Jewels of North India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise
Varanasi, Khajuraho, tigers and the Taj, then the Ganges
This twenty-two-day odyssey uncovers the fullest sweep of North India before its gentle finale on the Ganges. Aboard a journey of ultra-luxury, you witness the sacred fire ceremony on the ghats of Varanasi, marvel at the carved temples of Khajuraho brought to life by a sound and light show, and search for Bengal tigers in two national parks. You see the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset, dine at the Viceroy Club of Marigold Hotel fame, and explore Jaipur’s palaces, before flying to Kolkata to board the boutique Scenic Aura for the Lower Ganges. Grand cities, wild tigers and river Bengal combine in one of the most complete North India journeys imaginable.
Itinerary highlights
Witness the Ganga Aarti fire ceremony on the ghats of sacred Varanasi.
Marvel at the carved temples of Khajuraho, with an evening sound and light show.
Search for Bengal tigers on safaris in Panna and Ranthambore National Parks.
See the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset, and dine at the Marigold Hotel's Viceroy Club.
Explore the Golden Triangle cities of Delhi and Jaipur.
Cruise the Lower Ganges aboard the boutique, all-inclusive Scenic Aura.
Take High Tea at Kathgola Palace and trace colonial Bengal's river towns.
Varanasi, Khajuraho, tigers and the Taj, then the Ganges
This twenty-two-day odyssey uncovers the fullest sweep of North India before its gentle finale on the Ganges. Aboard a journey of ultra-luxury, you witness the sacred fire ceremony on the ghats of Varanasi, marvel at the carved temples of Khajuraho brought to life by a sound and light show, and search for Bengal tigers in two national parks. You see the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset, dine at the Viceroy Club of Marigold Hotel fame, and explore Jaipur’s palaces, before flying to Kolkata to board the boutique Scenic Aura for the Lower Ganges. Grand cities, wild tigers and river Bengal combine in one of the most complete North India journeys imaginable.
Itinerary highlights
Witness the Ganga Aarti fire ceremony on the ghats of sacred Varanasi.
Marvel at the carved temples of Khajuraho, with an evening sound and light show.
Search for Bengal tigers on safaris in Panna and Ranthambore National Parks.
See the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset, and dine at the Marigold Hotel's Viceroy Club.
Explore the Golden Triangle cities of Delhi and Jaipur.
Cruise the Lower Ganges aboard the boutique, all-inclusive Scenic Aura.
Take High Tea at Kathgola Palace and trace colonial Bengal's river towns.
What's Included
- 22-day land tour and river cruise, luxury hotels ashore and a suite aboard Scenic Aura
- Lower Ganges cruise fully all-inclusive: meals, beverages, service and gratuities
- Scenic Enrich experiences (Ganga Aarti evening cruise, High Tea at Kathgola Palace) and Freechoice excursions
- Curated tiger safaris in Panna and Ranthambore National Parks
- Guided sightseeing throughout, including Varanasi, Khajuraho, the Taj Mahal and Jaipur
- Domestic flights and transfers within the itinerary; 56 meals (per operator; confirm)
What's Included
- 22-day land tour and river cruise, luxury hotels ashore and a suite aboard Scenic Aura
- Lower Ganges cruise fully all-inclusive: meals, beverages, service and gratuities
- Scenic Enrich experiences (Ganga Aarti evening cruise, High Tea at Kathgola Palace) and Freechoice excursions
- Curated tiger safaris in Panna and Ranthambore National Parks
- Guided sightseeing throughout, including Varanasi, Khajuraho, the Taj Mahal and Jaipur
- Domestic flights and transfers within the itinerary; 56 meals (per operator; confirm)
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FAQs
It is far more extensive, at 22 days, adding sacred Varanasi, the temples of Khajuraho, the historic town of Orchha and Bengal-tiger safaris in two national parks, before the same Lower Ganges cruise. It is the most complete North India journey of the group.
The itinerary includes curated safaris in Panna and Ranthambore, two of India’s best tiger reserves, so chances are good, though tigers are wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
The Ganga Aarti, a nightly fire-and-lamp ceremony on the ghats accompanied by live musicians, and a dawn boat ride as the holy city comes to life, are unforgettable.
Yes, in the Scenic manner: meals, drinks, tips and most excursions aboard, plus domestic flights and transfers within the itinerary. International flights and visa are extra.