India’s rivers and backwaters, once routes of trade, pilgrimage, and quiet village life, are setting the stage for some of India’s most interesting travel experiences. A new wave of luxury cruises is reimagining these waterways for explorers, pairing slow travel with deep cultural immersion and world-class hospitality. From solar-powered houseboats in Kerala to expedition-style journeys on the Brahmaputra, here are some standout luxury cruises leading the way.
MV Ganga Vilas by Antara Luxury River Cruises
Stretching over 3,200 kilometres and 51 days, the MV Ganga Vilas is officially the world’s longest river cruise, linking Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh. The 18 spacious suites are furnished in hand-woven silk and teak wood, with large floor-to-ceiling windows framing the outside world. Equipped with a spa, library, sundeck and gourmet dining, there is no shortage of amenities. Days ashore mean wandering through the lanes of Dhaka’s Pink Palace, joining a morning aarti on the ghats of Varanasi, or sipping fragrant tea in an Assamese plantation bungalow. For lovers of art and architecture, this is the ultimate floating salon. Prices for the 12-day itinerary are Rs. 10,50,000 and Rs. 27,50,000 for the 23-day itinerary, plus taxes; both for double occupancy.
MV Mahabaahu by Adventure River Cruises
The MV Mahabaahu is a naturalist’s dream. Cruising the mighty Brahmaputra between November and April, typically from Jorhat to Kolkata, the eight-day journey brings you face-to-face with Assam’s wild heart. Guests can go on jeep safaris in Kaziranga National Park, visit the old capital of the Ahom kings at Sibsagar, ride past river dolphins, and take off for excursions to Majuli, the world’s largest river island, to see the sattra dance tradition of Vaishnavite monks. On board, teak-panelled lounges and a small pool offer an ideal place to watch the river’s changing moods. Mornings begin with yoga sessions on the deck, while evenings end with Assamese folk music and local feasts. Prices start from Rs. 1,94,000 per person for eight days for double occupancy.
ABN Rajmahal by Assam Bengal Navigation
For those who prefer a more intimate voyage through history, the ABN Rajmahal serves as a nod to colonial Bengal with its designs. Think hand-blocked cotton fabrics, French balconies, a canopied sundeck, saloon and bar, a spa, and a dining room. Cruises typically run between Farakka to Kolkata, for eight days, through a region steeped in Nawabi palaces, crumbling forts, and riverside temples. On board, you’ll find just a few dozen guests, deep armchairs in the lounge, and a library stocked with books on Bengal’s history. Shore excursions include the 14th-century Adina Mosque, Murshidabad, where the Nawab’s great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront; the brassworking village of Matiari; and the exquisite terracotta temples of Kalna. The experience feels more like joining a private heritage tour than being on a commercial cruise. Prices start from Rs. 3,35,000 for seven nights for double occupancy.
Ganges Voyager II and ABN Charaidew II by Uniworld and &Beyond
International luxury lines have brought their own flair to India’s rivers. Uniworld’s Ganges Voyager II pairs a seven-night Ganges cruise with land stays in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, completing the Golden Triangle itinerary. Expect all-suite accommodation, white-glove service, and gourmet meals. Meanwhile, &Beyond’s ABN Charaidew II explores the Brahmaputra with just 18 cabins, paired with immersive cultural experiences ranging from cooking with local families to guided tours of the Ahom Dynasty’s ruins. Together, the two cruises offer global-standard cruising infused with India’s sensory richness. Prices for a 12-day cruise by Uniworld’s Ganges Voyager II start at ₹7,00,000; for a seven-day cruise by &Beyond’s ABN Charaidew II start at Rs. 3,35,000; both for double occupancy.
Spice Coast Cruises by CGH Earth
For a more private tailor-made escape, hospitality group CGH Earth transforms the traditional kettuvallam into a solar-powered houseboat on Vembanad Lake in Kerala. It’s just you, the crew, and a panorama of water hyacinths and paddy fields. Experiences include coir-making workshops and visits to bird sanctuaries. You can choose between an overnight cruise or a week-long one. Prices start from Rs. 36,480 for a single cabin and Rs. 60,000 for a double cabin, inclusive of taxes and all meals.
