All of our arrangements have been specially designed to incorporate a reason to travel and, for ease of choice, these have been categorised under the titles shown below.
11 nights from
£3795
Travellers familiar with India will know that cruising is the perfect way to enjoy this magical country. Far away from the frenetic roads, life on board offers a grandeur of scenery and a tranquillity that is unique. So, a cruise on India’s most famous river presents an opportunity not to be missed, viewing this great river from the water.
At holy Varanasi visit the various Ghats where the living seek purification and the dead salvation. Lining the Ganges with a collision of colours and an assault on the senses, this is one of the seven Hindu holy cities with temples jostling for space in its tangle of ancient streets. Sailing between here and Patna is a journey through history and Hinduism. From Mughal tombs and a Maharaja’s palace, to bathing ghats and relics of the British Raj, it is exotic and chaotic, in fairly equal measure.
Our cruising partner, Assam Bengal Navigation, has now successfully pioneered this cruise between Varanasi and Patna, quiet and remote parts of the river contrasting with hectic Varanasi. Cruises operate only during August and September when water levels are at their best for cruising.
Alcohol is not available between Patna and Buxar due to local state regulations.
Cruises operate only during August and September when water levels are at their best for cruising.
Operated by Assam Bengal Navigation, the RV Rajmahal was built in Kolkata, is 164 ft. long, powered by three engines, with extra-shallow draught and a lower profile than conventional designs to enable it to cruise further upstream than most vessels. On board the crew are mainly Indian, the currency the Indian Rupee, the language English and WiFi (free/limited).
The décor is stylish and fresh, with touches of colonial elegance, and uses hand-blocked cotton fabrics of traditional Indian-inspired designs. The comfortable saloon, bar and dining room compliment the vast canopied sun deck. A small spa offers a range of treatments.
Food is a mixture of Assamese (milder than most Indian cuisine) and continental. Wines, beer and spirits are available. Tea, coffee and water are complimentary. Cold towel service, welcome drink and shoe cleaning are offered after each excursion.
22 Main and Upper Deck cabins with four Main Deck single cabins, all are air-conditioned with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and French balconies.
per person in a twin room/Upper Deck cabin
Emirates from Heathrow or Gatwick
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, 3 nights’ hotel, breakfast daily, full board on cruise, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, drinks, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Assam & the Brahmaputra
Exclusive cruise along India’s iconic Brahmaputra River including Assam’s tea country, rural and villages, the monasteries of Majuli Island, and wonderful wildlife of Kaziranga National Park
Along the Banks of the Hoogly - Downstream
Go with the flow of the Hoogly for 250 miles from Farakka to Kolkata. This tranquil cruise is a journey through time via rural villages, rarely visited ruins, temples, palaces and Mughal gardens
Along the Banks of the Hoogly - Upstream
A unique, original and exclusive cruise through rural India along the River Hoogly between Calcutta and English Bazaar
