cruise providers that feature shorter and longer India river cruises is Avalon Waterways. Avalon features most, if not all, of the above-described destinations in its river cruise offerings.

• How Much Do India River Cruises Cost?

  Naturally, how much you spend on one of the India river cruises featured online will depend on when you plan to travel. On average, expect to spend $3,500 (if you apply discounts) to $4,500 per person.

• What’s the Best River Cruise for a Ganges River Cruise?

  Uniworld, Viking, and Avalon Waterways are all highly recommended to take for a Ganges River Cruise. However, which you choose depends on what you want from the cruise ship and trip. You can look into each one of them to find out which might be the best suited for your needs, but also for the budget you have aside for this specific trip.

• What Is Included on India River Cruises?

  Typically, top India river cruises highlight itineraries that immerse travelers in the culture of local life and in a country's history. Guided tours are included as well as activities that feature local craft-making or weaving. You get Wi-Fi access during your journey on board the ship as well as free meals and snacks, including your choice of complimentary beverages.