All Aboard the Indo-Bangla River Cruiser

In a considerable breakthrough in India-Bangladesh ties, the two adjoining nations have provided their assent to let cruise ships ply the waterways linking the two countries. After the Indian government arrayed willingness with regards to the project, exhaustive dialogue ensued with their Bangladeshi counterparts. Following which, the two republics concurred on standard operating procedures (that incorporated subjects such as customs and immigration), resulting which, the green light was exhibited. This trails the already accessible air service, rail route as well as road transport services, nevertheless, MV Mahabaahu became the first passenger river cruiser to explore cruise options (through Kolkata and Guwahati via Dhaka).   

MV Mahabaahu, the cruise ship, not so long ago departed the Pandu Port from Guwahati, Assam, and embarked on a 17 day voyage carrying 30 passengers on board. You may question whether 17 days on the high seas may become moderately monotonous or even mind-numbing, however, fret not as some of the noteworthy stop overs comprise of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Manas National Park in Assam, the mosque city of Bagerhat in Bangladesh and the Sundarbans among others. Therefore, staggering sandbars, close encounters with wildlife, thick forests and historic architectures are a few of the delights awaiting you on your expedition. Embarking on a 1,250 km sojourn across five major rivers (including the Ganga, Padma and Brahmaputra) sounds like a different proposition altogether now   

Neena Morada, the cruise director of MV Mahabaahu went on to add, &ldquoOur effort is to offer tourists an experience that is &lsquooff the beaten path&rsquo on the deliciously lush landscape where more than 700 rivers braid through the country. Travelling by boat provides a fabulous opportunity to see the country differently&rdquo.

We couldn&rsquot agree more, this perhaps is the respite we craved from clogged train stations, airports that promise long waiting times and jam packed and at times perilous roads.