India’s Golden Triangle and River Ganges Cruise

I was lucky enough to be invited to explore India’s Golden Triangle and the Sacred Ganges with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. This magnificent holiday includes a Golden Triangle tour with hotel stays in India’s most luxurious hotels in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, before sailing on the Ganges Voyager II down the sacred River Ganges.

My first impressions of India

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, we were warmly greeted by the friendly Uniworld staff who would be there throughout the trip. The drive from New Delhi Airport to the Oberoi New Delhi hotel was an amazing experience in itself. Driving through the bustling streets, seeing local markets and taking in the vibrant sights and sounds of the city was something that will stay with me forever.

Luxury accommodation on the Golden Triangle tour

I was stunned by the beauty of the Oberoi New Delhi hotel. This really is luxury at its finest! There’s no wonder why it is voted Asia’s best city hotel. After the warm and friendly greeting from the Oberoi staff I was shown to my room - I was speechless! The room was spacious with all the amenities you could possibly need and more, with the addition of the stunning views over New Delhi.

On arrival at the Oberoi Hotel Rajvilas in Jaipur, I was amazed by the beautifully landscaped gardens, which were home to many beautiful peacocks, stunning fountains and exquisite accommodation.

This Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra is a palace, just incredible! With views looking over the Taj Mahal, it couldn’t have been more perfect.

Meals in The Oberoi Hotels were plentiful with many options to choose from. There were dishes ranging from traditional and familiar to more experimental and unique. The presentation of the food was impeccable, with each dish looking as beautiful as it tasted

Cruising on board the Ganges Voyager II

We boarded the graceful Ganges Voyager II in Kolkata and were welcomed in a traditional Indian style with garlands and tika before settling into our cabins. What an amazing way to experience the Ganges, taking in the passing sights of the countryside and villages from the luxurious comfort of this superb 56-passenger ship.

The suites on board were delightfully designed and air-conditioned to help with the humidity, along with all the amenities you could need. All the suites had a cosy sitting area and a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

The sun deck was the place to be for a relaxing, sightseeing experience with the bar close to hand for a refreshing drink.

The restaurant was located on the main deck, boasting stunning decor and offering a wide selection of both local and international dishes, catering to all tastes.

One day after returning to the ship, we attended a cooking demonstration hosted by the on-board chef. The chef shared tips and tricks for achieving the perfect naan bread and a locally inspired prawn curry. Of course we were able to sample the chef's creations, and they certainly did not disappoint!

On the last evening sailing the Ganges Voyager II, we were surprised with a cultural dance performance on the sundeck. The dancers were dressed in vibrant traditional clothing and the music was lively and spirited. It was a fitting end to our journey along the Ganges River, a beautiful and memorable experience.

Excursion highlights

We experienced an immersive tour of New Delhi visiting the attractive Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Raj Ghat – Ghandi’s Tomb, learning about the history and architecture of the World Heritage Monument. The tour guide was knowledgeable and engaging, providing fascinating insights into the ancient structures and their significance in Indian history.

We enjoyed not one but two trips to the Taj Mahal. Very lucky I know! The evening visit and the early morning visit were two different experiences. Both very magical but the early morning visit was much quieter, peaceful and I felt an emotional connection as the sun was rising against the Palace. On both trips we were driven by electric buggies from the hotel to the entrance of the Taj Mahal. Nothing could have prepared me for the feeling I got walking through the archway and first seeing the magnificent building. One of the seven new wonders of the world and I was standing right in front of it!

As well as exploring the archaeological highlights, we enjoyed visiting local villages, including an authentic experience at the bustling local market offering a variety of meats, vegetables, and fruits. The aromas filled the air as we passed the different stalls, taking in the vibrant colours and lively atmosphere.

We also visited a local marble emporium and learned about the process of carving and sculpting the marble and gem stones. It was fascinating to see how the artisans brought out the natural beauty of the marble with their skilled hands.

A very memorable time for me was the visit to the Calcutta rescue school. The school was decorated by authentic street art and filled with vibrant colours. The children at the school were so full of life and enthusiasm, despite the challenges they faced. It was inspiring to see how the teachers and staff worked tirelessly to provide them with education and support. This experience left a lasting impact on me.