Uttar Pradesh’s river tourism is getting a major upgrade as the Gangotri Cruise, a four-deck luxury vessel by Alaknanda Cruise Line, anchors in Varanasi today. Designed as a floating premium hotel, the cruise will operate from Ravidas Ghat, offering travellers scenic journeys along the Ganga. For those travelling from Lucknow or Kanpur, this new service opens up an ideal weekend or extended pilgrimage trip.

The 24-room cruise includes a gym, spa, fine-dining restaurant, and sun deck. Travellers will experience Banarasi cuisine, devotional music, yoga sessions, and heritage lectures, while soaking in breathtaking views of Varanasi’s ghats. 

The Gangotri Cruise will take passengers through Mirzapur, Chunar Fort, Vindhyachal, and Prayagraj, covering some of the region’s most revered pilgrim and heritage sites. With the capacity to carry 200 passengers and host 48 overnight guests, it offers 3 to week-long packages, ideal for both domestic and international tourists. Further, no alcohol will be on the deck.

The Gangotri Cruise recently docked in Patna before its final leg to Varanasi. Pricing details for the cruise packages are yet to be announced.