The Journal

Join Lisa Story, our Founder and Director, as she shares highlights from her recent journey as a guest of Uniworld.

From the tranquillity of the Ganges to the grandeur of the Golden Triangle, experience India through her eyes - where luxurious river cruising, world-class service, and moments of deep cultural connection come together in perfect harmony.

Our journey through India with Uniworld was inspiring, immersive, and executed with precision and care - a seamless blend of culture, comfort and connection.

We began in Kolkata, taking the reverse route of Uniworld’s “India’s Golden Triangle and the Sacred Ganges” itinerary, which traditionally starts in Delhi. This allowed us to ease into the experience with a few days at leisure before joining the main group.

We stayed at the beautiful Glenburn Penthouse - a discreet and elegant residence perched above historic Kolkata. With sweeping views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the penthouse feels like a private home, filled with antique Bengal colonial furniture and curated artworks that reflect the city’s layered history.

The service was thoughtful and intuitive, and our experience was elevated by a guided exploration of the area. Kolkata surprised us - rich with history and marked by a strong English influence, it offered so much more than I expected.

One of the most memorable moments here was a homestyle lunch at the residence of Bomti Iyengar, whose hospitality was as delightful as the G&T and family recipes he shared.

From Kolkata, we boarded the Ganges Voyager II - our elegant home for the river cruise. The ship was immaculate, the cabins beautifully maintained, and the crew truly exceptional. We were welcomed with garlands and Tika, and began our journey down the Ganges with views of colonial buildings, bustling riverbanks and daily life unfolding along the ghats.

As we sailed towards Kalna, the landscape became increasingly rural and peaceful - a window into the rhythms of everyday village life. The excursions were thoughtfully chosen, with knowledgeable guides who read the group’s energy and adjusted accordingly, especially during the intense June heat. Their warmth, insight, and storytelling brought every destination to life.

In Kalna, we visited the remarkable Rajbari Temple Complex by electric rickshaw - home to 108 small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, we wandered through an eclectic local market, where all kinds of seasonal fruit, vegetables, and spices were for sale... the smell was intoxicating.

One afternoon, we stopped at Chandernagore, a former French colony established in 1673, offering a unique contrast in architecture and cultural legacy.

Back in Kolkata, we explored the Flower Market, tucked into one of the city’s most challenged districts, before visiting Kumartuli - the potters’ quarter where clay idols are hand-crafted for religious festivals. We also made a powerful visit to Mother Teresa’s Home, learning about her extraordinary life and legacy.

A personal highlight was our time at Calcutta Rescue - a school offering care, education and opportunity to underprivileged children. The joy, hope and resilience we witnessed there left a deep and lasting impression.

Next, we flew to Jaipur and checked in to the exquisite Oberoi Rajvilas. From there, we explored the majestic Amber Fort, toured the City Palace, and marvelled at the Jantar Mantar Observatory, brought vividly to life by a university professor who made ancient astronomy feel relevant and alive. We lunched at a royal family–run restaurant, and ended the day with some lively shopping in the city’s bustling bazaar.

Our next stop was Agra, where we stayed at The Oberoi Amarvilas, located directly opposite the Taj Mahal. Seeing the Taj from our room was breathtaking - but standing before it in person, especially at sunset, was unforgettable. Its scale, beauty and symbolism are simply beyond words.

We wrapped up the Golden Triangle experience in Delhi, which impressed me far more than I expected. From the serenity of Humayun’s Tomb and Gandhi’s memorial to the chaos and colour of a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, it was a sensory feast.

The Oberoi Hotels throughout were exceptional - offering a level of service that was intuitive, warm, and always a step ahead. Every detail, from the food to the furnishings, contributed to a feeling of relaxed luxury and ease.

This journey through India was a masterful balance of culture, comfort, authenticity, and heart. I would recommend it without hesitation to anyone seeking a deeper, richer travel experience - one that stirs the senses and the soul.