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Viking Launches Revolutionary River Cruises In India : Explore The Heart Of Assam On The Brahmaputra

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Friday, July 11, 2025

Viking has now officially revealed its massive expansion in India by introducing river cruises along the fabled Brahmaputra River. Slated for launch in late 2027, the Viking Brahmaputra is the latest cutting-edge ship specifically tailored to provide unmatched comfort and luxury to travelers venturing on one of the most culturally and geographically diverse areas of India. The new cruise will cruise along the northeastern Indian state of Assam, covering the cities of Guwahati and Nimati Ghat. The announcement represents a historic first for Viking as it enters the Indian river cruising market, providing travelers with a different way to experience this energetic and diversified country.

North-east India, and the Indian state of Assam in particular, is famous for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history, and has been fast emerging as a destination choice for adventurous tourists. Viking’s Brahmaputra river cruises now offer a thrilling new dimension to India’s tourism scene by enabling tourists to experience the core of India in the perfect blend of adventure and luxury.

The Viking Brahmaputra: Setting the Benchmark for River Cruising in India
Viking has a well-established reputation for offering high-quality river cruises across Europe and Asia, and with the introduction of the Viking Brahmaputra, it is set to bring its signature Scandinavian design and comfort to India’s river cruising market. The vessel, which is still under construction, will accommodate 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Designed with luxury in mind, every stateroom will feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, offering guests stunning views of the river and its surrounding landscapes. The ship will also include spacious suites and a variety of amenities such as a Spa & Fitness Center and an open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck, providing travelers with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.

What makes the Viking Brahmaputra special is how it delivers the ultimate blend of luxury and exploration, providing guests with an experience they will never forget on one of the world’s most legendary rivers. The ultra-modern amenities, combined with extremely individualized service, make sure guests enjoy a peaceful, stress-free trip as they indulge in the beauty and allure of India’s north-east.

The Wonders of India Itinerary: 15-Day Cultural and Scenic Adventure
Viking’s 15-day Wonders of India cruise-tour will offer travelers an in-depth experience of India’s cultural riches and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The cruise-tour, round-trip from Delhi, pairs an eight-day river cruise along the Brahmaputra River with overnights in three legendary cities—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—in an inclusive land component. The meticulously planned cruise-tour lets guests experience India’s most important sights, including the Taj Mahal, the Palace of Winds, and the venerable temples of Old Delhi, yet experience them from the river in a different way.

The Wonders of India tour is created to provide greater insight into India’s cultural heritage, beginning in the nation’s capital, Delhi, where tourists will be able to experience its busy streets, colorful markets, and heritage sites. Travelers in Agra will be able to experience the majestic beauty of the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous structures. The tour will also transport guests to Jaipur, where tourists will be able to walk along the Pink City and experience the magnificent Palace of Winds, before enjoying the memorable Brahmaputra River cruise.

Assam’s Natural Wonders and Brahmaputra River Expedition

The Viking Brahmaputra river cruise is the crowning glory of the Wonders of India tour. While the ship navigates the picturesque landscape of Assam, the tourists will have magnificent views of the countryside villages, ancient temples, and pristine natural beauty. The Brahmaputra River, one of the longest rivers in the world, has a rich ecosystem, and tourists will marvel at its abundant wildlife, including the mythical one-horned rhinoceros and wild buffalo of the Kaziranga National Park.

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of India’s premier wildlife reserves and provides tourists with the opportunity to see rare creatures in the wild. The park is especially famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses, and those on the Viking Brahmaputra will be able to participate in a guided safari in the park to give the river cruise an adventurous touch.

Apart from its natural beauty, Assam has Majuli, the largest river island in the world. Majuli has its own distinguished culture, with its ancient monasteries, colourful festivals, and Assamese folk arts. The guests will get to visit this beautiful island, giving them first-hand insight into the cultural heritage of the area and life by the Brahmaputra River.

The Ultimate Combination of Adventure and Luxury

Viking’s novel river cruises on the Brahmaputra provide a completely different kind of India experience. The pairing of an eight-day river cruise and full-guided ground program, along with overnight stops in cities steeped in culture, makes this trip an immersive one. Travelers will experience India’s Golden Triangle marvels, see rural Indian villages, behold exotic wildlife, and learn the fascinating cultural heritage of the nation—all from the pampering and luxury of the Viking Brahmaputra. This new river journey marks the next breakthrough in Indian tourism, offering travelers the opportunity for high-end, hassle-free exploration of India’s inaccessible northeast.
Viking’s dedication to delivering authentic, in-depth journeys means the Wonders of India tour will be the trip of a lifetime for those who get to take it. As the Viking Brahmaputra approaches its first sailing in late 2027, travelers will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience traveling through one of India’s most culturally diverse and naturally spectacular areas. The latest addition to Viking’s repertoire is the perfect reflection of the company’s commitment to providing world-class river cruising opportunities to the kind of places that inspire the imagination and create memories to last a lifetime. The Brahmaputra River, deeply rooted in culture, history, and stunning landscapes, is now ready to be one of the must-do places for river cruise travelers in search of the next experience.

(Source: Viking, German Federal Statistical Office)



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‘We Cannot Go To Pakistan But He Can’

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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday took a fresh swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mocking his frequent foreign visits and specifically highlighting his surprise stopover in Pakistan’s Lahore in 2015 to meet the then Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif.

“It seems that when the PM is flying in his plane, he looks down and asks, ‘Which country is that?’ When told it’s so-and-so, he says, ‘No worries, we will reach an hour late where we are going; let’s land here now.’ He decides to land just anywhere. That’s how he landed in Pakistan too,” Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said in Punjabi in the state assembly on Friday, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

“The PM decided, just like that, to visit Pakistan. He had biryani and came back. We cannot go to Pakistan, but he can land there!” Mann added.

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MEA Slams Punjab CM Over ‘Irresponsible’ Remarks

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday criticised CM Bhagwant Mann for his remarks on the foreign trips of PM Modi. While disassociating itself from the remarks, the MEA stated that the statement from the Punjab chief minister was “irresponsible” and “regrettable”.

Bhagwant Mann, while taking a jibe at PM Modi’s foreign visits, stated that the prime minister is visiting countries with populations less than even 10,000. PM Modi on Thursday returned to India after his five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

“We have seen some comments made by a high state authority about India’s relations with friendly countries from the Global South. These remarks are irresponsible and regrettable and do not behove the state authority,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated.

“The Government of India disassociates itself from such unwarranted comments that undermine India’s ties with friendly countries,” he added.

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“Don’t I have the right to ask about the country’s foreign policy and what did he do there? Why does Adani’s business start wherever he (PM) goes? I will continue to ask in the future as well. With 140 crore people in the country, he should engage with them and address their concerns. He says he will stop the Ukraine war (Ukraine-Russia), but he can’t even resolve water issues between Punjab and Haryana,” Mann told reporters on MEA condemning his statements on PM Modi’s five-nation visit.



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12 adventure hotspots in India for the thrill-seeker’s bucket list |

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If you think adventure in India ends with trekking in Himachal or rafting in Rishikesh, buckle up. From diving with sharks to biking on snow deserts, India is a land of opportunities where you can actually put your stamina to test. Whether you’re into heights, depths, speed, or any other adventure, here are 12 adrenaline-pumping, thrill-chasing, Instagram-bragging hotspots across India.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

White-water rafting? Check. Bungee jumping off India’s highest fixed platform? Double check. Ziplining over the Ganges?All available here. In short, Rishikesh is where adventure junkies come to test their limits and leave with spiritual awakenings, and introspection about their strength.

Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh

Ever wanted to fly although you never went to that pilot school? Bir Billing is your place. Known as India’s paragliding mecca, it’s where you run off a hill with a stranger strapped to your back and land 30 minutes later with your soul still soaring. The view? 10/10. The wind-in-your-face feeling? Addictive.

Andaman Islands

Scuba diving in Andamans is like falling into a screensaver, except the fish are real and the colours haven’t been photoshopped. Havelock Island, or Swaraj Dweep, offers vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and if you’re lucky, a chance to high-five a sea turtle.

Manali–Leh Highway

This isn’t just a road trip, it’s a pilgrimage for motorcyclists. You get it all here, hairpin bends, snow-clad passes, cheeky yaks, and the ever-present possibility of getting lost. If your idea of fun includes altitude, dust, and jaw-dropping views at every turn, saddle up.

Dandeli, Karnataka

Hidden in the Western Ghats, Dandeli offers white-water rafting in the Kali River with Grade III rapids, kayaking, canyoning, and even jungle treks that come with a real chance of bumping into a wildlife. It’s wild, wet, and wonderfully off-the-radar.Read more: Untouched Kerala: 7 secret towns waiting to be explored

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

This place has moon-like landscapes, fossil-studded cliffs, and roads that seem to have trust issues with gravity. Mountain biking here is no joke, the air’s thin, the drop is real, and the selfies are unmatched. Add a monastery hop if your knees give out.

Meghalaya’s caving circuit

Fancy crawling through dark limestone caves with underground waterfalls and prehistoric vibes? Meghalaya’s got you. Caves like Siju, Liat Prah, and Mawsmai aren’t for the faint-hearted, they’re slippery, spooky, and spellbinding. You’ll love every bit of it.

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Forget beaches, try driving over a boundless white salt flat with nothing but mirages for company. During the Rann Utsav, this barren land turns into a cultural carnival, but for the rest of the year, it’s the perfect spot for ATV rides, or paramotoring.

Zanskar River, Ladakh

This is not a trek. This is a frozen-river mission where you walk on precarious ice sheets with temperatures dipping below –20°C, and your breath becoming a visible companion. It’s brutal. It’s beautiful.

Goa

Goa’s not all about beach bumming. Think jet-skiing, wakeboarding, kite surfing, and scuba diving with the occasional shipwreck. North Goa’s all about that fast life, while South Goa has quieter beaches. Pick what suits you the best.Read more: 6 uncontacted tribes in the world: These people will never allow entry in their homes

Auli, Uttarakhand

Want to ski but can’t fly to Switzerland on a whim? Auli’s your snowy saviour. With powdery slopes, ski lifts, and instructors who won’t laugh at your first fall, it’s India’s answer to alpine fun, minus the overpriced hot chocolate.

Bikaner, Rajasthan

Adventure in the desert? Oh yes. Welcome to Bikaner, where you can go dune bashing in 4x4s, zip around on quad bikes, or race camels like royalty on a sugar rush. It’s hot, hectic, but a lot of fun.





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Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And It Is Healing People In Unexpected Ways

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Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And We Will Tell You Why. (Image: Canva)

For years, destinations like Goa and Kerala have been on top of India’s travel map. Attracting people for their beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture, these two destinations have been a complete delight for tourists. However, in the recent years, a shift has been seen – one which has positioned Rishikesh as the new favourite among travellers, especially those who are seeking more than just a vacation.

Being a small town which is located along the banks of Ganga river in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh has been luring all sorts of travellers – from spiritual seekers to adventure junkies and from digital nomads to slow travellers.

Popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital Of The World’, Rishikesh is popular amongst Indians and foreigners alike as many priests, sages and real yogis live there. The city is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, which may seem unbelievable, considering its tourist footfall. Most rainfall is expected between July and August so its always better to visit the city before or after.

File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)

Why Is Everyone Travelling To Rishikesh?

One of the primary reasons for Rishikesh’s growing popularity is its spiritual aura. This place, for a long time, has attracted seekers of inner peace and balance. Every year, thousands visit ashrams and wellness retreats for authentic yoga teacher training programs, meditation workshops, and Ayurveda-inspired healing practices.

Unlike the commercial yoga studios found in bigger cities, Rishikesh offers a more grounded and traditional approach. Whether you are staying for a weekend retreat or a month-long course, there is something about this place which will heal you from within. The daily Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, the chants that echo through the hills create a spiritual atmosphere that is both calming and transformative.

File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)

This is not it. Rishikesh is also a magnet for adventure tourism. From white-water rafting on the Ganga river to cliff jumping, zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding Himalayas, the town offers a bizarre adrenaline rush like no other.

Additionally, sustainability and conscious tourism are also two major factors that have contributed into an increase in number of tourists. Many eco-stays, homestays, and retreats here are now offering low-impact and environmentally responsible lodging options. There is also a growing emphasis on clean eating and mindful consumption.

File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)

Last but not the least, accessibility has played an important role too. With the new Char Dham highway project and an improved connectivity from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, travelling to Rishikesh has become easier than ever.





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