In a move bound to stir the spirit of every well-travelled soul from Bondi to Bangalore, Viking—ever the watchword for refined exploration—has just unveiled its first foray into the heart of India via the mighty Brahmaputra River.

Launching in late 2027, the purpose-built Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest boutique vessel, will gently glide between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in Assam, ushering in a new era of slow travel along one of South Asia’s least-explored waterways. And yes, dear reader, it comes with all the Viking trimmings you’ve expected—Scandi chic, cultural depth, and creature comforts that even Kipling might’ve traded his pith helmet for.

A River Runs Through It: Welcome to Viking’s India

Now, one does not simply drop anchor in India. It takes flair, finesse, and a deep respect for a culture that is less a destination and more a living, breathing kaleidoscope of sound, scent, and spice.

And Viking, to its credit, isn’t dabbling. It’s headfirst with a 15-day “Wonders of India” itinerary. The voyage includes a splendid eight-day river cruise flanked by immersive hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur—aka the famous Golden Triangle—where guests will check off not one, not two, but up to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

So, whether peering through the filigreed windows of Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal or feeling the morning mist rise around the Taj Mahal, Viking guests will be steeped in history and luxury.

The Viking Brahmaputra: Elegance Meets Assam

Designed specifically for Indian river conditions, the Viking Brahmaputra is about understated sophistication. The 40 outside staterooms will feature Viking’s signature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with private verandas. In other words: unobstructed views of holy riverside shrines, misty jungles, and water buffalo going about their business.

Guests can expect a Spa and Fitness Centre, a breezy Sky Bar on the Upper Deck, and interiors washed in the familiar pale wood and Nordic palette that whispers, “Yes, you’ve left the chaos behind.”

But make no mistake—this isn’t your average gin-and-tonic cruise. The Brahmaputra is a wild thing. Twisting through the Himalayan foothills, it hosts rare one-horned rhinos, elusive river dolphins, and ancient cultures on islands like Majuli, where neo-Vaishnavite monasteries still ring with sacred chant.

A Cultural Feast – With Real Curry, Not Just Flavour

“This is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries,” said Viking’s Chairman and CEO, Torstein Hagen, no stranger to uncharted waters. “We’re delighted to now offer a deeper way for curious travellers to explore India—in Viking comfort, of course.”

That comfort includes 13 guided tours throughout the itinerary, including rickshaw rides through Old Delhi, temple visits in Guwahati, and wildlife safaris in Kaziranga National Park, home to rhinos that look like they’ve wandered straight out of a medieval bestiary.

To round things off with a sprinkle of indulgence, guests can add extra land tours to Cochin and Mumbai or perhaps Kathmandu for a Himalayan epilogue, all with Viking’s hallmark of all-inclusive simplicity and guided expertise.

Viking: Still the Thinking Person’s Cruise

While some river cruise lines tempt with bottomless cocktails and Broadway-style bluster, Viking continues to bet on the curious, well-read traveller who’d rather photograph a Mughal archway than a neon-lit lounge. This new India itinerary is no exception. It’s not for the party crowd—it’s for those who find joy in stillness, story, and sensory detail.

For travel advisors and seasoned globetrotters, Viking’s Indian debut represents something special: a new product in a region rich in culture but, until now, underserved by luxury river cruising. With the Brahmaputra’s dramatic landscapes and deeply spiritual heritage, it’s a natural extension of Viking’s commitment to authentic discovery.

Final Boarding Call: 2027 and Beyond

By the time the Viking Brahmaputra begins its maiden voyage, the appetite for immersive travel experiences will only have grown stronger. And in the grand Viking tradition, this new route is set to be much more than a cruise—it’s a passage through time, geography, and soul.

For bookings, full itineraries, and visual feasts to whet your wanderlust, visit www.viking.com.

By Susan Ng

=====================================