Travel Guides & Articles
Viking Launches Revolutionary River Cruises In India : Explore The Heart Of Assam On The Brahmaputra
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)
Travel Guides & Articles
Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And It Is Healing People In Unexpected Ways
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.
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.
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.
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.
Travel Guides & Articles
Being “The Best You”: Klook Partners with ICICI For Promoting Exclusive Travel Campaign In India
Friday, July 11, 2025
New Delhi – Asia’s ultimate travel experiences platform, Klook, announced the unveiling of a new brand campaign, “The Best You”, which invites travelers to reconnect with themselves through out-of-the-ordinary travel experiences. Starring India’s beloved comedian, Bharti Singh, the “The Best You” campaign seeks to reframe the way people perceive travel—focusing on self-discovery, elation, and personalized connections.
The campaign alligns with a new partnership between the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card and Klook, a first-of-its-kind offering to India’s crème-de-la-crème consumers. The partnership holds the promise of giving card members the best-of-the-best travel benefits, which shall go a long way towards enhancing the travel experiences of India’s discerning travelers.
Bharti Singh’s Journey of Persistence and Rediscovery
The Bharti Singh saga is a touching tale of metamorphosis and endurance. India’s Queen of Comedy, Bharti has made a name for herself in an industry which isn’t too comfortable with women, let alone when crossing over into the zone of humor. But with determination, humor, and an iron self, Bharti has cracked open doors. Bharti reflects today about her personal transformation and how traveling became the core of her life.
“Not many know the work that went into me getting my place in the industry,” Bharti said. “Over the years, I have been bombarded with ideas about how I need to live my life. But now, I have to stop, calm down, and do something for me. Traveling does that for me—reconnect, open myself up to the new, and let the little things that really get to my heart, put a smile back on my face.”
With “The Best You”, Bharti invites you to share the travel spirit that builds individual growth and connectivity. Her message boils down to embracing the values of spontaneity and taking refuge in the little things—a serene night under stars, exploration of new cultures, or a first-hand experience of something. Bharti’s own adventure summarizes the ad campaign: travel is not about the locales, it’s about the emotions and experiences that keep you truly alive.
Special Travel Benefits for Times Black ICICI Bank Card Members
Klook’s partnership with Times Black ICICI Bank again expands the relationship with travel and luxury. Times Black Credit Card, made out of a rare metal, targets India’s elite customer segment specifically and gives them a set of hand-curated benefits and luxury offerings. As a result of the relationship, the card members are entitled to exclusive rights to a set of benefits provided through the Klook platform, consisting of:
Special discounts when you book experiences anywhere in the globe.
First access to sold-out events and attractions.
Professional customer service to ensure a comfortable trip.
For the discerning traveler, the Times Black card holds the prospect of taking their travel experiences to a higher level, not just with superior experiences, but with luxury-level service, as well as VIP benefits.
A Revamped Travel Experience for the New-Age Indian Travelers
According to Shivam Tyagi, the Marketing Lead of Klook India and the Middle East, “The Best You” program does not center on simple activity provision. It’s an offer to re-live happy moments and create significant, memorable experiences which have an emotional recall.
“People yearn for a connection now more than ever,” Tyagi explained. “They want to get away from the routine of everyday existence and reconnect themselves with the things and themselves around them. Klook aims to facilitate that connection through heart-touching travel—via shared humor, the rush of a new adventure, the grandeur of a new destination.”
The brand, with all it stands for—informality, self-exploration, and a healthy dose of fun—is perfectly compatible with the traveller of today, who increasingly, through travel, wishes to have a genuine re-invention of the self. Whether it’s the romanticism of a serene Balinese sunset or the frivolous street-food explorations of Bangkok, “The Best You” celebrates the individual moments that, when collectively shared, make travel a holiday and not a trip—and a genuinely transformational experience.
What’s Next: Future Plans and Future Travel Opportunities
Klook and Times Black ICICI Bank joint venture is said to become a defining element of the luxury travel ecosystem of India. For the times to come, the joint venture shall offer card members even more personalized services such as limited edition travel services, exclusive event activities, and broader coverage of emerging travel destinations. That’s just the beginning of what promises to become a new chapter for the new age Indian traveler who seeks luxurious experiences.
Both Times Black ICICI Bank and Klook recognize the evolution of the travel environment and are committed to delivering premium, personalized services that enhance the process of traveling. By leveraging the global platform of Klook and the Times Black card’s exclusive features, the new joint venture seeks to reposition the relationship of premium Indian travelers with the world.
Including Travel as a Part of Self-Discovery This launch of “The Best You” and Times Black ICICI Bank partnership are a true reflection of what travel today is all about. Checking the boxes of the places or seeing the attractions does not hold true anymore, today it is all about the moments, the people, and the experiences that make your trip all the difference. Bharti Singh’s own reflections are a reminder that travel can play a part as a tool of individual exploration as much as a source of much pleasure and connection. As Klook continues to grow its presence in India’s luxury travel market, the partnership marks a new chapter in how India’s elite adventurers see the globe—curated, personalized, and meaningful.
Travel Guides & Articles
Find Sunflowers In Full Bloom At These Places In India This Month – Travel and Leisure Asia
Find Sunflowers In Full Bloom At These Places In India This Month Travel and Leisure Asia
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