Destination: India

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Vibrant, vast and colourful, India offers myriad experiences for cruisers. Rich with cultural heritage and ancient history, no two places in India are the same. From the Himalayan peaks to the lush greenery of Kerala, it offers an incomparable range of geographical wonders both man-made and natural. Be it the non-stop adrenaline in the heart of Mumbai city or the quiet, rural villages of Assam, each region has its own distinct pleasures. Encounter architecture that echoes colonial rule and the world’s most iconic symbol of love in the form of the Taj Mahal.

The food and the people are as unique as the geography. There is a great disparity of wealth and practices. The sub-continent is the hub of innovative technology and still practises ancient rituals. It is home to some of the world’s most expensive homes and also most of the world’s slum settlements.

India is an intricate tapestry of the old and new. The moment you disembark, you will be drawn to its vibrancy and energy, its colors and smells. One thing is for sure, a visit to India will surely change the way you view the world.

To discover all of India in a single trip is not possible, even if you spend a year trying. Most itineraries take you to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal and the Pink City of Jaipur with its centuries-old bazaars. A cruise along the sacred Ganges River to the holy city of Varanasi is a must to witness the ancient ritual of life and death by the waterfront ghats (steps to the river). Mumbai is a bustling metropolis, home to the Bollywood film industry while Kochi has some of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coast. The Portuguese colony of Goa is famed for its beaches that suit all budgets, from high-end to backpackers. A boat trip through the Kerala backwaters offers a glimpse into village life in some of the most densely populated areas of India.

Don’t miss:

Taj Mahal – Marble mausoleum commissioned by Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Hawa Mahal – Palace of Winds, a honeycombed-hive constructed in 1799 to enable to ladies of the royal household to watch the life and procession of the city without being seen.

Agra Fort – A 16th century monument built of red sandstone, resembling a walled city.

Gateway of India – Mumbai’s top attraction, a monument built during the British rule.

Ganges River– The most sacred river to the Hindus. Devotees bathe in its waters, pay homage to their ancestors and scatter the ashes of their loved ones into the river.

Kaziranga National Park – National park located in the state of Assam and home to the world’s great one-horned rhinoceros.

Kerala Backwaters – 900 km of canals, rivers and lakes featuring unique aquatic life and animals.

Rajasthani handicrafts – The best place to shop for handicraft items in India, from vibrant textiles to semi precious stones.

Kochi – Major port of Kerala with many diverse places of worship. Don’t miss out on the Chinese fishing nets strewn along the waterfront.

WHERE CAN YOU CRUISE?
Click here for a full list of India’s top cruise ports.

Click here to find out more about river cruising in India.