: 8 Best Cruise Trips in India For Unique Travel Experiences #IndiaNEWS #Lists If you are looking for a laid back vacation experience to relax, rewind, and reflect while witnessing nature’s glory,

8 Best Cruise Trips in India For Unique Travel Experiences #IndiaNEWS #Lists
If you are looking for a laid back vacation experience to relax, rewind, and reflect while witnessing nature’s glory, a cruise can make for a perfect getaway.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the land, one could spend a quality time sailing through the river or sea.

Here are some of the best cruise trips you can take across the country:

1. Kerala Backwater Cruise

A houseboat in Alleppey backwaters. | Photo credit: Akbar (@afiography in Instagram)

When it comes to river cruising experiences, Kerala tops the list with its long stretches of serene backwaters and its famous houseboats.

The backwaters of Alleppey, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, are a perfect destination for all those craving for a calm and peaceful break. The houseboats here are modified Kettuvallams, which were used to carry rice and spices during the olden times. These thatched roof boats are made of wooden planks joined together with coir and then coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels.

These slow moving boats offer all the comforts of a hotel, including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony. On board, one can enjoy delicious Kerala cuisine, alongside the beautiful scenery of the green landscapes, dazzling paddy fields and village life on the banks of the waterways.

Location: Alappuzha, Kerala

Price: Rs 7,000 onwards (day & night 12pm to 9am)

2. Chilika Lake Cruise

Garuda in Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake, spread across Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts of Odisha, is the largest brackish water lake in the country. Also home to numerous migratory birds and vivid flora and fauna, the lake has several islands and is famed for being a destination for watching dolphins.

A cruise through the lake will let you spot interesting wildlife while wading through the calm waters.

The Odisha government has launched a luxury houseboat Garuda, which is a two-floor house boat equipped with two suite rooms, four premium rooms, a bar, and a restaurant. It can accommodate 25 people, and takes tourists through different parts of the lake, including the Bhitarkanika National Park and adjoining areas of Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location: Puri, Odisha

Price: Rs 18,000 for premium room & Rs 25,000 for a suite room (Food included)

3. Sundarbans River Cruise

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sougata De (@sougata. wander_trails)

The largest mangrove ecosystem in the world, the UNESCO world heritage site is located in the delta formed by the confluence of three rivers — Padma, Brahmaputra and Meghna in the Bay of Bengal.