India Cruises

Culture, cuisine and spectacular sights await

With lush, sprawling landscapes and glittering deserts, winding rivers and shining seas, India is a land of stunning natural beauty, and home to some of the most populous cultures on Earth. A cruise to India will show you a world of wonders, from the bounty of nature to the vibrant and colourful cities that line the coasts and rivers. There’s so many reasons to cruise here, and so much to look forward to.

Ports of Call & Places to Explore

Ganges River

Ganges River

Cruise around the waters and tributaries of the Ganges River, discovering the colourful array of towns and sights along their winding length. Go ashore and marvel at incredible temples and cultural cornerstones, discovering how the locals live, and witness the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Jaipur, Delhi and Agra.

Brahmaputra River

Brahmaputra River

A river of many names, these beautiful winding waters beckon the way to a river cruise packed with beauty. Stretching through the verdant Assam valley, Brahmaputra takes his name from one of the chiefest Hindu deities, and offers cruisers a glimpse at the beautiful nature and rich cultures of the country. If you’re very lucky, a wilderness excursion might even result in a glimpse of a tiger or leopard in the wild.

Mumbai

Mumbai

A spectacle of colour and sound, Mumbai is a bustling metropolis whose borders hold untold delights. Browse through vibrant bazaars, visit the stunningly-beautiful temples, and see famous landmarks like the Gateway of India. A perfect port to sample culture, cuisine, and spectacular sights alike.

Goa

Goa

Cruise to Goa’s port of Mormugao to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches imaginable, where soft sands and glittering waters await. Spend time in the waters snorkelling and diving, or investigate activities atop the waves like kayaking, windsurfing and more. Local ruins and the aviation museum provide fascinating opportunities for history lovers, too.

Chennai

Chennai

Also known as Madras, this city is the capital of Tamil Nadu, boasting a long history and rich culture that’s sure to wow any voyager who makes port here. A haven for arts, you’ll discover music and dance aplenty, with beautiful old temples and magnificent museums playing host to beauty beyond measure. Sample local cooking, explore the city, and take in the vibrant atmosphere.

Kerala Backwaters

Kerala Backwaters

Cruise down the myriad waterways of Kerala, exploring 900km of waterlogged landscape that bursts with life and beauty. Explore markets in local villages, visit bird sanctuaries and witness a glorious palette of feathered wings in the air, marvel at temples and shrines, and so much more. This region’s biodiversity and vibrant culture makes an incredible cruise destination for anyone.

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.

Let us help you

Call or enquire now

We’ve put together an incredible programme of luxury suppliers that can offer all types of experiences, from Tahiti to the Ganges. If you wanted to learn more – or ask about something that you can’t see on our website – just give our team of experts a call on 020 7749 5484 and they’ll create your perfect dream holiday.

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