Compare Ganges Discovery Voyage - Kolkata to Jaipur by Insider Journeys vs Premium India by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Kolkata

On arrival, transfer to the Ganges Voyager and settle into your luxurious suite. After lunch, visit the Mother Teresa house and tomb which is a permanent exhibition of her life and charity work in Kolkata. This evening enjoy a cocktail welcome reception and dinner while getting to know your fellow travelers and Western Cruise Director.

Day 2: Kolkata & Bandel

Enjoy an early morning city tour to explore the well-preserved British-colonial area and visit St John’s church, the oldest Anglican church in Kolkata. Continue to the Victoria Memorial Museum containing the largest collection of British-colonial history in India. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail to Bandel and spend time exploring the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centers in West Bengal.

Day 3: Kalna

Discover the city center of Kalna en route to the enchanting Rajbari complex that has the highest concentration of temples in the region.

Day 4: Cruising The Ganges

Rise early to visit a shore-side bazaar at Matiari. The town is known for traditional manufacturing of beautifully handcrafted brass items. Enjoy breakfast on board as you continue sailing upstream passing the intriguing sites along the Ganges.

Day 5: Barabagar & Murshidabad

Visit the charming village of Khushbagh and enjoy a scenic drive as you pass local farming fields. Visit a well-preserved mosque complex by Nawab Ali- Wardi-Khan. Relax on board with breakfast as you continue cruising to Baranagar. Sail pass charming countryside villages as you approach the city of Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem. Enjoy a scenic ride by local buggy to the Katra mosque which is one of the oldest mosques still utilised for Friday prayer. This evening enjoy a delicious dinner and local cultural performance on board.

Day 6: Mayapur

Spend the morning on deck as you sail to the village of Mayapur. Gain an understanding of the fascinating culture of the Krishna Consciousness Movement and their ornate and colorfully decorated statues within the complex.

Day 7: Chandenagor

Visit Chandenagor, which was established as a French colony in 1673 and later became a key trading port on the Ganges. Explore the French-colonial buildings along the promenade and visit the Sacred Heart Church of Chandenagor and the old French bakery still baking fresh baguettes daily. Celebrate your last evening on board with a farewell dinner and continue sailing downstream to Kolkata.

Day 8: Varanasi

Accommodation: Radisson Varanasi

Disembark Ganges Voyager and transfer to Kolkata Airport. Fly to Varanasi and transfer to your hotel, Radisson Varanasi on arrival.

Day 9: Varanasi

Accommodation: Radisson Varanasi

Discover Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India on an insightful city tour. Rise early to see pilgrims bathing in the ghats of the Ganges, and wonder the incense-filled laneways of the old city. In the evening, enjoy a sunset aarthi ceremony.

Day 10: Delhi

Accommodation: The Metropolitan

Transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi. On arrival transfer to your hotel, The Metropolitan. During the afternoon visit Qutab Minar and walk through one of Delhi’s most iconic and ancient sites and marvel at the huge red stone tower and finely preserved ruins.

Day 11: Delhi

Accommodation: The Metropolitan

Wander the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid, and the classic Moghul-style Humayan’s Tomb. Continue to Old Delhi and explore the lively trading streets.

Day 12: Agra

HOTEL: Radisson Blu Agra

Drive to Agra and check into your hotel, Radisson Blu Agra. After lunch, explore the Red Fort with your first views of the Taj Mahal.

Day 13: Taj Mahal & Jaipur

Accommodation: Jai Mahal Palace

Visit the iconic, Taj Mahal as the magical dawn hues fall across the great marble domes. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri and enjoy a tour. Continue on to the Pink City of Jaipur and settle into your hotel, Jai Mahal Palace before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Day 14: Jaipur

Accommodation: Jai Mahal Palace

Spend the morning visiting Amber Fort before continuing on to visit the City Palace and Observatory with free time to explore the bazaar. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Dera Amer.

Day 15: Jaipur

Enjoy free time until your departure transfer.

NOTE:

This itinerary is based on the Insider Journeys exclusive charters traveling from Kolkata.

Day 1 Delhi

Welcome to India! On arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be collected and transferred to your hotel. This evening, there will be an important welcome meeting in the hotel at around 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow group of travellers. Until then, you can use any time before the meeting to explore this excitingly chaotic capital city. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to see in Delhi. After your welcome meeting, join your leader and small group for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants that has been delighting visitors for more than 80 years. The iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining. Tonight your leader will introduce you to the exciting world of Indian cuisine. Perhaps start out with some classic dishes like mutton rogan josh and paneer tikka.

Day 2 Agra

Today, make the drive to Agra. Once arrived, take some time to settle in to your hotel then head out to visit India's most iconic structure at sunset – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Meet with a Taj Mahal guide who will illuminate the fascinating history of this world-famous building as you tour it at sunset. Beyond its most famous structure, Agra also boasts a marvellous food scene. This evening, a local expert will join you on a street food tour away from the main tourist trail and help you understand Agra’s cuisine and culture. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India, and visit hyperlocal eateries most visitors to Agra never see. Pass by the incredible Jama Masjid of Agra, one of the largest mosques in India.

Day 3 Ranthambhore National Park

Start the day with a visit to one of the finest looking forts in India – the magnificent Agra Fort. Learn how a fortress and prison was built out of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565, then conversions and additions by Shah Jahan transformed the fort into a palace. Explore elegant courtyards and a labyrinth of buildings while you try to take in the grand scale of this remarkable structure. After your visit, depart Agra and make your way to Ranthambore, arriving in the late afternoon. On arrival, you may like to take a stroll around town, put your feet up and relax beside the pool, or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.

Day 4 Ranthambhore National Park

Rise early for a morning safari. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples and is teeming with wildlife. In 4WD safari vehicles, take game drives to search for animals, including the majestic tiger which stalks through the jungle. Even if they are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for. Enjoy some downtime at the resort in the afternoon, then venture back out for an evening safari through the park – another chance to spot some of this region’s resident tiger population. You may also have the opportunity to explore the 1000-year-old Ranthambore Fort, where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time, Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court, give an idea of its old grandeur.

Day 5 Jaipur

Today you will travel to Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan region. Arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation, the fabulous Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This beautiful heritage hotel has been run by the same family since its opening in 1928 and retains the warm feel of a traditional family home, while opulent touches emanate from every corner – look out for delectable chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Surrounded by a glittering swimming pool and lush gardens, you’ll enjoy a magical escape from the rush and racket of the outside world. Take some time to settle in, then join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles, past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Hear stories of the city’s culture and history as you explore crowded bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local speciality of semi-precious stones. Dinner this evening is something a little bit special – head to the home of a local  family for a wonderful homecooked dinner. Chat to your friendly hosts about their way of life and learn their culinary secrets.

Day 6 Jaipur

Begin the day with a visit to the extravagant Amber Fort – the jewel of Jaipur. It is quite a sight, with its soft shades of red, sandstone and white marble with elaborate Hindu-style flourishes. Your leader will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Afterwards, stop at one of India's most photographed buildings, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds', to capture your own photo. Then pay a visit to the striking City Palace, a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, hop on a rickshaw and travel to a royal haveli. Haveli’s are old mansions which were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, many of which remain across the city today. Here you will meet the owner of the haveli who will give you a tour of the property and share fascinating photographs and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces. Head to the rooftop for drinks and take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.

Day 7 Varanasi

Depart your feature stay accommodation then board a flight bound for Varanasi. On arrival, make a stop off at Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Continue on to the city of Varanasi. Awash with shrines and temples, it is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience the city’s spirituality. Varanasi may not be known for its cleanliness, but there’s no denying it is one of India’s most inspiring places.

Day 8 Varanasi

Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river as pass by the many ghats and temples along its banks. Then, join your leader for a walking tour of the Old City and uncover its secrets as you walk through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. In the evening, return to the Ganges to see it from another perspective during a sunset cruise. You will be joined by local musicians on board and watch a beautiful flower and candle ceremony take place – an experience that is sure to be etched on your memory long after your time in India is over. Witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as the sun sets over this sacred city.

Day 9 Delhi

Depart Varanasi and catch a morning flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, get a real taste of the city during a tour with your leader. Navigate the city’s metro system and arrive in Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets. It’s not the real Delhi without a traffic jam so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, then head into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara for a moment of peace and to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The rest of the afternoon is free for further explorations, then come back together in the evening for a final dinner as a group. This last meal will take place in a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Enjoy a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a stunning historical setting – a perfect finale to your Indian adventure.

Day 10 Delhi

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay on in Delhi to further explore the city, we are happy to help in booking accommodation (subject to availability). Perhaps pre-book an Urban Adventure and let a local show you more of this mega city.