Boat Tours in India
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7 best Boat holiday packages in India
Compiled by
SteffIndia travel expert at TourRadar
- Classical North India
- Kerala & Beach - 10 days
- Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express (2025) (Kolkata to New Delhi, 2025)
- Kerala
- Luxury Cruise On River Ganges With Varanasi Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour [16 Days]
- Hindu Gods and Coconut Palms
- Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express (2024) (Kolkata to New Delhi, 2024)
Classical North India
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour gave us new understanding of the India. Will recommend to my friends.”
Sardela, traveled in January
A mystical boat ride at daybreak on the sacred Ganges showcases ancient rituals and floating temples in Varanasi. A train voyage from Jhansi to Agra follows the Yamuna River, stopping at riverside ghats and temples. The evening concludes with traditional water ceremonies during Aarti.
Duration 9 days Destinations New Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Orchha, Jhansi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Italian Operator Le Passage to India From $3,998
15% Off- NZ$3,399You save $599
Navigate Periyar Lake on a morning wildlife cruise, spotting elephants and diverse birdlife. Experience overnight stay on traditional Kettuvallam houseboat in Alleppey, cruising through serene backwaters while enjoying fresh local cuisine.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- NZ$2,785
The Ganges Voyager II glides along the Lower Ganges, stopping at riverside temples and artisan villages. Romantic boat rides on Lake Pichola in Udaipur offer glimpses of rare Ganges river dolphins. Luxury river suites provide stunning views through French balconies.
Duration 16 days Destinations Kolkata (Calcutta), Kalna, Matiari, Murshidabad, Baranagar, Mayapur, Chandannagar, New Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National ParkSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
15% Off- NZ$37,799
Your air-conditioned houseboat departs from Alleppey through Kerala's serene backwaters. A professional crew navigates palm-lined waterways, preparing authentic meals as you observe local life between Periyar and Kovalam destinations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kovalam Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
15% Off- NZ$1,590
![Luxury Cruise On River Ganges With Varanasi Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour [16 Days]](//cdn.tourradar.com/s3/tour/360x210/247699_646e1e5f49344.jpg)
![Map of Luxury Cruise On River Ganges With Varanasi Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour [16 Days]](//cdn.tourradar.com/s3/map/720x480/247699_b5dc.png)
A luxury vessel carries you along the historic Ganges, past Portuguese Bandel's church, French Chandernagore's promenade, and Murshidabad's Hazarduari Palace. The route includes traditional brass crafting demonstrations in Matiari and temple visits in Kalna.
No departure dates availableDuration 16 days Destinations Kolkata (Calcutta), Hooghly, Bandel, Kalna, Matiari, Baranagar, Murshidabad, Mayapur, Chandannagar, VaranasiSee all destinations Age Range 10 to 90 year olds Operator TTI TOURS 
Traditional houseboats float through Kerala's peaceful backwaters, where kingfishers and herons dot the narrow waterways. Sunset canoe rides pass local villages, with overnight stays while navigating between Alleppey and surrounding tropical lagoons.
Duration 15 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Auroville, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Darasuram, Madurai, Munnar, Thekkady, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range up to 85 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
15% Off- NZ$6,536
The intimate 56-passenger Ganges Voyager II welcomes you for a 7-night sacred river journey. The vessel, adorned with colonial-style decor and French balconies, sails from Kolkata to remote Bengali villages, offering gourmet regional cuisine and panoramic river views from the Sun Deck.
No departure dates availableDuration 16 days Destinations Kolkata (Calcutta), Kalna, Matiari, Murshidabad, Baranagar, Mayapur, Chandannagar, Mumbai, Udaipur, JodhpurSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
![Luxury Cruise On River Ganges With Varanasi Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour [16 Days]](http://cdn.tourradar.com/s3/tour/360x210/247699_646e1e5f49344.jpg)
![Map of Luxury Cruise On River Ganges With Varanasi Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour [16 Days]](http://cdn.tourradar.com/s3/map/720x480/247699_b5dc.png)
What our customers ask about Boat Tours in India
When is the best time to take a boat tour in India?
India's boat tour seasons differ by region. Kerala's backwaters are most pleasant from October to March with temperatures ranging from 23-32°C with little rain. The same months work well for Ganges River cruises near Kolkata thanks to cooler dry weather. Wildlife enthusiasts heading to Periyar Lake in Kerala should plan visits between September and April. As one TourRadar traveler noted "Cruising through Kerala's backwaters during November was magical with perfect weather and stunning scenery."
What types of boats are used for tours in India?
The range spans from upscale vessels to traditional boats. The Ganges Voyager II carries 56 passengers and features French balconies and full amenities. Kerala's traditional houseboats known as Kettuvallams come with thatched roofs and private cabins. Periyar Lake tours use compact boats that easily navigate the waters. According to TourRadar travelers "The Ganges Voyager II provides an intimate atmosphere while offering modern luxuries like a spa fitness center and elegant dining facilities."
What wildlife can I expect to see during boat tours in India?
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat safaris regularly encounter elephants deer and diverse bird species near the water's edge. The Ganges River offers glimpses of the endangered Ganges river dolphin. Kerala's backwater routes are home to kingfishers darters green bee-eaters and white-throated herons. A TourRadar reviewer shared "The morning boat ride on Periyar Lake offered incredible wildlife viewing opportunities - we saw wild elephants and countless exotic birds."
How long do boat tours typically last in India?
Tour lengths range from day trips to extended voyages. Kerala houseboat trips usually span 1-2 days while Ganges River cruises extend to 7-8 days. The full Ganges Voyager II experience including land excursions runs 16 days. A TourRadar review noted "The week-long Ganges cruise offered the perfect balance of time to explore villages and relax onboard."
How comfortable are the accommodations on Indian boat tours?
The comfort level varies across vessels. The Ganges Voyager II features luxury suites with private French balconies and colonial design elements. Kerala houseboats provide air-conditioned rooms private bathrooms and deck spaces. Premium ships like the Oberoi Mumbai match 5-star hotel standards. According to TourRadar travelers "The Ganges Voyager II cabins were surprisingly spacious and beautifully appointed with modern amenities."
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