Bengal planning to offer houseboat trips on the Ganges to boost tourism

To boost tourism in Bengal, the region is gearing up to offer leisure trips to tourists on houseboats. If all goes as planned, houseboats will now cruise along its rivers just like shikaras in Srinagar.

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The state tourism department is planning to introduce houseboats on the Ganges, on the Teesta River in North Bengal, and in the Sundarbans. Tourism Minister Gautam Deb said, “We have already received two such boats, and another six will arrive shortly. This new facility will provide a unique experience to the tourists who can enjoy staying in a luxury facility on the river, while moving along the Ganges and also in the Sundarbans.”

Deb also further stated that each of these houseboats will be furnished with four double-bed rooms, dining rooms, a kitchen, and a drawing room. The department will supposedly be spending 1 crore INR for equipping each of these houseboats with all the enhanced facilities. This is in fact for the first time that the department is introducing facilities to boost tourism in the state.
The minister also mentioned, “We are developing a nature interpretation centre at the Bengal Safari Park (located on Siliguri outskirts) and spending INR 4 crore. Also, leopard safari will start at the park from April this year. These facilities, we feel, will increase the attractions for visitors.”


If reports from the department are true, then it will be introducing “Atithi Bandhu,” which will be another innovative concept implemented in the tourism department of the state.
Reportedly, as per sources, the department is planning to get on board all the concerned authorities, and be ready ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja celebration to implement these plans in and around Kolkata.