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Join our friends at Brand g Vacations from October 15-28, 2024 for a luxury LGBT India voyage. This is an LGBT+, inclusive and guaranteed full ship charter journey as you explore the splendors of India and cruise the Lower Ganges River.
Stay in a luxurious New Delhi hotel as you explore the capital territory. Fly to exotic West Bengal for an unforgettable cruise along the lower Ganges River with powerful visits to Bandel, Kalna, Murshidabad, Chandernagore, and the stunning new temple complex at Mayapur. Back in Kolkata, the journey continues to Rajasthan and India’s Golden Triangle, with astounding visits to the fabled pink city of Jaipur, the 11th century Agra Fort, and the legendary Taj Mahal.
During the river cruise, you’ll return home each night to a soothing atmosphere of relaxation aboard the elegant, all-suite Ganges Voyager. Breathe in the scenery from the comfort of a top deck lounge. Explore the healing sensations of Ayurvedic or traditional European spa treatments. Gather with your new friends and discuss the meaning of enlightenment as you watch the world go by. No matter where you are on board, you’ll feel a renewing energy and comforting sense of peace.
This LGBT India tour can easily be combined with Brand g’s voyage to Nepal and Bhutan.
Package Includes
Touring Highlights
New Delhi
Arrive at the Delhi airport where you will be met by a Brand g representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights in an Imperial room, at the deluxe Imperial Hotel in New Delhi. Meet your fellow travelers at an evening welcome reception at the hotel.
New Delhi
Today’s comprehensive tour introduces you to this bustling city’s landmarks, passing the imposing Red Fort, President’s Palace and City Gate. Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th century landmark of Mughal architecture inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and Qutab Minar, also a UNESCO site. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D)
New Delhi/Kolkata (Embarkation)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your short included flight to Kolkata where upon arrival you will be transferred to the ship. After settling into your suite aboard the Ganges Voyager, gather for a welcome reception and dinner, followed by a musical performance featuring songs of the Bengal region. (B/D)
Kolkata /Bandell/Kalna
This morning, you’ll go ashore to explore the legacy of Kolkata’s British colonial era. You’ll see the Writers’ Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India, St. John’s Church, as well as Dalhousie Square and the Victoria Memorial Museum.
This afternoon after lunch on board the ship, you’ll board excursion boats and go ashore at Bandel, a port founded by Portuguese settlers in the 1800s. Here you will tour of the Hooghly Imambara (completed in 1861), an important Shia pilgrimage center. You’ll return to the ship for dinner in the East India Dining Room. (B/L/D)
Kalna/Matiari
This morning you will enjoy a rickshaw ride through the city center of Kalna en route to the enchanting Rajbari complex, with the highest concentration of temples in the region. Other temples on the site include Lalji Temple, the oldest in the complex (1739), and Krishnachandra Temple (1751). (B/L/D)
Matiari/Khushbagh
This morning you may enjoy a shore side bazaar. Matiari is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations.
You then continue your journey upstream sailing past the battlefield of Plassey, where Robert Clive of British East India Company defeated the Mogul Nawabs in 1757. (B/L/D)
Khushbagh/Baranagar/Murshidabad
This morning you visit the charming village of Khushbagh, passing through scenic fields to arrive to the well-‐preserved mosque complex built by Nawab Ali-‐Wardi-‐Khan, housing his family’s private mosque.
After an on-‐board breakfast and morning sail, you visit the village of Baranagar. A lovely example of life in rural India, this village is home to several temples dating from the 18th century (1714 – 1793). You return to the ship for lunch and sail downstream.
This afternoon you will pass by charming countryside villages filled where locals greet you from the banks. You approach Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem along the Ganges with dramatic whitewashed colonial era structures. You also visit the Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824 –1838 AD) which has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors.
You then take a scenic ride by local buggy to the 18th century Katra mosque, with its distinctive minarets. This evening you return for dinner and local cultural performance on-‐board. (B/L/D)
Murshidabad/Mayapur/Chandernagore
After a restful morning, observing the local life along the riverbanks, you stop in the village of Mayapur. Known as the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486) and considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna, you can experience the fascinating culture of these followers and their ornate, colorful decorated statues of Krishna. Additionally, you will learn from Krishna followers leading the construction of the new and impressive temple located on the complex, completed in 2016. (B/L/D)
Chanderagore/Kolkata
You begin the day in Chandernagore, established as a French colony in 1673. You will explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor’s residence (now converted to a museum that features an exhibition of items that depict life during this period). You will also visit the Sacred Heart Church of Chandernagore. You then return to the ship and continue your journey downstream to Kolkata. (B/L/Farewell Dinner)
Kolkata/Jaipur
Following breakfast you disembark the vessel with packed lunch and transfer to the Kolkata Airport en route visiting Mother Teresa’s House and Orphanage. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room where you will learn her life story, and see her charity that is still active. You will also visit her orphanage, the Sishu Bhawan (Children’s Home), where one of the sisters will lead you on a tour.
Thereafter, you will transfer to the airport for a short flight to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Upon arrival you will be transfer to the magnificent Rambagh Palace Hotel where you’ll check into your Palace Room for an evening of relaxation, including dinner in the hotel’s opulent ballroom. (B/L/D)
Jaipur
Enjoy the opulent breakfast at the hotel this morning and join today’s tour of the “Pink City” featuring an optional elephant back ride up the hill to the Amber Fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Visit the UNESCO-designated site of the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the residence of the former royal family City Palace, a complex of lovely courtyards and gardens. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore northern India cuisine. (B/L)
Jaipur/Agra
Today’s scenic ride takes you to the city of Agra, located on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Check in to your room at the Taj Hotel Agra for one night. This afternoon, you will visit the massive and impressive Agra Fort. Afterwards you will transfer to Mehtab Bagh park for an unforgettable sunset view of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River. (B/L/D)
Agra/New Delhi
Early risers may join the captivating sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal for an inside visit of the UNESCO site. Enjoy breakfast and some time at leisure at your beautiful hotel this morning, or take the opportunity to shop for keepsakes. After lunch, a scenic ride takes you to New Delhi for the rest of the day at leisure. You will then be transferred to an airport hotel before your international flight home. Or, spend the night and join the post trip add on to Varanasi the next morning. (B/L)
Transfer to the airport for your early morning international flight home. Or, join the post trip add on to Varanasi this morning.
Just launched in January 2015, the all-suites Ganges Voyager, is one of the most luxurious cruise ships on the Ganges. It is elegantly designed in the English Colonial style. Therefore, it offers an opportunity to explore India in total comfort. It accommodates just 56 lucky passengers who are pampered by a crew of 33. Its 3 decks include a spa, fitness center, sun deck and gracious dining room and lounge spaces.
$10,499 a person Regular Rate
$9,999 Early Booking Rate
Wait List Only!
(Upper Deck, cabin 304) 400 square feet, Panoramic French Balcony, Fixed King Bed, Butler Service, Complimentary One-Hour Spa Treatment Per Guest, Laundry Service, Bottle of Wine Upon Embarkation, Evening Canapes.
$9,799 a person Regular Rate
$9,299 a person Early Booking Rate
Wait List Only!
(Upper Deck, Cabins 313 and 314) 360 square feet, French Balcony, Fixed King Bed, Butler Service, Complimentary One-Hour Spa Treatment Per Guest, Laundry Service, Bottle of Wine Upon Embarkation, Evening Canapes.
$9,199 Regular Rate
$8,699 Early Booking Rate
Wait List Only!
(Upper Deck, Cabins 301 and 302) 280 square feet, French Balcony, fixed queen bed.
$8,699 Regular Rate
$8,199 Early Booking Rate
(Upper Deck – light blue) 261 square feet, French Balcony, two twin-sized beds that can be converted to one queen-sized bed.
$8,299 Regular Rate
$7,799 Early Booking Rate
(Main Deck – green) 261 square feet, French Balcony, two twin-sized beds that can be converted to one queen-sized bed.
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(Imperial Room) Chosen as India’s best ‘Luxury Historical Hotel’ by World Luxury Hotel Awards 2015, The Imperial is an iconic property in Delhi’s 5 star hotel category and the most distinguished address situated in the heart of the capital. The Hotel is steps away from Connaught Place, the renowned shopping district and is very close to the city’s major attractions.
Dates of Stay: 15-17, October 2024
(Palace Room) The Rambagh Palace, is a royal resort set in a breathtaking oasis of beautiful landscaped gardens. Built in 1835, Rambagh Palace has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions—from the home of the queen’s favorite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. Today, this jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites which were the chambers of the former Maharaja.
Dates of Stay 24-26, October 2024
(Deluxe Room) The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal, almost 4 centuries ago, bestowing everlasting fame on the town of Agra. Even today millions flock to seventh wonder of this world. Agra’s newest landmark, the Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, lies a short walk away from the Eastern Gate of this fabled monument. This modern 5 star hotel near Taj Mahal reimagines all that Agra can be.
A refreshing rooftop infinity pool with magical views of the Taj Mahal, an invigorating spa and a buzzing fitness center are at hand to rejuvenate every guest. There is also an abundance of dining options to delight the epicurean.
The generously appointed rooms in Taj Hotel, Agra make for an opulent affair. With luxurious bathrooms that feature a standing bath tub and walk-in rain shower. Exquisite inlay work that showcases the local artisanship of Agra in all its glory. Rooms include free wifi and King our twin beds.
Dates of Stay: 26 – 27 October, 2024
(Deluxe Room) The iconic Taj Palace, New Delhi has held a distinguished position amongst the finest hotels of the world for close to four decades. Spread over six acres of lush gardens, our 5 star hotel in Delhi is synonymous with timeless luxury and unmatched hospitality. With panoramic views of the city’s verdant protected greens, our hotel in Delhi offers an inimitable confluence of epitomizing elements of Indian art, warm, personalized service and unmatched luxury. Four award-winning restaurants featuring an array of cuisines from across the world, a stylish bar, nine-hole putting greens, a temperature-controlled swimming pool and an expansive Jiva Spa make Taj Palace, New Delhi, a true urban oasis.
Adorned with elements of art and exquisite Indian motifs, our cherished Deluxe Rooms offer calming views of the lush cityscape. Unwind amidst sheer comfort and sophistication. Feature Queen or Twin beds and free wifi.
Dates of Stay: 27 – 28 October, 2024
and Post day room or overnight stay for Varanasi add-on from Oct 29 – 30
Additional post-program nights may be available. Please contact us for pricing and availability.
(Business Class Room) Situated in what is considered the spiritual capital of India, the Radisson is ideally located for visiting nearby shrines and temples. Our hotel is less than three miles from the River Ganges and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the “Golden Temple.” At the hotel, you can enjoy a restful sleep in comfortable rooms.
Our warmly decorated rooms feature convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen LED TV with 249 satellite channels. After a restful night in a plush bed with cotton linens.
Dates of Stay: 28 – 29 October, 2024
Date 28-30 October, 2024
• Double occupancy pricing: $1,399 per person
• Single occupancy pricing: $1,650
Complete your exciting journey with a visit to captivating Varanasi. Overnight in Delhi on October 27th and transfer on the 28th to the New Delhi airport for your flight to the holy city of Varanasi and one night in a Business class room at the Radisson Hotel, Varanasi. On arrival, witness the mesmerizing Aarti Ceremony attended by hundreds of worshipers, from your private boat on the Ganges River. Join the group for dinner before an early night in preparation for a very early rise the next morning to discover the daily rituals performed along the Ganges during an unforgettable private sunrise cruise. Later, that day fly to Delhi (expected arrival to Delhi at 4:30pm on the 29th of October) for some time at leisure and day room use, or overnight in a Superior room at the deluxe Taj Palace hotel before your independently booked flight.
*Hotel properties are subject to change
$500 early booking rate expires June 30, 2023.
Port Charges of $199 and Pre-paid gratuities of $255 are additional.
Prices are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement of $2,500 applies to single occupancy bookings in Vista and Superior Suites.
Grande and Prestige 100% single supplement applies.
An $1,500 per person credit card deposit is required to confirm your space. The balance of the trip is due 120 days before departure on June 17, 2024. Failure to make payment(s) in a timely manner may cause your reservation to be cancelled.
Brand g’s Best Price Guarantee ensures that you’ll get the best advertised rate.
If a lower fare is ever offered on the Brand g website, you can request (either directly or through us) to have that savings applied to your final payment.
The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier’s code-share partner, will be assigned and disclosed at a later date. We will keep in communication with the tour operator to obtain this information.
Please review Brand g’s Terms and Conditions before contacting us to book this LGBT India tour.
Consider purchasing travel insurance to help protect your trip. While we also can refer you to an online insurance broker, Brand g offers travel insurance as part of a travel protection plan from Travel Insured International, click HERE or call Brand g at 952-405-9309 for pricing information. Please note, to be eligible for certain additional travel protection benefits you must purchase your plan within 21 days of the date your initial trip deposit is received.
Jonathan and his team pulled out all the stops for our boys trip! I planned a very last minute trip for me, my dad and son and this team completed an entire agenda full of entertainment, food stops, and must see places! Truly impressed with his customer service, attention to detail, and responsiveness. If these guys are helping you plan a trip, you can rest assured that it will be amazing!
My wife and I had the trip of a lifetime in France for our 20 year anniversary, thanks to Jonathan and Purple Light Vacations. His ideas for hotels, itinerary and tours were spot on. He was completely able to gauge what we would love with just a short conversation and a few emails. Thank you Jonathan. You're a rockstar and we will definitely be using you again and again!
We just booked our second cruise within the past year through Purple Light Vacations due to their outstanding service. Jonathan Geen is not only highly professional, he is enjoyable to work with. What is the one thing we all want from the service industry, and especially dealing with travel and vacations-- timely and helpful assistance. Jonathan was quick to respond to any question or inquiry, whether by email or phone, any time or day of the week. He went over and above to make sure we were taken care of, and even provided information about places he didn't even book for us. Purple Light is now our go-to firm for travel and vacations.
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Purple Light Vacations
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Phone: (619) 324-1444
Fax: (619) 765-3033
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