Ganges River Cruises. Availability & Offers 2024/2025

About the Ganges River

The Ganges River, fondly known as the Ganga, is an epitome of sanctity and tranquillity for countless people across the globe. Traversing a course of over 2,525 kilometres (1,569 miles), it’s a magnificent testament of nature’s beauty.

The river originates from the Indian state of Uttarakhand, cascades through northern India, before culminating its journey in Bangladesh. The Ganges enriches the habitats it traverses, bestowing abundant eco-diversity along its pathway.

Steeped in history and mythology, the Ganges is integral to numerous life-changing rituals for local inhabitants. This makes it an intriguing destination, offering a vivid kaleidoscope of cultural experiences.

The Ganges River boasts a myriad of majestic and awe-inspiring points of interest along its course. Notable among them are the historical city of Varanasi, the iconic Howrah Bridge in Kolkata, and the iconic Sundarbans, which is shared by India and Bangladesh.

A cruise holiday on the Ganges River delves beyond the confines of traditional travel. It promises a blend of fascinating cultures, ancient archaeology, and mesmerizing landscapes, encapsulating an authentic Indian experience.

Let Art of Travel be your guide for exploring the Ganges River through a cruise holiday. An amalgamation of the serene and the splendid, a cruise on the Ganges truly epitomises the art of elevated travelling.

Our top 10 points of interest along the Ganges River

Varanasi

A city of great religious significance in India, Varanasi is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Being the spiritual capital of India, the city is lined with numerous temples and ghats. Devotees come here to take a holy dip in the sacred waters of River Ganges.

Hrishikesh

Considered the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh is a magnet for spiritual seekers. It is also a hub for adventure sports, with river rafting being a popular activity. The setting of Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges, surrounded by hills, adds to its charm.

Haridwar

Haridwar, also deemed as a ‘Gateway to God’, is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology. The city comes alive every 12 years during the Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world.

Prayagraj

Known previously as Allahabad, Prayagraj is famous as the meeting point of three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The Triveni Sangam, as it is called, is a major site for Hindu rituals.

Kolkata

Once the capital of British India, Kolkata holds an important place in the history and culture of India. The iconic Howrah Bridge over the Ganges is one of the city’s major landmarks.

Sunderbans

Sunderbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest that stretches across the Ganges Delta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger.

Patna

As one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, Patna on the southern bank of the Ganges is steeped in history. Patna is crucial for understanding the history, culture and heritage of India’s Bihar state.

Kanpur

This bustling industrial city on the banks of the Ganges holds an important place in the history of modern India. Kanpur is marked by its cotton, wool and leather industries.

Munger

Munger, flanked by rivers Ganges and Kharagpur, houses Bihar School of Yoga, one of the most prestigious centres for learning yoga worldwide.

Varanasi-Ghats

Varanasi’s scenic ghats which line the Ganges present an enchanting spectacle, especially during dawn and dusk when thousands of devout offer prayers to the river. Each ghat holds its own unique spiritual significance.