Colorful India & the Ganges River with Southern India & Varanasi Tour

Package Overview

Enter a World of Color, Culture, and Cherished Spiritual Tradition of India. Your Guided Tour of India 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.

Enter a World of Color, Culture, and Cherished Spiritual Tradition of India. Your Guided Tour of India 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.

in Jaipur, See the Famous Palace of the Winds, and Tour the 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 Savor Authentic Indian Tea, as Well as Stunning Gold and Silversmith Workshops. You’ll Meet Saree Weavers, Goldsmiths, and Pottery Makers. You’ll also Visit the Fascinating Hare Krishna Headquarters in Mayapur, and Visit Saint Mother Teresa’s Former Home Upon Your Return to Kolkata.

all of this and More Await You On this Once-in-a-lifetime Guided Tour of India and a Ganges River Cruise.

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 :

  Arrive in Cochin, India Welcome to Cochin, the “gateway to Kerala.” Located On the Arabian Sea in Kerala, India’s Southernmost State, Cochin is the Perfect Starting Point to Explore the Region’s Natural Beauty. Your Hotel Room is Available for Mid-afternoon Check-in.
• Day 2 :

  Cochin Your Guided Tour Starts with the Chinese Fishing Nets that are the Livelihood of Many Fishermen in the Area and a Walk Through the Jewish Quarter. Next, Visit the Kerala Folklore Museum Which Aims to Preserve and Educate People About the Unique Culture and Heritage of South India. this Afternoon, Enjoy An Unforgettable Cruise On the Backwaters of Kerala. Explore and Witness Local Life Along These Serene Waterways Surrounded By Lush Palm Trees and Paddy Fields.

  • Themes Heritage
• Day 3 :

  Cochin–mumbai Today, 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.

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast
• Day 4 :

  Mumbai Your Guided Tour Starts At the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s Most Famous Monument Commemorating the Visit of Queen Mary. Then, Drive Along Marine Drive, a Seafront Promenade, and See a Traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air Laundromat). You Will also Visit the Hanging Gardens, Mumbai Museum, and Mani Bhavan, the Former Residence of Mahatma Gandhi. the Remainder of the Day is At Your Leisure.

  • Hotspots Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Hanging Garden
  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch
• Day 5 :

  Mumbai–varanasi Fly to Varanasi, the Holiest of Hindu Pilgrim Cities, Situated On the Banks of the Sacred Ganges River. Early this Evening, Witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual Worship) On the Ghats (steps) Leading Down to the Ganges.

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch
• Day 6 :

  Varanasi–delhi Around Dawn, Board a Boat 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. Afterwards, a Guided Excursion Takes You to Nearby Sarnath, the “cradle of Buddhism,” Where Buddha First Spoke of His Philosophy. Later Fly to Delhi.

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch
• Day 7 : Delhi Saris, 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.

  • Hotspots India Gate
  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 8 : DELHI–AGRA Monuments 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 overlooking the Taj Mahal.

  • Hotspots Taj Mahal
  • Meals & Drinks B,L
• Day 9 : AGRA Love’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 At Sunset is Included.

  • Hotspots Agra Fort, Taj Mahal
  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 10 : AGRA–JAIPUR Palaces and Rare Printings in the Pink City

  Travel to Jaipur—the “pink City” that Was Painted Pink for the Prince of Wales’ 1876 Visit.
  
  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 and the Famous Hawa Mahal (palace of the Winds).
  
  the Evening is At Your Leisure.

  • Hotspots Hawa Mahal, City Palace
  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch
• Day 11 : JAIPUR A Maharaja’s Marble Palace

  Classic 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.
  
  spend the Afternoon At Leisure.
  
  discovery Tonight, and Enjoy a Festive Dinner with a Cultural Performance.

  • Hotspots Amber Fort
  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 12 : JAIPUR–KOLKATA (EMBARKATION) Welcome to West Bengal. Your Ship Awaits.

  Fly to Kolkata this Morning to Transfer to Your Ship. This Afternoon, Get Acquainted with the Ship Prior to Your Welcome Reception.
  
  Afternoon/evening Cruise to Kalna

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 13 : KALNA Rituals, Rickshaws, and a Weaver’s Wares

  Discovery Ride On Cycle Rickshaws During Your Guided Tour 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

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 14 : MATIARI Shining Brass and Sweet Shops

  Discovery Join a Morning Walk in the Brass-making Village of Matiari to See and Interact with the Craftsmen There. You’ll also See Traditional Sweets Being Made.
  
  enjoy a Free Afternoon Free Onboard Your Ship.
  
  afternoon/evening Cruise to Murshidabad

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 15 : MURSHIDABAD. EXCURSION TO AZIMGANJ & JIAGANJ Silversmiths, Tea Service, and Saree Weaving

  Discovery Enjoy a Short Guided Walk Through Azhimganj to See the Local Gold and Silversmith Workshops. You’ll also Visit a Local Landlord’s Mansion for Authentic Indian Tea, Then Travel By Electric Richshaw in Jiaganj to See the Art of Baluchari Saree Weaving.
  
  Relax this Afternoon Free Onboard Your Ship.
  
  Afternoon/evening Sailing to Mayapur

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 16 : MAYAPUR–GUPTIPARA A Holy Pilgrimage on the Ganges

  Classic Join a Morning Walk Through the Pilgirm’s Bazaar and Visit the Iskcon Temple, and Meet and Interact with a Krishna Leader. You’ll also Visit a Goshala (rescue Shelter for Cows).
  
  discovery this Afternoon, Take a Rickshaw (toto) Ride, and Explore the Village of Guptipara to See Pottery and Idol-making. You’ll also Take An Escorted Visit to a Farmer’s Home and Interact with the Family There.
  
  afternoon/evening Sailing to Kolkata

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 17 : KOLKATA Flowers, Faith, and Victorian Art

  Classic this Morning, Take a Guided Walk Through the Colorful Flower Market. Afterward, Stop to See Mother Teresa’s Former Home and the Calcutta Rescue.
  
  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

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 18 : KOLKATA (DISEMBARKATION)

  Your Vacation Ends with Breakfast this Morning.

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast

Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

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