Viking to Launch First India River Cruises in 2027

Viking has announced its inaugural river voyages in India aboard the Viking Brahmaputra, a new vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River. Currently under construction and scheduled to debut in late 2027, the Viking Brahmaputra promises to redefine modern river cruising in India. The vessel will operate between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam, as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary,Wonders of India. The programme includes an eight-day river cruise complemented by a fully-guided land tour with overnight stays in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

“With its rich heritage, deep-rooted cultural traditions, and breathtaking natural wonders, India is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for inquisitive travellers to explore this extraordinary country in depth and in Viking comfort.”

The Viking Brahmaputra

The new Viking Brahmaputra will accommodate 80 guests in 40 outside cabins. It features Viking’s renowned Scandinavian-inspired design, with all staterooms and suites boasting floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to private verandas. Guests on the three-deck vessel will also enjoy a range of amenities, including a Spa & Fitness Centre and an open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck.

Wonders of India

The 15-dayWonders of Indiaitinerary is a round-trip programme from Delhi, with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur surrounding an eight-day Brahmaputra River cruise, which can be undertaken in either easterly or westerly directions. With 13 included excursions, travellers will discover India’s cultural treasures and have the opportunity to visit up to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include exploring the Taj Mahal in Agra, wandering through Old Delhi’s bustling streets, and admiring Jaipur’s ornate Palace of Winds. During the river cruise, guests will visit Guwahati’s temples, encounter thriving village communities along the riverbanks, watch for one-horned rhinoceroses and water buffalo in Kaziranga National Park, and uncover the diverse cultures of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.

For further immersive experiences, Viking also offers a selection of new pre- and post-cruise land extensions, including Delhi (two nights), Dubai (three nights, fully guided), Kathmandu (four nights, fully guided), and Cochin and Mumbai (five nights, fully guided).

With the launch of the Viking Brahmaputra, Viking continues its international expansion, providing discerning travellers with a more profound way to explore India’s rich cultural and natural heritage through river cruising.