India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges with Uniworld

Your adventure begins with included airport lounge access, relax in style before boarding your overnight flight to New Delhi. On arrival the following morning you’ll be met by a Uniworld representative and transferred to your hotel, The Oberoi. This iconic luxury hotel blends contemporary elegance with rich Indian heritage, an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of India’s bustling capital.

Stay: The Oberoi New Delhi 

After a delightful breakfast, step into the heart of India’s vibrant capital on a guided tour where history, culture, and modernity weave together in a mesmerising tapestry. Travel down grand boulevards and tree-lined avenues, flanked by Sir Edwin Lutyens’ stately architectural masterpieces, as the city unfolds before you. Stand in awe of Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells a story of the Mughal era, and admire the imposing Red Fort, where echoes of India’s past still linger. This afternoon, enjoy the freedom to wander at your own pace, perhaps diving into bustling markets or hidden cafes, before returning to your hotel for a well-earned dinner.

Stay: The Oberoi New Delhi

This morning, bid farewell to New Delhi as you journey south by motorcoach to Agra, home to one of history’s most breathtaking architectural marvels—the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, check into the opulent Oberoi Amarvilas, where every detail exudes luxury, and savour a sumptuous lunch before retreating to your room, where an uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal awaits. As the afternoon unfolds, step into the presence of this iconic masterpiece, standing in awe as its gleaming white domes and minarets rise ethereally above the reflecting pools. As the sun begins its descent, watch as the Taj Mahal transforms, shifting from ivory to blush to deep gold—a celestial tribute to Shah Jahan’s eternal love. Step through the grand entrance and into the perfectly symmetrical gardens, where history, romance, and artistry intertwine in one of the world’s most mesmerising settings.

Sunrise or sunset? The Taj Mahal dazzles at both, and Uniworld guests enjoy the rare privilege of experiencing each. Wake early to witness the first light of day casting a rosy glow over its ivory domes. Wander its tranquil grounds at your own pace before returning for lunch at your hotel. After lunch, journey by motorcoach to Jaipur, the third city in the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan’s regal capital, where grand palaces and history fill the streets. Founded in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur’s carefully planned layout still echoes his vision. Settle into the enchanting Oberoi Rajvilas, a luxury retreat set amid 32 acres of lush gardens and an ancient Shiva temple and spend the afternoon relaxing in the tranquil oasis.

In Rajasthan, pink symbolises hospitality, setting the tone for your visit to Jaipur, the enchanting 'Pink City.' Today’s adventure begins at the magnificent Amber Palace, its honey-hued ramparts rising above the Maota Lake like a vision from a bygone era. Wander its ornate halls and courtyards before stepping into the cosmic world of Jantar Mantar, Jai Singh II’s extraordinary astronomical observatory. This UNESCO-listed marvel, with its giant stone yantras once guided royal astronomers in predicting eclipses, tracking stars, and even determining auspicious wedding dates. This afternoon, immerse yourself in Jaipur’s vibrant bazaars. Shuttles whisk you to the city’s bustling shopping district, where dazzling Rajasthani craftsmanship awaits. Admire intricate jewellery, pottery, hand-printed textiles and lush carpets, or simply soak in the riot of colours, scents, and sounds that make Jaipur’s markets an experience in themselves.

Depart Jaipur early this morning and fly to Kolkata, India’s vibrant second-largest city and longtime capital of the British Raj. A hub of art, literature, and history, Kolkata is often considered the nation’s intellectual heart. Unlike India’s ancient cities, Kolkata’s story began in the late 17th century with the East India Company, yet its spirit feels timeless. Upon arrival, step aboard the elegant Ganges Voyager II, your luxurious floating retreat for the next seven nights. Settle into your beautifully appointed suite, the perfect vantage point for your journey along the sacred Ganges. As evening falls, savour a delightful dinner and an enchanting cultural performance, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Once a thriving river trade port, Kalna now shines as a treasure trove of magnificent Hindu temples built by the maharajas of Bardhaman. Today, you’ll explore these architectural wonders, beginning with the Pratapeshwar Temple, an 1849 masterpiece adorned with intricate terracotta carvings depicting mythology, rituals, and scenes of daily life. Nearby, the Lalji Temple, the oldest in the complex, rises with 25 striking pinnacles, while the Krishna Chandra Temple echoes its grandeur. Just across the street lies the awe-inspiring Naba Kailash, a sacred marvel of 108 Shiva temples arranged in two concentric circles. After admiring the breathtaking Rajbari temple complex, you may choose to meander through Kalna’s bustling local market, soaking in its colours, scents, and lively energy.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Today, your ship serves as a time machine, transporting you centuries into the past as you arrive in Matiari, a village where artistry thrives. For over a hundred years, skilled craftsmen have transformed scrap metal through a seamless time-honoured process, into exquisite brass creations such as vases, lamps, figurines, and platters. As you wander through the village, the rhythmic clang of hammer on brass fills the air. Each artisan plays a precise role, one cutting the metal, another shaping it into a gleaming tray, while yet another meticulously etches intricate patterns onto its surface. Witness this mesmerising craft unfold before your eyes, a testament to generations of expertise. Back on board, immerse yourself in another age-old tradition as a mehndi artist demonstrates the delicate art of henna. Watch as intricate designs take shape, each pattern steeped in symbolism and cultural significance.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Step into history as you explore the regal towns of Murshidabad and Baranagar, where grandeur lingers in every stone. A horse-drawn buggy whisks you to Katra Mosque, built in 1723 by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan. Though an 1897 earthquake claimed two of its four towers, its magnificence endures. As your ship rounds a river-bend, the colossal Hazarduari Palace comes into view. Built in the 19th century for British officials, this neoclassical wonder boasts 1,000 doors, and now a museum, it echoes Bengal’s colonial past. After lunch, visit Baranagar’s 18th-century brick temples, where intricate terracotta carvings defy time. Today, goats roam and vines creep around the ruins, but these masterpieces remain some of Bengal’s finest. Later, if time and weather allow, embrace India’s cricket fever, watch a match and unravel the nation’s favourite sport.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

The sacred Ganges River winds through bustling cities and quiet villages, offering ever-changing scenery as you sail. Keep an eye out for the elusive Ganges River dolphin, a rare and cherished sight. Today, witness the ancient art of mehndi as a skilled artist creates intricate henna patterns, each design steeped in cultural symbolism. Step ashore at Khusbagh, the 'Garden of Happiness,' a serene garden-graveyard where Bengal’s historic rulers, including Siraj ud-Daulah and Alivardi Khan, rest in eternal peace. Wander through the village and explore the elegant mausoleum and its arched veranda, echoes of a bygone era.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Prepare to be awed in Mayapur, the heart of the Hare Krishna movement and home to the colossal Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, still under construction. Tour the existing temple complex, glimpse the rising Vedic Planetarium, and gain insight into the beliefs of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness. Next, step into a slice of French history in Chandannagar, a former colonial outpost that remained under French rule until 1952. Stroll along the scenic Strand, where tree-lined promenades showcase elegant French-Indian architecture. Visit the 19th-century Church of the Sacred Heart before returning to the ship for a farewell dinner and a spirited cultural dance performance.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Today you’ll discover Kolkata’s rich tapestry of history, from Mother Teresa’s enduring legacy to the grandeur of the British Raj. Begin your morning with a panoramic city tour, starting at the lively Flower Market near Howrah Bridge. Bursting with colour and energy, this market is a hub of trade where flowers are bought for festivals, rituals, and celebrations. Next, choose between visiting the NGO Calcutta Rescue or exploring Mother Teresa’s home and tomb, a place of quiet reflection. After lunch, step into Kumartuli, a potters’ quarter where artisans craft intricate clay idols for festivals, continuing a centuries-old tradition. On the way back, journey through Kolkata’s colonial past. Admire architectural gems like the red-and-white Calcutta High Court, the stately Government House, and the imposing Writers’ Building. Finally, stop for a photo at the majestic Victoria Memorial Museum, a white-marble tribute to Queen Victoria, blending Mughal and European styles in a striking homage to the city’s past.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Your unforgettable Indian adventure comes to a close this morning as you disembark and transfer to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for your journey home. Or, extend your exploration with an optional stay in Varanasi (please ask your specialist for details).