Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express

Name: Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express
Brand: UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

About This Cruise

Start your journey onboard the luxurious riverboat, the Ganges Voyager II. Travel to villages lining the Ganges River that only a few people get to see each year and experience our Wellness Program, centered around the destination's ancient tradition and practice of yoga. From the awe-inspiring Hindu temple complexes of Kalna to the colorful flower markets of Kolkata, your Ganges voyage delves deeply into the myriad charms of India's culture.

Then your travels continue onshore to explore India's star cities by the Maharajas' Express. This glamorous train will take you to Agra for the Taj Mahal, the Pink City of Jaipur and the Blue City of Jodhpur, the romantic "Venice of the East", New Delhi, and Mumbai, home to India's famous Bollywood film industry. All this and more await on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage through India.

*Note: Due to cultural differences and other factors, the beverage policy for our India program differs from our European programs. Please refer to the "What's Included" section at the bottom of this page for inclusions details.

Who Is This Cruise For?

Couples
Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel
Over 50s
A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

Ganges Voyager II

Departure Date

20 March 2027

Cruise Line

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Duration

15 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type

Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

India

Kolkata (ex Calcutta)

Arrive at Kolkata Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the Ganges Voyager II.

India

Kalna

Kalna, once an important trade port on the river, is best known today for the magnificent Hindu temples built by the maharajas of Bardhaman— which you’ll experience today. After marveling at the astonishing Rajbari temple complex, you may opt to walk with your guide through the colorful local market.

India

Matiari

Your ship serves as a time machine today, transporting you hundreds of years into the past, as we travel to the authentic artisan village of Matiari.

India

Murshidabad

Today’s adventures take you to a duo of Bengali towns—Murshidabad and Baranagar—each one boasting surprising and beautiful architectural monuments closely linked to the ruling families of the area.

India

Kolkata (ex Calcutta)

One of the world’s most sacred bodies of water, the Ganges River flows through a myriad of small villages and highly populated cities throughout India and Bangladesh. Take in the remarkable scenery as you sail and be on the lookout for a rare sighting of the endangered Ganges river dolphin.

India

Mayapur

Few places of worship exist on such a head-spinning scale as what you will witness today in Mayapur, the center of the international Hare Krishna movement and home to the new Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, still under construction. Most students of history know a thing or two about the British colonial powers in India, but few are aware that the French had colonies here as well. You’ll visit this former French outpost today.

India

Kolkata (ex Calcutta)

The city of Kolkata is synonymous with the enduring legacies of Mother Teresa and the colonial-era British Raj, both of which you will get better acquainted with today.

India

New Delhi

Disembark the ship for your flight to New Delhi. Take the afternoon at leisure to rest at your hotel, The Oberoi New Delhi.

India

Agra

Settle into your cabin onboard The Maharajas’ Express as your journey by rail begins. Later today, enjoy a visit to the majestic Taj Mahal.

India

Ranthambore National Park

Following a visit to Agra Fort, you will journey to stunning Ranthambore, home to a national park known for its large population of Bengal tigers.

India

Jaipur

Pink is the color of hospitality in northwestern India, which gives you an idea of what to expect in the “Pink City” of Jaipur. Spend the morning visiting the city’s famous Amber Fort.

India

Bikaner

Gaze out at the countryside while you enjoy breakfast onboard. In the 15th century, what was once a barren desert gave rise to a princely city carved of red sandstone. This city, Bikaner, is the site of your explorations today. Enjoy some free time in the morning to explore on your own or relax onboard before our afternoon explorations. Tonight, a special dinner experience awaits in the deserts outside the city.

India

Jodhpur

Having seen India’s “Pink City” already, now it’s time for you to visit the “Blue City” of Jodhpur. Swaths of brightly painted blue houses can be found throughout the city’s streets. Once an indication that a Brahmin—a member of India’s priestly class—inhabited a dwelling, the blue color later became emblematic of the city itself and a popular choice amongst its residents.

India

Udaipur

Sprawling across seven lakes and a range of hillsides, Udaipur has earned itself the moniker “the Venice of the East.” It is certainly amongst the most scenic locales in all of India, and a highlight of our adventures in this many splendored country. During your explorations of Udaipur today, sit for lunch at a local spot in town.