Cruise is fast becoming one of the prime activities of tourism. Though travelling by road or rail seems far better in enjoying the landscape, there are several cruise routes in India where beauty is breathtaking. Inland cruise is an excellent option to explore the rural beauty of our country. Cruise is one of the best options when it comes to spending a leisure luxury travel with little to arrange on our own.
Let us now explore some amazing routes that India has to offer.
1)Mumbai to Goa Cruise :
This is one of the most popular choices of a cruise in India, among nationals and foreigners alike. It is a sea voyage parallel to the Konkan coast that takes around 12 hours. Several luxury world-class ships operate in this route. More than the natural beauty, this cruise offers a high degree of luxury that boasts of providing you with everything you aspire to while travelling. The route passes through the ruins of Maratha forts by the sea, which has been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site tentative list.
2)Kochi to Lakshadweep Sea Voyage :
This is an excellent deep sea ride to the coral islands of India, the Lakshadweep. The pristine beauty of small coral islands, dotted with coconut trees, white sandy beaches, and brilliant blue water, will attract a huge number of tourists. The journey lasts 14-18 hours. However, the ships here are more for transportation of the locals and yet to be made ultra-luxury to attract the rich tourists.
3)Kerala Backwaters :
Boating and staying at houseboats of Ashtamudi and Vembanad Lakes offer breathtaking views of the landscape of God’s Own Country, Kerala. House boating is famous in Alappuzha, which is known by the name Venice of the East. The ancient port city of Kollam also provides staying in a luxury houseboat. Houseboats of Kerala are luxurious and affordable at the same time.
4)Sundarbans Cruise :
Cruise inside the world’s largest mangrove forest is itself an enchanting experience. While motorboats are affordable to the locals for daily transportation, there are also small but luxury ships that take you through the mystic water channels deep into the forest. Chances of seeing tigers, crocodiles, and deer are high from watch-towers and also from the cruise itself. The journey starts from Kolkata and lasts 2-4 days, depending on the tour package.
5)Brahmaputra Ride :
River cruise through the majestic Brahmaputra river no doubt offers an experience on its own. The stretch between Jorhat and Guwahati is navigable all year and is frequently visited by tourists. Majuli island, the world’s largest river island, and the Kaziranga National Park fall in the journey where the tourists can enjoy the rich biodiversity in north-east India.
So, which cruise are you thinking about next? Do let us know in the comment section below.
Written by – Himadri Paul