India CruisesCulture, cuisine and spectacular sights await

Helpful Tips to Know Before You Go

• Plan around the climate. India is home to a diverse range of biomes, whose weather will vary greatly based on the time of year. June to September tends to see the most rain, thanks to the monsoon season, and the months running up to this can be rather humid at times. October to May are often considered the best months to travel.
• Look into getting up to date on your vaccines. Depending on where you’re making port, and particularly if you want to add a land package to your cruise, it’s a good idea to get some vaccines to be safe. Antimalarials may also be indicated.
• Be respectful at holy sites. When visiting temples, shrines, monasteries, mosques and so on, follow the rules and cultural standards that are expected of you. You may be asked to remove shoes before entering, or cover your head with a shawl, depending on where you are visiting. Offerings and donations are often expected.
• Local modesty standards in many regions will require more covering dress than you might usually choose in a hot country. Bring loose-fitting clothing that will cover your arms and legs, and avoid wearing swimwear anywhere except right on the beach. Public displays of affection are also to be avoided.
• Make yourself familiar with local laws in the ports you visit. Some things may be common sense, but others – such as prohibition against taking pictures of bridges – may be completely unexpected to the average cruiser.
• Avoid drinking the tap water in India, even the tiny amount you imbibe from brushing your teeth. Don’t take drinks with ice in them, be cautious with locally made ice cream, and stick to bottled or purified water wherever possible.

Things To Do

• Dive into local cuisine. Indian food is famed and beloved worldwide, in all its delicious varieties; your cruise will take you on a culinary journey overflowing with fresh aromatic flavours and savoury delights. A whole host of spices and herbs await everywhere you turn, with mouth-watering smells wafting down from the street vendors and restaurants alike. Your greatest challenge will be picking among the innumerable delicious options available to fill your belly.
• Explore the Golden Triangle. This trio of cities, Agra, Delhi and Jaipur, are arranged in a triangle on the map, placed perfectly to visit on a land tour from a Ganges River cruise. From the boisterous markets of Delhi to the famous pink buildings of Jaipur, there’s so much to discover here, and your cruise will let you see it all for yourself.
• Behold the beauty of the Indian Ocean. Your cruise itinerary may take you to islands on the Indian Ocean, like Sri Lanka or the Seychelles, or may simply show you the delights of India’s coastal beaches. No matter which itinerary you choose, you’ll be sure to have the opportunity to bask in the breathtaking views and take a dip in the pristine waters.
• Appreciate the wildlife. From Indian rhinos and elephants to the elusive and beautiful tiger and leopard, this land is home to a vast wealth of incredible fauna. A Brahmaputra River cruise offers excellent opportunities to see such animals, with the waters of the river coursing through some of the most lush and beautiful wilderness in India.
• Go inland to explore the land-locked wonders of India. Some marvels must be appreciated on land, and your cruise ship will take you to the perfect starting point. Take a safari, visit famous cities, or climb aboard the iconic Maharaja Express, whose magnificent train tours will show you the beauty of India from a stunningly luxurious train.
• Learn about local cultures. Your cruise will take you across an array of cultural and religious traditions whose diversity is sure to stun you. From traditional dances and beautiful arts to vibrant festivals and local customs, there’s so much to discover. Whether you prefer to learn from a museum or by investigating inspiring events, you’ll never run out of wonder.

Why Book With Kenwood Travel

At Kenwood Travel, our long experience with crafting the perfect cruises will ensure your voyage is in the safest hands. With our cruise specialists’ expert local knowledge on the area and ports of call, you can be sure that we can offer you the best advice on planning your cruise to India, arranging an itinerary that’s completely perfect for you. Leave it to us, and rest assured knowing your India cruise will be one to treasure for a lifetime.