The Ganges Explorer
14 Days
While following the Ganges on this tour we experience mysticism in Hinduism with varied religious rituals and ceremonies to understand its philosophy while exploring Haridwar, Rishikesh, Allahabad and Varanasi. Delhi and Kolkata provide glimpses into India’s rich cultural heritage and grandeur while Sundarbans stuns with its rich and varied wildlife.
Tour Profile
Experience the essence of India on the banks of the country’s great river, journeying from the Himalayas into the picturesque Sunderbans – the largest delta system in the world. After sightseeing in Delhi and a two-night stay in the beautiful town of Rishikesh we visit holy Haridwar and Allahabad (on overnight trains).
Another exciting stage is a wonderful river journey downstream to Varanasi experiencing the life of traditional farming villages on the fertile banks of the Ganges. A highlight of the tour, Varanasi is the fulcrum of Hinduism and considered to be the oldest
living city in the world. We watch a Hindu puja ceremony and visit the sacred ghats alongside the river watching performance of various rituals and ceremonies. Another overnight train trip takes us to the vibrant, teeming city of Kolkata for some local
sightseeing.
At the point where the Ganges finally meets the sea at the southern tip of West Bengal lie the vast swamps of the Sunderbans, a stretch of dense mangrove forest rich in wildlife and home of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Tour Highlights
- Mughal and Colonial architecture in Delhi.
- Hindu rituals on the ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar.
- Wildlife in Sunderbans National Park – the mangrove forest.
- Yoga ashrams and temples at Rishikesh.
- The sacred sangam (confluence) at Allahabad.
- Victoria Memorial and other sights in vibrant Kolkata.
Tour Itinerary
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Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. In the afternoon sightseeing tour includes visits to the Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Old Delhi and colonial buildings and India Gate in the New Delhi area. Evening is free Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Delhi
In the morning sightseeing in Delhi includes visits to Birla Temple and Bangla Sahib Temple. Afternoon is free. In the evening transfer to the railway station to catch overnight train to Haridwar. Overnight Train
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DAY 03 - Rishikesh
From Haridwar drive to Rishikesh, the holy place that is said to be the birthplace of Yoga. Afternoon is free to explore the town to the watch the spectacular evening aarti ceremony on the Ghat. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Rishikesh
Today is a free day in Rishikesh. Spend time in optional activities such as river rafting, ayurvedic massage, yoga and nature walks. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 05 - Allahabad
After breakfast transfer to Haridwar. Early afternoon here is spent in local exploration of the town including Har Ki Pauri and other Ghats. In the late afternoon transfer to the railway station to catch the overnight train to Allahabad. Overnight Train
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DAY 06 - Allahabad
Arrive in Allahabad and transfer to the hotel for check in. In the afternoon visit Akbar's Fort and the sacred sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 07 - Allahabad
This morning travel by boat from Allahabad to Varanasi, both important pilgrimage sites in India. Camp overnight by the side of the Ganges. Visit temples and riverside villages en route. Overnight Camp
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DAY 08 - Varanasi
In the afternoon arrive in Varanasi, one of the seven holiest cities in India. In the evening watch the spectacular puja ceremony on one of the Ghats. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 09 - Varanasi
This morning take an early morning boat trip on the Ganges to watch Hindu rituals performed on the Ghats. In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city or take an optional tour to Sarnath. In the evening take the night train to Kolkata. Overnight Train
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DAY 10 - Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata in the morning and check into the hotel. In the afternoon sightseeing programme visit Victoria Memorial Hall and Kali Temple. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 11 - Sunderbans
This morning drive from the hotel to the boat jetty. From there take a boat to the Sundarbans National Park, a natural region in the Bengal region comprising Bangladesh and Eastern India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight Cottage
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DAY 12 - Sunderbans
Today you are in Sundarbans to explore this vast mangrove forest and its wildlife by boat or on foot. Overnight Cottage
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DAY 13 - Kolkata
After breakfast leave Sundarbans by boat to return to Kolkata and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 14 - Kolkata
The tour concludes after breakfast. Get a transfer to international airport for departure to respective destinations.
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
