8 Days - Ganges River Cruise With Varanasi

Arrive in Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, by road, rail, or air, where you will be met and transferred from the airport or railway station to begin your journey along the sacred Ganges River. Known as the City of Light, Varanasi has been a centre of spirituality, learning, and culture for over 3,000 years. Commenting on the city by it’s old name, the American writer Mark Twain famously remarked:

"Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

This description still holds true today, as Varanasi is a city that captivates every sense - its ancient temples, narrow alleyways, bustling ghats, and the ever-present aroma of incense create an unforgettable atmosphere.

For Hindus, Varanasi is the holiest city in India, believed to be the gateway to moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). Pilgrims from all over the country and beyond come here to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges, perform religious rituals like the Ganga Aarti, and seek spiritual enlightenment. The city is a melting pot of devotion, culture, and history, where saffron-clad sadhus, temple bells, and age-old chants fill the air.

After your introduction to this iconic city, embark on your luxury river cruise. The ship sets sail downstream on the mighty Ganges, allowing you to take in the views of the ghats, riverside temples, and life along the banks as the city begins to settle into the evening. Anchor for the night at a peaceful riverside location, away from the city’s frenetic pace, and enjoy a delicious dinner on board, prepared using fresh local ingredients. This marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey through India’s cultural heartland.

This morning, set sail along the sacred Ganges, passing the historic ghats of Varanasi, where pilgrims and sadhus begin their morning rituals. From your vantage point on the river, you’ll witness the timeless traditions of this ancient city, with devotees bathing in the holy waters, priests conducting pujas, and merchants setting up their stalls along the ghats.

Your first stop is Ramnagar, home to the Ramnagar Fort and Palace, the residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi. Built in 1750, this imposing sandstone fort sits on the eastern bank of the Ganges and houses a fascinating museum, displaying vintage royal artefacts, including gold and silver palanquins, antique weapons, manuscripts, and elaborate royal costumes. The palace’s intricate carvings, courtyards, and durbar halls offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the Banaras royal family.

After exploring Ramnagar, continue sailing upstream to Chunar, an ancient town with a rich history dating back to the Mauryan Empire. The highlight here is Chunar Fort, a formidable structure that has been a strategic military stronghold for over a thousand years. Originally built by Sher Shah Suri and later controlled by the Mughals, Nawabs of Awadh, and the British, the fort’s massive stone walls, bastions, and underground chambers tell tales of battles, intrigue, and shifting empires. Within its grounds, visit the old British cemetery, where colonial-era tombstones mark the final resting place of soldiers who served in this region. Nearby, the Mughal tombs add another layer to Chunar’s history, showcasing exquisite Indo-Islamic architecture.

Chunar is also renowned for its traditional crafts, which continue to flourish despite the passage of time. The town is famous for Chunar pottery, a centuries-old craft that produces distinctive terracotta items and clay figurines, as well as its fine carpet weaving, an industry that has been nurtured by generations of artisans. Visit a local workshop to see skilled craftsmen at work, using age-old techniques to create intricate designs that have been passed down through families.

As the day comes to an end, return to your ship and sail back towards Ramnagar, where you will anchor for the night. Enjoy a peaceful evening on board, reflecting on the historical and cultural treasures uncovered during today’s adventure.

Rise early this morning for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, a quintessential Varanasi experience. As you drift past the bustling bathing ghats, the city awakens in a kaleidoscope of colour and devotion. Pilgrims step into the holy waters, performing their morning ablutions and prayers, while priests chant sacred mantras and light incense on the riverbanks. The golden rays of dawn bathe the ancient temples and havelis in a soft, ethereal glow, making this a truly awe-inspiring sight. The boat ride offers a chance to witness the timeless rituals of Varanasi, where life and spirituality are intertwined in an unbroken tradition spanning thousands of years.

Return to the ship for a reviving breakfast, then set off on a short drive to Sarnath, one of the most significant sites in Buddhist history. This is where Gautama Buddha, after attaining enlightenment, delivered his first sermon at Deer Park, setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion. Walk through the sacred ruins, which include the Dhamek Stupa, a towering cylindrical structure that marks the exact spot of Buddha’s sermon. Nearby, the Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses an impressive collection of Buddhist artefacts, including the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, India’s national emblem. Sarnath remains an important pilgrimage destination, attracting monks and devotees from around the world, many of whom gather to meditate under the shade of the Bodhi trees.

In the evening, return to Varanasi’s labyrinthine alleyways, where the city’s ancient soul comes alive. Walk through the narrow, winding lanes, passing centuries-old temples, sacred shrines, bustling markets, and traditional sweet shops. The aroma of burning incense and sizzling street food fills the air, mingling with the distant sound of temple bells. The old-world charm of Varanasi is palpable, offering an experience unlike any other.

As dusk settles, head to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the Ganga Aarti, an unforgettable spiritual spectacle. Young priests dressed in saffron robes perform the intricate and rhythmic ritual, swinging brass lamps in unison, as the chanting of mantras, ringing of temple bells, and the deep hum of conch shells fill the air. Thousands of devotees and visitors gather along the riverbanks and boats, watching as offerings of flowers and flickering diyas (oil lamps) are set afloat on the sacred waters. This mesmerising ceremony, dedicated to Mother Ganga, encapsulates the essence of Varanasi’s spiritual heritage.

After the spellbinding aarti, return to your ship, anchored at Rajghat, where you can reflect on the day’s incredible encounters with history, faith, and culture.

After breakfast on board, disembark for an excursion to Jaunpur, a historic city that was once a major centre of Islamic culture and learning during the rule of the Sharqi dynasty in the 14th and 15th centuries. Located on the banks of the Gomti River, Jaunpur is dotted with impressive Mughal-era structures, each telling the story of its rich and layered past.

Begin with a visit to the Jaunpur Fort, an ancient stronghold originally built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century and later expanded by the Sharqi rulers. Walk through its massive stone gateways and explore the remains of grand halls, courtyards, and watchtowers, all offering a glimpse into the city's military and political significance during medieval times. The fort's strategic location on the banks of the Gomti made it an important defensive structure, and today it stands as a testament to Jaunpur’s past grandeur.

Continue on to the Atala Masjid, one of the finest examples of Sharqi architecture in India. Built in 1408, this mosque is a stunning blend of Indo-Islamic and Persian influences, featuring intricately carved arches, massive domes, and towering minarets. The mosque's elegant design and imposing presence reflect the wealth and ambition of the Sharqi rulers, who sought to make Jaunpur a cultural rival to Delhi. A walk around the mosque complex allows you to admire its detailed calligraphy, delicate stone lattice work, and geometric patterns.

Nearby, stop to admire the Mughal Bridge, an impressive stone structure spanning the Gomti River. Built during the Mughal era, this bridge remains an important link between Jaunpur and surrounding regions, reflecting the advanced engineering skills of the time. With its elegant arches and symmetrical design, the bridge provides a picturesque setting, perfect for photography and a leisurely stroll.

After exploring Jaunpur, return to the ship for a well-earned lunch, enjoying the serene views of the riverbanks as you set sail downstream towards Ghazipur. Along the way, relax on deck and take in the changing landscapes of rural India, where fishermen cast their nets, farmers tend to their fields, and small villages dot the horizon.

This morning, continue sailing downstream, taking in the picturesque riverside scenery as the ship makes its way to Ghazipur, a town with a fascinating colonial and military history. After breakfast, disembark for a guided exploration of this historic settlement, known for its association with Lord Cornwallis, a key figure in British India and the man infamously defeated by George Washington at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, a pivotal event in the American War of Independence.

Your first stop is the imposing tomb of Lord Cornwallis, a grand domed mausoleum set within a peaceful garden, built to honour the former Governor-General of India. Following his defeat in America, Cornwallis was redeployed to India, where he played a crucial role in shaping British rule on the subcontinent. The tomb, an impressive colonial-era structure, reflects British architectural influences and serves as a reminder of India’s complex imperial past. As you explore the site, your guide will share insights into Cornwallis’s role in Indian history, including his involvement in reforming the East India Company’s administration.

If time permits, take a leisurely stroll through Ghazipur’s bustling bazaar, an experience that offers an authentic glimpse into daily life in a small Indian town. The narrow lanes are filled with vibrant market stalls, selling everything from fresh produce and fragrant spices to handcrafted textiles and traditional sweets. Local vendors call out their wares, cycle rickshaws weave through the crowds, and the air is filled with the aromas of chai, samosas, and street food delicacies. Exploring the market is a sensory delight, providing an opportunity to observe local traders, artisans, and everyday shoppers as they go about their routines.

After soaking in the sights, sounds, and flavours of Ghazipur, return to the ship and resume your cruise downstream towards Buxar.

After breakfast, disembark for a guided visit to Buxar, a historic town that played a pivotal role in shaping the course of British rule in India. Known for the Battle of Buxar in 1764, this was a decisive conflict between the British East India Company and a combined force of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, the Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim, and the Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula. While the Battle of Plassey (1757) secured British influence in Bengal, the Battle of Buxar was the event that ultimately cemented British supremacy in India, giving them the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Your first stop is the Battle of Buxar Memorial, a significant site that marks the very battlefield where British forces, led by Major Hector Munro, achieved victory. The memorial, set amidst open fields and rolling countryside, serves as a reminder of the changing tides of power in India. Your guide will provide insightful details on the battle strategy, the alliances at play, and the lasting impact of the conflict on India’s history.

Continue on to visit the old East India Company cemetery, a place of quiet reflection, where tombstones and memorials of British officers who served in the region lie scattered. Some gravestones date back to the 18th century, providing a glimpse into the lives and struggles of those who played a role in British colonial expansion. The worn inscriptions tell stories of battles, disease, and the hardships faced by European settlers in India.

After absorbing Buxar’s historical significance, take a cycle rickshaw ride through the town’s bustling streets, experiencing the local rhythms of life. Your journey leads to the ghats of Buxar, which, like those in Varanasi, are important centres of spiritual activity. Here, you can see Hindu priests conducting rituals, locals performing pujas, and devotees taking holy dips in the sacred river. The serene yet lively atmosphere at the ghats provides a contrast to the colonial history of Buxar, highlighting its deep cultural and religious traditions.

Return to the ship and set sail downstream, cruising towards the confluence of the Ghagra River, where the mighty tributary merges with the Ganges. We’ll moor at the township of Ghagra for the night, named after this very same tributary. This part of the journey offers stunning river vistas, with lush greenery along the banks and glimpses of rural villages and temples.

As the journey downstream continues, cruise past Doriganj, a bustling river port that has long served as a vital trading hub for goods transported along the Ganges. Watch as wooden boats, laden with cargo, navigate the busy waterways, and observe locals unloading fresh produce, textiles, and earthenware from vessels that have been plying these waters for generations. The river here is alive with activity, providing a fascinating glimpse into the age-old traditions of river trade that continue to sustain communities along the banks of the Ganges.

Sail further downstream, passing the confluence with the Sone River, one of the largest tributaries of the Ganges, which originates in the Vindhya range of Madhya Pradesh. The merging of these two great rivers creates a striking natural spectacle, as the clear waters of the Sone blend with the sediment-rich currents of the Ganges. This is a picturesque stretch of river, with wide sandbanks, migratory birds, and occasional sightings of river dolphins.

Disembark at a ghat near Maner, a small but historically significant town. Here, visit the Maner Sharif Dargah, a beautifully preserved Mughal-era tomb complex dedicated to the Sufi saint Makhdoom Yahya Maneri, who lived in the 13th century. This elegant mausoleum, built in the 17th century during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, features intricate calligraphy, geometric patterns, and delicate Mughal-style domes. The dargah is an important pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from across India who come to seek blessings and pay respects to the revered saint. As you explore the complex, your guide will share stories of Sufism’s deep roots in India and the influence of Sufi philosophy on the region’s culture and traditions.

Return to the ship and continue sailing towards Patna, the capital of Bihar and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Once known as Pataliputra, Patna was the imperial capital of the Maurya and Gupta empires, making it one of the most important cities in ancient India.

Upon arrival, visit Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the holiest Sikh shrines in India. This grand gurdwara, built in white marble, marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh Guru. The site holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs worldwide, as Guru Gobind Singh played a crucial role in shaping Sikhism, introducing the Khalsa order and the five articles of faith. Inside the sanctum, listen to the soothing kirtans (hymns) sung by Sikh devotees, and learn about the history and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh. The gurdwara complex also houses a museum displaying weapons, relics, and manuscripts related to Sikh history.

As the day draws to a close, return to the ship and reflect on the day’s journey through centuries of history, from the Mughal influence in Maner to the spiritual legacy of Sikhism in Patna, as the ship gently anchors for the night.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Patna airport or railway station. We hope you enjoyed your week aboard ABN Rajmahal, and safe travels for the rest of your time in India.