The 10 Most Asked India River Cruise Questions for First-Time Travelers
- How Do I Get a Visa?
- UK travelers need a 30-day e-visa. Apply online 30 days before departure with your passport and some personal history details. The visa costs about USD $10 and is usually processed within a day.
- What Vaccinations Are Needed?
- Check Travel Health Pro or Fit for Travel for guidance. Consult your GP or nurse to tailor advice to your health needs.
- What Should I Pack?
- Pack layers for fluctuating temperatures, especially between cool mornings and warm afternoons. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and modest clothing for visits to religious sites.
- Can I Drink the Water?
- Yes, on the Ganges Voyager II and at Oberoi hotels, the water is filtered and safe. Bottled water is also available for excursions. Avoid drinks with ice outside the ship or hotel.
- What’s the Flight Experience Like?
- Direct flights from London to Delhi are available, but there are no direct options from Kolkata to the UK. One-stop options exist from regional airports. Adding a Varanasi extension allows you to fly back from Delhi, with better connections.
- What Are the Hotels Like?
- The tour includes stays at luxurious Oberoi hotels in New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, offering premium accommodations. Each hotel has unique characteristics, excellent amenities, and attentive but non-intrusive service.
- What Is the Onboard Experience?
- The Ganges Voyager II offers spacious rooms with traditional Indian decor, large French windows, and ample storage. The ship includes a restaurant with buffet and served meals, a lounge, an observation deck, a spa, and a wellness area.
- What Excursions Are Included?
- Excursions cover cultural landmarks, local markets, and historic sites. Highlights include visits to the Taj Mahal, with both evening and early morning tours to experience the monument’s changing colors in different lights.
- What Was the Taj Mahal Like?
- The Taj Mahal is breathtaking, especially when visited at different times of the day. The scale and beauty of the monument are truly awe-inspiring, with both evening and early morning visits included in the tour.
- How Fit Do I Need to Be?
- A reasonable level of fitness is required, as there are no elevators on the ship, and some excursions involve walking on uneven surfaces and climbing steps. The ship sometimes uses a tender vessel to reach shore, requiring additional steps.
The Government provides health advice for travellers via the Travel Health Pro site in England & Wales and Fit for Travel in Scotland. You should discuss your specific requirements with your GP or Practice nurse who will usually use these sites as the basis for discussion
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/105/india
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-east/india