India in recent years has emerged as an important river cruising destination for its diverse landscape, unique wildlife, distinctive villages, varying cultures and bustling cities. Despite an excellent road and rail network, there is a huge part of the country which has not been explored by tourists and can only be reached by boats.
The banks of Ganges, Brahmaputra in the North East and backwaters of Kerala in the south have languid landscapes and the leisurely pace of a river cruise is an ideal way to appreciate an undiscovered India.
In the north, the oldest river Ganges is admired by millions of people and is an origin for many luxury river cruises. Along the Ganges you'll experience the bustle of ghats and city industries, as well as farmlands where ancient farming techniques are still practiced and local temples honour village deities.
Further from the colonial city of Kolkata, the villages become remoter and sparser, your arrival in villages will cause a great excitement in the children who run along the banks, attempting to practise their English on you from a distance.
The Brahmaputra in the east, offers some of the most thrilling cruising experiences as it originates high in the Himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam. Here UNESCO protected national parks and remote rural communities provide the traveller with the most wonderful and authentic expedition.
In the south, Kerala’s backwater canals travel through spice plantations, forests, paddy fields and villages. Exploring these waterways on a converted rice barge offers a glimpse of the unhurried pace of everyday life here, as you pass people fishing, doing their washing and working on the palm-fringed banks. Our inhouse cruise specialists can tell you more about cruises and create a holiday around your interests.
Tell us more about your India travel plans, and we'll create a tailor-made holiday, just for you.
Call us: 01442 617 777
SUGGESTED RIVER CRUISE HOLIDAYS IN INDIA:
CRUISING ON THE HOOGHLY RIVER
10 NIGHTS
Explore Bengal’s Hooghly River, a distributary of the holy Ganges, on this epic cruise journey. Start with the former capital of British Raj Kolkata – a historic city with magnificent architectural marvels and churches. This cruise takes you along the intimate Hooghly, which flows from Farakka on the main river down to Kolkata. Explore deep into rural eastern India - the European colonies just outside of Kolkata, Murshidabad - capital of the Nawabs of Bengal and the many monuments of the medieval Islamic capital of Gaur. Also uncover some of the most beautiful terracotta temples in Kalna on this iconic exploration.
SOUTH INDIA - TOY TRAIN, BACKWATERS & BEACHES
12 NIGHTS
Travelling through one of the most historic & beautiful regions of India, this is a memorable journey from princely Mysore to the beautiful spice town of Kochi. Start in Mysore exploring the palaces before spending time chasing wildlife in the Nagarhole National Park - arguably the finest in south India. From here drive up in the hills to the charming colonial settlement of Ooty. Wander through the tea estates that surround the hill station before travelling on the famous ‘Toy Train’ down the western ghats. From Cochin head towards the tranquil backwaters to cruise on your private houseboat and finally relax beside the Arabian Sea on the beautiful Keralan coast.
CLASSIC GOLDEN TRIANGLE & KERALA
17 NIGHTS
This classic Golden Triangle and Kerala holiday combines the unforgettable cities and sights of the celebrated Golden Triangle in the north, with exploration of one of the country’s most beautiful and lush states, Kerala, in the south.
Build Your Tailor-Made Holiday to India
As well as luxury holidays, we've also built many different India itineraries for families and honeymoon couples who want to see the best parts the country has to offer.
The holiday itineraries above are examples of ones we have created previously in India, and give you a good idea on the time needed to see many of the idyllic places mentioned above. If you would like more information on a specific area, or a certain hotel, please get in touch with us.
Perfect for:
Adventure, culture, cities, beach, family
Time difference:
GMT+ 4.5 hours
When to go:
October to March
International Airports:
Mumbai(BOM)
Delhi(DEL)
Flight duration:
8 hours approx
Vaccinations:
Some are recommended or required by the Centres for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Tailored Journeys is about helping you explore one of the most fascinating and beautiful regions on earth, in style. Even if – especially if – you don’t know where to start, call us now to talk about creating your own Tailored Journey – and let the dream begin.
