Ganga River Cruise
A mighty river, spanning over 2500 km in length, the Ganga is a magnificent sight to behold and experience. It sustains villages, rich delta ecosystems and the sanctity of the Indian subcontinent. Its majestic beauty seeps through its surreal distributaries - the Hooghly, Bhagirathi and Jalangi that add to the Ganga’s grandeur. The magnanimous river spans through India and even crosses over to Bangladesh. It originates in the Himalayas and empties into the Bay of Bengal. Most river cruises will take you over the distributaries of the Ganga and open up a unique perspective on Indian civilization to you. The river in some parts isn't in the greatest state due to growing civilization along its banks. However, witnessing its greatness is a wonderful way to build mindfulness about eco-conservation. The Ganga is made of thousands of stories waiting to be heard and shared and a history that spans over centuries. One of the best ways to bask in its magic is by embarking on a river cruise.
Which Ganga river cruise route should I opt for?
The most beloved route for a Ganga river cruise is along the Hooghly river, between Kolkata and Farakka. Tour operators offer options between a luxurious week-long (or even longer) cruise on the Hooghly or a shorter day trip ranging from a few hours to a full day. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can opt for either since they all unfold similar experiences over varying durations.
What will I get to see on the Ganga river cruise?
The Ganga river is majestic and expansive and holds along its banks thousands of stories spanning over lifetimes. While it is simply impossible to experience the entire Ganga in one go, the Hooghly gives you a glimpse into a small part of it. Instead of simply focusing on the larger monuments, the Ganga river cruise’s route zooms in on the rural life of West Bengal. You get to slow down in time and witness a lazy, laidback landscape with plenty of little things to keep you occupied and in awe. Apart from that, you also get a panoramic view of the Howrah bridge and the mesmerising temple ghats.
The longer route takes you through an immersive exploration of the villages of Gaur, Baranagar, Murshidabad, Khushbagh, Katwa, Mayapur, Kalna, Hooghly, Chandernagore, Barrackpore and Kolkata. A local guide will share rich and fascinating histories of these lands as you sail through banks lined with mustard fields, mango orchards, terracotta temples, bustling bazaars and so much more. You get to witness important historical landmarks such as the battlefield of Plassey, Imambara and the Dupleix’s House in a slice of French India. If you prefer, you can even extend your cruise to cover Agra, Delhi and Varanasi.
The shorter Ganga river cruises simply sail along the city of Kolkata over peaceful waters. These cruises are exciting because they give you time to witness Kolkata from the outside - its bustling markets, the magnificent Howrah bridge and the city against the sunset. You also get to observe the temples and people offering their prayers in the river. If you take the cruise at the time of Durga Pujo, the view of extravagant pujas taking place along the shores is an added bonus!
Conclusion
Regardless of how long you choose to sail over the Ganga, the beauty it will unfold remains just as serene. You experience stillness and the grandeur of the Ganga, the chaos and vibrancy of the villages on its banks and a sunset that basks you in a million hues. The Ganga is an integral part of not just India’s topography and biodiversity, but also its history. It has witnessed in its lifespan thousands of civilisations, if not more and millions of religious traditions that it has come to be an integral part of. It is no secret that a major part of the river continues to succumb to drought and pollution threatening the river’s biodiversity and marine life. Conservation efforts to contain the loss are underway and several parts of the river have been restored. The river Ganga continues to tell a very important story about India - of the culture, the people and the history. If you want to indulge in stories of wars and gossip about cities, a Ganga river cruise is the best way to do it.