Photo courtesy: Viking
Viking has opened new sailing dates for its India river voyages through 2029 and confirmed a second Brahmaputra ship, Viking Ganges, doubling its capacity on one of the world’s most exotic river cruise routes. From 2027, guests will be able to choose more departure dates on the 15‑day Wonders of India itinerary, pairing India’s Golden Triangle with an eight‑day Brahmaputra cruise aboard Viking Brahmaputra or the newly built Viking Ganges.
New India River Dates Through 2029
Effective immediately, Viking is taking bookings for India river voyages in 2027, 2028, and 2029, reflecting strong demand since the program was first announced. Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen notes that interest has been particularly high among guests eager to explore Northeast India and Assam in Viking’s signature “comfortable, curated” style.
To meet this demand, Viking is introducing Viking Ganges in 2028, which will join Viking Brahmaputra, scheduled to debut in late 2027. Together, the two sister ships will sail a series of Wonders of India departures between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat, significantly increasing availability during prime travel seasons.
Viking Ganges And Viking Brahmaputra: Scandinavian Design On The Brahmaputra
Viking Ganges and Viking Brahmaputra are sister vessels purpose‑built for the Brahmaputra River, each carrying just 80 guests in 40 veranda staterooms. Both ships feature Viking’s clean Scandinavian design aesthetic, with floor‑to‑ceiling sliding glass doors, hotel‑style beds, and private outdoor verandas to maximise river views.
On board, guests can expect light‑filled lounges, a panoramic restaurant highlighting regional flavours alongside familiar classics, and an open‑air Sky Bar for sundowners over Assam’s tea gardens and riverbanks. With a crew of around 54 and a focus on relaxed, refined service, the ships are designed to feel intimate rather than overcrowded—a hallmark of Viking’s river fleet worldwide.
Wonders of India: Golden Triangle Meets Brahmaputra
Wonders of India is a 15‑day, Delhi‑roundtrip itinerary that combines India’s iconic Golden Triangle with an eight‑day Brahmaputra river voyage, sailing either eastbound or westbound. The journey includes hotel stays in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and offers up to 13 included tours that spotlight as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
On land, highlights include:
- Exploring the Taj Mahal in Agra and delving into Mughal history.
- Walking Old Delhi’s winding streets and markets.
- Admiring Jaipur’s Palace of Winds and the city’s regal architecture.
On the river, guests will:
- Sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in Assam, visiting riverside villages and temples.
- Search for one‑horned rhinos and wild buffalo in Kaziranga National Park, one of India’s top wildlife reserves.
- Discover the distinctive cultures and monasteries of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.
Pre And Post Extensions For Deeper Immersion
For guests who want to extend their time in the region, Viking has built a series of fully guided pre‑ and post‑cruise land extensions around Wonders of India. These options add extra layers of culture, history, and coastal flavour to the core itinerary.
Available extensions include:
- Delhi (2 nights) – Extra time to explore India’s capital more deeply before the main program.
- Dubai (3 nights) – A fully guided introduction to the UAE’s modern skyline, desert landscapes, and souks.
- Kathmandu (4 nights) – A post‑cruise extension into Nepal, with guided visits to key temples and heritage sites.
- Cochin & Mumbai (5 nights) – A coastal add‑on that pairs Kerala’s backwaters and colonial heritage with the energy of Mumbai.
These add‑ons are designed for culturally curious travellers who want to turn a single river voyage into a broader South Asia journey.
How To Book Viking’s India River Voyages
With the arrival of Viking Brahmaputra in late 2027 and Viking Ganges in 2028, Viking will effectively double its capacity on the Brahmaputra, making it easier to secure preferred dates on Wonders of India through 2029. The combination of small‑ship river cruising, UNESCO‑rich sightseeing, and curated extensions positions the program as one of Viking’s most immersive itineraries in Asia.
To view sailing dates, ship details, and complete Wonders of India itineraries, visit the official Viking website at www.viking.com and the dedicated voyage page at Wonders of India – Viking River Cruises.
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