UP: Ramayana cruise service on Saryu river in Ayodhya to start soon

New Delhi: ‘Ramayana Cruise Tour’ on the Saryu River in Ayodhya will be started soon. Union Port, Shipping and Waterways Minister Mansukh Mandavia chaired the review meeting held today for the implementation of the cruise service. This will be the first luxury cruise service on the Saryu River (Ghaghra / National Waterway-40) in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Its purpose is to provide the pilgrims a kind of spiritual journey while visiting the famous ghats of the sacred Saryu River.

The cruise will have all the comforts of luxury and comfort along with the necessary safety and security facilities to suit the global standard. Cruise interiors and boarding points will be based on the theme of Ramcharitmanas. The fully air-conditioned 80-seater cruise will feature large glass windows to experience the natural beauty of the ghats. For the comfort of tourists, the cruise will be equipped with kitchen and pantry facilities. The cruise has a bio-toilet and hybrid engine system for ‘zero impact’ on the environment.

Tourists will be taken on a ‘Ramcharitmanas Tour’ of 1-1.5 hours duration. During the yatra, a specially made video film based on the Ramcharitmanas of Goswami Tulsidas will be shown, which will narrate from the birth of Lord Rama to his coronation. The entire journey will cover a distance of about 15-16 kilometers. There will be many activities and selfie points inspired by various episodes of Ramayana. The yatra will be followed by the Saryu Aarti, in which every traveler can participate actively.

Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama, as described in the great Indian epic Ramayana. It is the first of the seven most important pilgrimage sites (Mokshadayini Sapta Puri) for Hindus. According to UP Tourism data, in 2019, about 2 crore tourists visited Ayodhya. After the construction of the Ram temple, it is estimated that the number of tourists will increase.

The ‘Ramayana Cruise Tour’ will not only attract a large number of tourists, but it will also create new direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways will provide all necessary infrastructure support for the smooth running of the cruise service.