Compare Ganges Discovery Voyage - Kolkata to Jaipur by Insider Journeys vs India Golden Triangle Tour by Odynovo
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 15 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 6,371 | $ 948 |
| Price Per Day | $ 425 | $ 135 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | River cruise | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
Breakfast Daily, 15 Lunches and 14 Dinners |
|
| Description |
Discover the heart of the Ganges as you spend seven unforgettable days cruising along one of the world's mightiest rivers before continuing on to explore the iconic sights of India. Relax in ultimate luxury on board Haimark's brand new ship, the Ganges Voyager as you sail pass thriving cities, quiet local villages and beautiful scenery. |
Spend one week exploring the highlights of India. Hit the top attractions of Delhi, including the Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and the Laxmi Narayan Temple. Then, visit Agra to take in the beauty of the iconic Taj Mahal. Your third stop is Jaipur, commonly called the "Pink City," where you can see many gorgeous Hindu architectures like the Amber Fort, the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, etc. Accompanied by a knowledgeable private guide, you will know more stories behind these magnificent houses and palaces. |
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 Arrival, Delhi
Overnight: Delhi
Upon your arrival at India Gandhi International Airport, meet a private representative and transfer to your hotel. A brief introduction of your India tour will be made on the way. The rest of the day is for you to recover from jetlag.
Day 2 Delhi
Overnight: Delhi
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, your tour in India starts with a visit to Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, one of the largest mosques in India. And then immerse yourself in local life aboard a rickshaw around the bustling Chandni Chowk. Take a glance at Red Fort en route to Qutub Minar which has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. Later, you will arrive at Gandhi Smriti, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi - the Father of the Nation, followed by Humayun's Tomb. Enjoy a drive in your private car along with the famous city landmarks, including India Gate, President's House, Parliament House and Government Secretariat Buildings. You can stop to appreciate any site or take photos anywhere. The last spot of today is Laxmi Narayan Temple, the first large Hindu temple built in Delhi.
Day 3 Delhi - Agra
Overnight: Agra
Meal: Breakfast
Today, take a drive of 4.5 hours to Agra. Any stopover for a coffee break or taking photos is available en route at your request. Upon arrival, you will visit Mehtab Bagh (also called Moonlight Garden) and catch the first glance at the Taj Mahal.
Day 4 Agra
Overnight: Agra
Meal: Breakfast
You will visit the spectacular Taj Mahal in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat. Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum located on the south bank of the Yamuna River built by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor of India, in memory of his favorite wife. The building is considered a memorial to love and it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World initiative in 2007. Later, continue to discover Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal forts in India, built of a kind of red sandstone. In the end, pay a visit to I'timād-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj).
Day 5 Agra - Jaipur
Overnight: Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast
Start a drive about 5 hours west to Jaipur this morning. On the way, pay a visit to Fatehpur Sikri - a fascinating ghost city built in the 16th century. After arriving in Jaipur, check-in and have a good rest.
Day 6 Jaipur
Overnight: Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will head for Amber Fort with a jeep ride up to the entrance. The fort, built with red sandstone and white sandstone on a hill, is known for its artistic Hindu-style elements that are evident around palaces. Within, you will find Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Palace of Mirrors. On your way back to Jaipur city, stop at Nahargarh Fort with great views and the pink Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) for photo opportunities. Continue to discover the Maharaja City Palace and Jantar Mantar. You will have a chance to glance at pink rose residential and business areas before returning to the hotel.
Day 7 Jaipur – Delhi, Departure
Meal: Breakfast
After check-out of your hotel, you will be transferred back to Delhi (4.5-5 hours). Upon arrival, our representative will escort you to the airport for your departure flight.
