Journey Through India - A Luxury Adventure with Uniworld River Cruises
Sailing the Sacred Ganges Our adventure began in style aboard the Ganges Voyager II, Uniworld’s all-suite river ship, where personalized service met the timeless mystique of the Ganges River. As we sailed through the vibrant heart of West Bengal, I was struck by how life flows so intimately along the riverbanks — a world at once ancient and alive.
Kalna: Temples and Time Travel In Kalna, we stepped into another era. Known for its incredible collection of 18th-century terracotta temples, the city offered a glimpse into India’s deeply spiritual and artistic past. Wandering through the Rajbari temple complex felt like discovering a secret — every carved surface told a story, every spire reached out to the heavens.
Kolkata: Culture and Colonial Echoes Back in Kolkata, a city that pulses with art, intellect, and history, we explored colonial architecture, bustling markets, and poignant sites like Mother Teresa’s Home. The blend of British heritage and Bengali vibrance gave Kolkata a charm that was both nostalgic and contemporary.
Jaipur: Royal Grandeur at The Oberoi Rajvilas After our river journey, we flew to the Pink City of Jaipur, where The Oberoi Rajvilas became our sanctuary. This majestic hotel, with its Mughal-inspired architecture and tranquil gardens, felt like stepping into a royal dream. A highlight of Jaipur was our visit to the Amber Fort, where elephants once carried royalty through sun-drenched gates. The fort’s mirrored halls and sprawling courtyards captured the grandeur of India’s Rajput legacy.
Agra: The Taj Mahal and Timeless Romance From Jaipur, we continued to Agra, staying at the Oberoi Amarvilas, which boasts the rare luxury of Taj Mahal views from every room. Waking up to the sight of this iconic monument — often bathed in the soft glow of sunrise — was simply surreal. The Taj Mahal, with its flawless white marble and tragic love story, lived up to every expectation and more.
Delhi: A Capital of Contrasts Our journey concluded in Delhi, where we stayed at the refined Oberoi New Delhi — a perfect base for exploring India’s dynamic capital. We took a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s labyrinthine alleys, buzzing with color and energy, and ended our day at Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Standing in silent reflection at his grave was a grounding and powerful experience.
A Journey to Remember From the spiritual serenity of the Ganges to the architectural wonders of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, my luxury journey through India was one of deep contrasts, vibrant culture, and unforgettable moments. Uniworld’s flawless attention to detail and the unmatched hospitality of The Oberoi Hotels elevated the experience to something truly extraordinary.
India, in all its colour, complexity, and grace, stole a piece of my heart — and I wouldn’t have discovered it in quite the same way without this remarkable journey.
