Boating and River Cruise Tours In India

Unlock the secrets that lie within India's shimmering waters as you board on an extraordinary journey of boating and cruise tours. Feel the gentle sway of the boat beneath your feet and let the rhythmic waves carry you to hidden paradises and captivating landscapes. India, a land of diverse wonders, reveals its enchanting aquatic treasures, inviting you to immerse yourself in a tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the serene backwaters of Kerala to the turquoise depths of the Andaman Islands, from the regal lakes of Udaipur to the majestic rivers of Assam, let the currents guide you through a symphony of unforgettable experiences. So, cast off your worries, set sail, and let the magic of India's waterways unveil itself before your very eyes. It's time to board on an adventure that will leave you captivated and yearning for more. Welcome to a world where dreams and reality merge, where the wonders of the deep beckon you to explore the soul-stirring charm of boating and cruise tours in India.

India offers a diverse range of boating destinations, from serene lakes to coastal paradises. Take a break from the hectic city life and board on a journey to the chilly and serene waters of the rivers in India for an experience never to be forgotten. Here are seven of the top boating destinations in India:

• Gadisar Lake, Rajasthan : On a boat trip at the Gadisar Lake in Rajasthan in the morning or the evening, take in the gorgeous foliage. For the inhabitants, this lake is one of their most prized possessions and has long served as a symbol of their history and culture. In an effort to alleviate the region's water shortage, Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first Maharaja of the city of Jaisalmer, artificially created this lake as a water reservoir for his people. Boating on the Gadisar Lake, which is in the center of Mount Abu, provides a breathtaking perspective over the city. You can also see the well-known Raghunath Temple and Maharaja Jaipur Palace, which are close by.
• Timings : 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Tickets : INR 100 per person two-seater pedal

INR 200 per person four-seater pedal

INR 300 per person six-seater rowing

• Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh : Bhedaghat is a town in the Madhya Pradesh state's Jabalpur district and a natural wonder. Lift your spirits in this beautiful setting, which has served as the backdrop for several movie scenes. The subtle shades and hues of the rocks and stones in the marble rock boating area are breathtaking. The Narmada River has gradually carved an eight kilometer long, stunning gorge. Take a guided river tour by renting a rowboat or a motorboat. Make sure to pick up some marble trinkets from the market area's art and craft stores on the way home.
• Timings : 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Tickets : INR 500 for a 5-seater boat

INR 50 per person for shared boat rides

• Kumarakom Backwaters : Without witnessing the serene tranquilly of the Kumarakom backwaters, a journey to Kerala is not complete. Many tourists who long to realize their dream of spending time on a houseboat amidst the backwaters are drawn to this small village in the Kottayam district. It provides a wonderfully healing experience and is the ideal get-away from the bustle of daily life. The surrounding area's natural greenery, which is ornamented with paddy fields and coconut plantations, creates a tranquil atmosphere for the mind and soul. To ensure a smooth experience, reservations for a boat excursion should be made in advance. The fact that these houseboats, known locally as Kettuvallams, are made completely of eco-friendly materials adds to their allure. If you choose to stay the night, the houseboat is immobile from 6:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
• Timings : 12:00 PM to 10:00 AM (22 hours trip)
• Tickets : INR 9000 to INR 22000 (Depending upon the rooms on the houseboat)
• Dal Lake, Srinagar : To experience the most riveting activity while you are in Srinagar by taking a wonderful Shikara boat ride on the Dal Lake. You will be mesmerized by the breathtaking panorama of the lush, green surroundings, the ripples on the lake, the blossoming gardens, and the bustling floating market. A type of wooden boat called a shikara is constructed primarily of deodar wood. You can also travel by shikara boat to some of the well-known tourist destinations near Dal Lake, including Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden, and the Hazratbal Mosque. So, while living on a Shikara houseboat, you may shop on your boat while admiring the vibrant colors of the market's floating boats.
• Timings : 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
• Tickets : INR 400 for an hour-long ride
• Hogenakkal, Tamil Nadu : In Tamil Nadu's Hogenakkal Waterfalls, which are 200 km from Bangalore and in the district of Dharmapuri, you may find India's equivalent of Niagara Falls. This popular tourist site offers exciting boating and coracle rides and is known for its magnificent waterfalls and conceal boat trips. The waterfalls are split into two sections: the Karnataka section features several cascades, while the Tamil Nadu section offers beautiful gorges and boat cruises. Make no travel plans during the monsoon season because the rise in water levels prevents boating.
• Timings : 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Tickets : INR 200 per person.
• Varanasi Ghat, Uttar Pradesh : You may discover Varanasi's authentic spirit while gliding through the Ganges River or at sunrise or sunset. Explore the several Ghats that are linked to the ground through waterways. The Ram Nagar Fort, the palace of the King of Banaras, is situated on the other side of the river and is a significant attraction as well. During the boat journey, guests can take a quick tour of the palace, the neighboring market, and the 200-year-old Goddess Durga temple. Make sure there are no more than six people on the rowing excursion you choose. Having a mosquito repellent lotion on hand is also advised for when the boat stops in the middle of the river for Ganga Aarti.
• Timings : 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Tickets : Rowboat - INR 300 per hour

Yamaha Engine Boat Ride - INR 3000 for two hours

• Nani Lake, Nainital, Uttarakhand : One of the most popular summertime pastimes is spending time on the water. Boating is the main draw for visitors looking for fun things to do in the hill station at this eye-shaped lake that is located at a height of 1938 meters. The ticket counter is where you can buy the tickets. At Mallital, there is a Yacht Club that offers yachting to both members and visitors. However, you might have trouble securing one during the busy season because there aren't many boats cruising on the lake. The only way to truly appreciate the wonderful splendor of the shimmering water under the Kumaon Sky is to go boating.
• Timings : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Tickets : Gondola Ride -INR 210

Pedal Boat- INR 150

Escape the bustling city streets and surrender to the tranquil allure of India's rivers. Immerse yourself in the serenity of riverside villages and sail on the mesmerizing turquoise waters. Let nature's breathtaking beauty captivate your senses as you indulge in a vacation like no other. Take a moment to bask in the glimmering waves and board unforgettable river cruises that promise to create beautiful memories.

• Antara Ganga Vilas : Being the longest voyage in the world and operated by one cruise line, This is the only voyage of its kind. From Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, the 3,200-kilometre luxury cruise passes through five states and 27 river systems. It is run by Antara Luxury River Cruises on the three-deck MV Ganga Vilas, which has 18 suites and can hold 36 passengers.
• Board-Deboard : Varanasi-Dibrugarh
• Stopovers : Varanasi, Sarnath in UP, Majuli in Assam, Sundarbans in Bay of Bengal, Kaziranga National Park, among others.
• Duration : 51 days. Shorter trips of 21 days and 31 days also available.
• Operator : Antara Luxury River Cruises.
• Frequency : Twice a year.
• Rates : Rs.25,000-50,000 per person, per day.
• Ganges River Cruise : THE GANGES CRUISES are frequently divided into Upper and Lower Ganges, with varying durations and coverage areas. With some shorter 7–8-day excursions covering West Bengal and Bihar from Farakka to Patna as well, the Upper Ganges travels along the Ganges River from Kolkata to Varanasi typically in 14 days. The Lower Ganges cruises, which are 4- to 8-day excursions along the Hooghly River, go from Kolkata to Farakka or back to Kolkata. Pre- and post-cruise locations are added by all international tour providers.
• Board-Deboard : Varanasi–Kolkata; Kolkata-Kolkata; Kolkata-Farakka; Farakka-Patna; Patna-Varanasi.
• Stopovers : Kolkata, Kalna, Matiari, Murshidabad, Mayapur, Bandel, Chandannagar, Varanasi.
• Duration : 4-8 days (Lower Ganges); 11-14 days (Upper Ganges).
• Operator : Antara Luxury River Cruises, Assam Bengal Navigation, Pandaw, Uniworld, Avalon Waterways, TravelMarvel.
• Best Time : October-April.
• Rates : Rs.20,000-1 lakh (3-4 days)

Rs.1-5 lakh (5-8 days)

Rs.6-10lakh (13-21 days)

• Brahmaputra Cruise : Assam Tourism, as well as domestic and international private businesses, offer cruises on the Brahmaputra. The lengths of the excursions range from a few hours, offered by smaller tour operators like Alfresco Grand for lunch, sunset, or dinner tours, to lengthy excursions lasting 4-5 days or 10-12 days. They stop in Sivasagar, the historic Ahom dynasty capital, travel through lovely plantations, and see rhinos at Kaziranga and Majuli, among other places.
• Board-Deboard : Guwahati-Guwahati; Guwahati-Jorhat (or vice versa); Guwahati-Kaziranga; Kaziranga-Jorhat (or vice versa).
• Stopovers : Kaziranga National Park, Sivasagar, Majuli, Silghat, silk villages and plantations.
• Duration : 1-3 hours; 4-10 days.
• Operator : Assam Bengal Navigation, Adventure River Cruises (Mahabaahu), Pandaw, Alfresco Grand, among others.
• Best Time : November-April.
• Rates : Rs.500- 1,500(1-3 hours)

Above Rs.1 lakh (3-4 days)

Above Rs.2 lakh (7-10 days)

• Kerala Backwaters : The Kerala Backwaters are a system of brackish canals, lagoons, rivers, and lakes that run parallel to the Arabian Sea from Kollam in the south to Kochi in the north, with Alleppey serving as the departure point for most cruises. Kumarakom, Ashtamudi in Kollam, and Bekal in Kasargod are additional well-liked backwater tourist destinations. In contrast to other cruises, Kerala cruises take place on houseboats, and you can choose between regular, deluxe, or premium, and luxury alternatives.
• Board-Deboard : Alleppey-Kochi (vice versa); Kochi-Changankari (vice versa); Alleppey-Thottappalli (vice versa), and many smaller cruises from Alleppey to Alumkavadi, Kidangara, and Mankotta, among others.
• Siteseeing : Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Vembanad lake, paddy fi elds, coir villages, kathakali performances, Punnamada lake, traditional houses, church and snake boat race yard at Champakkulam, Lord Buddha statue of Karumadi, Hindu temple at Nedumudy.
• Duration : 6-7 hours; 2-4 days; 5-10 days.
• Operator : Oberoi Vrinda, Adventure River Cruises, Responsible Travel, Exotica Cruises Houseboat, Thomas Cook, Alleppey Backwater Cruise, Aqua Houseboat Cruise, among many other local players.
• Best Time : November-February.
• Rates : Rs.3,000-50,000(6-7 hours)

Rs.15,000-1 lakh(2-4 days)

Rs.1-3 lakh(5-10 days)

• Sunderbans : There are two options for the cruise to the lovely mangrove forests in the delta of the Ganges, Meghna, and Brahmaputra rivers. While the more expensive options involve a stay and tour on a larger cruise ship, the more affordable ones only include a day trip on a boat and resort lodging. The voyage is a memorable short getaway because it is the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger and is lush with diverse flora and fauna. The abundance of tiny, local players, which of, make up for the absence of larger cruise companies.
• Board-Deboard : Kolkata-Kolkata.
• Stopovers : Namkhana, Bhagabatpur crocodile project, Gadhkhali, Sudhanyakhali, islands of Sajnekhali, Nethidopani and Dobanki, Barren Island, Sundarbans village.
• Duration : 3-4 days.
• Operator : Bigger names include Pandaw and Antara Luxury River Cruises, while smaller local players include BanBanjara, Vivada Cruises, Avijatrik, Kolkata Weekends, among others.
• Best Time : October-March.
• Rates : Rs.5,000-6,000 (3 days)

Rs.8,500-1lakh (3-5 days)

• Mandovi River Cruises : Goa offers a variety of short-duration cruise options, including luxury cruises on the Mandovi River, houseboat tours, sunset cruises, dinner cruises, casino cruises, crocodile and bird viewing cruises, and dolphin safaris. While there aren't many local operators accessible for longer trips, there are plenty for shorter trips of 1-3 hours or days. Houseboat cruises on the Chapora River are another option.
• Board-Deboard : Panjim-Panjim, Goa.
• Siteseeing : Adil Shah’s palace, floating Mandovi bridge, Fort Aguada, Penha De Franca church, floating casinos, Miramar Beach, dolphin, crocodile and bird watching, among others.
• Duration : 1-3 hours; day/customized trips; overnight, longer houseboat trips.
• Operator : Among several players, are Paradise Cruises, Mandovi Cruises, Santa Monica, Deltin, Coral Queen, etc.
• Best Time : October-February .
• Rates : Rs.400-3,000 (1-3 hours)

Above Rs.6,000 (day/customized)

• Short Cruises – Mumbai-Goa/Kochi/Lakshwadeep : Although they travel to the Arabian Sea rather than the rivers, these 2–5-day excursions are nonetheless enjoyable for a weekend getaway. Mumbai-Goa cruises normally last for two nights and three days, though they can last longer if Kochi or Lakshadweep are included in the itinerary. These cruises are offered by several reputable companies, and rates start at about Rs. 6,000.
• Board-Deboard : Mumbai-Goa; Mumbai-Mumbai.
• Stopovers : Goa, Kochi, Lakshadweep.
• Duration : 2-5 days.
• Operator : Cordelia Cruises, Angriya, SOTC, among others.
• Best Time : October-February.
• Rates : Rs.6,000- 40,000

but can go up to over Rs.1 lakh per person

India's waterways offer a gateway to unparalleled beauty and unforgettable experiences. Whether you seek serenity amidst the Kerala Backwaters, adventure in the Andaman Islands, or coastal bliss in Goa, each destination presents a unique opportunity to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of the country. Boarding on a boating or river cruise tour in India is not just about exploring water bodies; it is about discovering the soul of the nation, from its natural landscapes to its rich heritage. So, set sail and let the waters of India guide you on an extraordinary journey of discovery and enchantment.