For The Luxury Holiday Company's Krishna Ghosh, a Uniworld cruise along the sacred Ganges was more than an introduction to one of the world’s great rivers – it was a deeply personal homecoming, and a compelling way for first‑time visitors to experience India in supreme comfort.
Sailing along the Ganges with Uniworld was always going to be special, but I hadn’t anticipated quite how deeply personal the journey would become. What began as an elegant introduction to one of the world’s most sacred rivers soon unfolded into a poignant homecoming, and an experience I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting India for the first time.
I arrived in Kolkata on a clear, sun‑washed morning and was met by a Uniworld representative for a private transfer through the lively streets of the ‘City of Joy’. The drive itself was an immersion into Kolkata’s energy and colour, before the bustle gave way to calm as we reached the riverbank and my home for the coming days – the Ganges Voyager II. Stepping on board, I was shown to my beautifully designed Signature Suite, complete with a French balcony and marble‑finished bathroom: a sanctuary of understated luxury. That afternoon, we sailed beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge, watching the river traffic glide past as the city slowly receded.
A Deluxe cabin aboard Uniworld's Ganges Voyager II
Flower market in Kolkata, India
Life on board quickly settled into a wonderfully unhurried rhythm. As daylight softened into evening, I joined a yoga session on the top deck, followed by cocktails in the lounge and a dinner that celebrated the flavours of the region. It was the perfect introduction to a journey where every detail felt thoughtfully considered, and every moment encouraged you to slow down and simply observe.
The days that followed revealed a gentler, quieter India. In Kalna, we explored early in the morning by electric rickshaw, passing exquisite terracotta temples adorned with carvings that depicted local legends, rituals and deities. The stillness was striking, particularly after the clamour of Kolkata. A visit to the local market followed, its stalls piled high with seasonal fruits and vegetables, alive with colour and everyday conversation.
Back on board, the sense of immersion continued. I joined a cooking demonstration led by the ship’s chefs, whose passion for Bengali cuisine was infectious as they shared techniques and stories behind the dishes we enjoyed each evening. From the deck, the river life unfolded continuously: villagers bathing at the water’s edge, fishermen casting their nets, children waving from the banks. It was mesmerising in its simplicity.
Upper deck on Ganges Voyager II
Ganges Voyager II
Although disembarking felt like the end of a chapter, the journey itself was far from over. From Kolkata, I continued on Uniworld’s expertly curated Golden Triangle extension, taking in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra – a vivid contrast to the tranquillity of river life. Over four days, I explored Delhi’s markets, temples and Mughal monuments, travelled by cycle rickshaw through lively neighbourhoods, and absorbed the city’s extraordinary layers of history.
In Rajasthan, Jaipur dazzled with its pink‑hued façades, grand City Palace and commanding hilltop forts, each revealing a different chapter of royal India. But Agra, of course, was the emotional highlight. I visited the Taj Mahal twice – once at sunset and again at sunrise – both times privately and without the usual crowds. Staying at the Oberoi Amarvilas, with uninterrupted views of the monument from my room, made the experience truly unforgettable.
The Golden Triangle was elevated further by the exceptional choice of hotels, with three Oberoi properties ensuring the same level of refinement and comfort I had enjoyed on the river. The transition from cruise to land travel felt entirely seamless. Throughout the journey, the guides were outstanding – knowledgeable, passionate and endlessly engaging – bringing each destination vividly to life.
Amber Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Sunrise over the Taj Mahal
Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
A final rooftop dinner at The Oberoi Delhi provided a fitting farewell, overlooking the city lights as we reflected on an extraordinary experience. From the sacred calm of the Ganges to India’s most iconic landmarks, this journey offered a beautifully balanced introduction to the country. For first‑time visitors seeking depth, insight and indulgence in equal measure, I can think of no better way to discover India.