India "The Ganges"
Jan 25th 2026
Our 14-day Ganges adventure plus cruise, exploring the wonders of one of the worlds great rivers.
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India "The Ganges" 2026
India! there really is no where on the planet quite like it, you cannot help but be astonished. Fabulous wealth, and grinding poverty, sit side by side, your emotions will be all over the place. The country is also vast, you could spend a lifetime visiting and never see it all. On this trip we get to explore Kolkata, Varanasi and the great river Ganges along with Delhi and Agra (Ext) all rich in amazing history. India is so full-on that for me its essential to have a comfortable place to retreat to in the evening, freshen up, and enjoy an evening meal, and we have chosen hotels for you to do just that in. This is not a 5* luxury hotel trip, (5* trips are available in India at a hefty price tag) its a comfortable 3-4* hand picked hotel adventure, and the 9 nights on the cruise boat are super accommodations . Pandaw run (in my opinion) the best and most classic river cruises in Asia, which fit in perfectly with the OTS vibe. The cruise is of course not a gay cruise, its mixed though we will likely be in the majority, the staff are welcoming and there is always a great vibe onboard. So take the plunge and dive into the sensory overload which is India. DAY 1: Arrival and EMBARK KOLKATA Transfer from your Kolkata hotel (If arriving early) or the airport (10.30 am transfer) to embark by 12:00 for lunch on board, followed by a city orientation tour. This will include a walk around Dalhousie Square, the prominent Writers; Building (the former HQ of the East India Company), and a visit to St John Church with its painting of The Last Supper. Experience the serenity of the Victoria Memorial with a stroll through the splendid gardens. Admire the domed white marble hall built in memory of Queen Victoria and discover Victorian memorabilia and British Raj-era paintings. Upon returning to the ship, welcome cocktails and a briefing will be provided before dinner. DAY 2: KOLKATA IMMERSION Early morning visit to the vibrant flower market, one of Asia’s largest. Wind your way through the mountains of marigolds and jasmine and watch as people buy flowers for temple offerings and prayers. Stroll down to the river to witness a traditional Akhara. Step inside and watch men of all ages practise a traditional form of wrestling known as kushti. We return to the ship for breakfast. Afternoon visit to the Indian Museum and then free time in the nearby New Market before returning to ship for dinner. DAY 3: KOLKATA - SEREMPORE Morning visit to the market and sail at noon to cross the Hooghly to the old Danish colony of Serampore, founded in 1676, and visit the tavern, church, and museum. Afterwards, cruise past the iconic landmarks of Kolkata: the Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House. DAY 4: KALNA After breakfast, embark on a scenic cruise upstream, arriving at the charming country town of Kalna. Take a rickshaw ride to explore a group of Bengal's most impressive terracotta temples, culminating in a visit to the unique 18th-century Shiva Temple. This remarkable temple is adorned with concentric rings of 108 smaller shrines, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. Sail on through the night, mooring near Maitari. DAY 5: MATIARI Step ashore in Matiari, a charming riverside village renowned for its brass-working traditions. Engage with the local artisans and witness the fascinating process of crafting intricate brass water pots and other vessels. Time permitting, venture to the historic battlefield of Plassey. Here, in the pivotal year of 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of the British East India Company, decisively defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, marking a turning point in Indian history. Moor close to Murshidabad for the night. DAY 6: MURSHIDABAD Embark on a walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and his family. Continue upstream to witness the grandeur of Hazarduari Palace, an architectural masterpiece built by an English architect in 1837. Explore its opulent interiors, showcasing a fascinating collection of paintings, china, weapons, and other artefacts. Next, visit the magnificent Katra Mosque and the impressive Nashipara Palace, a testament to the wealth and influence of the local merchants during the White Mughal era - a period of cultural exchange between English and Indian influences. Finally, we visit Katgola Palace, an exquisite example of Georgian architecture built by wealthy local merchants, further highlighting the unique blend of cultures that flourished during this era. Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town. DAY 7: BARANAGAR - AJIMGANJ Sail upstream along the Hooghly River, a picturesque waterway winding through a landscape of lush mustard fields and vibrant mango orchards. Disembark in Baranagar, a charming village, and enjoy a leisurely walk through its serene countryside. Visit three exquisite miniature terracotta temples, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, a testament to the regions rich artistic heritage. Continue sailing downstream, stopping at Azimganj to explore the intricately carved Jain temples. This itinerary offers a glimpse into the idyllic rural life of Bengal and its fascinating cultural and architectural heritage. DAY 8: MAYAPUR Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of the Hare Krishna movement at Mayapur, its global headquarters. Explore the magnificent ISKCON temple complex, a modern marvel comparable in size to the Vatican and generously funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great- grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford. Interact with devotees and wander through the vibrant pilgrims bazaar. DAY 9: CHANDERNAGORE - HOOGHLY Continue sailing downstream before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Quran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. Sail past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix's House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Enjoy a TukTuk ride to the Hangseshwari Temple before sailing into the night to a mooring near Kolkata. DAY 10: KOLKATA - fly-VARANASI (2 Nights) Early morning dock at Botanic Jetty, Kolkata, and transfer to the airport for our internal 1hr flight to Varanasi and transfer to our hotel. This evening we get to walk along the banks of the Holy Ganges in its most sacred of cities whilst watching sunset and the rituals of life and death. Breakfast DAY 11 VARANASI You don’t so much, see as experience Varanasi, there really is no other place on earth like it, the most holy of Hindu cities. Nothing can quite prepare you, so it’s best not to even try, just look with wonder as the cycle of life unfolds around you. We have a guide with us to make sure we don’t get lost and to explain the things we will witness. Today is a day you will never forget. Breakfast DAY 12 VARANASI -fly-DELHI (2 nights) After breakfast we will make our way to the airport for our mid-morning domestic 1hr flight to Delhi where will be met at the airport by our guide and driver, who will take us on an afternoon tour of Delhi’s majestic monuments before checking in at our hotel for the evening. Breakfast DAY 13 Highlights of DELHI A full day touring the highlights of Deli inc the Red fort, Jama Masjid, spice markets, Kutub Minar. Deli has a lot to offer and we will get to see the highlights. Breakfast. DAY 14 Departure day Most international flights leave late in the evening, giving you all day for some last min shopping or time to see that Museum or palace of interest. Before taking a taxi or Uber to the airport and your onward journey. DAY 14 AGRA and the TAJ MAHAL (EXT) As for many coming on the "Ganges" tour this is their second visit to India. Some will have already seen the "Taj Mahal" which is why we are adding it as an extension rather than part of the tour. Those staying on to join the Agra and the Taj extension you will leave this morning and head to Agra to visit the Red fort and view sunset across the river admiring the magnificent Taj Mahal. Breakfast and Dinner DAY 15 (Departure day) Early start as we head to the Taj for sunrise and the wonderful light that the morning brings to this most romantic of mausoleums. We will return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out before departing back to Delhi. Most flights leave very late evening from Delhi and we will be transferring everyone flying out tonight to the airport, for those few on early morning flights you will need to book a night at an airport hotel. Solo travellers This trip has a very inexpensive single supplement for a room of your own. |
January 25th to 7th (Plus Taj = 8th) February 2026
Starts in Kolkata (CCU) and finishes in Delhi (DEL) A 14 or 15 day adventure. Min 8 and Max 12 guests, small group trip. This trip will be escorted by Richard, OTS founder FULL (Waitlist available) Inclusions:
Not Included:
Estimated cost for 2026 USD $4995 pp Twin share USD + $600 Solo use of hotel room and ship cabin Upper deck on cruise USD + $600 pp Deposit of U$1000pp secures the booking. Agra and the Taj Mahal optional 2 day 1 night extension USD $490 pp single or double. Inclusions:
The green "Book Now" button will appear above when live bookings and deposits open for this trip.
Payment options Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any trip is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 60 days before the departure. 
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