Ganga Vilas River cruise

January 6, 2023

On January 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the world’s longest river cruise, “Ganga Vilas,” from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh. The luxury vessel, which can accommodate 80 passengers, will take 50 days to complete its journey, covering 3200 km and passing through 27 river systems in India and Bangladesh.

Highlights of the Trip

Tourists on the “Ganga Vilas” will have the opportunity to visit over 50 architecturally significant places, including world heritage sites, during the course of the trip. These landmarks range from Varanasi – one of the oldest cities in the world and a holy site for Hindus – to the abandoned Buddhist monastery Vikramshila.
In Bangladesh, travelers can experience the beauty of the ghost city of Sonargaon and the ornate 1400s-era Sixty Dome Mosque, among other culturally and historically important locations.
In addition to visiting these iconic sites, the cruise will also pass through national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Sundarbans Delta and Kaziranga National Park.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all passengers, the “Ganga Vilas” will offer a range of amenities, such as a gym, a spa, an open-air observation deck, personal butler service, and cultural programs and music.

Cruise Itinerary

According to the schedule released by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the “Ganga Vilas” cruise will begin its journey in Varanasi and reach Patna on the eighth day, with stops in Buxar, Ramnagar, and Ghazipur along the way. From Patna, the cruise will set sail for Kolkata and arrive on the 20th day, passing through Farakka and Murshidabad. The following day, it will depart for Dhaka and enter Bangladesh waters, where it will remain for the next 15 days. Finally, the cruise will return to India through Guwahati before sailing through Sibsagar and reaching its final destination in Dibrugarh.

Swiss Visitors on the Cruise

The “Ganga Vilas” cruise departed from Kolkata on December 22 with 32 Swiss visitors aboard. Upon arrival in Varanasi on January 6, these tourists will have the chance to explore the city’s spiritual and religious sites, according to Raj Singh, the Director of Ganga Vilas Cruises.

Improving Amenities in Varanasi

The Uttar Pradesh government is working to improve the amenities for visitors to Varanasi in preparation for the arrival of Prime Minister Modi and the launch of the “Ganga Vilas” cruise. With its rich cultural and historical significance, the city is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, and the government is eager to ensure that their experience is a positive one.

The “Ganga Vilas” cruise offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of India and Bangladesh, with stops at some of the most iconic and culturally significant sites in the region. From the ancient city of Varanasi to the ornate Sixty Dome Mosque in Bangladesh, this 50-day journey is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

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