If you’ve ever wanted to see India by river voyage, you’ll soon be able to.

Viking announced the launch of its new river boat tour of India via the Brahmaputra River on the Viking Brahmaputra. (The Brahmaputra River flows through three countries: northeastern India, Bangladesh, and southwestern China.)

The 80-guest vessel with 40 outside staterooms is currently under construction and is scheduled to debut in 2027, when it will set sail between two cities—Guwahati and Nimati Ghat—in the northeastern state of Assam. Guests will be able to enjoy Viking’s signature Scandinavian design, staterooms with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and a veranda, a spa and fitness center, and an open-air bar.

On the river voyage, guests will have the opportunity to see Guwahati’s temple, search for one-horned rhinos and buffaloes in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, and delve into the cultures of the large river island of Majuli.

The launch of the Viking Brahmaputra is part of Viking’s brand new 15-day itinerary “Wonders of India,” which includes the 8-day Brahmaputra River voyage as well as a fully-guided program on land, with overnight stays in popular destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. 

The “Wonders of India” voyage will begin and end in Delhi, the capital of India, and the hotel stays on land will bracket the river journey in the middle. The itinerary takes guests to as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, immersing travelers in India’s cultural treasure and heritages. Participants can learn about the history of India’s Golden Triangle by exploring the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, strolling through the tangled streets of Old Delhi, and visiting Jaipur’s Palace of the Winds. 

“With its rich heritage, deep cultural traditions and fascinating natural wonders, India is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries,” Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. “In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for curious travelers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort.” 

Travelers from North America can save up to $5,000 per couple plus airfare from $999, if they book between now and July 31, 2025. Bookings can be made by contacting Viking toll-free at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or by contacting a travel advisor for booking details. 

The Hottest ‘Coolcation’ Destinations for 2025

The ‘coolcation’ travel trend that started last year shows no signs of cooling down—particularly in summer, when cold-weather destinations often look very appealing. From the Austrian Alps to the lakes of Finland, here are some of the hottest coolcation destinations for summer—and beyond.

Six Senses Unveils A Women’s Wellness Initiative

Putting its money where its mantra is, the Six Senses resort group recently launched a new women’s wellness program at five of its properties. The new initiative—rolled out in Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Vietnam and the Maldives—was developed with holistic wellness expert Dr. Mindy Pelz. The three-, five- and seven-day programs are built around each guest’s hormonal stage and focus on nutrition, sleep, stress, movement and recovery. Other Six Senses locations are expected to be added the female wellness initiative later this year.

The European Countries with the Cleanest Swimming Water

As summer travel continues to heat up, a new report reveals the cleanest swimming water in Europe. The testing is done by the EU Bathing Water Directive and ratings are based on four years’ worth of data. An excellent rating indicates that the water meets the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, making it ideal for swimming and other recreational activities. From the shores of Slovenia to the lakes of Bulgaria, here are the European countries with the cleanest water for swimming.

“Only when the tide goes out do you discover who has been swimming naked.”

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First-time cruise passengers often find some of the onboard rituals confusing. From sailaway parties to formal nights to hiding rubber ducks, here are five cruise traditions to help you find your sea legs.

Dig These Jurassic Journeys

It only feels like Hollywood has been making Jurassic Park movies for around 200 million years. With the seventh film in the series now in theaters, Tyrranosaurus-loving travelers are sure to get the urge to go digging for fossils of their own. That’s where Dinosaur Trips comes in. Founded in 2022, Dinosaur Trips creates paleontology expeditions at some of the most famous fossil sites around the world. From Alberta, Canada to Patagonia, dig these fossil-hunting itineraries.

In a significant step towards improving access to education, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new scheme to provide an annual travel allowance of rs 6000 to students who live at least five kilometres away from their schools.

This initiative aims to help students from six districts of Bundelkhand and remote Sonbhadra reach their government secondary schools without facing travel hardship.

Under the scheme, students from Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Banda and Sonbhadra will be eligible for a 6000 annual travel allowance.

The benefit will be given to students of classes 9 to 12 who live five kilometres or more from the nearest government secondary school.

The scheme is being rolled out in the current academic session and is expected to give immediate relief to thousands of students struggling with long commutes.

FUNDS TO BE SENT THROUGH DIRECT TRANSFER

The annual assistance will be credited directly into the students’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). According to the plan, the first instalment of the allowance could be released as early as 5 September.

Girl students from 146 government schools chosen under the Pradhan Mantri School Vikas Yojana (PM Shri) will also benefit from this new travel allowance scheme.

This inclusion ensures broader support for female students, especially those in rural and underserved areas.

SIMPLE APPLICATION AND VERIFICATION PROCESS

To receive the benefit, students must fill out a declaration form (pro forma) stating that there is no government secondary school within a five-kilometre radius of their home.

This form will then be verified by the Gram Pradhan (village head) at the village level and by the school principal.

In urban areas, local councillors will be responsible for verifying the declarations. Once approved, the eligible students will start receiving the allowance.

A key condition of the scheme is regular school attendance. Students must also show at least a 10 percent increase in their attendance to continue receiving the allowance. This measure is designed to improve not only access but also student engagement and discipline.

THOUSANDS TO BENEFIT

The scheme is expected to benefit around 24,000 students across Bundelkhand and Sonbhadra. In addition, approximately 4,000 girl students from PM Shri schools will also receive travel support.

This scheme highlights the government’s focus on removing barriers to education and improving enrolment and attendance, especially in remote and underserved areas.

(With inputs from Ankit Mishra)

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