- The Indian Government plans to open 51 new river routes by 2027.
- River cruising in India has increased by almost 20 per cent in 2024-25.
- The target is to triple the number of river cruise passengers to 1.5 million over the next two years.
India is becoming the hot new destination for river cruising.
As a result, the Indian government is creating new routes with plans to open 51 different river routes by 2027.
It is also looking to improve the infrastructure for river-based tourism and develop new cruise terminals.
According to the latest figures, river cruising in India has seen a significant increase of almost 20 per cent in 2024-25.
The number of river cruise voyages has grown to 443 trips across the country – up from 371 the previous year. This reflects the growing appeal of river cruising.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India is spearheading the transformation of river cruise tourism into a sustainable sector. The target is to triple the number of river cruise passenger volume to 1.5 million over the next two years. It is also looking to develop more cruise terminals.
Viking is the latest cruise line to sail in India, offering eight-day and 15-day itineraries in 2027. Viking’s new vessel, Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest cruise ship is being built by the Hooghly Cochin Shipyard in Kolkata.
Other cruise lines that sail in India include Uniworld, APT and Avalon Waterways.
More Australians are heading to the Brahmaputra and the Ganges River for a different cultural experience. Ganges River cruises will visit Varanasi, a holy city for Hindus and other historical sites along the river. Brahmaputra River cruises will explore the wildlife of Assam, calling at the Kaziranga National Park, known for its one-horned rhinoceroses.
The Indian Government is also trying to encourage other river hot spots including the Alappuzha Backwaters of Kerala and the Sundarbans in West Bengal.
the renowned river cruise operator PANDAW are great for India
Wonderful, what a magical way to see this fascinating country. Can’t some soon enough. I can see this becoming the must see destination once everything is up and running.