Cruising with Viking in India
By Anne Kalosh
Starting in 2027, Viking is branching out to a new river cruise destination, India, with its own new vessel, the 80-passenger Viking Brahmaputra.
It will ply the Brahmaputra River between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam as part of the 15-day “Wonders of India” itinerary. This combines a seven-night cruise with a guided land program with overnight stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, a famous tourist circuit known as the “Golden Triangle.” Here are details on the itinerary.
Travelers will get to see Agra's ethereal Taj Mahal (It is fabulous! I've been there), history-rich Old and New Delhi (known well to Heidi, whose husband is from there) and Jaipur, with its famous pink palace known as the Hawa Mahal, or “palace of winds.” It's built of pink sandstone with 953 ornate windows.
RELATED: Heidi explores seeing India by boat for CNBC.
River Highlights
While sailing the Brahmaputra River, passengers will see Guwahati's Kamakhya Temple (dedicated to fertility and creation), encounter the thriving villages along the banks, search for the one-horned rhinos and buffalos of Kaziranga National Park and discover the cultures of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.
“In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for curious travelers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort,” Viking Chairman/CEO Torstein Hagen said.
13 Included Excursions
“Wonders of India” will operate roundtrip Delhi, with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that bracket an eight-day river voyage, sailing east or west. Thirteen tours will be included, giving the opportunity to experience as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Fares for Viking in India
Fares start at $11,499. Early-booking savings may be available to North American customers.
Pre- & Post-Cruise Add-Ons
Viking is also offering a variety of pre- and post-cruise land extensions including Delhi (two nights, priced starting at $1,099), Dubai (three nights, from $1,999), Kathmandu (four nights, from $5,999) and Cochin and Mumbai (five nights, from $3,499). Apart from Delhi, all are fully guided.
Viking in India Aboard the New Viking Brahmaputra
The newly built, triple-deck Viking Brahmaputra will stretch 246 feet. It features the company's signature Scandinavian design.
The 40 all-outside staterooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a veranda. There are 38 veranda staterooms, 264 square feet each including the veranda.
Two big explorer suites, with separate sitting room and bedroom, measure 700 square feet, including a forward-facing veranda.
New for Viking is a Spa & Fitness Center. An open-air Sky Bar with shaded seating faces aft on the top deck. The lounge with bar is found on the middle deck, where there's a small library and a coffee station. The restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows, is on the lowest deck.
RELATED: Heidi cruises the Brahmaputra River aboard the 46-pax Mahabaahu.
RELATED: A review of ABN's Brahmaputra River cruise aboard the 24-pax Sukapha.
India Dreams
Years ago as a crew member on an oceangoing luxury ship, I got a taste of India during a multi-day stay in Mumbai and flew to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, which was far beyond my dreams in beauty and intricacy.
This was wonderful but scratching the surface.
I've always yearned to go back and explore more of this vast, fascinating country. Viking's “Wonders of India” sounds like a very convenient way to do that, while getting a deep cultural immersion during this rich, fully-guided cruise-tour.
Here's more info about the itineraies.
If you've got any questions about cruising with Viking in India or traveling to India generally, drop us a line — [email protected].
Interested In Cruising with Viking in India?
For years, we've been referring our readers to our favorite travel advisor, Kevin Flink, because of his excellent customer service and expertise in travel planning. Kevin owns a franchise of Cruise Planners, one of the highest producing land and cruise travel agencies in the world, which means he gets access to various discounts and perks from cruise lines, hotels and insurance companies that he can pass on to his clients.
To show your interest in booking a Viking India river cruise (or any cruise!) with Kevin, please tell us a bit more about what you’re looking for and we will be happy to get you both connected.
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HEIDI SARNA
