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Houseboat & Cruise Tour India

Sailing Through India's Beauty

Overview
Sample itineraries
BEST LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS
OVERVIEW
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Hotels

India is a vast subcontinent nourished and sustained by a sprawling network of rivers that emanate from the mighty glaciers in the Himalayan ranges.

As the glaciers melt, mighty rivers and their smaller tributes wind their way down the length and breadth of India, leaving behind in their wake a stunning landscape of valleys and picturesque mountains which is also ideal for boating and white-water adventures.

Further down south, the lush green Western Ghat Mountain Range is a treasure trove of ever-green rivers, streams, waterfalls and lakes. South and South West of India are nourished by the river originating from Western Ghat. The landscape in coastal states like Kerala take the shape of serene floaty backwaters that are ideal for boat rides and cruises.

Without these rivers, life as we know it in India would not have been possible. This super civilizational state of a gargantuan 1.4 billion with a recorded history of almost 5,000 years would not have been possible without mighty rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Yamuna, Godavari and Narmada.

In our private Houseboat & Cruise Tours, we take you on serenading tours to the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom (Kerala), the gorgeous valleys of Assam in the Brahmaputra River land, the spiritual real of the Ganges in Varanasi (Utter Pradesh), the Sundarbans archipelago (UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biodiversity) in Western Bengal, the serene Dal Lake in “Paradise on Earth” Kashmir and many more exciting places.

Join us for excitement, fun and ultimate laid-back old-fashioned relaxation.

MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCES

Serene Alleppey

Backwater Bliss: Luxury Cruising in Kerala's Serene Alleppey

The backwaters of Alleppey are one of the most visited attractions in God’s Own Country  – Kerala. Alleppey is an enchanting other-world of floating backwaters, serene lakes, lush green palm-line villages, diverse flora and birdlife and the ultimate relaxation.

It is also a destination where some of India’s best spa resorts are located that offer a wide range of Indian Ayurvedic treatments and therapies that Kerala is so renowned for.

We recommend that you do not miss out on a luxury cruise in the backwaters of Alleppey.

Brahmaputra Tales

Brahmaputra Tales: Luxury River Cruise through Assam

The sacred Brahmaputra that winds its way down from the Eastern Himalayan ranges is famed for its river cruise. Located on the fringes of the river in Assam is the land of the one-horned Rhinos (Kaziranga National Park), the land of tiger (Manas National Park) and the birdwatching haven (Nameri National Park).

You can also go on a cultural expedition to the villages and countryside of Assam or drop anchor at a tea plantation estate for a relaxing state.

A luxury river cruise in the Brahmaputra territory in Assam is one of life’s most pleasurable experiences.

Ganges Odyssey

Ganges Odyssey: Luxury Cruise along the Sacred River

The Ganges that flows in the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India is as sacred as the gods in India. The “Ganga Aarti Ceremony” performed by the Brahmin priests every evening at sunset on the Ghat (embankments) of the holy city of Varanasi is one of India’s greatest tourist spectacles.

Varanasi is India’s Vatican. You do not want to miss the experience of witnessing a Ganga Aarthi ceremony or partaking in the heritage excursions in India’s oldest continuously inhabited ancient city.

Dal Lake

Floating Paradise: Luxury Houseboat Retreat in Kashmir's Dal Lake

The Mughal Emperors were great fans of poetry and aesthetics and no other place in India evoked the poet in Mughal Emperors as the idyllic land of Kashmir in the North of India.

When the Mughal Emperor Jehangir first laid eyes on Kashmir, he is believed to have uttered this couple in typical lyrical Persian: “If there’s a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this!”

The Dal Lake in the heart of the city of Srinagar (capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir) is known for its serenity and Shikara (Gandola traditional boat) rides.

Sundarbans Mangrove

Wilderness Expedition: Cruising the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

The Sundarbans (a collective of 102 river islands in the Bengal Ganges Delta) has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its avian and wildlife wonders.

Sprawling over 1,339 sq. km. the Mangrove forest of the Sundarbans is home to not just a national Park but also a tiger reserve and a biosphere of epic floral diversity.

We highly recommend a cruise in the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest and adventures in the above-mentioned parks and reserves if you are interested in wildlife and nature.

Goa cruise

Goa's Coastal Elegance: Luxury River Cruise

Goa is the ultimate beach holiday destination in India. Thronged all year round by tens of thousands of visitors from all over the India and rest of the globe, Goa is the “Party Capital of India”. It has a nightlife circuit that is unmatched in all of India.

But there is more to the smallest and richest state of India than just beaches and parties. Located in the upcountry in the rural landscape are serene rivers, waterfalls and backwaters that are ideal for relaxation.

Do not forget to go on a luxury river cruise in Goa when you are in town, and while you are at it, do remember to check out the old Portuguese Old town and sample some Indo-Portuguese delicacies in the local restaurants and cafes.

OUR BESPOKE EXPERIENCES

Sunset Splendor: Private Luxury Cruise at Dusk in Varanasi

The city landscape of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is a legatee of thousands of years of history. It is dotted by Palaces, Havelis (Mansions), dense neighborhoods and Ghats (embankments).

One perfect way of witnessing the city is on our private boat tour in the evening as the sun gradually fades away and its golden rays make the city shimmer.

Wellness Haven: Indulgent Spa Retreat on a Cruise in Alleppey

The ancient Indian healing tradition of Ayurveda goes back 5,000 years and is considered the oldest medicinal system in the world. There is no better exponent of this tradition than the southern Indian state of Kerala, which is considered the hub of Ayurveda.

 

Combining a body-as-well-as-mind holist approach to healing with wholesome organic diets, massages, yoga and meditation, it attempts a rejuvenation of not just the body but also of the soul.

Our indulgent Spa experience in the backwaters of Kerala is your dream rejuvenation opportunity. Do not miss it.

Yoga

Serenity at Sea: Private Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Varanasi

Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital, in Utter Pradesh, is where you go to find peace, healing and solace.

The holy city is home to Guru and Rishis (enlightened souls) who offer you guidance to a life of virtue and good. It is also a great place to learn yoga from masters of this ancient tradition.

Our private yoga and meditation retreat experience in Varanasi is your opportunity to tap into your soul and cleanse your inner self for good to live a more mindful and meaningful life.

Cooking Classes

Flavors of India: Personalized Cooking Classes on a Houseboat

Picture a traditional houseboat that is cozy, homely and equipped with all the amenities that you will need.

Now picture a landscape of floating backwaters, epic sunrise and sunsets and a star-lit sky. And, then picture yourself floating through the backwaters on your private houseboat with a chef on board who puts together succulent Keralan delicacies sourced from organic sources in nearby villages.

That is what we offer on our Keralan Houseboat experience with an expert private chef onboard who lets you in on a delicious world of Keralan culinary secrets.

Frequently Asked Questions

That is a difficult question to answer. Each region has a solid claim for cultural relevance and importance.

But the one state that particularly attracts millions of tourists from all over the world due to its cultural attractions (palaces, festivals, fairs, music, dances, food) is RAJASTHAN.

Other centers of historical and cultural significance like Agra, Delhi, Kerala and Kolkata, also get a fair share of culture-oriented tourism.

There are in fact many places in India where you can go on a river cruise. The most famous among them are the backwaters of Kerala (Alleppey – South India).

Other places where you can go on river cruises are the Dal Lake (Jammu & Kashmir —North of India), the ancient city of Varanasi (the Ganges River —Utter Pradesh) and Assam (North East India —the Brahmaputra River)

Yes, in fact, there are quite a few luxury cruise services in India. The most notable among them are as follows

  1. The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda (Kerala) offers 3 nights uber-luxury tours to the backwaters of Kerala. It boasts 6 deluxe air-conditioned en suite cabins.
  2. The Oberoi MV Mahabaahu (Assam) operates in the state of Assam on the Brahmaputra River. This five-deck luxury cruise ship features state-of-the-art 23 cabins, an on-board swimming pool, a restaurant, air-conditioning and a spa. It offers 3 nights, 5 nights and 7/8 night itineraries with stopovers at the Kaziranga National Park and Jorhat.
  3. The Ganges Voyager is one of India’s biggest luxury river cruises that operates on the Ganges in North India. It offers 28 splendid cabins and has a team of 35 crew members offering 5-star hospitality.
  4. Sukoon Houseboat (Dal, Kashmir) offers luxurious traditional houseboat experience in the Dal Lake.

The Classic Golden Triangle

Agra fort
06 Nights / 07 Days
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Golden Triangle with Udaipur

Amber Palace
07 Nights / 08 Days
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Exploring the Best of Rajasthan

Jaipur
16 Nights / 17 Days
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Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda

Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda, Kerala

The luxurious Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda travels through the Keralan backwaters between the months of October and April. It sports the high-end luxury that is a hallmark of all Oberoi Luxury establishments. It takes you a on 3-night cruise into the “lazy waterfront life of Alleppey, drifting past paddy fields, temples and sleepy village”

THE OBEROI MOTOR VESSEL VRINDA offers 8 deluxe air-conditioned en-suite cabins.  Each cabin is furnished with posh internal décor that makes for a comfortable stay.

Ganges Voyager

Ganges Voyager

THE GANGES VOYAGER which has a capacity for 56 passengers on board is one of India’s best river cruises. Boasting 28 well-appointed cabins, the Voyager has 35 onboard crew members to offer you a luxurious cruise experience.

You can choose from 5 categories of cabins. Each comes equipped with posh internal décor, plush bedding, a separate bathroom, a balcony and other state-of-the-art modern amenities.

The cruise also has an on-board multi-cuisine fine dining restaurant on the main deck and a bar on the sun deck that offers exotic drinks and cocktails.

Taj Lake Palace

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

THE TAJ LAKE PALACE, located in the middle of the serene Lake Pichola is one of India’s most iconic luxury Palace Hotels. Udaipur (also known as the “City of Lakes” and “Venice of the East” is an important tourist destination in Rajasthan that is known for its hospitality, vibrant culture, heritage and festivals.

This Palace was built as a summer retreat on an island in the middle of the lake, by the then Maharaja of Udaipur in the 18th century.

Not only does this stunning white pearl of a hotel (constructed from the same marble as the Taj Mahal) give you 5-star hospitality becoming of Kings, splendid views of the Udaipur city and surrounding Aravalli Hills, but you can also enjoy a romantic river cruise in the scenic Lake Pichola.

Oberoi MV Mahabaahu

The Oberoi MV Mahabaahu, Assam

The Oberoi MV Mahabaahu is the best luxury cruise ship operating in the Brahmaputra River. Boasting a total of 5 decks, it spans over 55 meters in length with the open deck open for soaking up the sun and sights of the surrounding forests and national Parks of the region.

There is also an on-board swimming pool, a spa and a fine dining restaurant. It offers you 23 spacious cabins (twin, double cabins, and suites) that give you clear views of the landscape from their windows. Amenities in the cabinets include air-conditioning and satellite TV

The ship also has a games-room and a well-stocked library onboard. Originating from Guwahati in Assam it offers 3 nights, 5 nights and 7/8 night itineraries with stopovers at the Kaziranga National Park and Jorhat.

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    Our Mission

    Discover the magic of the land where a unique adventure awaits you at every turn. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of diverse landscapes, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures, and savor the delectable flavors of the enchanting land. We endeavor to curate exclusive personalized itineraries to unveil the secrets of India. Count on us for immaculate planning and ensure a flawless soul-enriching experience; get ready to embark on a remarkable adventure that will mesmerize you.

    Sunil Gupta

    Founder & Managing Director

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