Explore with Viking—India

Explore Old Delhi, travelling through the lively city and a bustling market before visiting cultural landmarks. Meet your guide and travel to the Raj Ghat, or “Royal Steps,” a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Next, continue toward the heart of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk, where you will board a rickshaw. Glimpse market stalls displaying spices, colorful fabrics and jewelry as your driver navigates you through the narrow streets. Smell the rich aroma of traditional flatbread and rich curry as you pass Paratha Street before pausing for photos at the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Sunni Mosques in India. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the earliest example of Mughal architecture. Next, have lunch before visiting a Sikh temple. Finally, pause at the India Gate, a war memorial built to commemorate soldiers lost in World War I.

Explore India’s iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This evening, meet your guide and set off for the Taj Mahal to see its impressive architecture as the sun sets, watching as its marble exterior reflects the hues of golden hour and the fading daylight. Constructed in the 17th century as a mausoleum for Shah Jahan’s empress consort, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. As you explore, note the Indian, Persian and Islamic influences in its designs and discover the lush gardens and central pool. The Taj Mahal’s finer details are also not to be missed; see the artful inlays of semi-precious stones, crafted into both geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy, and observe the intricate latticework of its interior.

Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal before visiting the Itmad-ud-Daula Mausoleum, a Mughal masterpiece. This morning, rise before the sun and drive to the eastern bank of the Yamuna River. Here, watch as the day begins, the colors of dawn playing off the marble of the Taj Mahal and the meandering river, set against a lush landscape. After, drive to India’s first marble tomb, the Itmad-ud-Daula Mausoleum, also known as the “Baby Taj” and as a predecessor to the Taj Mahal. Commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father and built to look like a jewel box in the center of symmetrical gardens, the tomb features intricate stone inlays, set in floral and geometric patterns that can be seen on both the marble exterior and domed interior. As you step inside the tomb, see the lattice work that graces the windows and the final resting place of the Mughal Empire’s second ruler.

Explore the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, a former capital of the Mughal Empire, to see its architectural gems. As you transfer from Agra to Jaipur, pause at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the City of Victory, built by Emperor Akbar in order to commemorate the birth of his son. Enter through the imposing Buland Darwaza gateway, one of the tallest in the Mughal Empire, to discover this abandoned capital. The Tomb of Salim Chishti, with its marble exterior and fine latticework, resides in the entry courtyard and is a testament to Mughal craftsmanship. Walk past the Halls of Private and Public Audience to learn about daily life in the city and how the Emperor would rule. Discover the Ornamental Pool, set amid a sandstone courtyard, where visiting musicians would stand atop its platform and perform for the emperor. After your visit, continue to Jaipur.

Discover some of Jaipur’s most impressive architectural feats as you explore the city and its surroundings. Meet your guide, board your jeep and set off into the countryside to the Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the Rajput architectural style of the 17th century, this hilltop fortress served as a royal residence until 1728 and features both intricately carved screen windows and spacious courtyards. After exploring the Amber Fort, return to Jaipur to visit its successor, the City Palace, where a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture is on display in structures like the Hall of Winds and the imposing Chandra Mahal. Here, walk the grounds and enjoy lunch before stopping at the Jantar Mantar Observatory, awarded its UNESCO status for its 19 astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest sundial, all built by Jaipur’s founder, Raja Sawai Jai Singh.

Discover the city of Guwahati, visiting the Kamakhya Temple, a local market and the Brahmaputra Heritage Centre. Drive to Nilachal Hill, a cultural landmark that offers views over the Brahmaputra River, Guwahati and the distant landscape. The hill hosts the Kamakhya Temple, which dates back to the 9th century and is dedicated to the eponymous goddess. Explore the grounds with your guide to see panels that depict Hindu gods and goddesses. Watch as people light candles for worship and see goats roaming around the temple. Next, walk to the local market to see colorful fruits, silks and local food displayed at the stalls. Continue to the Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre, where the legacy of the river can be explored through exhibits that include historical artifacts, traditional textiles and presentations that demonstrate its impact on trade, local life and folklore.

See the historic remnants of an Ahom city at Sibsagar, including a sports pavilion and a temple. This morning, travel from Nimati Ghat to Sivasagar, the former 18th-century capital of the Ahom Kingdom, a people who ruled in Assam for six centuries. Here, explore its architectural remnants. Discover one of the oldest amphitheaters in Asia, Rang Ghar, a royal sports pavilion where events like bull fighting and wrestling took place. Ascend the stairs to view the surroundings. Continue to a complex of Hindu temples, dedicated to the gods Shiva, Vishnu and Durga, where you will visit Siva Dol. You may choose to purchase an offering from a vendor outside the temple before stepping inside, watching as worshippers burn ghee in terra-cotta plates. Finally, visit a local establishment to learn about Assam’s tea industry, which produces around fifty percent of the country’s tea.

Explore Majuli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stronghold of neo-Vaishnavism, a key religion in Assam. From your ship, set out to discover the myriad cultures of one of the world’s largest river islands. Boasting a rich history, Majuli is an island shaped by its heritage and its ecology. As you drive through the villages, glimpse the stilted homes that help residents deal with seasonal flooding. Pause along the way to learn about local crafts, such as silk weaving and the art of making Mukha Shilpa, or masks that depict key figures in Hindu scripture and are used in religious plays. After, visit two satras, or monasteries, where the main religion of the island, neo-Vaishnavism, is taught and practiced. During your visits, learn about monkhood and religious education. See old relics, murals and worship rooms and watch a Gayan-Bayan performance, a religious dance.

Explore the open plains of one of India’s best known national parks to spot the Great Indian One-Horned Rhino. Travel to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its conservation of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhino. Upon arrival, transfer to a jeep and set off into the grasslands of the park with your guide. Pass sprawling plains filled with elephant grass and backdropped by thick forest, and keep watch for an array of wildlife, including the one-horned rhino, water buffalo and elephants that make their home here, and the diverse range of birds which the marshy wetlands attract. Scenes of coexistence are common, as deer and hogs feed together in the grasslands and birds perch on the backs of water buffalo. Be sure to bring along a camera as you explore the grasslands and wilderness to capture the sights of this incredible park.

Discover Kaziranga National Park’s biodiversity as you pass through its jungles, spotting birds and monkeys. As you drive to Kaziranga National Park, pass villages and glimpse scenes of daily life; children and women with baskets walking to school and work, goats and cows roaming the streets and roadside stands selling colorful produce. Once you arrive, board a jeep and begin your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to the park’s conservation efforts and diverse landscape, a variety of over 500 bird species call this place home. Keep watch for their vibrant plumage and listen for their lively calls as you explore the dense forests of the eastern range. Monkeys can also be spotted, climbing trees to feast on their fruits. One-horned rhinos and elephants can still be found here, wending their way through the thick growth of trees and vegetation.

Explore the village of Biswanath Ghat and discover life in this holy Hindu pilgrimage site along the river. With your guide, explore Biswanath Ghat, a village set along the confluence of the Brahmaputra and Bridhaganga rivers, which has been considered a religious center for centuries. Walk along the riverfront and watch as people fish, collect driftwood and load boats. Learn about the temple that gave the village its name and see its ruins that sit partially submerged in the Brahmaputra River. As you head away from the embankment, glimpse women weaving on looms and crafting handmade red, white and gold scarves that are popular amongst locals, and spot temples nestled between houses. Make your way to Bordol, or “large temple,” constructed by an Ahom king and dedicated to Lord Shiva, where you will step inside and discover local worship practices.