Alaknanda cruise is all set to give you a tour of the ghats in Varanasi

In an effort to promote tourism, Varanasi has started a 5-star luxury tourist cruise at Khidkiya Ghat, on September 2. The vessel named Alaknanda, is the first ever luxury cruise that will ferry passengers around all the 84 ghats. The 30-metre long double-decked modern liner, can ferry up to 110 passengers. The service is started by Varanasi-based start-up venture Nordic Cruiseline.

It is also equipped with luxurious sofa-style seating and the passengers can enjoy the sights in comfort and style. The devotees can take a ride during sunrise and sunset and can see the famous Ganga aarti in the evening.

The cruise Alaknanda has a full-fledged will also have (vegetarian/ vegan) galley. The cruise consists of latest navigational systems and onboard GPS, free WiFi, a skid-proof afterdeck, four bio-toilets.

It is fully AV-equipped mini-stage on the lower deck, and a host of stringent safety features, personnel, and equipment. The lower deck is air-conditioned, while the upper deck is open only to the sides.

The cruise will make a trip for two hours daily in the morning and evening. It will start from Assi Ghat and end its journey at the same point after covering a distance of 12 kilometers.

A representative of the cruise operator has said that initially the charges would be around Rs 750 plus GST per passenger for the ride. "We are ready for the launch of this service. As soon as we get the go ahead we can start the service. We have timed both morning and evening cruises in a manner which leaves whole daytime free to the tourists for doing other activities or visiting other places of interest," said Vikas Malviya, one of the directors of the Varanasi-based start-up venture Nordic Cruiseline told TOI.