Ganga Vilas, 3 Night Dev Diwali in Varanasi River Cruise ex Varanasi return

Day 1: MON, 03 NOV 2025 ARRIVE VARANASI (L/D)
EMBARKATION: 12:00 PM
Arrival in Varanasi and transfer to the jetty for embarkation. Enjoy lunch onboard. Varanasi is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. In the evening ride the country boat to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the “Ganga Aarti” performed by a group of priests lined up on the riverbank chanting mantras and performing the prayer ritual with lamps, incense, and traditional instruments to honor the river.

Day 2: TUE, 04 NOV 2025 VARANASI SIGHTSEEING & CRUISING (B/L/D)
Early morning sail to the ghat near the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Stroll in the Vishwanath Gali and experience the hustle and bustle of devotees and road side vendors. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Return to the ship for breakfast and begin cruising downstream viewing the countryside and enjoying lunch onboard. And sail back to Varanasi by evening.

Day 3: WED, 05 NOV 2025 VARANASI DEV DIWALI FESTIVAL (B/L/D)
After breakfast walk along the Ghats to see the preparations for the Dev Diwali Festival. Return to the ship for lunch. Late afternoon, depart in smaller boats to see the Dev Diwali festivities.

Day 4: THU, 06 NOV 2025 VARANASI DISEMBARK
DISEMBARKATION: 09:00 AM
Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.

Important Note:
• The itinerary maybe readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, in order to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last minute sailing adjustments may also occur.
• As per government restrictions in Varanasi, liquor and non-vegetarian food will not be served onboard.
• Satellite phones & drone cameras are not allowed in Varanasi, please ensure the same, while traveling.

Antara Ganga Vilas is a celebration of India’s post-independence design and a tribute to its innovations. Each room is inspired by Josef Albers’ paintings which are experiments in the perception of color as well as tantra and its quest to perceive the many parts of the universe in its wholeness. Pioneered by Mr. Raj Singh, Antara Luxury River Cruises is a rapidly growing boutique cruise brand that is bringing travelers to India’s majestic waterways and have them sail in luxury to find adventure and pleasure. Charting the legendary waters of the Ganga and Brahmaputra, Raj Singh built for the first time in India, a fleet of luxurious river ships that offer plush accommodations while also bringing regenerative experiences to both travelers and local communities.

Operating successfully since 2009, the Antara Fleet has sailed the Indo-Bangladesh protocol route, touched the ghats of holy Varanasi, meandered through the sleepy towns of Bengal and explored the gorgeous Sunderbans among its many destinations.

Ganga Vilas, resplendent in its design, sails the ancient river, glowing through day and night. Guests sail and watching people on the banks gaze back at the slow movement of its crisp and radiant colours. The changing light reflects on the water and plays into the suites. The jewel tones of Varanasi’s Himalayan Buddhist Gyasar textiles, the soft curves of mid-century Indian teak furniture, original contemporary art, handmade tiles, wooden hallways and staircases – the ship is altogether chic, meditative and sumptuous. Each day brings with it a hand-crafted food and beverage menu, showcasing the specialties of the land. Each day also allows the guests to explore off shore experiences with an in-house expert guide taking them through the stories of India on and off board.

This unique ship and its immersive itinerary is designed to engage the intellect and the senses as one experiences the many imaginations of India in the comfort of a luxurious cruise.

Antara River Cruises has introduced luxury river cruising across India with an exceptional attention to detail. An invitation to take you to untouched destinations bringing unmatched hospitality and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences.

Encompassing luxury in every nook and corner, the river cruises by Antara are designed to make sure you have the most enthralling journey on our rivers. From comfortable suite accommodation to high-end amenities, the cruises are equipped with everything you might need while sailing. Come on board and have a memorable journey.