Viking will expand its river cruises across India in the coming years, adding several new departure dates through 2029 all before the company’s first ship even set sails there.
The company plans to begin sailing in India in late 2027 when it debuts the Viking Brahmaputra, the cruise line’s first river ship in India. Then in 2028, the Viking Ganges will join the fleet as the second ship on the Brahmaputra River.
“Since announcing our new river voyages in India, we have seen strong interest from guests eager to explore this remarkable region,” Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said in a statement. “By adding a second ship on the Brahmaputra River in 2028 and opening 2029 departure dates now, we look forward to inviting even more curious travelers to explore India in Viking comfort in the years to come.”
Viking’s Wonders of India trips combine a land-based component and a weeklong river cruise to create a journey across majestic Rajasthan and vibrant Assam. This itinerary offers the chance to experience India’s Golden Triangle—the famous tourist route connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—and to relax on a remote river that feels like an entirely different world.
Start your journey with a rickshaw ride through Delhi. Later, watch the sunrise at the majestic Taj Mahal, experience Indian art, Hindu temples, and local cuisine, admire Jaipur’s iconic pink hues, and sip a cocktail on your private veranda while sailing the Brahmaputra River, keeping an eye out for tiny villages, buffalo, and elephants along the way.
Each ship can accommodate up to 80 guests across 40 staterooms and will be equipped with a fitness center, spa, and plenty of sundeck space for taking in the views. The ships will also feature a library, bar, and dining area on board.
Excursions are included in cruise fares. Among them are a visit to Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands where many people live as artisans, weaving silk or making masks inspired by Hindu scriptures; along with a visit to Kaziranga National Park for a chance to spot elephants, water buffalo, and the famous one-horned rhino.
The trip ends with a flight back to Delhi and includes hotels in land destinations. Prices start around $9,500, not including airfare.
Beyond cruising, luxury train journeys offer another opulent way to explore India, journeying from Mumbai to Delhi, across the Rajasthani desert, across lush rice paddies, and more.
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