We all are familiar with cruise ships sailing through the high tides of seas and oceans, crossing continents. But ever wondered about the cruise running through the waters of Indian rivers within the territory and crossing the borders for the most mesmerising journey?
Well, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi flagged off the MV Ganga Vilas luxury cruise on the world's longest river voyage from Varanasi to Dibrugarh on January 13 via video conferencing.
The Ganga Vilas is set to take its first journey of 3,200 km in 51 days. The journey will commence from Varanasi to Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, traversing across 27 river systems in the two countries whilst passing through 5 states in India and Bangladesh. The Cruise will seat 36 passengers/tourists at a time as it has 18 suits along with three decks on it.
The Map Route:
The Ganga Vilas will transverse through the majestic rivers of India. The journey of the cruise will begin from Varanasi and will continue through many cities in India and then it will enter Bangladesh where it will touch down at Dhaka finally it will set forward to enter India again to conclude its journey at Dibrugarh.
Some of the major cities the Ganga Vilas will cover are basically the vast river systems of India like Patna, Sahibgunj, Kolkata, Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Guwahati. While on the journey, the tourists will enjoy 50 interesting spots in around 51 days such as some World Heritage Sights, National Parks, and Major River Ghats.
The Price and Tickets:
The Cruise started its maiden journey on 13th January 2023 from Varanasi with 32 tourists from Switzerland and it is expected to end the voyage on 1st March 2023 at Dibrugarh, Assam. The journey on the MV Ganga Vilas will cost the tourists around INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 per head.
Other fascinating facts to dwell upon:
As a passenger, you will witness Varanasi's famed Ganga Aarti, travel to Sarnath, a Buddhist holy place, and witness Majuli, the centre of Assamese Vaishnavite culture. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, tours of the Sundarbans and Kaziranga National Park.
The Ganga Vilas ship is 62 metres long, and 12 metres wide, and sails well with a 1.4-meter draught.
The journey on the world's longest river voyage from Varanasi to Dibrugarh will cost approximately Rs 13 lakh, approximately with an average fare per person being about Rs 25,000 per night.