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Golden Triangle, Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise – Jan departures available (2028)

  • Delhi – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ajabgarh – Jaipur – Kolkata – Bandel – Kalna – Matiari – Khushbagh – Baranagar – Murshidabad – Mayapur – Chandannagar – Varanasi
  • 0 booked
  • Duration: 19 Days / 18 Nights
  • Language: English
  • Tour type: Indian River Cruise
  • Transport: Domestic Flights / Private Air-Conditioned Coach / River Cruise Ship (Ganges Voyager) / Electric Rickshaw / Heritage Tram
  • Accommodation: Luxury Hotels (The Oberoi New Delhi, ITC Mughal Agra, Amanbagh, Taj Jai Mahal, Taj Bengal, Tree of Life Varanasi) & Ganges Voyager River Ship
  • Meals: 18 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners
  • Group size: Small Group

Hightlight tour

Rich Cultural Activities
Cuisine
Sightseeing

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Welcome to Delhi, India’s lively capital. Be met at the airport and transferred to your luxury accommodation at The Oberoi New Delhi. This evening, enjoy dinner at Dhilli, mentored by Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhatia.

2

Day 2: Delhi

Explore the Jama Masjid, ride an electric rickshaw through Old Delhi, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, stroll through Connaught Place, and tour Humayun’s Tomb. Conclude with dinner accompanied by a renowned historian.

3

Day 3: Delhi, Agra

Drive past Delhi’s imperial landmarks en route to Agra. Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal and the 16th-century Agra Fort, followed by a choice of fine dining for dinner.

4

Day 4: Agra

Experience an early morning sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, observe traditional marble inlay craftsmanship, visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, and watch the sunset from Mehtab Bagh during a private Sufi qawwali performance.

5

Day 5: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Ajabgarh

Travel to rural Rajasthan via the World Heritage-listed Fatehpur Sikri. Arrive at Amanbagh in Ajabgarh, enjoy a guided nature walk, and participate in an Indian gin cocktail workshop.

6

Day 6: Ajabgarh

Begin with a morning yoga session, take part in an exclusive cooking class with a spice talk, and choose between a visit to Bhangarh Fort or a village jeep tour.

7

Day 7: Ajabgarh, Jaipur

Journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. Visit the romantic Amber Fort, view the Hawa Mahal, and take part in a private block printing workshop using natural dyes.

8

Day 8: Jaipur, Kolkata

Enjoy a choice of morning activities in Jaipur before transferring for your flight to Kolkata, checking into the Taj Bengal.

9

Day 9: Kolkata

Embark on a private heritage tram tour, visit Mother House and the National Library of India, and enjoy a high tea at the Glenburn Penthouse followed by refined regional dining.

10

Day 10: Kolkata, Embark Ship

Select morning sightseeing before boarding the Ganges Voyager. Visit the Victoria Memorial and its museum, and enjoy an evening performance by Baul musicians.

11

Day 11: Kolkata, Bandel, Kalna

Take a colonial city bus tour and visit St John’s Church. Cruise upstream along the Lower Ganges, visit the Hooghly Imambara, and sail toward Kalna.

12

Day 12: Kalna, Matiari

Explore Kalna’s distinct terracotta temples and the Rajbari palace complex via rickshaw before sailing on to Matiari.

13

Day 13: Matiari, Khushbagh

Walk through the brass-working village of Matiari, cruise past the site of the Battle of Plassey, and visit the garden and tomb of Khushbagh.

14

Day 14: Khushbagh, Baranagar, Murshidabad

Stroll through the rural village of Baranagar to view the terracotta Char Bangla Temples. Tour Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad, take a toto to Katra Mosque, and enjoy high tea at Kathgola Palace.

15

Day 15: Murshidabad, Mayapur

Enjoy a relaxed morning on the river before visiting Mayapur to meet members of the Hare Krishna community and view the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

16

Day 16: Mayapur, Chandannagar, Kolkata

Cruise to the former French colony of Chandannagar to explore its promenade, Sacred Heart Church, and the Dupleix Museum before your final night on board.

17

Day 17: Disembark Ship, Varanasi

Disembark the ship and fly to Varanasi. Check into the Tree of Life hotel and attend a mesmerizing evening Aarti ceremony along the Ganges riverbanks.

18

Day 18: Varanasi

Take an early sunrise cruise along the Ganges with live sitar and tabla music. Choose an afternoon activity (Sarnath, Silk Weaver Village, or Old City walking tour) and celebrate with a farewell Satvik Thali dinner.

19

Day 19: Depart Varanasi

Transfer to Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport after breakfast for your onward journey.

Experience the ultimate Indian journey on a 19-day adventure combining the cultural highlights of the Golden Triangle with a multi-day Lower Ganges cruise and the spiritual wonders of Varanasi. From Delhi’s historic monuments and Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal to Jaipur’s royal palaces and a luxurious seven-night cruise aboard the Ganges Voyager, this comprehensive tour concludes with the mystical evening rituals of Varanasi.

  • Explore: Iconic landmarks including Jama Masjid, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Kolkata’s colonial architecture, terracotta temples in Kalna, and the sacred ghats of Varanasi.
  • Experience: Electric rickshaw rides in Old Delhi, an Indian gin cocktail workshop, exclusive cooking classes, a private heritage tram ride in Kolkata, a sunset Aarti ceremony in Varanasi, and a serene sunrise Ganges boat cruise with live sitar and tabla music.
  • Enjoy: Five-star luxury hotel and river ship accommodations, domestic flights, private air-conditioned coach transfers, and gourmet locally inspired dining throughout.

 

Price includes

  • A guided tour of important places.
  • A two-person English-speaking Travel Director and Driver team with you for the duration of your journey. 
  • Beautifully illustrated souvenir map.
  • Current Hotel Taxes and Service Charges.
  • Entrance tickets to monuments and museums mentioned on the itinerary.
  • Sightseeing and activities as described in your itinerary. 
  • All accommodations – First class or best available hotels in the area based on the hotel price category booked.
  • Breakfast daily and some evening meals as described in your trip itinerary.
  • Meals, unless expressly states.
  • Observation and participation in allowed activities.
  • Professionally guided tour.
  • Arrival and Departure Airport transfers.
  • Transport to and from hotel listed on itinerary
  • Bottled water.

 


 

Price does not include

  • All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
  • Departure Taxes.
  • Visa processing arrangements.
  • Extra pre and / or post hotel nights for before and after your trip. These can be booked through Lotus of India and or your Travel Agent and be added during the booking process.
  • Handling fees.
  • Excess baggage charge.
  • Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes.
  • International Air, unless expressly paid for.
  • Medical Travel  insurance and emergency insurance.
  • Visas and Travel Insurance.
  • Other International and domestic flights not mentioned on the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Porterage for a maximum of two bags per person.
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
  • Services not specifically stated in the itinerary.
  • Tips to guide and driver.
  • Optional Experiences. Optional Experiences are additional add-on experiences unique to the destination that are booked and paid for (credit card or cash) when you are on your tour. As Optional Experiences are pre-bookable, this allows you the flexibility to pick and choose what you feel like when you’re on your trip.
  • Any taxi fares or personal spending money including for non-included items, meals.

 


 

Level of Physical fitness required for the Lotus of India tour?

  • A moderate amount of walking is involved at both attractions.
  •  Check recommended level for travelers with back problems or any other issues.
  • Check the dress codes for proper vestments for religious sites or county customs.
  •    Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and hiking or tennis shoes.

 


 

Guidelines for Different Religious Sites

Typical Dress Code for Churches and Cathedrals

  • Churches, particularly in Europe, often require covered shoulders and knees. Bringing a scarf or shawl can be handy if you need to cover up quickly.

Dress Codes in Mosques

  • Mosques typically require women to cover their hair with a scarf or hijab and both men and women to wear long pants or skirts. Some mosques provide appropriate attire at the entrance.
  • Typical Dress Code for Temples and Shrines.
  • In Hindu and Buddhist temples, it is respectful to wear long sleeves and long skirts or pants. Removing shoes is often mandatory, and wearing socks might be required in some places.

Tips for Respectful Attire

  • Removing Hats or Headwear
  • While head coverings may be required in some religious sites, hats and caps are generally considered disrespectful and should be removed before entering.

Layering for Comfort and Respect

  • Bringing a lightweight layer, like a cardigan or shawl, allows you to adapt your outfit as needed. This is especially useful when transitioning from a hot climate outside to a cool interior within religious buildings.

Understanding Local Customs

  • Researching or asking about local customs before visiting can prevent unintentional disrespect. Each religious site may have unique expectations regarding dress code.

 


 

Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking and payment
  • Tours can be customized, by request with a multi-lingual guides option: (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Portuguese).
  • Daily Tours departures times will be announced by your guide a day prior to the tour date.
  • The tour starts times ranges based on the activity booked.
  • Waiver will need to be signed attesting to good health conditions

 

Cancellation and Refunds Policies

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours after booking payment.
  • In the event of cancellation, Traveler should notify Lotus of India in writing at – least 60 days prior to travel.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made after paid booking before the experience’s start date / time will be subject to modification fees.
  • If the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers ( 2 ). If it’s canceled because the minimum wasn’t met, you’ll be offered options and recalculated prices.
  • A cancellation fee will be charged by Lotus of India for all cancelled bookings, as per the following cancellation terms.

Land Portions Refund Datelines:  ( Hotels, Tours services, Sightseeing tours )

Number of days prior to Departure Cost of Cancellation (Minimum Cancellation after booking)
120 days or more 15% of the total tour cost
119 to 60 days 25% of the total tour cost
59 to 30 days 50% of the total tour cost
Below 30 days 100% of the total tour cost

Map

Frequently Asked Questions - Deposits, Payments & Customers:
  • Foreign travelers often worry about physical strain, especially seniors and couples. Physical comfort is managed proactively rather than reactively. Private tours control walking distances. Vehicles drop travelers close to sites, and visits are planned during less crowded hours.

  • Food concerns are extremely common. Travelers worry about hygiene, food spice levels, and digestive issues. Private tours ensure meals are taken in reputable restaurants and hotels where hygiene standards are controlled. Spice levels are adjusted, and dietary needs are respected. Most food-related problems occur when travelers eat randomly or without guidance.

  • Travel anxiety often peaks around “what if” scenarios. Delays, illness, missed connections, or fatigue worry travelers before booking. Private tours include contingency handling. Drivers, guides and operators respond immediately to changes without traveler involvement. This safety net is one of the strongest reasons foreign travelers choose private tours.

  • Fear of rushed itineraries is common, especially among travelers who have seen aggressive group tour schedules. Private tours are paced according to traveler energy, not preset checklists. Days are balanced, and sightseeing is spread logically. Foreign travelers often say they see less but understand more, which improves satisfaction.

  • India requires more planning than many destinations because of its scale and diversity. Foreign travelers often underestimate travel times, climate differences, and regional variations. Private tour planning absorbs this complexity. Routes are optimized, rest is built in, and seasonal factors are considered. Good planning reduces surprises, which is essential for confidence.

  • There is a misconception that private tours are only for ultra-luxury travelers. Private tours exist across comfort levels. The defining feature is personalization, not price. Even mid-range private tours offer better control and ease than budget independent travel. Luxury private tours simply enhance comfort further through premium hotels and experiences. Foreign travelers choose private tours not to show wealth, but to avoid friction.

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