-
Travel & Accommodation
-
Map & Itinerary
-
-
Similar Trips
Trip Inclusions
- 13 nights in premium accommodation
- Seven nights cruising the Lower Ganges aboard the RV Rajmahal
- The services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and Travelmarvel Cruise Director
- 20 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 17 dinners, plus soft drinks, local beers and spirits included on board your Lower Ganges cruise
- Take a fascinating rickshaw tour in Delhi and experience Amber Fort on a Jeep ride
- Search for the elusive tiger on morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore National Park
- Gain an insight into Kalna during a rickshaw tour and visit the ancient brass-working village of Matiari
- Unlock the secrets of Murshidabad’s mysterious Hazarduari Palace
Map & Itinerary
Trip Notes
- Itinerary days 1-10 are operated by Travelmarvel's partner Great Rail Journeys
- Itinerary and inclusions may be subject to change
- Day 11 and flight from Delhi to Kolkata is unescorted
- Low or high water levels may cause disruption to cruising
- Prices include transfers, tipping, internal flight, porterage and port charges
- Prices are for land/rail/cruise and flights as specified only
Insider Experiences
Designed exclusively for our guests
Insider Experience
Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event
Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred into the heart of India’s bustling capital, home to around 25 million people. Here, you will spend three incredible nights.
Stay: Three Nights, The Suryaa New Delhi
Delhi
Enjoy a free day to see Delhi at your own pace. Perhaps visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple, a Sikh temple with Delhi’s largest kitchen, free for those seeking a meal or looking to volunteer. This evening, meet your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers for a Welcome Briefing followed by dinner.
Daily :Delhi
Insider Experience
Take a fascinating rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Delhi’s lively bazaar, winding through a sea of pedestrians going about their everyday lives.
Today you will explore Delhi, India’s vibrant, awe-inspiring capital city. Visit Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, before discovering New Delhi, where you’ll see Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar – India’s tallest stone tower. Other highlights include the triumphal India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan, the home of India’s president.
Daily :Delhi, Agra
Today you will have your first taste of rail travel in India as you board the Gatimaan Express to Agra, home to the truly magical Taj Mahal. On arrival, head to the enormous Agra Fort, an impressive maze of buildings constructed in 1565 under Emperor Akbar. Afterwards, it’s time to see the iconic Taj Mahal. A sight to behold, this enormous mausoleum took over 22 years to build. Its glittering white marble domes inspire awe, and almost seem to change colours throughout the day.
Stay: Agra, Tajview Hotel
Daily :Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore
Your day begins with an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century as the brand new capital city of India, Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned after only 14 years of rule. The deserted city has been preserved in almost the exact state it was left in 400 years ago, and provides a fascinating glimpse into life during the time of the Mughal Empire. After time to explore, continue to Bharatpur to have lunch at a local restaurant. Later, travel by train to Sawai Madhopur, then transfer to your hotel.
Stay: Two Nights, Ranthambore Kothi
Daily :Ranthambore
Insider Experience
Rise early and head into Ranthambore National Park for an early-morning game drive. To increase your chances of seeing all of the wildlife at the park, you will also embark on a second game drive in the afternoon.
Many rare creatures can be in Ranthambore National Park, including leopards, panthers, hyenas, marsh crocodiles and sloth bears. However, the park’s star attraction is the elusive Bengal tiger. Ranthambore is one of the few places in India where the tiger can still be found in the wild. Tonight, listen to a lecture about Ranthambore National Park given by a local naturalist.
Daily :
Ranthambore, Jaipur
Insider Experience
Discover the incredible Pink City of Jaipur.
Start your day with free time. You’ll then travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the Pink City. In 1876, the reigning Maharaja ordered the entire city to be painted pink, the colour of hospitality, to celebrate a visit by Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. The tradition has been followed by the residents of the old town, who are now obliged by law to maintain the pink colour. On arrival, check in to the Hilton Hotel in Jaipur, your home for the next two nights.
Stay: Two Nights, Jaipur, Hilton Hotel
Daily :Jaipur, Amber Fort
Insider Experience
Travel to Amber Fort by Jeep and enjoy free time to stroll through the complex of courtyards and halls. Bask in the incredible views of the fortifications on the surrounding mountains.
Today, head to the ancient village of Amer to visit the remarkable Amber Fort. Located high on a hillside, the fort traditionally served as the royal stronghold, before Rajasthan’s capital relocated to Jaipur. The imposing exterior of Amber Fort contrasts with its intricate interior. Many of the rooms have elaborately painted walls inlaid with decadent mirrors and precious stones. This afternoon, embark on an exciting sightseeing tour of Jaipur. First, head to the grand City Palace, which is home to the current Maharaja of Jaipur, and visit the early 18th-century Astronomical Observatory, a splendid complex featuring a number of early geometric devices for tracking locations of planets. Next, have your camera ready as you drive past the spectacular ‘Palace of the Winds’, an opulent red and pink sandstone building.
Daily :
Jaipur, Patan
Insider Experience
Travel by camel cart to the Patan Mahal Palace Hotel.
Insider Experience
Enjoy a Farewell Dinner in the grounds of the palace hotel, a fitting end to your holiday.
Travel to Patan after breakfast. On arrival, transfer to the Patan Mahal Palace Hotel. Built in the 13th century, the Patan Mahal Palace has been turned into a heritage hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Patan town. There is then the opportunity to continue to Badal Mahal, an 800-year-old palace. Here you can admire views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
Stay: Patan Mahal Palace Hotel
Daily :Patan, Delhi
Be transferred to Delhi, where you will arrive in the evening.
Stay: Delhi, Pride Plaza Aerocity
Daily :Delhi, Kolkata
Insider Experience
Enjoy an indulgent stay at Taj Bengal in Kolkata.
After breakfast, fly to Kolkata and be transferred to your premium hotel, the Taj Bengal.
Stay: Two Nights, Kolkata, Taj Bengal
Daily :Kolkata
Embark on a sightseeing tour to take in some of Kolkata’s famous landmarks, including Mullik Ghat Flower Market, the Howrah Bridge and Mother Teresa’s House. Tonight, dinner will be served at your hotel.
Daily :Kolkata, Embark Ship, Serampore, Barrackpore
This morning, board your river ship. Sail past the old Danish colony of Serampore before arriving in the city of Barrackpore.
Stay: Seven Nights, Lower Ganges River, RV Rajmahal
Daily :
Chandannagar, Kalna
Cruise to Chandannagar and spend time exploring. See the 18th-century French church and the Dupleix’s House.
Daily :Kalna, Matiari
Insider Experience
Embark on a traditional rickshaw ride through the town of Kalna and take in all its main sights.
Discover Kalna today, famous for its iconic terracotta temples. It’s onwards through the countryside to Mayapur. See the ISKCON temple, which dominates the town’s skyline.
Daily :Matiari, Murshidabad
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
In Matiari, see first-hand how locals beat brass to make water pots and other utensils, while learning the heritage behind the workmanship.
Explore the riverside village of Matiari. Later, pay a visit to the iconic battlefield of Plassey.
Daily :Murshidabad
Begin with a trip to the Khushbagh garden. Continue cruising upstream, where the Hazarduari Palace dominates the Murshidabad waterfront. Later, see the Katra Mosque before visiting Nashipara and Kathgola Palaces.
Daily :Baranagar, Farakka
This morning, take a stroll through the fields of Baranagar. Here, visit three miniature terracotta temples before continuing up the Lower Ganges. Tonight, your ship moors close to the Farakka Barrage.
Daily :Gaur
Discover the city of Gaur. The city is strewn with ancient monuments and the remains of mosques. Rejoin the ship above the Farakka lock gate and make the most of your last evening on board.
Daily :Farakka, Disembark Ship, Kolkata
Disembark this morning and transfer by local train to Kolkata. Visit Victoria Memorial and St Paul’s Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy dinner at Sonargaon Restaurant.
Stay: Kolkata, Taj Bengal
Daily :Depart Kolkata
Your holiday comes to an end today. Spend the morning at your leisure before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Daily :I could not have asked for more regarding a tour guide. Helpful in all ways, terrific personality.
Similar Trips
Authentic India - Lower Ganges Cruise
Kolkata (Upstream) Return
Authentic India – Lower Ganges Cruise
Kolkata (Downstream) Return
India’s Golden Triangle & Tiger Safari
Delhi Return
Authentic India - Lower Ganges Cruise
Kolkata (Upstream) Return
Authentic India – Lower Ganges Cruise
Kolkata (Downstream) Return
India’s Golden Triangle & Tiger Safari
Delhi Return