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    Serenade by the sea: Enjoy river cruise options in Kerala, Lakshadweep

    Synopsis

    With the temperatures soaring, explore the Indian waterways on your summerscapes during the next trip.

    LOVE BALLADS: You can hire an entire yacht cruise to enjoy the sunset with your loved one (©ImagesBazaar)Agencies
    LOVE BALLADS: You can hire an entire yacht cruise to enjoy the sunset with your loved one (©ImagesBazaar)
    While cruising in India, one can explore the rarest of aquatic life and wonderful coastal towns alongside these waterways. Take your pick from river cruise options or fly to the nearest port to board a cruise liner.

    If you are pressed for time, you can enjoy the feel of cruising at a floatal (a floating restaurant). Those looking for a stint with romance, cruising through the backwaters in Kerala is an option to reckon.

    Top spots to enjoy a cruiseAgencies
    Top spots to enjoy a cruise

    A SUMMER RETREAT
    Region: Kerala

    God’ Own Country, Kerala, lets you immerse in nature completely. A self supporting eco-system replete with aquatic, plant and bird life, the backwaters of Kerala are a scenic network that meanders past palm tree-fringed rice paddies and villages, before meeting the Arabian Sea. You can choose from various routes that let you reach far into the backwater canals of Alleppey, Kuttanad, Kumarakom, Kasargod, Cherai Island, Cochin, Kollam and Kottayam.

    GO ALLEPY: Offering luxury in pocket-friendly packages, honeymooning couples have a brilliant choice of spots in India. Kerala houseboats are such fun! (©GettyImages)Agencies
    GO ALLEPY: Offering luxury in pocket-friendly packages, honeymooning couples have a brilliant choice of spots in India. Kerala houseboats are such fun! (©GettyImages)

    Most luxury cruises offer authentic Keralastyle meals, prepared on board. Evenings are reserved for performances that pay an ode to the rich cultural legacy of the state. Some cruises also offer therapeutic Ayurvedic massages. For international cruises, Kochi, the capital city, is an important terminal.

    ISLAND HOPPING
    Region:
    Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep

    The secluded Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which flank the mainland, are the prized islands of our nation. These also feature on the itinerary of international cruise ships to India. If you wish to sail to the Andaman archipelago, you can fly to Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakapatnam to board an onward cruise. You can also fly to Port Blair and consider an island hopping cruise to explore the archipelago.

    CLIFFS THAT HUG THE COAST: A picturesque beach situated in Havelock Island (part of Andaman & Nicobar Islands)Agencies
    CLIFFS THAT HUG THE COAST: A picturesque beach situated in Havelock Island (part of Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

    Towards the south western coast, Lakshadweep islands, parallel to Kerala's shores, comprise 36 atolls, islets and islands. Typically, a Mumbai, Goa, Kochi and Lakshadweep circuit is considered favourable. Its coral reef, rich in marine wealth, make it a pristine spot to explore. The lagoon is also perfect to enjoy water sports like swimming, wind-surfing, diving, snorkeling and kayaking.

    OFF-SHORE ADVENTURES AND MORE
    Region:
    Mumbai

    The fast-paced city and the commercial hub of India serves to anchor many state-of-the-art cruise liners. If time constraint doesn’t allow you to hop aboard a cruise, how about a dinner cruise along the backdrop of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link of the Gateway of India. Sea front dining evokes tranquility like none other and the peninsula of Mumbai is bejeweled with many luxurious dining options along its coast.

    ICONIC LANDMARKS: Mumbai’s harbour, fringed by prestigious and historic building add glamour to the sea frontAgencies
    ICONIC LANDMARKS: Mumbai’s harbour, fringed by prestigious and historic building add glamour to the sea front

    Apart from dinner cruises, you can plan a quick getaway to Alibaug or Murud (a short road journey from the Mandwa jetty). Have a special occasion? Charter a yacht to sail to Goa for a romantic rendezvous. You can also skip flying to an international destination for a luxurious cruise experience to various parts of the world.

    MAJESTIC VESSEL: Mumbai is an important port that connects cruises between Maldives, Singapore and other global destinations (Pic: Costa Cruises)Agencies
    MAJESTIC VESSEL: Mumbai is an important port that connects cruises between Maldives, Singapore and other global destinations (Pic: Costa Cruises)

    Expansion work for Mumbai’s swanky new cruise terminal is in progress and many new cruise routes are likely to be introduced. One can expect amenities akin to International cruise terminal with airport-like facilities with this new development.

    ON A HISTORIC SOJOURN
    Region:
    Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain

    The Ganga River runs through historic spots of our country. A cruise on this mighty river lets you discover the enchanting countryside, rural villages and imbibe cultural flavours. You can choose from an upstream or downstream itinerary for seven to ten nights.

    ROW YOUR BOAT: The River Ganga is considered holy and is deeply rooted in traditionAgencies
    ROW YOUR BOAT: The River Ganga is considered holy and is deeply rooted in tradition

    Covering destinations from Kolkata to Varanasi, one enjoys a glimpse into the ethnicity of the country as one sails past Kalna, Matiari, Murshidabad, Jangipur, Farakka, Samtaghat, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya and Varanasi. A stop at each of these destinations takes you on a spiritual journey through the deep-rooted past of India.

    Some of the cruises that sail here mimic the colonial ships used by the Viceroys of British India. Keeping the royal essence preserved, the vessel seeks to take you on a time travel expedition, which keeps up with the theme of the circuit itself.
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