Namaste and welcome to India! As you arrive in Delhi, the nation’s capital greets you with a fascinating contrast of Mughal grandeur and modern vibrancies. Private welcome and transfer to your hotel where the remainder of the day is free to relax.

Overnight: ITC Maurya, Delhi (2 Nights)

We begin with New Delhi’s stately landmarks. Pause at India Gate, a soaring war memorial reminiscent of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, and drive past Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential residence, built in majestic colonial style by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Visit Humayun’s Tomb a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS), the predecessor to the Taj Mahal, where Persian gardens, red sandstone, and white marble come together in harmony. At the Qutb Minar complex (WHS), marvel at the 72.5-meter-high tower adorned with calligraphy from the Qur’an, alongside the Alai Darwaza and centuries-old mosques.

Afternoon scene shifts to Old Delhi. Enter the Red Fort (WHS) the Mughal citadel with walls that once protected emperors and their courts of marble palaces. We experience a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk’s bustling markets with explosion of colors, scents, and sounds. Ride ends at Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000 worshippers. Evening, we are treated to a welcome dinner at the Haveli Dharampura, where Mughal architecture sets the scene for an elegant feast. (B, D)

A short flight to Kolkata, the cultural capital of India. Founded as an East India Company trading post, it was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911. Today it’s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals. It’s also home to Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, whose tomb is on site. After check-in at your hotel, enjoy leisure time to rest or explore the Maidan, a vast green expanse lined with colonial-era landmarks. Optional tour to Mother Theresa’s House.

Overnight: ITC Sonar, Kolkata (1 Night) (B, D)

We begin the day with a panoramic drive through the colonial core of Kolkata’s  Writers’ Building, the historical General Post Office, the stately High Court, and the grand Victoria Memorial - a marble palace dedicated to Queen Victoria. Visit St. John’s Church, home to India’s oldest pipe organ and memorials of British officers.

Afternoon, we embark on our floating home—the elegant boutique Ganges Voyager I. Sail upstream and then an off shore excursion at Bandel to explore Hooghly Imam bara, with its twin towers, ornate chandeliers, and a colossal clock that has kept time since the 19th century. Continue to Kalna.

Overnight: Cruise Ganges Voyager-I (6 Nights) (B, L, D)

Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through maze at Kalna’s lanes to the Rajbari Temple Complex. Here, 108 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva form two concentric circles, creating a sacred mandala. The terracotta temples are masterpieces, their panels depicting episodes from the Ramayana, the life of Krishna, and everyday village life. We walk through the vibrant market and embark on our cruise sailing to Matiari.

Overnight on board (B, L, D)

At Matiari, we walk through a village alive with the rhythmic clang of metalwork. Here artisans have for centuries crafted brass utensils from recycled copper, shaping them with traditional hammering techniques. Rural village life and we sail past the historic battlefield of Plassey, we reflect on the 1757 battle that changed India’s destiny. Arrive at Khushbagh to stroll through mango groves and fields to the Mughal-style garden housing the tomb of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula, the last independent ruler of Bengal.

Overnight on board (B, L, D)

At Baranagar, tranquillity reigns in an idyllic riverside village. The Char Bangla temples built by Rani Bhabani in the 18th century are extraordinary examples of Bengal’s terracotta artistry of brick panels alive with scenes of gods, animals and village festivities. Cruise onward to Murshidabad, where Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Built in 1837, it has a thousand doors and galleries filled with colonial antiques, arms and manuscripts. Nearby, the vast Imambara adds to the city’s grandeur. Ride a battery-operated rickshaw to Katra Mosque, built in 1724 by Murshid Quli Khan, its minarets towering high above.

Overnight on board (B, L, D)

Sail gently through pastoral Bengal landscapes until we reach Mayapur, birthplace of Sri Chaitanya, the saint who led the Bhakti movement in the 15th century. This is also the global headquarters of ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness). Its colossal temple, still under construction, is among the largest in the world. Stroll through the pilgrim’s bazaar, watch devotees chanting kirtan, and immerse in the atmosphere of living faith.

Overnight on board (B, L, D)

Morning arrival at Chandernagore, once a French trading outpost. We walk along the promenade lined with colonial villas, the Governor’s House (now Dupleix Museum), and the Sacred Heart Church, an 18th-century architectural gem. Later we sail back to Kolkata.

Overnight on board (B, L, D)

Breakfast, followed by a short flight to Jaipur. On arrival, we take a scenic drive to Pushkar, the holy town on a sacred lake. Check into your hotel and rest.

Overnight: Pratap Mahal IHCL Slections, Pushkar (2 Nights) (B, D)

We immerse in the kaleidoscopic Pushkar Fair, where camel traders, musicians, and acrobats gather in a desert carnival. Wander among decorated camels and horses, marvel at local crafts, and watch folk performances that bring Rajasthani heritage to life. The ghats along Lake Pushkar echo with chanting as pilgrims bathe in the holy waters. (B, L, D)

Morning free time at the fair before driving to Jaipur, the flamboyant capital of Rajasthan. Evening at leisure to explore bazaars or relax at your hotel.

Overnight: ITC Rajputana, Jaipur (2 Nights) (B, D)

Drive to the majestic Amber Fort (WHS), an opulent blend of Rajput and Mughal design with mirrored halls, courtyards, and ramparts overlooking Lake Maota. Continue Pink City explorations at the City Palace, home to royal treasures and museums. Stop at the Hawa Mahal, a five-storied “Palace of Winds” with latticed windows from which royal ladies once observed processions. Finally, explore Jantar Mantar (WHS) the 18th century observatory with monumental instruments still accurate today. A rickshaw ride through Jaipur’s lively bazaars adds a unique finish. (B, D)

Drive through the countryside to Ranthambore, once a royal hunting reserve. In the afternoon, set out on a shared safari in Ranthambore National Park, where tigers roam amidst ruined temples, ancient banyan trees and serene lakes. Overnight in Ranthambore.

Overnight: Nahargarh Hotel, Ranthambore (2 Nights) (B, L, D)

Rise early for a thrilling morning safari. Look out for sambar deer, nilgai, langurs, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Return for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps enjoying the pool. (B, L, D)

Journey to Agra, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO). This red-sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar was abandoned after only a decade due to water shortages. Highlights include the Jama Masjid and the white marble tomb of Sufi saint Salim Chishti, renowned for its intricate jali (lattice) work. Continue to Agra. This evening, witness the Taj Mahal under the full moon, its marble glowing with an ethereal silver radiance.

Overnight: ITC Mughal, Agra (2 Nights) (B, D)

At sunrise, watch the Taj Mahal blush pink as daylight breaks—Shah Jahan’s immortal ode to love. After breakfast, visit Agra Fort (WHS), a red sandstone citadel with palaces, halls, and mosques that narrate the grandeur of the Mughal court. Evening dinner at ITC Mughal’s celebrated Peshawari restaurant, where North-West Frontier cuisine is cooked to perfection. (B, D)

Morning at leisure. Drive to Delhi in time for a farewell dinner before our late-evening departure flight. Bid adieu to India with memories of river dawns, desert fairs, tiger forests, and moonlit marble. (B, D)