Ganges River Yoga Cruise
About the Tour
A first time offering of Yoga Tour combined with a River Cruise in North India. A truly unique opportunity to experience life onboard the beautiful ABN Raj Mahal Cruise ship. Our Ganges River Yoga Cruise tour begins in New Delhi, and heads south too Agra to see the beautiful Taj Mahal, followed by a visit to Varanasi, the spiritual heartland of India and home of Lord Shiva the Hindu god. It’s here we also board our luxury ship for 7 days slow cruising on the incredible Ganges River. We complete our Ganges River Yoga Cruise journey in Kolkata known as the “City of Joy” for its soulful embodiment of culture, love, mystery, respect, enthusiasm and definitely some amazing sweet delicacies
Show Full Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 & 2
New Delhi – Arrival
Delhi a journey back in time, is a treasure trove of history and culture,
whilst at the same time overflowing with modern life, and colourful
relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on earth.
- On arrival at Delhi’s Indira Ghandi international airport our group
will be met by our local tour leader. We then transfer to our hotel for
supper and tour briefing of our upcoming journey - Next day we embark on a local sightseeing tour of Old & New
Delhi, including India Gate, Raj Path, Mahatma Ghandi Shrine, Old
Delhi Spice markets, and the glorious Islamic Jama Masjid Mosque - In the evening we enjoy a visit to a Sikh Gurdwara temple. Mix with all the local Sikh devotees chanting in devotion to their god.
Day 3 Agra
The Taj Mahal
Often described as one of the wonders of the world, the stunning 17th
Century white marble Taj Mahal, was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as
a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth.
- After breakfast in Delhi, today we depart on a 3 hour scenic journey to Agra
- After checking into our hotel, we take a scenic sunset stroll to the Yamuna
Riverside next to the Taj Mahal. Witness the sunset setting over the Taj marble domes - This evening we enjoy a traditional cultural & musical event. Dance and sing along to spectacular tabula and Sitar musicians, whilst drinking hot Indian chai and snacking on spicy vegetable samosas
Day 4
Agra | Varanasi
This morning we enter the Taj Mahal for sunrise and witness glorious
sun rising over the Taj domes. A truely magically once in a lifetime experience.
- Amongst the gardens of the Taj Mahal, we shall undertake a special guided meditation
- After woods we head back to our hotel for breakfast, then checkout, packing before
we depart in our bus to Delhi domestic Airport for a 1.5hr flight to Varanasi
Day 5
Varanasi
The City of Light is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of
the world, dating back to 3000 years ago. Mark Twain said: “Varanasi
is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend”
Varanasi is one of the most spiritual pilgrimage sites for Hindu Indians the world over, who come to spend their final days in the hope of attaining moksha or salvation from rebirth
- Arrive in Varanasi by air from Delhi. Our leader will meet and greet us and transfer us to our River cruise accomodation. Waiting for us on the banks of the Ganges River
- Once on board, settle into your luxury cabin, enjoy a meal as we set sail downstream a short distance before putting down anchor for the night
- There will be time for a yoga class on the deck as the sun sets over the river
- Evening briefing by our boat staff and enjoy some on board entertainment
Day 6
Ramnagar & Chunar
Ramnagar Fort is still the residence of the King of Varanasi. He is known as Kashi Naresh meaning King of Kashi (Varanasi) and is still regarded by residents of the city.
- This morning, we wake at sunrise for a yoga and meditation class
on the deck of our boat overlooking the Ganges River
- After breakfast we raise anchor and sail past the famous ghats (steps) of Varanasi
- We take our tender boat to shore for a sightseeing tour to Ramnagar Fort & the Maharaja’s Palace
- Back on board we set sail to visit Chunar, the great Moghul Fort, the old
British cemetery and the Moghul tombs nearby. Carpet weaving and
Chunar pottery are other attractions here - Sail down to anchor at Ramnagar for the night. Some free time is available to enjoy the onboard spa
Day 7
Spiritual Sarnath
Sarnath is located on the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers
just outside Varanasi. The Deer Park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha
first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into
existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.
A truely magical and spiritual space visited by Buddhists the world over
- Today at dawn we take rowing boats past the busy and colourful
bathing ghats of Varanasi. Witness all the splendour of the local
praying and bathing along the Ganges - After breakfast at a local Shaba (restaurant) we drive to visit the Buddhist site at Sarnath, where the Buddha preached his first sermon
- This evening, we take a walk through the busy
alleys of the old city of Varanasi to experience the beating heart of humanity - We shall then join the Ganga Aarti (fire) ceremony, where brahmin priests
perform their daily rituals with brass lamps and
spiritual mantras in front of devotees. A truly mesmerising event,
and the essence of Varanasi - Return to the ship anchored at Rajghat for dinner and sleep
Day 8
Jaunpur
The rural village of Jaunpur is testimony to true Northern India
culture. It is home to Hindus, and Muslims and has a beautiful mosque
and ancient fort built by the British back in the days of the East Indian company ruling over this part of North India
- After sunrise yoga and mediation and breakfast on board, we
disembark and take a short drive to the city of Jaunpur to visit its ancient fort - Enjoy a stroll to gaze in awe at the splendid Atala ancient Islamic mosque.(temple)
- Return to the ship for lunch and sail downstream towards Ghazipur
- We shall all have free time to enjoy the onboard facilities such as
spa and saloon for reading and relaxation or have a cup tea on the
deck watching river world go by - This evening we have video night about the roots of Yoga and
Spirituality in North India
Days 9
Ghazipur
A small rural town housing the tomb of Englishman Lord Cornwallis.
Ghazipur has a bustling local market untouched by tourists and great for
a wander to buy some local handicrafts
- After sunrise yoga and breakfast, relax onboard whilst we sail downstream and disembark for some sightseeing at Ghazipur
- Our shore excursion today is to visit the imposing tomb of Lord
Cornwallis, the General defeated by George Washington in 1781 at
Yorktown - We shall spend a little time walking in the busy Ghazipur street bazaar, mix with the locals whilst shopping and bargaining. A quintessential Indian experience
- Later, sail down towards Buxar
Day 10
Buxar
Buxar another gorgeous and remote rural North India village. A famous battle was
fought here in 1764 which laid the foundations of the British Raj. Be ready to be followed by hordes of local children wanting to play and laugh with you
- After early yoga and breakfast, we disembark and visit the memorial on the
battlefield and the old East India Company cemetery in town - Later, take a short cycle rickshaw ride up to the ghats of Buxar
- Sail down to anchor near confluence of Ghagr river
- Evening meditation on our boats deck, some free time and group dinner
Day 11
Doriganj
Doriganj is a rural town on the confluence of Sone and Ganges Rivers. A remote village full of local village families, keen to say hello to us visitors
- Sunrise yoga and breakfast followed by some free time to relax onboard
- Today on board, we cruise past the busy river port of Doriganj and the
confluence with the Sone River to a ghat from which we visit the
small yet spectacular Mughal tomb at Maner - Back on board for lunch and more free time whilst we sail down to anchor at Patna
- Evening free time and dinner and video night
Day 12
Patna | Kolkata
Patna is an ancient city that sprawls along the south bank of the Ganges
River in the state of Bihar, in Northeast India, and is the main point for us to connect with our train to head to Kolkata in West Bengal.
After yoga and breakfast, we disembark and transfer to Patna railway
for train journey to Kolkata. Enjoy a 1st class rain journey experience, mixing with locals
- Approx 5 hour journey is a good time to catch up with some reading
- On arrival in Kolkata, we transfer to hotel for relaxation and dinner
Day 13
Kolkata – The City of Joy
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India’s West Bengal state.
Founded as an East India Company trading post, it was India’s capital
under the British Raj from 1773–1911. Today it’s known for its grand
colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural and religious festivals. It’s also
the home and headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by
saint Mother Teresa.
- After our final morning yoga & meditation class, we have breakfast in our
hotel - By mid morning , we head out for a local sightseeing tour, around this incredible former capital of the British Raj
- We shall visit Mother Theresa tomb, Queen Victoria Building and Kali
Temple for a blessing by local Brahim priests - In the evening we shall enjoy a final group dinner before preparing
for next day departure back home.
Day 14
Kolkata – End of Tour
- After breakfast and farewells, there will be a group bus transfer to Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for flights home.
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India Ganges River Cruise
Sept 2024
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Full Payment is due 2 months before Ganges River Yoga Cruise Tour Departure Dates.
Things to keep in mind
What’s included
- All group airport transfers, in private buses & taxis
- Accommodation
- All meals and sights onboard the Cruise
- All inclusive group meals
- English speaking Tour leaders and guides
- Sightseeing excursions & entrance fees
- Tipping for Drivers, hotels staff, guides (not personal such
as bag porters or restaurants) - Yoga & Meditation classes (approx. 1 to 2 per day)
What not included
- International flights tickets
- Visas
- Personal spending money
- Single Room Supplements
- Travel Insurance
- Vaccinations & PCR tests
- Money Exchange