A Ganges River Cruise Aboard the ABN Rajmahal
The river Ganges — Mother Ganga — has been the heart and soul of India for millennia. From its origins high in the Himalayas to its journey southwards toward the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges carries with it stories of ancient civilizations, living cultures and daily life woven together in an unbroken tapestry of history, spirituality and humanity. There is no better way to experience this river’s magic than at a leisurely pace: from the deck of a riverboat gliding through its waters.
Why a Cruise on the Ganges?
Unlike a typical sightseeing trip, a river cruise is a slow, immersive passage through life as it has unfolded along the Ganges for thousands of years. Aboard the ABN Rajmahal — one of the most refined river vessels plying these waters — you’ll be invited to soak in more than just scenic views. You’ll meet the cultures, rituals and rhythms that define the riverbank communities, from bustling towns to peaceful temples and fields that touch the water’s edge.
Whether you choose a brief 3-night cruise along the lower reaches of the river near Kolkata or a deeper 7-night journey upstream toward the sacred city of Varanasi, the experience is designed to unfold at the gentle pace of the Ganges itself.
Aboard the ABN Rajmahal — Comfort on the Water
Boarding the ABN Rajmahal feels like stepping into a world where history and comfort flow side by side. Built in Kolkata in 2014 with a shallow draft that allows it to venture further upstream than many other vessels, this elegant riverboat combines classic hospitality with panoramic views of the river.
Life on Deck
- Cabins with a View
The 22 air-conditioned cabins — including both twin/double and single staterooms — are designed for serene comfort. Each room features floor-to-ceiling windows or French balconies, inviting the river’s shifting hues right into your personal space as you drift along the Ganges. - Warm and Welcoming Interiors
Inspired by classic Indian hospitality, the Rajmahal offers a social lounge with a library, a cosy bar, and spaces where local stories and global conversations converge. Thoughtfully chosen Ayurvedic toiletries and high-end amenities add a refined touch to every day on board. - Culinary Journeys
Dining aboard is a highlight in itself. Freshly prepared regional Indian dishes, Assamese specialties and international fare celebrate the abundance of the land you’re traversing — each meal a chance to taste the geographic diversity of the Ganges basin. - Deckside Serenity
On the sundeck, loungers beckon for slow mornings watching a fisherman’s net cast at dawn or tranquil afternoons under an open sky. The gentle swing of the river and soft chatter of fellow travellers feel like a meditation between the shorelines.
Stories Along the River
The Ganges cruise isn’t just about the river — it’s about the life and history that line its banks:
- From Kolkata to Mayapur
On the classic lower Ganges itinerary, you’ll follow the Hooghly River around bends that have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, colonial encounters and the fusion of cultural traditions over centuries. - Towards Varanasi
In the sacred heart of India, the banks of the Ganges resonate with spiritual life. Varanasi — one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world — offers experiences that are deeply reflective: morning boat rides along the ghats, evening rituals, centuries-old temples and cultural depth that lingers long after you leave. - Cultural Crossroads
Along the way, shore excursions may include exploring Mughal forts, ancient learning centers like Nalanda, silk weaving villages and towns steeped in local lore — each revealing a different layer of the region’s story.
A Journey That Transforms
A Ganges River cruise aboard the ABN Rajmahal isn’t just a holiday — it’s a gentle descent into the heart of India’s life force. From introspective mornings watching riverboats drift past to lively evenings sharing culture and cuisine under the stars, your time here becomes a mosaic of personal discovery and collective history.
It’s a voyage that lingers — in memories, in photographs, and in the quiet rhythms of a river that has been telling its story for thousands of years.
