Ganga Vilas: World’s Longest River Cruise To Start India
Prime Minister Modi is all set to launch the world's longest river cruise, Ganga Vilas, on 13th January in Varanasi.
India is known for its rich cultural tourism around the world, and the holy Ganga river is one of its major highlights. Now, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to launch the world's longest river cruise, Ganga Vilas, on 13th January in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, said that the launch will begin a new age of river cruise tourism for India. Connecting Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, the cruise will cover 3,200 kilometres in a 51 day planned cruise with visits to 50 tourist spots. Tourists will get to see major cities like Patna in Bihar, Kolkata in West Bengal, Guwahati in Assam Dhaka in Bangladesh crossing the international border, famous Ganga Arti in Varanasi, Sarnath-a place of great reverence for Buddhism, Bihar School of Yoga, World Heritage Sites of Sunder bans in Bengal and Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
Notably, the Ganga Vilas is 62 meters in length and 12 meters in width, becoming the world’s longest river cruise. The cruise has three decks, and 18 luxurious suites on board with a capacity to accommodate upto 36 tourists. Passengers will be able to avail all the amenities and are expected to receive a memorable and luxurious experience during their 51 day-long journey. The ship is equipped with pollution-free mechanisms and noise control technologies which will not impact the aquatic lifestyle in the river. On its inaugural voyage, 32 tourists from Switzerland will travel onboard from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi to Dibrugarh in Assam. The ship is expected to arrive in Dibrugarh on 1st of March. Tickets can be booked through the website of Antara Luxury River Cruises, the company that operates the ship. The inaugural cruise is fully booked. It is being reported that bookings started and were sold out in 2021 for the next two years.
An all-inclusive package with expeditions, sightseeing and entertainment is priced at around Rs 25,000 per person per night. However, the suites on the ship have been sold for Rs 38 lakh for double occupancy for the entire trip. This year, the ship will set sail a total of four times. After January, there will be more cruises in September. What do you think about this fascinating river cruise to experience India’s rich cultural heritage? Do mention your thoughts in the comment section below.
