The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express with Uniworld

Relax in style with included airport lounge access before boarding your overnight flight to Kolkata. 

On arrival at Kolkata airport you'll be met by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the Ganges Voyager II for embarkation. Settle into your beautifully appointed suite as your cruise along the Ganges River begins. This evening enjoy a delicious dinner onboard.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Today brings you to Kalna, once an important trade port and now known for its magnificent temples built by the maharajas of Bardhaman. Stroll Kalna’s streets on your way to the astonishing Rajbari temple complex. You’ll find varying temples here, including the Pratapeshwar Temple and its terra cotta carvings depicting myths and rituals and the Lalji (the complex’s oldest, dating to 1739), a three-storeyed structure with 25 distinctive pinnacles. After marvelling at the temples, join your guide for an immersive wander through the colourful local market, soaking in the lively energy.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

You’ll feel as though you have stepped back in time today as you arrive in Matiari, an authentic artisan village, to meet the master craftsmen. Artisans have been making ornamental brass vases, lamps, figurines, platters, and more in Matiari for more than a century. Scrap metal is melted in the village foundry, and the new sheets of brass become skilfully crafted objects. Each craftsman specialises in a different aspect of the process. You’ll be greeted by the sound of hammer on brass as you stroll from one workshop to another to learn the process.

Back on the Ganges Voyager II, watch a skilled practitioner of mehndi demonstrate how intricate henna patterns are created, learning the meanings of the traditional motifs.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Begin the day in Murshidabad, once the capital of Bengal. As you arrive, you’ll see the impressive neoclassical Hazarduari Palace, once home to British officials. Today, you’ll visit the museum here. Afterwards, board a horse-drawn buggy for a ride to Katra Mosque. It lost two of its four great towers in an 1897 earthquake, but it’s still a sight to behold today. After lunch onboard, visit Baranager, home to 18th-century brick temples and intricate terra cotta carvings which are considered to be some of the best in Bengal. Time permitting, learn about one of the Raj’s enduring legacies in India: cricket. It remains India’s favourite sport and is played everywhere. After dinner onboard, take in a lively Bollywood-style music and dancing show.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Spend the morning cruising one of the world’s most sacred bodies of water, the Ganges River. Take in remarkable scenery as you go. You may even spot one of the endangered Ganges River dolphins. Enjoy a moment to relax and unwind with a visit to the Voyager Spa for a body massage or treatment. Later in the day, explore Khusbagh on foot. Khusbagh literally translates to ‘Garden of Happiness’ and is the garden-graveyard of the Nawabs of Bengal, where several historic rulers were laid to rest. Take a walk through the village and see the impressive mausoleum and the arcade veranda surrounding it.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Approaching Mayapur, spot the new Vedic temple under construction to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Hare Krishna movement, whose founder was born here. This is a pilgrimage site for Hare Krishna devotees, so you may hear American, Canadian, and European accents. Tour the existing temple complex and the new Vedic Planetarium, learning about Hare Krishna beliefs. Later, board a country boat to Bandel and its mix of religious movements: the site of India’s oldest Christian church, Hindu festivals, and a famous Shia pilgrimage centre. Visit the imambara, a mosque and school offering shelter to pilgrims. The slogan of the French Revolution is inscribed on the gateposts of Chandannagar. Many know of India’s British colonial past, but the French colonists are lesser known. Chandannagar showcases a blend of French Colonial and Indian architecture.

Stay: Ganges Voyager II

Arrive in Kolkata for a full day before tomorrow’s disembarkation. Spend your morning on a city tour, stopping at the Flower Market, with vendors selling flowers to be used in festivals and weddings. Next, visit the NGO Calcutta Rescue or Mother Teresa’s house and tomb. After lunch, venture to Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ neighbourhood specialising in intricate clay idols. On your way back, discover remnants of Kolkata’s colonial past. The buildings here are a blend of palaces, new office buildings, grand hotels, and parks. See the red-and-white Calcutta High Court building, the stately dome of Government House, the classical columns of Town Hall, and more. Finally, stop for a photo outside the Victoria Memorial Museum, built as a tribute to Queen Victoria after her death.

Stay: Ganges Voyages II

After breakfast onboard, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to New Delhi. On arrival, you will be transferred to your home for the night, The Oberoi New Delhi.

Settle in and take the afternoon at leisure to rest and relax at the hotel before your grand adventure continues tomorrow, this time on rails.

Stay: The Oberoi, New Delhi

This morning, you will be transferred to The Maharajas’ Express to begin your train journey. Enjoy breakfast, take in a train briefing, and settle into your comfortable cabin as the train moves toward the iconic Taj Mahal, which you’ll explore this afternoon.

Easily India’s most famous building, the Taj Mahal’s white domes and minarets float serenely above its reflecting pools. It is a monument to the love between a great ruler, Shah Jahan, and a powerful woman, his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. When she died giving birth to their 14th child, he put 20,000 craftsmen to work to build her mausoleum. Step through its gates and into symmetrical gardens to experience one of the most beautiful sites in the world. 

Begin your day with a sunrise visit to Agra Fort, bathed in soft morning light. Return to the train for a leisurely breakfast onboard as the Maharajas’ Express glides toward Ranthambore. After lunch, experience a taste of safari on an unforgettable game drive through Ranthambore National Park, famous for its large population of Bengal tigers. Later, return to the train for an elegant dinner while the journey continues toward Jaipur.

After breakfast onboard, step into the rose-tinted charm of Jaipur, famously known as the ‘Pink City’—a colour chosen to symbolise hospitality in Rajasthan. Your morning is devoted to exploring the city’s crown jewel: the majestic Amber Fort, perched high above the Aravalli Hills. Return to the train for a relaxed lunch as you continue your journey in comfort. The afternoon is yours to unwind and take in the passing scenery, or join one of several optional experiences.

This evening, indulge in a truly regal experience: dinner off-train at the elegant Rambagh Palace, built in 1835 the 'Jewel of Jaipur' was once a Royal guesthouse. Afterward, return to the Maharajas’ Express for a restful overnight journey toward Bikaner.

Ease into the day with a leisurely morning onboard. Savour a sumptuous breakfast as the train winds through Rajasthan’s arid landscapes. Take time to relax in your cabin or, if you wish, venture out for some independent exploration in Bikaner before lunch is served onboard. This afternoon, delve into the desert heritage of Bikaner, a 15th-century princely city rising from the sands, its palaces and temples carved from deep red sandstone. Your guided visit to the imposing Junagarh Fort offers a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era.

As evening falls, an unforgettable desert experience awaits. Travel out to the sand dunes for sunset cocktails amid sweeping views, followed by a candlelit barbecue dinner under the stars, accompanied by traditional Rajasthani folk music and dance.

A few days ago, you explored Jaipur—the famed ‘Pink City.’ Today, it’s time to uncover the secrets of Jodhpur, known as the ‘Blue City’ for its striking clusters of blue-painted homes. Originally a mark of Brahmin households, the colour gradually spread across the old town, becoming a defining feature of the city’s identity. Today begins with a leisurely breakfast followed by a relaxed morning onboard. You may choose to unwind in the comfort of the train or join one of the optional morning activities.

After lunch, the adventure continues with a visit to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, perched high above the city with panoramic views. From there, hop into a tuk tuk for a lively ride through Jodhpur’s bustling streets, followed by a guided walking tour of the vibrant Clock Tower Market for a sensory feast of spices, textiles, and local life.

This evening, enjoy an exclusive cocktail dinner at Khaas Bagh, a beautifully restored local heritage property, before returning to the train for a restful night.

Often called the ‘Venice of the East,’ Udaipur lives up to its name and more. Draped across seven tranquil lakes and nestled among the Aravalli Hills, this romantic city is one of India’s most scenic treasures—a true jewel in the crown of Rajasthan. It’s no surprise this stop is often a highlight on a journey already rich in splendour. After breakfast onboard, begin your day with a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, gliding past palace islands and centuries-old havelis. Then, explore the opulent City Palace and the sparkling Crystal Gallery, both steeped in royal heritage and artistry. Lunch is served at the esteemed Fateh Prakash Palace, a heritage hotel offering fine cuisine and spectacular lake views.

The afternoon is yours to relax onboard or enjoy one of the optional curated experiences. This evening, celebrate your final night on the Maharajas’ Express with a festive Indian-themed evening followed by a gourmet dinner, a fitting finale to your unforgettable journey through India.

Enjoy scenic countryside views over breakfast as the train winds its way towards your final stop, Mumbai. There’s time for one final lunch onboard before the Maharajas’ Express arrives in Mumbai late this afternoon. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your luxurious retreat for the evening, The Oberoi Mumbai, an elegant sanctuary set along the glittering coastline of the Arabian Sea. With sweeping ocean views and impeccable service, the hotel offers a serene contrast to the city’s electric energy.

Spend your final night in India at leisure, perhaps with a sunset cocktail overlooking Marine Drive or a quiet moment in the lobby’s art-filled calm. It’s the perfect setting to reflect on your journey through palaces and fortresses, sacred rivers and desert sands, and to let the energy of Mumbai be your final memory of this vibrant, unforgettable country.

Stay: The Oberoi Mumbai

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.