India's Golden Triangle & the Living Crafts of Bengal
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Cruise differently in India. A cultural journey through Bengal's living heritage, including textile traditions, terracotta temples, colonial history and the sacred Ganges, all from an intimate river ship.
India reveals itself differently from the water. Aboard the beautifully restored Bengal Ganga, her gleaming Burmese teak, large balconies and eclectic character are a destination in themselves. This journey traces the Ganges through one of the subcontinent's most culturally layered regions. Bengal's living craft traditions take center stage: master weavers, Indigenous artisans, and textile heritage passed down through generations that still pulses with quiet vitality. Between workshops and riverside encounters, history surfaces at every bend — from the French colonial charm of Chandernagore and the Danish legacy of Serampore to ancient terracotta temples and the striking modernity of the ISKCON temple rising against the skyline. This is India experienced slowly, from the river that has always been its heart.
This cruise pairs beautifully with our 5-night pre-cruise land extension, beginning in Delhi and continuing to the pink-walled splendor of Jaipur before joining the ship in Kolkata — the ideal introduction to India's golden triangle for first-time visitors. For those who have already fallen in love with India, or for travelers who simply want more, a post-cruise extension to Darjeeling awaits — tea gardens, mountain air and the legendary toy train winding up into the Himalayas. Or do both. India rewards the unhurried.
A family-run enterprise, this cruise partner reintroduced river cruising to India after a 100-year absence. Intimate hand-built vessels, local chefs, local artisans and shore excursions rooted in the communities they visit keep every rupee and every interaction genuinely local. Low volume, low impact and deeply personal in every detail. This is regenerative tourism practiced by people who genuinely love the river they sail.
About this UnTour Cruise
What's included
- 12 nights accommodation with 5 nights at Hotels and 7 nights onboard MV Bengal Ganga
- Full board meals as per the program
- Complimentary bottled water and tea/coffee throughout the cruise
- Onboard activities such as cultural performance and educational talks
- Airport meet and greet and assistance at the hotels
- Air-conditioned vehicles for transfers and sightseeing tours during the land tour and in Kolkata
- Complimentary bottled water, wet tissues, and hand sanitizers provided in the vehicles on transfers and sightseeing tours
- Cycle rickshaw ride in Delhi; Jeep ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur; E-rickshaw rides during shore excursions as applicable
- Entry fee for monuments and museums as per the program
- Local English-speaking guides in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur
- Taxes
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Delhi
Welcome to India! After arriving in Delhi in the afternoon, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and unwind after your journey—perhaps with a short walk or a cup of tea. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and your first taste of India’s rich flavors.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 - Delhi
After breakfast, set out to discover the many layers of Delhi—where centuries of history and modern life intertwine. Begin with a visit to Humayun's Tomb, a serene garden mausoleum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. Continue into the lively streets of Old Delhi, once the heart of Mughal power. Here, you’ll hop aboard a cycle rickshaw for a ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk—a sensory experience filled with color, spice, and daily life.
Pause for lunch at a local restaurant before heading into New Delhi for a different perspective. Enjoy a panoramic drive past India Gate, the Presidential Palace, and the grand avenues that reflect the city’s colonial-era planning. Later, visit the Qutub Minar Complex, another UNESCO site and one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture in India.
Return to your hotel this evening with a deeper sense of Delhi’s rich contrasts—ancient and modern, chaotic and captivating.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3 - Delhi to Agra
After breakfast, depart Delhi and drive to Agra (about 4 hours). Upon arrival, visit the impressive Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Emperor Akbar. Enclosed by massive red sandstone walls, this grand complex feels like a city within a city and offers a fascinating glimpse into the power and artistry of the Mughal Empire. Afterward, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch. In the late afternoon, visit the iconic Taj Mahal at sunset. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, this extraordinary monument is as moving as it is beautiful—a true highlight of any journey to India.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4 - Agra to Jaipur
This morning, travel onward to Jaipur (approximately 5 hours), stopping en route in the village of Abhaneri to visit the remarkable Chand Baori. This ancient stepwell, with its geometric symmetry and dramatic depth, is one of India’s most striking architectural wonders. Continue to Jaipur, where you’ll check in and enjoy lunch. The evening is yours to relax or take a stroll through the local markets.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5 - Jaipur
After breakfast, head just outside the city to explore the magnificent Amber Fort. Set high on a hillside and surrounded by fortified walls, this 17th-century complex blends Hindu and Mughal design. You’ll travel up and down by jeep, taking in sweeping views along the way. After lunch, visit the elegant City Palace, still home to Jaipur’s royal family, and the nearby Jantar Mantar, an extraordinary collection of monumental astronomical instruments.
End the day with a visit to the vibrant bazaars of the Old City, where you’ll also see the ornate façade of the Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of the Winds.”
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 6 - Fly from Jaipur to Kolkata - Embarkation
Transfer early to the airport for your flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and taken to the jetty to board your river cruise ship, the MV Bengal Ganga. After settling in and a welcome briefing, enjoy lunch onboard. Later, take a panoramic tour of Kolkata, passing grand colonial-era landmarks and stopping at St. John's Church and the iconic Victoria Memorial.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7 - Kolkata Tour - Bally Bridge
Begin your day with a visit to Kolkata’s vibrant Mallick Ghat Flower Market, a colorful and bustling morning scene beneath the Howrah Bridge. Then continue to Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter where artisans craft intricate clay sculptures. Return to the ship for lunch as you begin sailing upstream along the Ganges, passing historic buildings and riverside life. Moor near Bally Bridge for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 8 - Bally Bridge - Bandel
Sail upstream to Bandel, a town with Portuguese roots. Visit the Hooghly Imambara, a striking 19th-century complex known for its ornate halls and impressive clock tower.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 9 - Bandel - Kalna
Continue sailing to Kalna, a temple town rich in history. Explore the Rajbari Temple Complex, including the unique Nabakailas Temple, with its 108 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Return to the ship via the local market, offering a glimpse into everyday life.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 10 - Kalna - Nabadwip - Mayapur
Sail to Nabadwip, the birthplace of the spiritual leader Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Walk through the village to observe traditional handloom weaving. Later, cross the river by boat to Mayapur, headquarters of ISKCON. Visit the temple complex and explore the lively pilgrim markets.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 11 - Mayapur – Guptipara – Fulia
Visit Guptipara, known for its temples and terracotta artistry, and meet local potters at work. In the afternoon, sail to Fulia, a renowned weaving village where you’ll learn about traditional textile techniques, including Jamdani weaving.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 12 - Fulia – Chandernagore – Serampore – Kolkata
Sail downstream to Chandernagore, a former French colony. Stroll along the promenade and visit historic sites, including the Sacred Heart Church. Later, stop in Serampore, once a Danish settlement, to explore its colonial heritage. Continue sailing back to Kolkata for your final night onboard.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 13 - Kolkata Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembark and transfer for your onward journey. (Disembarkation at 9:00 a.m.)
Meals included: Breakfast
Important
Itinerary details, ship assignments, and the order of days may vary slightly to enhance your overall experience.
Standard hotel check-in is at 3:00 p.m., and check-out is at 12:00 p.m.
Domestic flights in India include 15 kg of checked baggage.
The itinerary may be adjusted based on local conditions or days of the week to avoid closures of monuments and museums.
Occasional last-minute changes to touring and sailing may occur due to weather or unique opportunities along the way. Final timing for daily activities will be shared onboard by the tour staff.
Please note that satellite devices (such as satellite phones, pagers, and similar communication equipment) are not permitted in India due to security regulations. We kindly ask that you do not bring these devices with you.
Excursions
All excursions are included, as outlined in the itinerary above.
Post-Cruise Options
Queen of the Hills Tour (Darjeeling Optional Extension) – 4 nights / 5 days
From $1,722 per person
Day 1 – Kolkata Disembark / Fly Bagdogra – Darjeeling
Disembark early morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to Darjeeling (approx. 4 hours). Check in to your hotel, enjoy lunch, and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Perched high in the Himalayas at 2,134 meters, Darjeeling—known as the “Queen of the Hills”—offers sweeping views of Kanchenjunga, lush tea plantations, and charming hillside villages. It’s a place to slow down and take it all in.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 2 – Darjeeling
Start early with a sunrise visit to Tiger Hill (about 45 minutes), where you’ll watch the first light illuminate Kanchenjunga—and, on clear days, even glimpse Everest in the distance. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then enjoy a ride on the historic Darjeeling Himalayan “Toy Train” to Ghoom and back (subject to availability), a charming journey through mountain landscapes. After lunch, head out for a relaxed city tour, including the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Tibetan Refugee Centre, where you can learn more about local culture and craftsmanship.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3 – Darjeeling – Tea Estate Excursion
This morning, drive to Sourenee Tea Estate in the scenic Mirik Valley (approx. 2.5 hours). Set between 2,500 and 5,000 feet, this historic estate produces some of Darjeeling’s finest teas. Enjoy a walk through the tea gardens and observe the traditional “two leaves and a bud” plucking process, still done by hand. Learn about the craft behind this world-renowned tea. After lunch, return to Darjeeling.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4 – Darjeeling
After breakfast, continue exploring Darjeeling with visits to the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda, the historic Ghoom Monastery, and the scenic Batasia Loop, where the toy train winds through panoramic mountain views. Return to the hotel for lunch, then enjoy a relaxed walk around Observatory Hill and the Mall—perfect for taking in views of Kanchenjunga on a clear day.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5 – Darjeeling – Bagdogra Departure
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive back to Bagdogra airport (4 hours) for your onward flight. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
Ship
Bengal Ganga
Set yourself on a journey to explore the cultural background of India with Bengal Ganga.
The river cruise ship was built in 2004, and the design is reminiscent of the colonial ships used by the Viceroys of British India. Keeping the royal essence preserved, the cruise will transport you into another world, not just physically but also spiritually.
It has been designed as an aesthetic replica of the colonial styled ‘Clyde’ steamers that trudged through swamps and far flung deltas of the Indian subcontinent that ruled the seas at the height of the British Empire. The ship has 28 state rooms that exude premium luxury in design and interiors, along with recreational areas and a dining room.
Specifications:
Decks: 3
Guests: 40
Cabins: 20 Luxury Suites
Restaurant
Lounge
Sun Deck
Spa
Yoga Sessions
Cabin Categories:
Spacious, airy rooms, a range of amenities, and well-equipped bathrooms with luxurious, all-natural spa-quality bath products. Large balconies, a seating area, writing desk and chair, generous built-in wardrobes, a flat screen TV with preloaded movies and documentaries, and a minibar with soft beverages serve your every modern need.
Premier Suite
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Cabin
Disclaimer
Our staff have inspected this cruise and the above description and photographs reflect what they saw at that time. It is possible that the supplier has made changes to the cruise without our knowledge. While we do our best to keep up with any changes or improvements made to our cruises, we cannot guarantee that everything in the above description will be accurate.
Jan 17, 2027 to Jan 29, 2027
Feb 2, 2027 to Feb 14, 2027
Mar 6, 2027 to Mar 18, 2027
Mar 30, 2027 to Apr 11, 2027
Sep 16, 2027 to Sep 28, 2027
Oct 11, 2027 to Oct 23, 2027
Dec 6, 2027 to Dec 18, 2027
- Private cabin
- All onboard meals
- Shore excursions
- Port taxes & fees
- Transportation to/from the vessel
- International Flights
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Transportation outside of cruise dates
- Tips and gratuities