Colorful India & the Ganges River with Southern India, Varanasi & Kathmandu 2021
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
WDKY1
Start City:
Cochin
End City:
Kathmandu
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
21 days
Physical Rating:
1 - Light
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11, 2021 | Oct 01, 2021 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Oct 06, 2021 | Oct 26, 2021 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Oct 23, 2021 | Nov 12, 2021 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Oct 31, 2021 | Nov 20, 2021 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
Enter a world of color, culture, and cherished spiritual tradition of India and Nepal. Your guided tour of India, Nepal, and Ganges River cruise begins in the Southern India city of Cochin, where you’ll take a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala to witness life along the scenic and serene waterways. Explore Mumbai, home to “Bollywood,” and Varanasi, to watch the Hindu’s devotional bathing in the Ganges. Continue on to the bustling city of Delhi. You’ll tour the city with your expert local guide, and take a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk bazaar—brimming with everything from silver and spices to saris of every color. You’ll visit Qutub Minar—the world’s largest brick minaret, and see Delhi’s largest Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), before traveling to Agra—site of the legendary Taj Mahal. Join a sunrise excursion to the Taj Mahal—the iconic memorial build by Moghul emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. More than 20 years in the making, the Taj Mahal stands as the pinnacle of love’s devotion, and is also yours to experience at sunset if you wish. You’ll enjoy the city of Jaipur, with its famous Palace of the Winds, and spectacular Amber Fort, before flying to Kolkata to board your Ganges river cruise. The holy river of Hinduism, the Ganges, slowly courses through one of the world’s most fertile and populated areas. Along its banks, human life is connected to its waters and you’ll get a glimpse of life away from India’s big cities. See muslin weaving in Kalna and candy making in Matiari. Stop in Murshidabad for an excursion to Azimganj and Jiaganj—to tour a historic mansion and see a gold and silver making demonstration Explore the fascinating Hare Krishna headquarters in Mayapur, and visit Saint Mother Teresa’s former home upon your return to Kolkata. In Kathmandu, sightseeing is spread over two leisurely days. Visits include Hanuman Dhoka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess, a child thought to be the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess. You’ll also journey to Patan and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest stupa. All of this and more await you on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation with a guided tour of India and Nepal with a Ganges River cruise.
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Day 1
COCHIN, INDIAWelcome to Cochin, the “Gateway to Kerala,” India’s southernmost state known for its natural beauty. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
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Day 2
COCHINYour Guided Tour starts with a visit to the Kerala Folklore Museum which aims to educate people about the unique culture and heritage of South India. Then, drive out of the city to embark an unforgettable afternoon Cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. Explore and witness local life along these serene waterways surrounded by lush palm trees and paddy fields.(B,L)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 3
COCHIN–MUMBAIToday, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colorful history. This vibrant city is now India’s premier seaport, center of culture and industry, and home to the “Bollywood” movie industry.(B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
MUMBAIYour Guided Tour starts with an orientation for photos at some of the cities famous sites, including Victoria Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery. Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.(B,L)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 5
MUMBAI–VARANASIFly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. Early this evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River(B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 6
VARANASI–DELHIAround dawn, board a Boat Excursion and watch a striking religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some time at leisure prior to flying to Delhi. (B,L)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 7
DELHISaris, Spices, and Silver CLASSIC Today’s Guided Sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar—with its ancient alleyways lined with quaint shops offering everything from silver and saris to spices and electronics. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of leisure time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner at your hotel.(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 8
DELHI–AGRAMonuments of Worship and Remembrance CLASSIC This morning, take a Guided Excursion to visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in at your hotel.(B,L)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 9
AGRALove’s Crowning Achievement CLASSIC Start your day with a Sunrise Excursion to the incomparable Taj Mahal—Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan’s memorial to his beloved wife—more than 20 years in the making. CLASSIC Later, take a Guided Tour to Agra Fort, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This formidable fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. For those interested, an excursion to the Taj Mahal at sunset is included.(B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 10
AGRA–JAIPURWelcome to the Pink CityTravel to Jaipur—the “Pink City” that was painted pink for the Prince of Wales’ 1876 visit. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.(B,L)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 11
JAIPURA Maharaja’s Marble Palace and Gateway to the StarsCLASSIC Today, join a Guided Excursion to Jaipur’s spectacular Amber Fort, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and featuring intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. CLASSIC This afternoon, take a Guided Tour of the City Palace and the adjoining museum, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century. (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 12
JAIPUR–KOLKATA (EMBARKATION)Welcome to West Bengal. Your Ship Awaits.Fly to Kolkata this morning to transfer to your ship. Get acquainted with the ship prior to your welcome reception this evening.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO KALNA (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 13
KALNARituals, Rickshaws, and Muslin WeaversDISCOVERY Ride on cycle rickshaws during your Guided Exploration of Kalna. Along the way visit the historic terracotta temple complex and receive blessings from the temple priest. Also visit a muslin-weaver’s home. Enjoy a free afternoon on board your ship.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MATIARI (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 14
MATIARISweet Shops and Shiny Brass DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walk through the village of Matiari where fascinating scenes of everyday life unfold in front of you. Stop to see how traditional sweets are made and explore the local produce market. The village is best known for brass-making and you’ll see how scrap metal is recycled to make figurines and functional items such as tea sets and vases. For the final step, watch a talented craftsman delicately hand-hammer intricate patterns into the brass. Enjoy a free afternoon onboard your ship.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MURSHIDABAD (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 15
MURSHIDABAD. EXCURSION TO AZIMGANJ & JIAGANJSilversmiths, Tea Service, and Silk SareesDISCOVERY Guided Sightseeing brings you to two towns on opposite sides of the river. In Jiaganj, travel by electric rickshaw to see the art of Baluchari saree weaving. In Azimganj, walk through the local crafts market and explore Bari Kothi, a former residence that has been restored to its former grandeur after being abandoned for over half a century. You’ll also witness a silver- and gold-making demonstration. Relax this afternoon onboard your ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO MAYAPUR (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 16
MAYAPUR–GUPTIPARAA Holy Pilgrimage on the GangesCLASSIC Your Morning Excursion brings you to the fascinating ISKCON campus at Mayapur, the worldwide headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement. A Krishna leader will guide you throughout your visit to introduce you to their philosophy and life on campus, Along the way, you’ll tour the main temple and have time for questions. DISCOVERY This afternoon, climb aboard a Rickshaw (Toto) for your visit to the small riverside village of Guptipara. Along the way, see pottery and idol making. You’ll also visit a farmer’s home to interact with the family. AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO KOLKATA (B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 17
KOLKATAFlowers, Faith, and Victorian ArtCLASSIC This morning, take a Guided Walk through the colorful flower market. Afterward, focus on the life and work of Mother Teresa who dedicated her life to helping the city’s poor. Stop at her former home prior to visiting Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, a home for orphaned children run by Missionaries of Charity which she founded in 1950. CLASSIC After lunch, join a Guided Visit to the Victoria Memorial Museum. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria, the museum houses a beautiful collection of paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts from the Victorian era.Tonight, a farewell Dance Performance is presented on the ship.(B,L,D)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 18
KOLKATA–KATHMANDU, NEPALToday, fly to Nepal. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.(B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 19
KATHMANDUToday, your Guided Sightseeing starts with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess and said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Kathmandu.(B,L)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 20
KATHMANDUStart your Sightseeing Tour at Bouddahanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (“City of Beauty”). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the city’s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. The remainder of the day is free. (B,L)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 21
KATHMANDUYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 1 Cochin, India: Welcome to India
Day 2 Cochin: Visit the Kerala Folklore Museum; cruise on the backwaters of Kerala
Day 3 Cochin–Mumbai: Fly to Mumbai
Day 4 Mumbai: Guided Tour to see Victoria Terminus, the Gateway of India, and a traditional open-air laundromat; witness Mumbai’s fascinating lunch box delivery system; visit Mani Bhavan
Day 5 Mumbai–Varanasi: Fly to Varanasi. Witness the Ganga Aarti
Day 6 Varanasi–Delhi: Watch the Hindus’ devotional bathing ritual; fly to Delhi.
Day 7 Delhi: See Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace; rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar
Day 8 Delhi–Agra: Sightseeing including visits to Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib; drive to Agra
Day 9 Agra: Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal; Agra Fort; sunset visit to Taj Mahal
Day 10 Agra–Jaipur: Drive to Jaipur; afternoon sightseeing including visits to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar
Day 11 Jaipur: Morning Excursion to Amber Fort; afternoon sightseeing including visits to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar
Day 12 Jaipur–Kolkata (Embarkation): Fly to Kolkata; onboard welcome reception
Day 13 Kalna: Sightseeing by rickshaw; visit a temple complex to receive blessings from a priest and visit a muslin-weaver’s home
Day 14 Matiari: Walking tour of village to interact with brass craftsmen and see traditional sweets being made
Day 15 Murshidabad. Excursion to Azimganj & Jiaganj: Travel by electric rickshaw to see saree weaving in Jiaganj; Guided Walk through Azimganj to see the local crafts market, visit Bari Kothi; silver and gold making demonstration
Day 16 Mayapur–Guptipara: Morning visit to the ISKCON temple in Mayapur; rickshaw ride through Guptipara to see pottery-making and a farmer’s home
Day 17 Kolkata: Guided walk through the flower market; visit Mother Teresa’s Home, home for orphaned children, and the
Victoria Memorial Museum; farewell dance performance
Day 18 Kolkata–Kathmandu, Nepal: Fly to Nepal
Day 19 Kathmandu: Sightseeing with visits to Hanuman Dhoka and the Temple of Kumari
Day 20 Kathmandu: Visit Bouddahanath; excursion to Patan
Day 21 Kathmandu: End of vacation
Health and Safety Protocols for Globus Tours
Today's world has changed, but what remains certain is Globus' commitment to guest safety, comfort and peace-of-mind while traveling with us. To that end, Globus has established a worldwide Assurance program, with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures, to ensure the health – and happiness – of guests throughout their travels with us.
It all starts with Globus' Global Health & Safety Team, dedicated to ensuring that cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s travel standards—from start to finish. The following areas address Globus' commitment to providing a safe and clean environment for guests.
A SAFE & WARM WELCOMEGlobus will enact new tour check-in procedures and pre-trip health screenings to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including adherence to social distancing requirements.
BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCEGlobus will ensure safe distances for guests throughout the journey, on coach and during excursions. This includes providing masks for guests use at any time where social proximity could be an issue as well as the possibility of reducing group sizes, if required. And wireless listening technology – including Globus' Go Beyond Devices in Europe – enables safe distances between guests and other travelers on excursions.
FOCUS ON GUEST AND TEAM MEMBER HEALTHTo ensure a healthy environment for team and guests, Globus will conduct regular temperature checks for both guests and team, and when necessary, masks will be worn by Globus' team members when with guests.
TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDSTraveling with Globus removes many of the “touch points” of travel, including luggage handling, check in/out, expedited entry into attractions and more. Globus are further reducing risk with hands-free service, meaning all self-services replaced by staff, including buffet meals replaced with table service. Globus will also ensure hand sanitizing is available throughout each trip, on coach and in hotels.
COMMITMENT TO CLEANAs a part of Globus' commitment to clean, Globus is requiring enhanced cleaning procedures with hotel partners, on motorcoaches, vehicles and throughout every trip, including additional daily disinfecting procedures that go above-and-beyond already strict health and safety procedures.
PARTNERS IN DISCOVERY AND IN HEALTHGlobus has strict health and safety protocols, which have been in place for years, focused on ensuring all aspects of operation- from vehicles and equipment used on trip to excursions and hotel procedures. This process will continue with new, elevated health and safety checks, to maintain their promise that each touch-point on tours and cruises are considered in their commitment to guest and team member well-being.
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Port charges:
$93
Gratuities to Local Guides & drivers are included. Gratuities for drivers and local hosts on extensions are not included and should be paid locally.
Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available.
All prices are per person based on double room occupancy. Cruise price based on Category B in a Deluxe Suite on Main Deck.
Category / Deck / Price
B / Main Deck /
A / Upper Deck / $400
Heritage Suite / Upper Deck / $800
Viceroy Suite / Upper Deck / $1,200
Maharajah Suite / Upper Deck / $1,600
Willingdon Island
Cochin , India
Apollo Bunder, Colaba
Mumbai , India
Nadesar Palace Ground Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi , India
2 Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi
Delhi , India
Taj East Gate Road, Uttar Pradesh
Agra , India
Jacob Rd, Civl Lines
Jaipur , India
Battisputali
Kathmandu , Nepal
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Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
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Operator: GlobusStarts
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Operator: GlobusStarts
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Operator: TrafalgarStarts
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This was our first tour with Affordable Tours and Globus. This planned trip exceeded our expectations, from the hotel accommodations, meals, and the guided tours. Special mention to our great tour director, Chiro who ensured that everything ran smoothly, Gerardo, our bus driver, and also tour guide Yvonne. The whole crew went above and beyond what they were supposed to do. Great, reputable company! My husband and I are already talking about planning another Italy tour, hopefully one with Chiro as the tour director.