Last Update: January 16, 2023, 21:15 IST
The itinerary of MV Ganga Vilas has been designed to showcase the rich heritage of India with stops at places of historical, cultural and religious importance. (ANI)
This luxury cruise will cover some of the major heritage sites of India and is expected to usher in better river sail tourism in the country.
The world’s longest river cruise MV Ganga Vilas was flagged off in Varanasi on Friday, 13 January. Prime minister Narendra Modi Virtually inaugurated the luxury cruise journey from Varanasi to Dibrugarh. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Assam, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, among other dignitaries.
The maiden voyage of MV Ganga Vilas will host 32 tourists from Switzerland. MV Ganga Vilas will cover the 3,200 km journey in 51 days. It will reach Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh. Many river ferries in 50 tourism sports included in the cruise, World heritage sites, national parks and major cities in both India and Bangladesh. The 32 Swiss tourists on the maiden voyage will be able to enjoy the vibrant culture of Patna, Sahibganj, Kolkata, Dhaka and Guwahati.
The vessel is 62 meters in length and 12 meters in breadth. It sailed with a draft of 1.4 metres. Three decks and 18 suites on board can accommodate 36 tourists. Photos and videos from inside the ship show brightly colored walls, carpeted hallways, stylish interiors with comfortable ambient lighting, spacious cabins with large windows for a clear view of the voyage, and elegant decks with wooden floors. The dining and lounge areas are dotted with comfortable looking sofas, with potted plants spread across adding a pleasant touch of green. The ship also has an indoor gym with sophisticated exercise equipment.
In his speech, PM Modi hinted at the unique experience provided by the cruise, saying that India can only be experienced from the heart. He also focused on how the tour will give travelers a first-hand experience of India’s waterways as it passes through 25 different river systems and the country’s myriad culinary delicacies. PM Modi said that MV Ganga Vilas will also play an important role in opening new avenues of employment in the tourism sector.
The tentative date of arrival of the cruise ship at Dibrugarh is 1st March.
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