India is all set, to begin with, the World’s largest luxury river Cruise. The journey shall begin from January 2023 as per the announcement. At the same time, it will cover a distance of around 4000 km. The announcement for this cruise ship was made by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
This cruise also known as Ganga Vilas Cruise will go from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Dibrugarh in Assam. For this, it shall travel through Kolkata and Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka.
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Highlights of the RIVER Cruise
As per reports, the ship shall go from national parks and sanctuaries to offer a worthwhile experience to the passengers. This includes the prominent Kaziranga National Park and Sundarbans Delta.
Another great aspect of this trip shall be an opportunity to witness the well-known Ganga Aarti. Alongside, the passengers will get a chance to watch the amazing natural wonders of the world that includes the largest mangrove forest, and visit Mayong.
Mayong is also known as a land of magic and witchcraft in India located in Assam. The place is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra in the beautiful Morigaon district. This village is even known as the cradle of ‘black magic in India.
Details of the River Cruise Trip
The Minister revealed several other details about the cruise trip. The trip shall begin on January 10 at Varanasi. On the other hand, the cruise will reach Bogibeel in the Dibrugarh district of Assam on March 1.
It will reach Patna on the 8th day. Also, it will go through Buxar, Ramnagar, and Ghazipur, and cover almost 1100 km in Bangladesh before entering back in India. This Project is a part of the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route. Moreover, this has opened a pathway for trade that connects both the countries through Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
Ganga Vilas Cruise
Ganga Vilas Cruise will be the longest river cruise that will span over 50 days and cover 27 river systems. Interestingly, it will cover more than 50 tourist sites, including World Heritage Sites from India and Bangladesh.
Overall, it will be the single largest river journey by a single river ship globally. Furthermore, it will lay both India and Bangladesh on the river cruise map of the world.
Recently, with the amendment of the Indian Vessel Act, cruise liners shall get national permits. This means that they can travel across states with permit restrictions.
The vessel measures 62.5 m (length), 12.8 m (width), and 1.35 m (draft). It is the first river cruise ship built in India, as per reports.
A project under PPP Model
The Ganga Vilas cruise will be a Project under the PPP model by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Also, it features Antara Luxury River Cruises and JM Baxi River Cruises.
Antara Luxury River Cruises will handle the operations of the river cruise vessel. Additionally, it will manage 18 suites and all other associated facilities.
The cruise is specially prepared with a unique design and a futuristic approach. For now, other details of ticket pricing and detailed services are unavailable. But, the operators will take a call on it. While the central government won’t interfere in it.
Summing up
The Ganga Vilas Cruise or the longest river cruise in the world will be the first river cruise in India. It will put India and Bangladesh on the list of countries offering river cruise trips. The journey of 50 days will start from Varanasi to Dibrugarh through Kolkata and Bangladesh. Alongside, it will cover more than 50 tourist sites making it a worthwhile experience for travellers.
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