- River cruising on India’s Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers is becoming popular destinations.
- Viking is the latest line to sail in India, offering eight-day and 15-day itineraries in 2027.
- Other river lines that cruise in India include Uniworld, APT, Avalon Waterways and Pandaw.
India’s mystical rivers are becoming a popular destination for Australian cruisers. The Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers are attracting more holiday makers looking for a different cultural experience.
This week Viking announced it will launch its first river ship on the Brahmaputra River in India – the 80-guest Viking Brahmaputra is currently being built to debut in late 2027. Viking will offer an eight-day Brahmaputra River voyage plus a variety of pre-and-post land extensions to explore Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Cochin and Mumbai. It is also offering a 15-day Wonders of India itinerary including a nine-day cruise on the Brahmaputra River from Nimati Ghat to Guwahati.
Ganges River cruises will visit Varanasi, a holy city for Hindus and other historical sites along the river. Brahmaputra River cruises will explore the wildlife of Assam, calling at the Kaziranga National Park, known for its one-horned rhinoceroses.
India’s Golden Triangle and the sacred Ganges
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
A 13-day New Delhi to Kolkata including seven nights onboard Ganges Voyager II
Uniworld, a boutique, luxury cruise operator, offers cruises on the Ganges River which delves deep into India’s beguiling and fascinating historical, cultural and religious heritage. The adventure starts in New Delhi where you will see the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset. You will then visit Agra and Jaipur before flying to Kolkata where you will embark the luxury Ganges Voyager II to start your Ganges River cruise. The all-suite ship decked up in the style of the British colonial period only caters for 56 guests who will enjoy five-star luxury service. You will visit Kalna, known for its magnificent Hindu temples and markets. The next day you will visit Matiari, the authentic, artisan village which specialises in making brass vases, lamps for more than 100 years, followed by Mayapur, home to the Hare Krishna movement, then Kolkata, synonymous with the enduring legacy of Mother Teresa and the colonial-era British Raj. Prices have been discounted to $9239 pp – down from $13,199 pp for travel on 14 November 2025. Click here for more information.
Our Ganges River Cruises
APT
- 10-day Kolkata and Lower Ganges Cruise
- 12-day Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise
- 17-day Golden Triangle Kolkata and Lower Ganges Cruise
- 19-day Golden Triangle, Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise
An APT Ganges River Cruise offers exclusive experiences, bringing you closer to India’s heritage and culture at every stop along the river. You will start your adventure in Kolkata and visit landmarks like the ISKCON Temple. Each day is filled with unique opportunities to engage and immerse yourself with India’s historical richness. You will sail on APT’s luxury Ganges Voyager with only 28 suites to discover India’s most revered river. As APT is an all-inclusive line, all your meals, select beverages, excursions to sites such as Varanasi, local riverbank villages led by expert guides are included. The best time to cruise the Ganges is between October and March when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Prices start from, $6995pp for the 10-day cruise to $14,995pp for the 19-day Golden Triangle, Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges cruise. Click here for more information.
Heritage of India and the Ganges River
Avalon Waterways.
- 13-day Heritage of India & the Ganges River.
- 19-day Heritage of India& the Ganges River with Varanasi & Kathmandu.
- 16-day Heritage of India and the Ganges River with Varanasi.
Avalon Waterways, part of Globus, is offering a variety of itineraries to India which include a seven-day Ganges River cruise aboard MV Bengal Ganga in September 2026. The 20-suite ship has recently been refurbished. From muslin weaving in Nabadwip and pottery making in Guptipara, you will explore the fascinating Hare Krishna headquarters in Mayapur and visit the Hooghly Imambara. You will also discover the Temple of Kumari and journey to Patan and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest stupa. Other highlights include a rickshaw ride through Delhi’s Chandni Chowk bazaar. Sunset and sunrise visits to the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort and City Palace Museum in Jaipur. During the cruise you will also experience a dawn boat ride on the Ganges to visit bathing ghats. Prices start from $8668pp for the 13-day itinerary to $13,487pp for the 19-day tour. Click here for more information.
Pandaw Cruise
- Nine-night cruise on the Ganges River, the Hooghly.
- 14-night All Ganges itinerary from Kolkata to Patna.
- Seven-night Lower Ganges River round-trip cruise from Kolkata.
The 2500-km long Ganges River flows through India and Bangladesh. It provides a lifeline to millions of Indian locals who live on the riverbanks. It is also a spiritual site for many Hindus. Pandaw’s Ganges River cruises take you into the heart of the country so that you can immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle, the sights and smells of the country’s rich heritage and cultural experiences. From awe-inspiring temples to Gangetic dolphins playing in the water, you will be thrilled by your experiences. It offers a nine-night itinerary onboard two ships, RV Kalaw Pandaw and RV Katha Pandaw for the Hooghly itinerary. The 14-night All Ganges itinerary is aboard the RV Kalaw Pandaw and the seven-night cruise on the Lower Ganges River is also aboard RV Kalaw Pandaw. Prices range from US$4725pp for the seven-night Lower Ganges River cruise to US$8400pp for the 14-night All Ganges itinerary. Click here for more details.
