India entered a new chapter in luxury river tourism as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the world’s longest river cruise – MV Ganga Vilas – in Varanasi. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, marks a milestone in promoting India’s inland waterways as a sustainable tourism avenue.
“The launch of MV Ganga Vilas marks the beginning of a new era of river cruise tourism in India,” said Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH. “This journey will showcase the best of India’s culture, spirituality, and biodiversity to the world.”
A Journey Through Heritage and Nature
The luxury cruise spans more than 3,200 kilometres across 27 river systems in five Indian states and Bangladesh, offering a 51-day voyage that includes 50 tourist destinations. Highlights include World Heritage Sites, national parks, historic river ghats, and major cities such as Patna, Sahibganj, Kolkata, Dhaka, and Guwahati.
The itinerary has been curated to reflect India’s rich cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage. Travellers will experience the sacred Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, visit Sarnath, the cradle of Buddhism, explore Mayang and Majuli in Assam—centres of mysticism and Vaishnava culture—and visit spiritual landmarks like the Bihar School of Yoga and Vikramshila University.
Exploring India’s Natural Wonders
MV Ganga Vilas will traverse through the Sundarbans, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, and Kaziranga National Park, known for the one-horned rhinoceros. The cruise combines ecotourism with luxury, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects spirituality, wildlife, and cultural exploration.
Luxury with Sustainability
The 62-meter-long, 12-meter-wide vessel features three decks and 18 luxury suites accommodating 36 guests. Designed with pollution-free systems and noise-control technologies, MV Ganga Vilas promotes environmentally responsible tourism.
