India to launch world's longest river cruise ship

India will soon launch the world's longest river cruise ship, MV Ganga Vilas, it will travel more than 3,200 kilometres through 27 systems in five states of the country and also Bangladesh.

The luxury cruise will be inaugurated on 13 January by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the beginning of a new era of domestic tourism of this type, said Sarbananda Sonowal the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Sonowal explained that the MV Ganga Vilas cruise is a step forward in unlocking the huge potential of river tourism that the country has to offer. It permits to discover deeper the Indian spirit.

"Tourists will be able to experience India's spirituality, education, wellness, culture and rich biodiversity," he added.

With a 51-day journey, the voyage includes visits to 50 tourist spots, including World Heritage Sites, national parks and major cities such as Patna in the Indian state of Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Guwahati in Assam and Dhaka in Bangladesh.

The MV Ganga Vilas, 62 metres long, 12 metres wide and with a draught of 1.4 metres, has three decks and 18 suites that can accommodate 36 people and is equipped with anti-pollution mechanisms and noise control technologies. This will allow travellers to travel in comfort and safety enjoying the sights of local beauty.

The itinerary includes stops at places of historical, cultural and religious significance, such as the famous Ganga Aarti night ritual in Varanasi; stops at Sarnath, a place of veneration for Buddhism; Mayong, known for its tantric handicrafts; and Majuli, the largest river island and centre of Vaishnavite culture, in Assam.

Travellers will see the Bihar School of Yoga and Vikramshila University, pass through the Sunderbans in the Bay of Bengal delta, famous for its tigers, and the Kaziranga National Park, famous for its one-horned rhinos and rich in biodiversity.

With the support of the Inland Waterways Authority of the Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways, this service is likely to encourage entrepreneurs to explore river cruising in other parts of the country, as reported by Prensa Latina, a partner of TV BRICS.

Photo: Prensa Latina