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If you crave to go on a holiday and traverse the marvelous seas and the dense green surroundings of India, you can join one of the luxury cruises that will take you through the superb yet unspoiled locations of this country.
Indians are now considering the potential of India’s boundless coastline and are reaping the benefits by coming up with a number of well-tailored cruise itineraries. A bevy of offers and destinations are on the cards to draw customers to go for cruises in India, and most border on the exquisite and unusual.
Among the famous destinations in India that you can visit are Mumbai, Goa, the backwaters of Kerala, Lakshadweep, Andaman, Sunderbans, Kochi, Maldives, Ganges River, and the River of Brahmaputra.
Here are the best cruises in India that you can get on for an adventurous journey:
Sunderbans Luxury Cruise
Sunderbans is the world’s biggest and grandest Royal Bengal tiger reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence, it’s worth checking out.
Navigate through the mangrove ecosystems and visit the historical villages where you can witness enriching folk theatre performances by the villagers. Aboard a four-decked luxury cruise liner, you can sail your way with the MV Paramhamsa with all the modern facilities and amenities.
The journey starts from Kolkata and finishes in the Sunderbans before returning to Kolkata. The MV Paramhamsa will take passengers through turning rivers and streams of Sunderbans to give them an exceptional experience.
It is set on the vast delta created by the union of three famous rivers- Padma, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. Vada Cruise aboard MV Paramhansa lets you cruise through the experience of roaring tigers. Consider it your fortunate day, if you catch a sight of the ‘Big Cat’ bathing while cruising through the waters of Sunderbans.
The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda Cruise
This cruise will carry you through the most distant water stretch in Kerala by crossing through the Vembanad Lake and the waters of Alleppey.
As a valued guest, you can experience enriching cultural performances and night transnational shows while you enjoy all the luxuries on board. You’ll also be served great cuisines prepared by the wonderful master chefs of the country.
The Oberoi Vrinda motor vessel attaches a special grace to the magical holidays on Kerala backwaters. While cruising on these exalted vessels, you can visit the famous backwater destinations of Kerala. This holds an excellent way to feel the serenity of the surrounding villages and the divine touch to God’s Own Country is by embarking on the Oberoi Vrinda.
The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda Cruise is a thoroughly outfitted floating villa, letting you view a superb environment and see the neighboring villages and their people from close points.
These motor vessels are purely operational in the largest extent of backwaters from Alleppy to the Kochi islands. While you’re on board, the Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda will make sure that you visit a large number of canals and lakes and explore all corners of the Kerala backwaters. On your stay at the Oberoi Motor, you can enjoy recreational facilities in Vessel Vrinda like the Ayurveda massage parlor, relaxing deck, dining area, bar, and luxury cabins for the night.
Accommodation in these grand vessels is prepared in terms of eight luxury cabins that house huge beds and all modern facilities. The rooms have recreation amenities like television, DVD player, and electronic safe.
For most of your stay, the upper deck lounge of the vessel serves as the dining retreat. You can receive your breakfast on the deck while being in the sun. You can request authentic Kerala cuisine or seafood. Crabs, salad, and wine also complete the interesting menu here.
River Ganges Heritage Cruise
The water of the Ganges grants magnificent views of spiritual pilgrimage sites and the encompassing lush green forests.
The cruise is outfitted with 32 spacious rooms and a roomy terrace dining area that can hold up to 80 guests. It also has a live kitchen that serves local cuisines. This 260 km-long stretch luxury cruise will carry you through some of the best sightseeing spots.
The great river the Ganges, also known as Ganga in Sanskrit, embodies elegance and timeless existence. For centuries, travelers searched several parts of the country through the Ganges and this is one of the reasons that the founder and director of the River Ganges Heritage Cruise, Mr. Raj Singh, chose to carry on with this tradition.
The embodiment of sophistication and luxury, Ganga Voyager extends travel encounters in the Indian Subcontinent by cruising in some of South Asia’s amazing luxury river cruise ships.
With the concept of making the trip along the ancient river routes of East India extraordinary, they have meticulously shaped up the itineraries to explore some of the most fascinating destinations from Kolkata to Varanasi. Explore new cultures, new encounters, and new destinations while you cruise on the Ganges.
Their award-winning river cruise encourages you to sail into a world of relaxation and style. With 28 well-equipped rooms, Ganges Voyager can host 56 guests. There are 35 crew members on board to make your journey carefree and only about loving memories. There are 5 categories of rooms to pick from, where you can unwind while they take you to amazing destinations.
Your cruise on Ganges Voyager is accompanied by gratifying food at their multi-cuisine dining room on the main deck. This is where their expert chefs serve their best translations of delicious cuisines.
The sun deck boasts a bar where the bartenders stir up extrinsic drinks. You can decide from their wide array of imported wines, teas and coffees, and relax in the open lounge while relishing the beautiful views outside.
M.V Mahabaahu Cruise
This luxury cruise begins from Kolkata and carries you through different tribal villages, tranquil monasteries, endless tea plantations, and other ancient destinations.
You’ll be taken through the most desirable northeastern parts of India like Assam and Tezpur on this cruise. The cruise also extends onboard amenities like a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, and a health spa. Well, you can also revel in cooking sessions, seeing several cultural shows and one-horned rhinoceros.
Sailing through the Brahmaputra, which is considered one of the majestic rivers of the world, on the genuinely luxurious MV Mahabaahu surely presents one of life’s magnificent pleasures. The Brahmaputra River starts in Tibet, where it is recognized as the Yarlung Tsangpo and is deemed sacred by Hindus and Buddhists alike.
Civilizations have resided along the river for thousands of years, many of those people are isolated from each other due to the extensive forests. The Brahmaputra is the only river in India to be granted a male name and extends 2,900km from Tibet, through India to Bangladesh, where it runs into the Bay of Bengal.
This is certainly a magnificent river island system with the smallest and largest inhabited islands of the world situated in India.
It is the only traversable river in the world beneath the shadows of over 7,000 meters high, mounting snow-covered Himalayan ranges. This is also the only river connected to the Zambezi River in Africa from which elephant, jeep and boat safaris can take place in the Kaziranga National Park, named as the Serengeti of India.
Lakshadweep Cruise
Lakshadweep islands are well-known for exciting water sports, so you can surely opt for this cruise if you are an adventure junkie. Several cruises sail here, which means that you have a lot of options.
During the voyage, you will be able to visit the locals and catch a glimpse of their everyday lifestyle. You can join in turtle walking, coral reef strolling and bird viewing on some of the islands. Oh, you can also rent jet skis and water scooters to have more fun.
Those who prefer water sports and adventure pursuits will surely have a great time here. Everything from bathing to deep-sea fishing is possible.
Lakshadweep Islands is the smallest Union Territory of India, embracing just 32sq.km. The 36 islands, islets, and atolls and the waters in between together convey 4,200sq.km of space. Kavaratti is the official capital of the union territory.
“Lakshadweep” literally means a thousand islands, and it is situated about 220km from Kerala’s Malabar Coast. Most of the natives are followers of Islam, with a smatter of Hindus and Christians. Coconut farming, fishing, and coir production are the major occupations of the island people.
Out of 36 islands, only 10 are occupied by people. Several islands can only be visited during the day to traverse their flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the Pitti island is totally shifted into a bird sanctuary. Plenty of terns and turtles can also be found in this area.
The islands of Lakshadweep are abundant in wildlife and ecotourism is quickly catching up. Bird viewing and turtle walking are just some of the things you can do as a pastime here.
On the islands, tourists can go for adventure and water sports. You can also go sail on a boat, kayak, and deep-sea fishing. Water scooters and jet skis are open for rent.
There are pedal boats, kayaks, and glass-bottom ones that you can choose from in boat sailing. On a boat ride, you can easily view small corals beneath the shallow blue waters, fish that swim close to your boat, and numerous birds, too. Some agencies offer tools and crew on hire. A tour around the villages is exhilarating and you can meet the locals and socialize with them.
The Luxury Vrinda
Traverse the backwaters of Alleppey on this luxury cruise liner that grants different facilities like onboard meals and elegant luxury cabins to all its passengers. You can unwind and enjoy the wonderful scenes of the Vembanad Sea or you could catch up on off-board activities like house sailing, seeing a cultural dance, or fishing.
The most excellent way to journey through the enchanting backwater of Kerala is to sail aboard a luxury backwater cruise. Go for the Luxury Vrinda, a luxury backwater cruise tour package by Indian Holiday to traverse the spectacular attraction of the Kerala backwaters while the vessel is coasting on the calm waters.
This cruise package of 5 days and 4 nights gives you an opportunity to explore the well-known Alleppey backwaters and the expanse around it. A trip in Kettuvallam, a popular houseboat, is a top attraction. You indulge in sightseeing, witness the way of the locals, experience sumptuous food, and so on during the tour.
Goa Cruise Destination
Goa is unquestionably one of the most famous cruise destinations in India. As the cruise sails through the glowing waters of the Mandovi River, you’ll be able to view the magnificent golden sunset along the coastlines.
While on the cruise, you’ll be given alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and pleasant delights as you pass pleasant sights of tranquil surroundings. You may even find dolphins.
Cruise in Goa provides one to explore the fascinating scenery, pristine waters, and marvel at the breathtaking landscape of the sunset. There are many types of voyages in Goa ranging from simple night cruises, elegant and sentimental dinner cruises, backwater cruises, and casino cruises. All of these normally start from Miramar Beach in Panjim.
Many Goa cruises also grant dinner options along with guaranteed enjoyment and entertainment activities that are offered throughout the day. Although this will depend upon the daytime, sunset, and moonlight.
Scheduling a cruise getaway in Goa is fairly easy as a number of them also offer online booking choices. Depending on the specifications and time that you prefer to spend on the boats, you can certainly pick a package that suits you the best.
Costa Neo Classica Cruise
This massive luxury cruise has a lot to offer for all its travelers. It rises from Mumbai and climaxes towards the Maldives. It holds 654 cabins, out of which, 428 cabins extend a pretty sea view and the rest of them even possess private balconies.
The ship has a wellness center, a swimming pool, a gym, four Jacuzzis, a library, a ballroom hall, and an onboard shopping mall too. This cruise surely has it all.
A ship where luxury reigns supreme, composed by the architect and designer Pierluigi Cerri, to embrace passengers in a mood that is extravagant and relaxed. Costa Victoria never stops to astound, as you will notice the moment you step into the Planetarium Atrium with its scenic lifts and sparkling reflections that take you up to the ship’s top decks.
The ship’s distinct style combines balanced forms with understated furnishings and magnificent construction work. It is a picturesque and welcoming ship, perfect if you want to be tempted by the sea.
Kerala Backwater Cruise
You can traverse the marvelous landscapes of rice paddy fields and bamboo on waters in the backwaters of Kerala. Get off-board to experience one of the most captivating and private tranquil boat rides in the peaceful Kerala backwaters for an unforgettable cruise.
A Kerala backwaters cruise engages you in a twisted network of rivers, inlets, lagoons, and lakes resembling the Arabian Sea coast. Delightfully picturesque and quiet, with rich wildlife on display, these cruises take place in a different landscape, with smaller boats allowing you to visit isolated areas that most tourist boats cannot.
Traversing the backwaters of Kerala is often the star of a visit to India’s southeastern part, with some 900km of waterways and lagoons creating a magnificent landscape that can perhaps be best compared to the evocative bayous of the USA. The Kerala backwaters extend from Kollam in the south to Cochin in the north and hold the state’s “rice bowl,” hence you will normally be cruising aboard a kettuvallam – a turned rice barge.
Most cruise voyages start in Alleppey, also known as the ‘Venice of the East for its extensive network of canals, with courses that depend on your embarkation and disembarkation points, the expanse of the backwaters, and the number of nights you’re employing onboard; voyages are tailor-made so you could be sailing for anywhere between just one night and a week.
Andaman Islands Cruise
Several cruise lines will take you through the dense green surroundings of the Andaman Islands. You can opt to go by yacht, a boat, a ferry, or a luxury ship cruise. You can also enjoy off-shore pursuits like snorkeling, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and some other water sports.
Each island tour ensures an enriching adventure through the crystal clear waters so it will surely be quite an extravagant adventure. The cruise to Andaman is only open from the ports of Kolkata, Vizag, and Chennai.
While one can hover in the turquoise blue waters of the ocean, a view of far-sighted beaches packed with tropical palm trees, shacks, and the sun beaming at the top will cheer up more. These cruises are available in different timeline stays like 5 hours, 1-day, or 2-days, depending upon the tourists.
Andaman cruises are well-known for giving multi-amenities in the cruise itself like a cafeteria, good music, air-conditioned cabins, and bars. So, one can have a completely relaxing and peaceful atmosphere at a go. Not just that, some of the cruises are outfitted with facilities to satisfy anyone in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing while drifting in-between waters.
Some of the cruises can also be rented for parties and make the life of people rolling while they rock on the cruise the entire night.
Final Thoughts
Enough of road trips, railway transports, and air travels, it’s time to traverse the Indian waterways.
Passionate enough to explore India over water on your next trip? Prepare for your holiday breaks soon, as the soaring temperature is just around the corner.
So, get ready, pick this list of cruise vacations in India, organize a trip to one of your favorite Indian destinations, and travel to enjoy an extraordinary holiday cruise.