India’s River & Rail Grand Tour

Program Overview

India’s River & Rail Grand Tour is a 13-night India river and rail journey from Kolkata to Delhi, beginning with a Hooghly river cruise aboard ABN Rajmahal past the terracotta temples of Kalna and the Nawabs’ capital of Murshidabad, before continuing by the Maharajas’ Express to Varanasi, the Taj Mahal, Ranthambore and Jaipur. Aboard the elegant ABN Rajmahal river cruiser and the iconic Maharajas’ Express, this immersive experience combines river cruising, luxury rail travel, heritage, spirituality and wildlife, revealing the many layers of India’s history, culture and traditions. Thoughtfully curated, the journey unfolds through colonial settlements, sacred rivers, ancient cities, Mughal treasures and grand royal legacies.

Along the way, discover the timeless charm of the Hugli River, the terracotta temples of Kalna, the historic treasures of Murshidabad, the spiritual soul of Varanasi, the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, the wilderness of Ranthambore and the royal heritage of Jaipur. Witness the Ganga Aarti, explore centuries-old monuments, experience authentic riverside communities and travel through India’s landscapes aboard two exceptional luxury vessels. With curated excursions, refined dining and moments of relaxation, this journey captures the elegance, diversity and enduring spirit of India.

Program Routing

Kolkata – Farakka – Varanasi – Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi

The Awesomeness of the Itinerary

From the historic waterways of Bengal to the royal landscapes of Rajasthan, this journey reveals India through luxury river cruising, heritage exploration and refined rail travel. Experience the country’s diverse rhythms, from the timeless villages and cultural treasures along the Hugli River to the spiritual aura of Varanasi, the grandeur of Mughal architecture and the royal legacy of Rajasthan. Every destination offers a unique window into India’s history, traditions and enduring spirit.

Along the way, curated excursions bring depth to every stage of the journey. Explore Chandernagore’s colonial heritage, Kalna’s terracotta temples, Murshidabad’s palaces, witness the Ganga Aarti and sunrise over the Ganges, visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, experience Ranthambore’s wilderness and discover Jaipur’s royal landmarks. Life aboard the ABN Rajmahal and the Maharajas’ Express combines elegant comfort, immersive experiences and unhurried exploration, allowing India’s heritage, spirituality and landscapes to unfold through a thoughtfully paced journey.

Bear in mind

Excursions throughout the journey include heritage walks, cultural visits, guided sightseeing and experiences across varied landscapes.

The journey includes domestic flights between Kolkata, Varanasi and Delhi as part of the programme.

Itineraries and timings for both the ABN Rajmahal cruise and the Maharajas’ Express are subject to change due to operational, weather or river conditions.

River conditions may affect the cruising schedule and experiences along the Hugli River.

Foreign nationals require a valid Indian Tourist Visa and a passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of departure from India.

Optional tours on the Maharajas’ Express are subject to availability and may involve additional charges.

Arrival and departure transfers are excluded unless specifically mentioned as part of the programme.

Program at a Glance

Day 1: Kolkata – Embarkation & Barrackpore

Arrive in Kolkata and embark the ABN Rajmahal river cruiser. Sail northwards past Serampore and explore Barrackpore’s historic cantonment, including the Semaphore Tower, Government House, Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House before continuing towards Chandernagore.

Day 2: Chandernagore – Chinsura – Kalna

Explore Chandernagore’s colonial heritage with a visit to the 18th-century church and Dupleix Palace. Sail past the former Dutch settlement of Chinsura and visit the historic Imambara at Hooghly before continuing upstream towards Kalna.

Day 3: Kalna – Mayapur

Discover Kalna’s celebrated terracotta temples, including the unique Shiva temple with 108 shrinelets. Visit a traditional muslin-weaving centre before sailing towards Mayapur, home to the renowned ISKCON temple.

Day 4: Matiari – Plassey – Khushbagh

Visit Matiari village, known for its traditional brass craftsmanship. Continue to Plassey, the historic battlefield, before sailing towards Khushbagh and witnessing the riverside landscapes of Bengal.

Day 5: Murshidabad

Explore Khushbagh, Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque, Nashipara Palace and Katgola Palace, discovering the architectural and cultural heritage of Murshidabad.

Day 6: Baranagar – Jangipur

Visit the peaceful village of Baranagar and its miniature terracotta temples. Continue cruising along the Hugli River through mustard fields, mango orchards and riverside villages before arriving at Jangipur.

Day 7: Farakka – River Day & Approach

Enjoy a leisurely final day on the river as the Hugli approaches its confluence with the Ganges near Farakka. Experience changing river landscapes, local life and a farewell dinner aboard the vessel.

Day 8: Farakka – Varanasi

Disembark at Farakka and transfer via Kolkata before flying to Varanasi. In the evening, witness the sacred Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Day 9: Varanasi – Sunrise on the Ganges – Sarnath

Experience a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges before visiting Sarnath, including Dhamek Stupa, the museum and ancient monastic ruins. Explore the historic lanes, temples and silk-weaving quarters of Varanasi.

Day 10: Varanasi – Delhi

Fly from Varanasi to Delhi and enjoy a half-day excursion exploring the regal heritage of India’s capital.

Day 11: Delhi – Agra – Taj Mahal

Board the Maharajas’ Express from Safdarjung Railway Station and travel towards Agra. Visit the iconic Taj Mahal before returning to the train for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 12: Agra – Ranthambore

Visit Agra Fort before continuing aboard the Maharajas’ Express towards Ranthambore. Experience a jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park, renowned for its Royal Bengal Tigers.

Day 13: Jaipur – Amer Fort & Royal Heritage

Explore Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan, including Amer Fort and other royal landmarks. Enjoy an exclusive dinner at Rambagh Palace before the train departs towards Delhi.

Day 14: Delhi – Disembarkation

Arrive at Safdarjung Railway Station, Delhi and conclude the journey after breakfast aboard the Maharajas’ Express.

Your Journey Includes

Overall

13-night journey combining luxury river cruising, hotel stays in Varanasi and Delhi, and a luxury rail journey aboard the Maharajas’ Express.
7 nights aboard the ABN Rajmahal river cruiser with air-conditioned en-suite cabins and French balconies.
2-night hotel stay in Varanasi.
1-night hotel stay in Delhi.
3 nights aboard the Maharajas’ Express in an air-conditioned Deluxe Cabin.
Domestic flights from Kolkata to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi.
Guided excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees and transfers as specified in the programme.

Accommodations

Entertainment

Experiences

Historic river cruise along the Hugli River from Kolkata to Farakka.
Visits to Chandernagore, Chinsura, Kalna, Mayapur, Matiari, Plassey and Murshidabad.
Exploration of terracotta temples, traditional weaving centres and riverside communities of Bengal.
Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi.
Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and visit to Sarnath.
Visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park.
Exploration of Jaipur’s royal heritage including Amer Fort.

Culinary

Your Journey does not Include

Government taxes, including the applicable 5% Government Service Tax (subject to change as per government directives), and travel insurance.
Laundry services and alcoholic beverages unless specifically included.
Video and professional still-camera fees.
Gratuities during the journey.
Arrival and departure transfers unless specifically mentioned as part of the programme.
International and domestic air tickets unless specifically included.
Pre- and post-journey accommodation or tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as part of the programme.
Optional excursions and activities, which are subject to availability and may involve additional charges.

Plan Your Journey with Us

Discover journeys crafted with care — from serene river cruises to vibrant cultural trails, every experience is designed to inspire, connect, and delight.