Join Pandaw for this exclusive 16-night land and river adventure in India, taking in the
highlights of this magnificently vibrant and diverse country in style and comfort.
Embark on a journey through the heart of Northern India, where a Tour of the famous Golden Triangle sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Begin in the bustling capital, Delhi, a city that blends historical grandeur with modern vibrancy. Explore the iconic landmarks, from the majestic India Gate to the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi, where time seems to stand still. As the sun sets over Delhi, your expedition continues to Agra, home to one of the world's most celebrated wonders, the incomparable Taj Mahal. Experience the ethereal beauty of this architectural masterpiece, a testament to eternal love. Allow the history and romance to wash over you as you wander through the intricate gardens and gaze upon the ivory-white marvel that graces the banks of the Yamuna River.
Next is the enchanting city of Jaipur, known as the Pink City. Immerse yourself in the regal charm of palaces and forts, including the majestic Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal with its ornate facades. Experience the vibrant culture of Rajasthan as you stroll through bustling markets and savour the rich flavours of traditional cuisine.
Having traversed the Golden Triangle, your journey takes an exciting turn as you venture to the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river in Northern India. The journey upstream unveils the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalaya and the picturesque Assam Valley. Explore UNESCO-protected national parks teeming with wildlife, embarking on safaris in search of the elusive Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros and the majestic Indian tiger.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Assam as you visit tea plantations, where the aroma of freshly brewed tea leaves lingers in the air. Encounter the warmth of remote rural communities and witness the craftsmanship of artisan villages, where age-old traditions come to life. Explore ancient temples that echo with spiritual resonance and pay homage to the valiant souls resting in War Graves, a poignant reminder of history's echoes.
This expedition promises not just a journey through geographical landscapes, but a cultural odyssey that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. From the grandeur of the Golden Triangle to the untouched beauty of Northern India, let this be a chapter in your travelogue that unfolds with every step, revealing the wonders of a land steeped in history and pulsating with life.
International flights from London, regional flights available on request
7-night expedition cruise on the Brahmaputra with Pandaw
All meals on board ship
Pre-cruise tour of India's Golden Triangle
Airport Transfers
Main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas and tisanes.
ABTA and ATOL bonded for your financial protection
Excludes
All personal expenses
Cabin upgrades
Indian Visa
Single supplement price available on request
Itinerary
Day 1-2Fly to Delhi
Fly overnight from UK to Delhi where you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your overnight hotel, the 5-star Vivanta Dwarka (or similar). You'll have time to settle in and relax into your surroundings.
Day 3Explore Delhi
Embark on a full-day city tour after breakfast. Discover the 17th-century Jama Masjid, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, and capture a photo stop at the Red Fort. Visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. In New Delhi, drive past the Presidential Palace, India Gate, and the Parliament House. Explore Qutab Minar and Humayun’s tomb. Evening at leisure.
Day 4Agra
Transfer to Agra in your private car. Agra, once a small village, transformed into the Mughal Empire's second capital. Check-in at the hotel and later visit Agra Fort. Explore marble workshops and savour Indian Chai Tea.
Day 5Taj Mahal
Witness the sunrise at the Taj Mahal, a 17th-century marvel symbolizing eternal love. After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, stopping at Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri. Experience the grandeur of the Taj Mahal and continue your journey to Jaipur, known for its arts, crafts, and architecture.
Day 6Jaipur
Visit the UNESCO world heritage site, Amber Fort, with a half-day city tour of Jaipur, exploring City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. The intricate architecture and vibrant markets await your exploration.
Day 7Guwahati
Visit the hilltop fortress at Amber in the morning. Explore City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Post breakfast, check-out, and transfer to Delhi airport. Board a flight to Guwahati, and on arrival transfer to your 5-star hotel for a comfortable overnight.
Day 8Embarkation
After a relaxing breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to your ship where you explore the pleasant Assami city of Guwahati, visiting the Nilachai Hill temple and Commonwealth Graves. Late afternoon cast off upriver.
Day 9Sailing the Brahmaputra
Sail all day making headway against strong currents through the lush Assami countryside stopping for some exercise in a village of market gardens.
Day 10Tezpur
Exploring the town by trishaw we visit the De Parbatia temple with its richly carved portals and Cole Park with its collection of medieval carvings collected from across the region.
Day 11Nameri National Park
After an early breakfast, drive for some two hours to the Nameri National Park at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the old North East Frontier Agency. Here, we take a float trip of around two hours down the Jia-Bhoreli River through the park. There are excellent bird-watching opportunities here (look out for the great Hornbills) and, perhaps, the chance of sighting wild elephants. After lunch, take a village walk before returning to the ship. Continue upstream, passing below a seemingly endless new bridge across the vast width of the riverbed, to moor at Silghat.
Day 12Kaziranga National Park
Jeep safari to Kaziranga an area of approximately 430 sq kms, this UNESCO World Heritage is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros as well as the Indian Wild Water Buffalo. It has the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers with one every five sq. km. The park an incredibly rich biodiversity hotspot with its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass, this park supports large populations of Indian elephants, Indian bison, swamp deer, and capped langurs. Besides wildlife, Kaziranga National Park is also a birding paradise. A few of the bird species found here are the oriental honey buzzard, black-shouldered kite, white-tailed eagle, himalayan griffon to mention a few.
Day 13Tea Gardens
Return downstream to visit a tea estate and historic plantation house on the way. Learn about the tea production process from start to finish in this idyllic setting.
Day 14Sualkuchi Silk Village
Sailing down past Guwhati moor here in the afternoon to see silk production from the cocoon, to spinning and weaving to make the typical saree worn by Assami women.
Day 15-16Disembarkation, Delhi and home
After disembarkation we take the short flight from Guwahati to Delhi where we overnight close to the airport.Suitably rested we then fly home from Delhi to London.
Highlights of India Itinerary
Dates and Prices
09 January 2026 - Delhi to Kolkata - Sailing on : Laos Pandaw From: £3962pp
