Cruising the River Ganges
The mystical Ganges River is a sacred waterway of great spiritual significance in the Hindu religion. Its dark slow-moving waters emerge at the holy city of Gomukh in the Himalaya mountains and flow sleepily towards the Ganges River Delta before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges traverses some of India’s most densely populated and fertile lands, gracing India’s vivacious capital New Delhi with its presence before winding down the border of Bangladesh and calling at picturesque riverside towns such as Kalna and Kolkata. This emblematic river is not only a crucial source of life for the hundreds of millions of people who live along its banks, but it is also steeped in religious sanctity and worshipped by India’s Hindu population as the Ganga Ma – Mother Ganges. The Myth of the Ganges tells that the goddess Ganga came down from heaven to purify the river’s waters and forge a path to eternal paradise for those who touched it. Today, daily offerings of nuts, fruits and flowers are brought to the Ganges by devout Hindus, who subsequently bathe in its waters to cleanse themselves of their sins.
Why choose Ganges river cruises
Ganges river cruises offer visitors the opportunity to discover India’s exquisite Golden Triangle – the cities of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The majority of cruise lines, such as Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and Imagine Cruising tailor their itineraries to include an overnight excursion in Jaipur which is situated southwest of Delhi in India’s Rajasthan state, before flying to New Delhi and continuing along the Ganges River towards West Bengal. Ganges cruises make their way down the Hooghly River of the lower Ganges where visitors can disembark at the rich historical towns of Bengal. Most Ganges cruises stick to ports located within the Indian border but a select few extend the journey down to the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh.
Ganges river cruises: Countries of the Ganges River
India
On a cruise down the Ganges, India will set all your sense ablaze with its fiery cuisine, sweet and spicy smells and chaotic colourful towns. Innumerable ornate temples drenched in vibrant religious history can be found dotted all over the country and you’ll find that spirituality is interwoven into much of the population’s daily life. Sweeping landscapes of snow-capped mountains and arid, apricot-coloured deserts set the scene for India’s natural world, while the country’s rich and multicultural heritage makes it stand out from the rest.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is not often placed highly on Asia’s tourist trail, being overshadowed by its favoured South Asian neighbours – India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. However, this off-the-beaten-track country should not be overlooked on a Ganges river cruise. Bangladesh boasts naturally beautiful landscapes consisting of widespread river networks and steamy forests which are home to exotic creatures. The country’s lively capital, Dhaka, is bursting with diverse historical buildings, bustling markets and authentic restaurants, all of which can be navigated from your seat in the back of a colourful rickshaw.
Ports of the Ganges River
Delhi
Magical Delhi is a city of mayhem which only adds to its bewitching character. India’s energetic capital is littered with ancient ruins from lost empires, architecturally spectacular buildings and a whirlwind of frenetic streets, making it a must-see on a Ganges river cruise. Delhi is not just a feast for the eyes; breathe in the city’s aromatic odours, a heady fusion of flavoursome spices, and listen to the soundtrack of Delhi – an orchestra of local voices as they peddle their wares, of hooting horns and traditional music. Embark on a walking tour of Old Delhi from the magnificent Red Fort and Lahore Gate which were built by the Mughal Dynasty in the 17th-century and call in at the quirky Sisganj Gurdwara, Kinari and Chawri Bazaars for an authentic taste of India. Explore Delhi’s multicultural identity by visiting the striking Fatehpur mosque and Digambara Jain Temple, which is also home to a fascinating bird hospital. Immerse yourself in history at the Diwan-i-Am, Shahi Burj and Mumtaz Mahal historic buildings before exploring the Royal Baths which once housed saunas and thermal baths for the royal family. Art lovers cruising the Ganges will enjoy the more modern parts of Delhi where you can find a myriad of captivating art galleries and cultural museums. For some truly majestic sights, head over to Humayun’s Tomb which lies inside an extravagant red stone palace and stroll around the Qutb Minar ruins which date back to the beginning of Islamic rule in India.
Agra
Without a doubt, the crown-jewel of Agra is the sensational Taj Mahal which was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his third beloved wife. Located on a raised marble platform facing away from the Yamuna River, this breathtaking building is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world. The Emperor himself once said ‘it made the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes’. Perhaps most striking of all is the perfect symmetry of the structure. On a stop on a Ganges river cruise, you can see the same number of turrets on either side of the main building, and inside you will notice the optical illusion of the Quranic verses on the mausoleum which were increased in size along the grooves, so they look exactly equal from the ground. As you wander around, look out for the Taj’s red sandstone mosque and the elaborate Cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. Roughly 40 kilometres west of Agra you will come across the impressive ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri which was once the capital of the Mughal empire. Explore the numerous palaces and pavilions inside the imperial complex and spend time admiring the beautiful Jama Masjid mosque. Check these spectacular places off of your bucket list while cruising the Ganges.
Jaipur
The final point of the Golden Triangle is the flamboyant ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. This architecturally eclectic city offers travellers on a ganges cruise a seductive mix of old and new, and as you explore the city you’ll observe how chaotic traffic snakes its way around languid camels and slow-moving cycle-rickshaws. Dotted around the city are areas of relative serenity where you will find majestic historical buildings such as the resplendent City Palace and the ethereal Amber Fort which was built using yellow and pink sandstone and encrusted with pearly white marble. Sitting adjacent to the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar observatory which was supposedly built by Jai Singh in 1728 as an instrument for measuring the heavens and is surrounded by unusual sculptures. Jaipur’s funkiest landmark is undeniably the Hawa Mahal structure which was built to enable ladies of the royal household to ‘people-watch’ in secret from the top of its five stories and latticed windows. Watch out for mischievous monkeys in and around Jaipur who dart between buildings and will always have their eye on potential snacks from tourists.
Varanasi
There is nowhere else in the world quite as exuberant or vividly colourful as the riverside city of Varanasi. Not only is it culturally and aesthetically pleasing, but Varanasi is also one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities and the holiest place in India, making it a must-see when you cruise the Ganges river. Riverside steps, or ghats, run down to the divine water where ritual bathing takes place and the ashes of corpses are dispersed into the water after having been cremated on ghats such as Manikarnika. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the city’s most vibrant site where local vendors peddle their multi-coloured wares and, in the evening, the exotic ganga aarti – a river worship ceremony involving fire and dance – takes place. Varanasi is packed full of temples, the most well-known being the Vishwanath Temple. This gold-gilded place of worship is dedicated to Lord Shiva, ruler of the universe, and is certainly an unforgettable sight on a Ganges river cruise.
Mayapur
The heavenly riverside town of Mayapur is situated at the confluence of the Jalangi and Ganga rivers. The city hosts countless religious and cultural sites and is home to the global headquarters of ISKCON – the International Society for Krishna Consciousness – and as a result, has named itself ‘The Spiritual Capital of the World’. Within these headquarters, visitors from a Ganges cruise will find themselves surrounded by perfectly preserved temples and sites of collective worship. The society’s founder, Srila Pradbhupada, was born in Kolkata in the 19th century and travelled the world with his spiritual teachings. A memorial to this extraordinary man can be found inside the complex along with collections on his life and work. The Gopinath Gaudiya Math compound is another culturally significant site worth seeing, with its stately salmon-coloured exterior. Before you head back to your Ganges river cruise, if you’re after some authentic trinkets to remember your trip, look no further than the Mayapur Market. Here, you can browse Krishna dolls, traditional clothes and prayer books that capture the local life of Mayapur.
Kalna
Known widely as the ‘City of Temples’, the riverfront town of Kalna prides itself on its collection of ornate terracotta temples, something that shouldn't be missed on a Ganges river cruise. The Shiva temple complex consists of 108 black and white marble shrines nestled next to each other in two perfect circles and is definitely Kalna’s most impressive site. The magnificent Rajbari royal palace complex is another must-see in Kalna, with its tranquil gardens and towering temples. Relative to other areas, Kalna is a fairly wealthy town that sustains itself by selling fresh vegetables, fish and diverse foodstuffs. The area is also famous for its intricate hand-woven fabrics and visitors on a Ganges cruise can watch in awe as local weavers produce stunning saris and embroidered textiles.
Kolkata
Kolkata, or Calcutta, is the cultural and intellectual mecca of the Bengal region and India’s second-largest city. As the former capital of British India, Kolkata’s architecture is greatly evocative of the colonial-era, although its culture is strongly infused with distinct Bengali elements. At the heart of the city sits the ostentatious Victoria Memorial, an enormous palatial building constructed from shiny white marble which was designed in honour of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. Old British influences are still reflected in buildings such as St Paul’s Cathedral, which is decked out in western-style stained glass windows. Off your Ganges river cruise, learn more about the city’s history at the Indian Museum, before paying homage to Mother Teresa at her Motherhouse. North Kolkata has its own array of colonial-era constructions including the 1870 Writer’s Building, St Andrew’s Church and the cherub-covered Standard Life Building. Kolkata’s greatest architectural triumphs also include the gothic High Court building and the opulent Marble Palace packed full of old statues, quirky paintings and Belgian glassware. Keen golfers might also like to check out the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, the first golf course to be created outside Great Britain, and a unique attraction for those cruising down the Ganges.
Dhaka
Bangladesh’s atmospheric capital offers a maelstrom of bustling streets teeming with multi-coloured rickshaws, frenetic backstreet bazaars and countless tea stalls. Head towards the Ahsan Manzil, or Pink Palace, to find an incongruous oasis of tranquillity away from the buzzing streets and admire the blend of ancient and modern architecture at the National Assembly of Bangladesh. For a look into some of Dhaka’s lesser-known history, disembark your Ganges river cruise and stop by at the Lalbagh Fort which is still incomplete owing to the death of a dignitary’s daughter, before searching for Columbo Sahib’s tomb which is hidden under dense tropical vegetation. Journey into a world of arts and handicrafts at Jatra where you can pick up unique souvenirs and undergo an authentic shopping experience. Shankharia Bazaar will send your head spinning as you are enveloped by clouds of incense and lurid colours. Browse the street’s brightly-decorated buildings which host tiny shops where local craftsmen work. In the evening, listen to some live music at Jatra Biroti, one of Dhaka’s most popular drinking haunts. Don't miss Dhaka on your river cruise up the Ganges.
Ganges river cruises: Best things to do on the Ganges River
Visit a tiger reserve
The biodiverse mangrove forests of West Bengal are inhabited by a whole host of exotic animals – the most famous being the Bengal Tiger. Visitors on a Ganges river cruise in India have the unique opportunity to observe these majestic beasts at the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve. They are shy creatures who tend to hide amongst the trees, but the local guides running boat safaris will help you by sighting and pointing out these gorgeous big cats.
Try the local food
India and Bangladesh serve up a storm of delicious dishes which burst with intense spices and fresh ingredients. While on your Ganges river cruise, feast on some Indian favourites such as dhal – curried lentils or pulse, masala dosa – a curried vegetable pancake and rasgulla – cream cheese balls soaked in rose water. Dishes tend to be served with a healthy dose of rice or with one of the country’s many types of bread, such as puri, paratha and naan. Bengali food tends to be milder and sweeter than elsewhere in India and relies on jaggery – palm sugar, daab - young coconut and posto – poppy seed. Bangladeshi food features a lot of biryani and khichuri curries which can be found at independent restaurants and street food stalls all over Dhaka.
Experience a festival
Festivals are always a grand affair in India and Bangladesh. In Kolkata, the city is transformed by an explosion of colour with the arrival of the Durga Puja festival and in Kalna, the Saraswati Puja festival hosts lively street processions in honour of the goddess Saraswati. Dhaka offers a slightly more intellectual rather than spiritual approach to its festivals, with the Dhaka Lit Fest celebrating local writers and thinkers from Bangladesh. Make sure to plan your Ganges river cruise to come during whatever festival you wish to experience!
Visit a tea plantation
Both Bangladesh and India are famed for their extensive tea production and large swathes of the countries’ landscapes are covered in plantations. West Bengal in particular is full of tea plantations, with the Glenburn and Happy Valley Tea Estates in Darjeeling in Bengal, and the Sreemangal plantation just a short drive from Dhaka. It is possible to tour these plantations on your Ganges river cruise as well as sample some of the various flavours of tea and learn about the production process.
Watch out for Ganges wildlife
The freshwater Ganges River Dolphin is endemic to the river and can sometimes be seen splashing about in its glimmering waters. Other native species include otters, Mahseer fish, softshell turtles and the bizarre-looking Indian Gharial crocodile. At the Ganges Delta, you may also be able to spot Indian pythons, clouded leopards and Indian elephants while on your Ganges river cruise.
