Trip Name | From | Days | Next Departure | Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Lower Ganges River | $3,376 | 8 | This 8-day Lower Ganges River cruise aboard RV Kalaw Pandaw allows you to explore the sacred lower Ganges. As you leisurely ply this pleasant waterway, you will discover that rich and vibrant rural life abounds. | |
Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & The Maharajas' Express | $21,499 | 16 | Nov 01, 2025 | Discover Hindu temples, vivid flower marketplaces, towns lining the Ganges River, and a wellness program on a 16-day boat and rail tour of India's culture. |
The Brahmaputra | $3,635 | 8 | Oct 23, 2025 | Experience an 8-day Brahmaputra river cruise on the RV Kindat Pandaw from Guwahati, exploring villages like Sutargaon and wildlife at Kaziranga National Park. Visit an Assamese tea garden, float down the Jia-Bhoreli River, and discover silk weaving in Sualkuchi before finishing in Guwahati. |
The Upper Ganges River | $6,369 | 13 | Sail on this 13-day Upper Ganges River Cruise from Kolkata to Varanasi aboard RV Katha Pandaw. Explore the best of the Ganges, from the colonial splendors of Kolkotta to the rural arcadia of West Bengal along the Hoogly and the Ganga itself, with its pristine bird and wildlife and cultural treasures dotted along the banks. | |
The Upper Ganges River | $6,369 | 13 | Sail on this 13-day Upper Ganges River cruise from Varanasi to Kolkata aboard RV Katha Pandaw. Explore the best of the Ganges, from the colonial splendors of Kolkotta to the rural arcadia of West Bengal along the Hoogly and the Ganga itself, with its pristine bird and wildlife and cultural treasures dotted along the banks. | |
Bengal to Assam and the Sundarbans | $13,800 | 22 | Explore India and Bangladesh on this 22-day Bengal to Assam and the Sundarbans Cruise aboard RV Kindat Pandaw. Discover one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the planet through this two-country reconnaissance expedition. |
Anyone with e-tourist or tourist visas issued on or after October 6, 2021, can enter India, though there may be additional requirements. See the official travel requirements sites for US citizens, Canadians, and UK citizens.
A valid passport and Indian visa are required for all foreigners, as only those from Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are granted visas on arrival. To enter India, the passport must be valid for six months. You must have the correct visa for your intended activity in India. Incorrect visas may result in denial of entry.
India has a Yellow Fever travel requirement for citizens traveling from countries where yellow fever is prevalent. These citizens must obtain a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card and present it upon arrival.
While you can purchase international plans or rely on public WiFi, the most common method for travelers who wish to use their phones while abroad is to request that their service provider unlock their GSM-capable phone and then purchase a SIM chip at their destination airport, which provides access to the local network. In some sections of India's rural areas, you may not be able to use your cell phone.
Mobile and fixed broadband speeds in December 2021 in India ranked 123rd and 73rd, respectively, based on the latest December 2021 Global Speedtest Index. Over 25,000 villages remain without cell or internet coverage in India despite being one of the country's top markets for these technologies.
India uses the Rupee as its currency. For example, at the time of writing in 2022 one dollar is equivalent to 75 rupees (1 rupee = 75 INR).
Tipping called "Baksheesh" in India is expected by the driver, porters, bellman, guide, servers, etc. It plays an important part in their income. Generally speaking, the typical gratuity is 10%, but this can vary on how well the service is provided.
In India, a 30-50 rupee tip per bag is appropriate. 5% to 10% gratuity should be paid to waiters in restaurants and local taxi drivers should be given an additional 50 rupees on top of the bill for their services. You should expect to tip between 200-400 rupees for a day tour driver. A day's tip for a guide ranges from 400 to 800 rupees.
A 230-volt or dual voltage device will work in an Indian power outlet as long as the plug is compatible. If the plug you intend to use does not fit into an Indian power outlet, you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter.
Yes, it is generally safe to travel to India, but as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions, such as securing your belongings, respecting local customs, and using reputable transportation options. Major tourist areas are well-prepared for visitors, and with proper planning, you can enjoy a safe and enriching experience in this diverse and vibrant country.