Ganges River Cruises and Vacation Packages
Our Ganges River Tours
While on India tours, you will possibly come across the Ganges River, also known as the River Ganga which is transboundary and runs through India and Bangladesh. Measuring 2,525 km (1,569 mi), the Ganges rises in the western Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and flows south and east through the Gangetic Plain of North India into Bangladesh, where it empties into the Bay of Bengal.
Serving as a lifeline for millions of Indians living along its course, it is also considered sacred in the Hindu religion. The Ganges is personified as a goddess and also holds an important place in Hindu mythology. It is believed that bathing in the river helps atone for past sins and facilitates the attainment of nirvana, as well, it prompts many people to travel distances to immerse their kin’s ashes in the holy river, all to be experienced on trips to India.
The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, requested in his will that part of his ashes be thrown into the Ganges. He wrote, “The Ganga, especially, is the river of India, beloved of her people, round which is intertwined her memories, her hopes and fears, her songs of triumph, her victories and her defeats. She has been a symbol of India's age-long culture and civilization, ever-changing, ever-flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga.”
Ganges River Travel Highlights
Varanasi
Situated on the banks of the Ganges River in Northern India, Varanasi is considered to be possibly the oldest living city in the world and a very important venue on Indian tours. Called the ‘holiest city in India’, Varanasi has been the pilgrimage site for Hindus for many Centuries and remains so today. It is also the city where Buddhism was founded. With a large Muslim population and Jewish expatriate community, Varanasi truly is a religious melting pot of various faiths and cultures. The old city, near the banks of the Ganges, has winding lanes lined with shops and Hindu temples. This culturally rich area of Varanasi also features ghats, which are sets of steps leading into the Ganges River. Varanasi has 100 ghats, most being used for bathing, while some are used for cremation rituals, all to be seen or experienced on a trip to India. Originating from various ghats, an early morning or sunset boat cruise along the Ganges offers views of various rituals taking place. There are also many Hindu and Buddhist temples to visit as well as the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath, and Jantar Mantar at Varanasi, an observatory built in 1737 overlooking the ghats on the Ganges.
India Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to India tours.
Learn about the history and culture of India, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about India's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering India for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our India tours today!
Extend Your Trip
After your India tour, consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.
Ganges River
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Temples of Khajuraho & Sacred Varanasi
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Get in touch with your spiritual side on this short India tour through the country’s holiest cities. Set out for the astonishing temples of Khajuraho, and the sacred waters of the Ganges in Varanasi.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,593
- Trip Type:
- Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Best of Nepal & India: Kathmandu, Varanasi & the Golden Triangle
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Travel from the top of the world to the spiritual heart of India. Gaze upon Mount Everest from the Kathmandu Valley, witness pilgrims bathing in the Ganges in Varanasi and sample Mughal cuisine in India’s capital.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,831
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Spiritual Rishikesh & Ganges River Retreat
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Located in the tranquil Himalayas and overlooking the peaceful Ganges, Rishikesh is the perfect place for a wellness and spiritual retreat.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,395
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Classic Ganges: Varanasi
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Varanasi is one of India’s most atmospheric cities where you can get to know the Hindu religion close up. Enjoy a ride on the sacred River Ganges to view scenes you will never ever forget.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 423
- Trip Type:
- Private Experiences, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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