A good vacation is something that all of us crave every once in a while. At times, you may have a mountain or a beach destination in mind, while there could also be times when a change of scenery for a refreshing break is all you wish for. Whether it's to escape from the mundane of your everyday life or to feed your heart, body, and mind with exciting experiences, a cruise is one of the best ways to reset your mental clock and start anew! If you’ve been waiting to plan one for the longest time, here are some of the top destinations for a cruise vacation in India. Let’s dive right in!
The tour starts from Delhi and then takes you to the beautiful cities of Agra, Jaipur, and Kolkata. This land-water cruise is going to change the way you used to travel. This is a must-have experience for those of you who have been begging for a break from the ordinary.
Starting from Delhi, you get to visit multiple heritage sites and historical landmarks. Then proceed your way to Agra to visit the beautiful Taj Mahal. If you're visiting for a longer time, make sure you don't miss out on the light and sound show at Agra Fort. Take a stroll through Mehtab Baug, and don't forget to go on a shopping spree in the local shops and bag some incredibly artistic souvenirs. After Agra, you’ll be visiting Kolkata, which is the perfect blend of nature with man-made. You must visit the Sunderbans to get to know more about the wildlife in its natural habitat.
Don’t forget to also capture the beautiful view of the Howrah Bridge against the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun. Visit the beautiful museums and the Marble Palace that takes you back in time. Along with this, the cruise will be taking you through the beautiful water of the Ganges and aligned rivers, allowing you to capture some amazing views and soak in the beauty of the clear blue water and skies.
Locations: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Kolkata
Duration: On average, 7 days and 6 nights
Cost: INR 20,000 onward
Also read: Cycling Tour Of Old Delhi
Kochi is one of the most popular destinations for a cruise vacation in India with its beautiful weather, water, and lush green vegetation. Affordability is another factor that encourages people to explore this travel destination. The duration of a cruise varies from 2 hours onward. This short or day-long cruise is just the break you've always needed.
Whether you want to calm your anxious mind down while sailing through the waves of the beautiful sea or to enjoy the music of the wind crashing on your cheeks and messing up your hair, this cruise is the best way to feel all of it. Kochi is famous for its 'almost always perfect' weather and fun activities such as scuba diving, water sports, and swimming. You can also enjoy the scrumptious local meals on board! What more could one ask for?!
Locations: Kochi
Duration: 2 hours onward
Cost: INR 1,000 onward
Also read: Experiencing The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race In Kerala
Andaman Islands cruise is a land-water cruise jam-packed with both adventure and serenity. While one's mind immediately jumps to the turquoise blue waters of the ocean and numerous lush green islands studded across the site, one can safely assume that nature is not the only thing admirable about the Andaman Islands!
Andaman will give you a chance to enjoy many adventurous activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, glass bottom boating, seaplane ride, etc. You’ll also get opportunities to visit historically evident places like the Cellular Jail and the Limestone Caves. Don't miss out on the light and sound show at the Cellular Jail once you reach.
You should also visit the majestic Port Blair Museum and the Cellular Jail Memorial to pay your respects. Visit the beautiful islands within Andaman and Nicobar to experience serenity and nature at its finest. Take some time off of your schedule to witness the beautiful sunrise and sunsets on the beach, against the backdrop of clear blue water and sunset-filled sky. This Andaman Islands cruise will definitely give you a much-needed breather from your routine life.
Locations: Andaman
Duration: 5 days and 4 nights
Cost: INR 18,000 onward
Also read: Experiencing Scuba Diving In The Andamans
When you talk about the top destinations for a cruise vacation in India, Goa’s name will inevitably come up. Popular for their hospitality, food, liquor, and beautiful views, Goa cruises have always been famous among travelers and tourists. Whether it's to enjoy the cultural and local delicacies served at dinner or the soothing glass of wine enjoyed at the sunset, Goa cruises have outdone it all. Among the different cruise options available, the Goa to Mumbai cruise is very popular for its hospitality, food, and entertainment.
So it's up to you how you spend your time on this cruise as there are several activities for you to check out. These include scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sports along with on-land activities such as sightseeing and shopping.
Locations: Goa
Duration: Varies according to the selected cruise
Cost: INR 6,500 onward
Also read: Experiencing Goa During The New Year
Cruising through the thick green mangrove forests, looking at the beautiful surroundings, and witnessing the sunlight peeking through the thick green leaves and branches of the tall trees, is a priceless experience. Sunderbans is a delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal. This piece of heaven on earth is a beautiful place to spend your time and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sunderbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove ecosystem in the world. You get to witness the rich flora and fauna of the region as you explore the Sundarban National Park. Known to be the abode of tigers, you’re likely to catch a glimpse of at least a few of them during your excursion here. You’re bound to have a good time with the variety of budget and luxury packages available as all of them are equipped with modern amenities and safety measures. All in all, Sunderbans Cruise is an exciting experience that you’ll always cherish. So don't give it a second thought, just hop aboard and sail away!
Locations: Kolkata
Duration: On average, 4 days and 3 nights
Cost: INR 2,800 onward
Also read: 7 Exciting Things To Do In West Bengal
The calm waters of Alleppey are always inviting for a cruise vacation. You can easily let your worries melt away in the clear rippling water and gawk at the beautiful views of coconut trees standing tall against the backdrop of clear blue sky. During the evenings, you can also enjoy the sunsets while you sip your favorite glass of wine and look at the sky change its color from clear blue to beautiful shades of yellow, red, and orange.
The cruise starts from Vembanad Lake and takes you through the beautiful Kerala Backwaters. This is a land and water cruise which will also give you the chance to explore the local food, art forms, and performances of various cultural musical and dance forms. What’s also interesting about this cruise is that you can choose a houseboat as your cruise vessel. In the olden times, these houseboats were known as Kettuvallams and were used to transport rice and spices. What we get to see now is a modified version of these traditional boats with modern amenities like furnished rooms, a kitchen, a balcony, etc.
Locations: Kerala
Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
Cost: INR 6,500 onward
Also read: Top 8 Things To Do In Kerala
Dibru Saikhowa National Park in the state of Assam is famous for its wide variety of flora and fauna including some rare and endemic species like white-winged wood ducks, bright-colored wild horses, slow loris, and many more! This is the perfect water-land adventure cruise if you're looking for a place to spend a trip filled with adventures and fun.
This is heaven on earth for any nature lover or environmental enthusiast. If you love spending your time birdwatching or getting to know more about wildlife, this is just the place for you! Om House Boat is the operator known to make arrangements in this vicinity. They offer a variety of packages to choose from based on your preferences and budget. Interestingly, the company gets most of its produce from local farmers and operators in the area and also believes in contributing to the well-being of the environment by using offshore kitchens and bio-toilets.
Locations: Dibru Saikhowa
Duration: 1 day
Cost: INR 2,000 onward
Also read: Overview Of The Bihu Festival In Assam
Located almost 60 km from Puri, this is a utopia come true for nature enthusiasts and adventurers among you. You can do many things while cruising through the waters of Chilika Lake; you can sunbathe on the deck, admire the clear water and the beautiful spread of sand, or enjoy birdwatching. Garuda is the name of the luxury cruise that has specially been curated for travelers and tourists from all over. The aim is to provide a 5-star experience to travelers and let them enjoy a variety of activities for a wholesome escapade.
Chilika Lake Cruise is popular amongst birdwatchers for its rich collection of beautiful birds like herons, spot-billed pelicans, falcons, and many other species of birds. This is a comparatively shorter cruise to take but one that refreshes you to your core. Spending an afternoon gliding through the clear waters of Chilika Lake will replenish your body, mind, and soul with new excitement and readiness to get back to the ordinary after an extraordinary experience.
Locations: Chilika Lake, Puri, Odisha
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Cost: INR 9,000 onward
Also read: 5 Interesting Temples In Odisha
Summing Up
These are some of the top destinations for a cruise vacation in India that you should definitely check out. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a relaxing long vacation, there are ample cruise options to choose from. So cut short the wait, fix a budget, and plan your cruise vacation right away!
Which Is The Best Cruise In India?
There are many amazing cruises in India but some of the highly-rated cruises in India include the Sunderbans Luxury, Chilika Lake Cruise, and Kerala Backwaters Cruise.
What Is The Fare Of The Cruise From Mumbai To Goa?
The cruise from Mumbai to Goa on average costs around INR 4,500 to INR 7,500 per person depending on the cruise liner. Oftentimes, this does not cover the food expenses and you are required to pay INR 1,500 to INR 2,000 extra for food.
How Big Is A Cruise Ship?
The size of the cruise varies from one ship to another. The largest cruise ship in the world weighs over 228,081 tonnes.
Which Deck Is Better On A Cruise?
To avoid motion sickness, a lower deck that is centrally located is preferred. Cabins and deck located in the front move the most.
Which State Is Famous For Cruises In India?
Goa state is known to be famous for cruises in India. You will witness the most stunning sunset while the cruise is traveling along the Mandovi river.
Which Is The Biggest Cruise In India?
The largest cruise in India is the Cordelia Cruise Ship.
How Much Does A Luxury Cruise Trip Cost?
The cost of a luxury cruise trip ranges from $300 per person per night to $600 per person, depending on the location and season of travel.
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