Luxury Cruise To Launch August 15 Connecting Kolkata, Varanasi

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India’s oldest city of Varanasi now has one more mode of transport to reach from Kolkata. A luxury cruise service will start operating for tourists from August 15. The travel time is yet undisclosed for 1,400 km and cost for one, including food, is reasonably fair at Rs 750 (excluding taxes).

Named as Alaknanda-Kashi, the luxury cruise has a sitting capacity of sixty people and is being operated by Nordic Cruiseline.

According to Nordic Cruiseline Director Vikas Malviya, the credit to start first of its kind service in India goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Startup India” initiative. They were inspired by it and has come up with a luxury vessel which is equipped with all world class facilities.

Malviya added lower deck of Alaknanda-Kashi cruise is air-conditioned to provide relief to passengers in summer months and sports bio-toilets in both the decks.

Taking about the food he mentioned tourists will be offered Kachori-jalebi, Bati-Chokha, Samosas and other popular dishes of Varanasi. The ship is equipped with a full-fledged kitchen.

The twelve kilometers stretch ride between Assi Ghat and Rajghat of Varanasi will offer to the passengers a religious and spiritual experience of the Ganga Aarti in morning.

The cruise company has future plans to include cultural activities on-board like dance and music depicting rich heritage of Varanasi.

The high-tech vessel has reached Varanasi from Kolkata paving new mode of transports for tourists who love traveling on water bodies.

Earlier this year Union Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari said cruise services would be launched around Mumbai and on the Ganga too.