MV Ganga Vilas, the world's longest river cruise starts from Varanasi, Trip costs 13 lakhs

VARANASI: Extolled as the floating Indian palace, MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise took its maiden cruise from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Prime minister Narendra Modi flagged off the trip via video conferencing. The enticing journey lasts for 51 days during which the cruise touches many famed river banks and also meets destinations including famous river ghats and national parks that are spread across many states. The first 32 tourists to embark on the journey are from Switzerland.

The tropical jungles of Assam, the iconic Sunderbans of Bengal, Kashi, and Sarnath made it into the huge list of spots that the voyage covers.

"India has everything that you can imagine. It has a lot beyond your imagination. India cannot be defined in words. It can only be experienced from the heart," PM Modi said in his message for tourists.

MV Ganga Vilas is overhauling the whole outlook of the river cruise systems with facilities that are nothing short of royalty. The cruise has also been fitted with facilities such as spa, salon, and gym. It will cost ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 50,000 a day, with the total cost for the 51-day journey totalling to around ₹ 13 lakh for each passenger.

The voyage will reach an end when the cruise touches Dibrugarh via Bangladesh.