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21 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Cochin to Kathmandu 2022
Colorful India & the Ganges River with Southern India, Varanasi & Kathmandu
Starting from $10,133Ship(s): Ganges Voyager
River Cruise Description
Enter a world of color, culture, and cherished spiritual tradition of India and Nepal. Your guided tour of India, Nepal, and Ganges River cruise begins in the Southern India city of Cochin, where you'll take a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala to witness life along the scenic and serene waterways. Explore Mumbai, home to "Bollywood," and Varanasi, to watch the Hindu's devotional bathing in the Ganges. Continue on to the bustling city of Delhi. You'll tour the city with your expert local guide, and take a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk bazaar-brimming with everything from silver and spices to saris of every color. You'll visit Qutub Minar-the world's largest brick minaret, and see Delhi's largest Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), before traveling to Agra-site of the legendary Taj Mahal. Join a sunrise excursion to the Taj Mahal-the iconic memorial build by Moghul emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. More than 20 years in the making, the Taj Mahal stands as the pinnacle of love's devotion, and is also yours to experience at sunset if you wish. You'll enjoy the city of Jaipur, with its famous Palace of the Winds, and spectacular Amber Fort, before flying to Kolkata to board your Ganges river cruise. The holy river of Hinduism, the Ganges, slowly courses through one of the world's most fertile and populated areas. Along its banks, human life is connected to its waters and you'll get a glimpse of life away from India's big cities. See muslin weaving in Kalna and candy making in Matiari. Stop in Murshidabad for an excursion to Azimganj and Jiaganj-to tour a historic mansion and see a gold and silver making demonstration Explore the fascinating Hare Krishna headquarters in Mayapur, and visit Saint Mother Teresa's former home upon your return to Kolkata. In Kathmandu, sightseeing is spread over two leisurely days. Visits include Hanuman Dhoka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess, a child thought to be the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess. You'll also journey to Patan and Bouddhanath, Nepal's largest stupa. All of this and more await you on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation with a guided tour of India and Nepal with a Ganges River cruise.Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11, 2022 | Ganges Voyager | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Oct 7, 2022 | Ganges Voyager | $10,133 | Call Us! |
| Oct 23, 2022 | Ganges Voyager | $10,133 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 COCHIN, INDIA
Welcome to Cochin, the “Gateway to Kerala,” India’s southernmost state known for its natural beauty. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.Day 2 COCHIN
Your Guided Tour starts with a visit to the Kerala Folklore Museum which aims to educate people about the unique culture and heritage of South India. Then, drive out of the city to embark an unforgettable afternoon Cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. Explore and witness local life along these serene waterways surrounded by lush palm trees and paddy fields.(B,L)
Day 3 COCHIN–MUMBAI
Today, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colorful history. This vibrant city is now India’s premier seaport, center of culture and industry, and home to the “Bollywood” movie industry.(B)
Day 4 MUMBAI
Your Guided Tour starts with an orientation for photos at some of the cities famous sites, including Victoria Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, witness Mumbai’s fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you’ll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery. Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.(B,L)
Day 5 MUMBAI–VARANASI
Fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. Early this evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River
(B,D)
Day 6 VARANASI–DELHI
Around dawn, board a Boat Excursion and watch a striking religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some time at leisure prior to flying to Delhi.(B,L)
Day 7 DELHI
Saris, Spices, and Silver
Classic
Today’s Guided Sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar—with its ancient alleyways lined with quaint shops offering everything from silver and saris to spices and electronics
(B,L,D)
Day 8 DELHI–AGRA
Monuments of Worship and Remembrance
Classic
This morning, take a Guided Excursion to visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship)
(B,L)
Day 9 AGRA
Love’s Crowning Achievement
Classic
Start your day with a Sunrise Excursion to the incomparable Taj Mahal—Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan’s memorial to his beloved wife—more than 20 years in the making
Classic
Later, take a Guided Tour to Agra Fort, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This formidable fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces
(B,D)
Day 10 AGRA–JAIPUR
Welcome to the Pink City
Travel to Jaipur—the “Pink City” that was painted pink for the Prince of Wales’ 1876 visit. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.(B,L)
Day 11 JAIPUR
A Maharaja’s Marble Palace and Gateway to the Stars
Classic
Today, join a Guided Excursion to Jaipur’s spectacular Amber Fort, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and featuring intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works
Classic
This afternoon, take a Guided Tour of the City Palace and the adjoining museum, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century
(B,D)
Day 12 JAIPUR–KOLKATA (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to West Bengal. Your Ship Awaits.Fly to Kolkata this morning to transfer to your ship. Get acquainted with the ship prior to your welcome reception this evening.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO KALNA
(B,L,D)
Day 13 KALNA
Rituals, Rickshaws, and Muslin Weavers
Discovery
Ride on cycle rickshaws during your Guided Exploration of Kalna. Along the way visit the historic terracotta temple complex and receive blessings from the temple priest. Also visit a muslin-weaver’s home
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MATIARI
(B,L,D)
Day 14 MATIARI
Sweet Shops and Shiny Brass
Discovery
Join a Guided Walk through the village of Matiari where fascinating scenes of everyday life unfold in front of you. Stop to see how traditional sweets are made and explore the local produce market. The village is best known for brass-making and you’ll see how scrap metal is recycled to make figurines and functional items such as tea sets and vases. For the final step, watch a talented craftsman delicately hand-hammer intricate patterns into the brass
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MURSHIDABAD
(B,L,D)
Day 15 MURSHIDABAD. EXCURSION TO AZIMGANJ & JIAGANJ
Silversmiths, Tea Service, and Silk Sarees
Discovery
Guided Sightseeing brings you to two towns on opposite sides of the river. In Jiaganj, travel by electric rickshaw to see the art of Baluchari saree weaving. In Azimganj, walk through the local crafts market and explore Bari Kothi, a former residence that has been restored to its former grandeur after being abandoned for over half a century. You’ll also witness a silver- and gold-making demonstration
AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO MAYAPUR
(B,L,D)
Day 16 MAYAPUR–GUPTIPARA
A Holy Pilgrimage on the Ganges
Classic
Your Morning Excursion brings you to the fascinating ISKCON campus at Mayapur, the worldwide headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement. A Krishna leader will guide you throughout your visit to introduce you to their philosophy and life on campus. Along the way, you’ll tour the main temple and have time for questions
Discovery
This afternoon, climb aboard a Rickshaw (Toto) for your visit to the small riverside village of Guptipara. Along the way, see pottery and idol making. You’ll also visit a farmer’s home to interact with the family
AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO KOLKATA
(B,L,D)
Day 17 KOLKATA
Flowers, Faith, and Victorian Art
Classic
This morning, take a Guided Walk through the colorful flower market. Afterward, focus on the life and work of Mother Teresa who dedicated her life to helping the city’s poor. Stop at her former home prior to visiting Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, a home for orphaned children run by Missionaries of Charity which she founded in 1950
Classic
After lunch, join a Guided Visit to the Victoria Memorial Museum. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria, the museum houses a beautiful collection of paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts from the Victorian era
(B,L,D)
Day 18 KOLKATA–KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Today, fly to Nepal. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.(B)
Day 19 KATHMANDU
Today, your Guided Sightseeing starts with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess and said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Kathmandu.(B,L)
Day 20 KATHMANDU
Start your Sightseeing Tour at Bouddahanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (“City of Beauty”). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the city’s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. The remainder of the day is free.(B,L)
Day 21 KATHMANDU
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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