Heritage of India & the Ganges River with Varanasi & Kathmandu

Discover a world of color, culture, and the cherished spiritual heritage of India. Your guided tour of India and Ganges River cruise begins in the bustling city of Delhi. From here, first travel to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, to observe the striking Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. Return to Delhi and tour the city with your expert Tour Director. Take a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk bazaar—brimming with everything from silver and spices to saris of every color. You’ll visit Qutub Minar—the world’s largest brick minaret and see Delhi’s largest Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). You’ll encounter more stunning sights in Agra with a sunset excursion to the Taj Mahal—the iconic memorial built by Moghul emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. More than 20 years in the making, the Taj Mahal stands as the pinnacle of love’s devotion, where you’ll also have the opportunity to experience this iconic site at sunrise. You’ll continue to the city of Jaipur, with its famous Palace of the Winds, and spectacular Amber Fort, before flying to Kolkata to board your cruise on the Ganges River—the holy river of Hinduism. Along its banks, human life is connected to its waters, and you’ll get a glimpse of life apart from India’s big cities. Observe the intricate muslin weaving traditions in Nabadwip and pottery making in Guptipara, explore the fascinating Hare Krishna headquarters in Mayapur and visit the stunning Hooghly Imambara upon your return to Kolkata. In Kathmandu, sightseeing is spread over two leisurely days. Visits include Hanuman Dhoka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess, a child thought to be the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess. You’ll also journey to Patan and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest stupa. All of this and more await you on this once-in-a-lifetime guided tour of India and Nepal with a Ganges River cruise.