Group Trip · India
India and the Ganges: Gay River Cruise
Fixed departures
Dates and itinerary set, organised end to end. Tailor-made available too.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
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At a glance
This 14-day group trip links the river towns of West Bengal with the palaces of Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal.
You begin in India's capital, New Delhi, then fly to Kolkata and spend seven nights on a chartered river ship on the Hooghly and the Ganges.
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The final days take you to Jaipur and Agra before you return to Delhi.
The group is limited to 56 travelers, all LGBTQ+, and a representative meets you on arrival and stays with the group.
If you prefer a route with fewer days on the water, compare this trip with our Golden Triangle itinerary or the India and the Holi Festival group trip.
Day by day
Group departures follow a set route so everyone travels together. The nights and the order are fixed, but your specialist can add time either side. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Days 1 to 2 - New Delhi
You arrive at Delhi airport and transfer to the Imperial Hotel, where you stay for two nights. A welcome reception at about 5:30pm on the first evening gives you the chance to meet the rest of the group.
The second day is a guided tour of the city. The route takes in the Red Fort, the President’s Palace and City Gate, and Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. You also visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutab Minar. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the hotel.
For planning advice on the capital and the rest of the country, read our India travel guides.
Day 3 - Delhi to Kolkata
After breakfast, an included flight takes you to Kolkata.
A transfer brings you to RV Ganges Voyager, a 28-suite river ship built in 2015 and chartered for this group.
You settle into your suite before a welcome reception.
Dinner is served in the East India Dining Room, followed by a musical performance of Bengal songs.
Day 4 - Kolkata and Bandel
The morning is spent in Kolkata. You visit Mother Teresa’s House, home of the Missionaries of Charity, where an exhibit and her personal room are open to visitors. The colonial center follows, including the Writers’ Building, the General Post Office, the High Court, Raj Bhavan, and the Town Hall around Dalhousie Square.
St. John’s Church dates from 1756 and holds India’s oldest functioning pipe organ and a Last Supper painting by Zoffany. The tour ends at the Victoria Memorial Museum. Lunch is on board.
In the afternoon, excursion boats take you to Bandel to see the Hooghly Imambara, completed in 1861. Dinner is back on the ship.
Days 5 to 6 - Kalna and Matiari
On the fifth day you reach Kalna and ride electric rickshaws to the Rajbari temple complex. The Nabakailas Temples, built in 1809, hold 108 shrines. The Pratapeshwar, Lalji, and Krishnachandra temples sit nearby and date from 1849, 1739, and 1751, respectively.
The sixth day begins before breakfast at Matiari, where a shoreside bazaar sells handcrafted brass and recycled-copper items. The ship then sails past the battlefield of Plassey, where the 1757 battle took place. All meals are on board.
Days 7 to 8 - Murshidabad and Mayapur
The seventh day has three stops.
Khushbagh holds the mosque complex of Nawab Ali-Wardi-Khan, and Baranagar has the 18th-century brick temples of Rani Bhabani.
In the afternoon you reach Murshidabad by electric rickshaw to see Hazarduari Palace, the neighboring Imambara and Katra Mosque, built in 1724 and 1725. Dinner includes a local cultural performance.
On the eighth day you visit Mayapur, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and its temple complex. Modest dress, with covered knees and shoulders, is required at some sites.
Day 9 - Chandernagore and Kolkata
Days 10 to 11 - Jaipur
You disembark in Kolkata, transfer to the airport and fly to Jaipur. A transfer takes you to Rambagh Palace, where you stay for two nights. Dinner on arrival is served in the hotel ballroom.
The next day is a tour of the Pink City. It includes the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the City Palace. An optional elephant ride up to Amber Fort is available at extra cost. Dinner is on your own.
To see more of the region, explore our Rajasthan tailor-made vacation or stay at Amanbagh.
Day 12 - Jaipur to Agra
A scenic drive takes you from Jaipur to Agra, where you check in at the Taj Hotel.
In the afternoon you visit Agra Fort.
A visit to the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, follows at sunset.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 13 - Agra to New Delhi
You see the Taj Mahal again at sunrise from Mehtab Bagh, across the Yamuna.
After breakfast there is free time or shopping, then lunch and a scenic drive to New Delhi.
You have a day room or an overnight stay at Roseate House, near the airport.
Day 14 - Departure
A transfer takes you to the airport for an early international departure.
Hotel check-out is at noon.
You can also add the optional Varanasi extension, which pairs well with our Lucknow and Varanasi culinary journey.
Departures
Prices are per person sharing. A single supplement applies to solo travellers and your specialist will confirm it with your quote.
Further information
Useful Information
What’s the Climate Like in India?
India’s climate varies by region, but on this trip, you can expect warm to hot weather during the day, with cooler evenings, especially in the northern cities and wildlife parks. Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur experience dry and warm conditions, while Ranthambhore and Udaipur can be a bit cooler. Light, breathable clothing is ideal for the day, but pack a jacket or layers for the evenings, especially for early morning safaris.
What’s the Currency?
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, particularly in rural areas and markets. You can easily withdraw money from ATMs, but starting with around 5,000 INR in cash for small purchases, tips, and local markets is recommended.
Do I Tip in India?
Tipping is common in India, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors. In restaurants, a 10% tip is generally appreciated. For your guides and drivers, a common suggestion is to tip around 300-500 INR per day. While tipping is not mandatory, it’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation for excellent service.
What Plugs Are Used?
India uses type C, D, and M plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Be sure to bring an adapter if your devices aren’t compatible with these types. It’s a good idea to bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices stay charged throughout the trip.
Is India Safe for LGBTQ+ Travelers?
India is becoming increasingly open and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, especially in larger cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, where you’ll find welcoming spaces and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. However, it’s wise to be mindful of local customs, particularly in rural or more conservative areas. Public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation, are generally avoided in Indian culture.
What’s the Time Zone?
India operates on Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +5:30. Be sure to adjust your clocks accordingly, especially when arriving from another time zone.
What Should I Pack for India?
Pack light, breathable clothing for warm days, along with layers for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for city tours and safaris. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent for outdoor activities. If you plan to visit temples or religious sites, remember to bring modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. A lightweight scarf can also be useful for covering your head in temples.
Included
- Welcome reception in New Delhi
- Two nights at the Imperial Hotel, with breakfast
- One lunch and one dinner in New Delhi
- Flight from Delhi to Kolkata
- Seven nights in a suite on RV Ganges Voyager
- All meals on board, with house wine and local beer at lunch and dinner
- One hour of pre-dinner cocktails daily
- Shore excursions with all admissions
- Flight from Kolkata to Jaipur
- Two nights at Rambagh Palace, with breakfast
- One night at the Taj Hotel, Agra
- One night at an airport hotel in Delhi
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- English-speaking local guides and audio guides
Not included
- International flights
- Port charges of $205 per person
- Prepaid gratuities of $270 per person
- Meals ashore during the cruise
- Dinner in Jaipur on day 11
- Optional excursions, such as the Amber Fort elephant ride
- Indian visa and travel insurance
- Laundry, spa treatments and personal expenses
Our Experts
If you've never been to India it can be hard to know where to go. At Out Of Office, we can help arrange travel to anywhere you desire, from the peaceful beaches of Goa to the bustle of Mumbai.
Personally, I believe that no trip to India is complete without a visit to Jaipur. Known as The Pink City, Jaipur is where India's culture and color are at their most vibrant. It's my go-to Indian city.
Our first time in India and we needn't have been apprehensive. We were extremely well looked after.
Robert H.
Our India trip exceeded our expectations. Everything ran smoothly and we fell in love with the country.
Tom F.
We booked a fabulous honeymoon to India and the Maldives and couldn't recommend them more.
Dan
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Speak To Us About This Group Trip
Tell us which departure interests you and one of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will confirm availability and talk you through the trip, including any tailor-made extensions you would like to add before or after the group dates.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.