Steeped in antiquity, Varanasi or the olden days Kashi, offers visitors layers of history and heritage that shed light on its timeless temporal and spiritual connectivity with Indians. Acclaimed for its powerful allure for tourists from around the world as well, Varanasi always has something new to share—not only about its hoary past but its vibrant present as well.
Nestled by the sacred waters of the River Ganga, holy Varanasi is a venerable riverside destination, continuously inhabited century upon century. Most visitors book into one of the hotels and resorts, modest, mid-range or high-end luxury, scattered across the city.
A wondrous opportunity has recently provided a transformative way to explore the mystique and mysteries of this spiritually endowed Hindu cultural hub. This is The Gangotri, Varanasi’s very first luxury residential floating hotel, launched by the Alaknanda Cruise Line.
Living on the holy river in a luxury cruise ship, even if it’s for a few days, is a captivating experience. It offers a whole new perspective of the ‘City of Light’, Lord Shiva’s earthly abode.
What’s even more exciting is that the cruise ship’s course takes you from Varanasi’s Ravidas Ghat to Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Chunar Fort, Vindhyachal, and Prayagraj— destinations awash with venerated pilgrim and heritage sites; they will surely fulfil the longings of the history and culture buff in you as you go exploring in this sacred geography.
The cruise ship is designed to navigate waters up to 1.45 meters deep at speeds between 15 to 20 km/h. Measuring 52 meters long and 12 meters wide, the new four-deck luxury vessel is airy and spacious and easily accommodates 200 daytime passengers and 48 overnight guests. The Gangotri’s 24 airconditioned guest suites come with picture windows which span both ghat and riverside views. Wake up to views of pearly dawns and let the starry skies lull you to restful sleep to the night sounds of the holy river. On a lucky day you might even have friendly dolphins smilingly pop up in the river to welcome you.
Onboard facilities include a lounge café, a great fine dining restaurant where one may enjoy a regional gastronomic odyssey, which puts the limelight on delicious local Banarasi specialities. The fully equipped gym and spa and yoga sessions cater to your wellness routines. Your spiritual wellbeing is further enhanced by the hallowed sites, comprising temples and sacred ghats of Heritage Zone on the shoreline. You’ll enjoy a truly magical and soul-stirring riverine experience witnessing the elaborate Ganga aarti at dusk from the ship.
What you will love is that this uncrowded and serene space allows you to connect with your inner self. Abandon yourself to the enigmatic charms of these sacred environs at your leisure. The lap of the river against the ship, the birds wheeling overhead and the chant of holy mantras from the sacred texts is a rare and precious sunset memory you won’t forget in a hurry.
Devotional music, engaging heritage lectures, and the slow passing of time on the river will engage your body and soul. A sensory, spiritual odyssey which envelopes in peace and harmony, and rejuvenates you in every which way on The Gangotri on the Ganga.
Trip packages range from 3 to 6 days. If you are visiting nearby cities like Lucknow or Kanpur, it’s a fab opportunity to catch a weekend cruise and enjoy an amazing riverine adventure.