Odisha to launch 5-star luxury cruise service on river Mahanadi

The Odisha government is planning to launch a 5-star luxury cruise service on the river Mahanadi to promote tourism. Subsequently, the service will be available at Chilika and Bhitarkanika.

The tourism department is targeting to introduce several schemes. Like Kolkata and Varanasi, a river cruise service will be kicked off under state’s Tourism policy-2020, informed Tourism Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev.

The first-ever luxury cruise service was started in Varanasi, PM Modi’s constituency on August 15. Called Alaknanda, the luxury cruise has been developed by a Kolkata-based company.

The cruise measures 2,000 sq ft and can accommodate about 125 persons onboard. Out of the total number, 60 seats are outfitted in the air-conditioned lower deck, having huge see-through glass windows to watch the famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

According to the news reports, the cruise boat has been endowed with luxurious amenities like bio-toilets, 60 sofas on the lower deck, kitchen on the upper deck that serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals including continental cuisine. Tourists will also be served alcohol onboard. Reportedly, the cruise has been crafted with modern technology, powerful engine, leading-edge safety features and a life guard on-board to deal with any emergency.

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