At a glance
- Many itineraries start or end in Kolkata, though some do focus on destinations like Patna or Varanasi further upstream
- Along your journey, expect spiritual sites, including centuries-old temples and mosques; keep in mind that the river itself has a great deal of spiritual significance
- Historical sites and artefacts are highlights along the route, including memorials, markets, palaces, museums and more
- Also expect plenty of chances to support local communities, both by purchasing keepsakes with cultural significance and dining in local eateries
- We're delving into five of the most popular ports to visit on your Ganges cruise, but there are plenty more worth looking out for, such as Barrackpore, Chandannagar and Matiari
What makes the Ganges River cruise-worthy?
A cruise along the Ganges offers a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s a way to travel through India while exploring smaller towns often overlooked in favour of major cities, though you’ll encounter a few of those too.
Most importantly, it lets you follow the river through layers of history while observing the spiritual traditions it sustains and the culture that has long flourished along its banks.
Depending on your route, you might wander ghats humming with activity, step inside centuries-old temples, watch artisans at work and taste regional delicacies that have truly earned their reputation.
When is the best time to cruise the Ganges River?
For the full lowdown, see our guide to the best times to sail the Ganges River, but in the meantime, here’s a quick season-by-season overview:
Winter: This is widely considered the optimum time to cruise the Ganges, especially on its lower stretches. The weather is relatively mild, with lower humidity. That said, low water levels can limit access to certain ports.
Spring: This is the hottest season of the year, with high humidity. Most travellers prefer to wait for cooler, more comfortable conditions.
Summer: This is the height of monsoon season, when many operators suspend sailings. A few do continue, however, because higher water levels allow access to Varanasi and other upstream ports that cannot usually be reached.
Autumn: This season is a popular time to cruise, as the rains let up and temperatures drop slightly. The calendar is also filled with major festivals, including Durga Puja and Dev Deepavali.
Kolkata
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, sits on a distributary of the Ganges called the Hooghly. It’s where many Ganges cruises begin or end, and itineraries often factor in an overnight stay.
It’s easy to see why. This cultural heavyweight is one of the subcontinent’s largest cities and contains multitudes, from markets and museums to gardens and ghats.
What are the must-dos?
Getting to grips with the long and complex history of West Bengal’s capital in just a day or two is no easy task, but there are a few places where you can begin. The 19th-century Indian Museum is one. Founded in 1814, it is the oldest museum in Asia and holds the largest collection on the continent, spanning fossils, religious relics, art and antiques.
The Victoria Memorial, meanwhile, remains one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Built in the early 20th century as a memorial to Queen Victoria, it is not without controversy, given its colonial associations. Even so, many find it worth visiting for its historical significance. Today, it serves as a museum with thousands of artefacts on display, while the marble building itself is admired for its Indo-Saracenic architecture (a blend of British and Mughal influences).
For something different, pay a visit to the marigold-filled Mullick Ghat. This riverside flower market is one of the city’s most visually arresting spots. Expect a bustling, colourful tableau, especially in the early morning.
Don’t overlook… Kumartuli
This is the city’s traditional potters’ quarter. Workshops are often open to guests, offering a glimpse of artisans sculpting clay idols for religious and cultural festivals.
Kalna
This town in West Bengal sits on the distributary of the Ganges known as the Bhagirathi River. Over the centuries, it’s earned the moniker of the ‘Temple City’ thanks to its reputation for numerous sacred sites.
What are the must-dos?
Exploring the town’s temples is high on many travellers’ lists when they arrive. Naba Kailash is best known for its unique architecture. It’s actually made up of 108 smaller temples, arranged in two concentric circles, set among manicured lawns and flower beds.
Right across from this is the Rajbari Temple complex, home to several sacred structures built over more than a century. Pratapeswar Temple stands out for its intricate terracotta ornamentation depicting epic tales of gods and goddesses. The oldest in the complex, Lalji Mandir, is known for its 25 pinnacles.
Don’t overlook… Sabuj Dweep
For a day out in nature, take an excursion to Green Island, as it’s also called. It’s located under an hour from Kalna, with the isle sitting at the meeting of the Behula and Hooghly Rivers. It’s a great spot to take in the surrounding lush landscapes and do some birdwatching.
Murshidabad
This town sits in West Bengal, also on the Bhagirathi River. In the 18th century, it rose to prominence as a cosmopolitan centre during an extended period of intense prosperity, becoming a hub for trade, art and culture.
What are the must-dos?
The 19th-century Hazarduari Palace, situated by the river, is a must-see and has been a Monument of National Importance since 1977. The palace was designed by Colonel Duncan MacLeod in the 1830s in a neoclassical Italianate style.
Its name, which roughly translates to ‘the one with a thousand doors,’ can be taken somewhat literally. It has a thousand doors, though around 100 of them are false, designed to confuse intruders or thieves.
Among its 114 lavish rooms are a portrait gallery, banqueting hall, ballroom and library. The latter has thousands of manuscripts and books in various languages. You’ll also see a large chandelier, which once held 1,001 candles, and a much-talked-about ‘mystery mirror’ that appears to hide your own reflection while showing others.
Outside, you’ll find the Bacchawali Tope, or ‘the cannon which causes childbirth.’ According to local lore, it was fired just once and produced such a loud sound that it induced childbirth in heavily pregnant women within a ten-mile radius.
Another must-do is a visit to Katra Masjid. This 18th-century complex of partial ruins previously served as one of the subcontinent’s largest caravanserais (an inn for caravans and merchants), as well as a mosque and mausoleum.
Don’t overlook… Namak Haram Deorhi
This is a piece of hidden history set in plain sight. Known as the ‘Traitor’s Gate,’ it is tied to a secret plot between the army commander Mir Jafar and the British ahead of the Battle of Plassey.
Patna
You’ll find the capital of Bihar on the southern bank of the Ganges. While it isn’t on as many itineraries as Kolkata, for instance, those cruises that do include it are worth seeking out. This sprawling metropolis holds layers of history stretching back for more than 2,500 years.
What are the must-dos?
Travellers interested in history have plenty to explore. At Kumrahar, you’ll see the remains of ancient Pataliputra, a city adjacent to modern-day Patna. Excavations here reveal cultural layers dating as far back as 600 BCE, including the ruins of a Mauryan hall supported by 80 stone pillars.
Golghar, from the more recent past, is also worth visiting. This 18th-century granary has become a symbol of the city’s heritage. Its beehive-like dome is unlike anything else in Patna, and you can climb to the top for views over the city and the Ganges.
Patna also has several notable museums. The Bihar Museum showcases artefacts from the Mauryan and Gupta periods alongside examples of the Patna School of Painting. The Patna Museum, founded in 1917, displays paintings, terracotta sculptures and even a fossil tree thought to be over 200 million years old. A tunnel is being built between the two heritage-filled institutions.
Don’t overlook… shopping for local crafts
Patna is also a place to seek out traditional artisans who keep Bihar’s craft heritage alive. Among the most distinctive are Madhubani paintings and Sikki grass craft, but you’ll also find jewellery, lacquered boxes and appliqué textiles. For authentic purchases, Patna Market and the Bihar Emporium are good starting points.
Varanasi
This ancient city, often considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, sits on the Ganges. However, it’s only accessible by river for a few months each year. Cruisers must typically wait until the end of monsoon season, when water levels are high enough for river ships to traverse shallower stretches.
That said, the appeal of the ‘City of Light’, as it’s often called, is so immense that it is frequently added as a post- or pre-cruise extension. If your itinerary focuses on the lower Ganges, you’ll usually take a short flight from Kolkata.
What are the must-dos?
In Varanasi, you’ll want to spend time exploring the ghats. There are 84 well-known ones in the city, and walking among them is one of the best ways to take in this incredibly varied and deeply spiritual destination. You might see pilgrims arriving from far and wide, Hindu priests in saffron robes, outdoor yoga practices, hawkers plying their wares and children flying kites.
Keep in mind that different ghats serve different purposes. Assi Ghat, located at the confluence of the Ganges and the river Assi, is where devotees of Lord Shiva often submerge themselves in the water.
Manikarnika Ghat, meanwhile, is dedicated to funeral pyres; it is believed that cremation in this sacred city helps the deceased achieve moksha (liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth). If you visit here, remember photography is not typically appropriate.
Don’t overlook… the culinary delights
Thanks to the city’s long legacy of drawing travellers from far and wide, Varanasi has an incredibly diverse and exciting food scene. Ask locals for their insights on finding authentic eats and expect no-frills spots to serve up the most tantalising morsels you’ll encounter on your travels.
Street food includes gol gappe, samosas and kachoris, as well as kulhad chai served in earthenware. You’ll also find a host of places serving up frothy, refreshing lassis.
Here’s what else to know before booking your Ganges Cruise
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