“With the arrival of the open catamaran boats, visitors will soon be able to enjoy refreshing water excursions while basking in the scenic landscapes of Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura”- Jaiveer Singh
Uttar Pradesh is coming up with a new era in tourism, with plans to introduce water excursions that rival those of Goa and Kerala. Open catamaran boats, equipped with modern facilities, will soon be operational in the iconic cities of Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura. The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Corporation has formally requested the supply of these boats from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), marking another milestone in the state’s expanding tourism offerings.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh, emphasized the state’s rapid progress in the tourism sector, noting that more than 480 million tourists visited its world-renowned religious, spiritual, eco, and other attractions last year. “We are actively working on various tourism projects like rural tourism, agri-tourism, and water sports. The potential for water sports in Uttar Pradesh is immense, and we are making significant strides in developing it,” he stated.
Efforts are in full swing to provide facilities comparable to those found in Goa, Kerala, and other states known for their water sports. As part of this initiative, an agreement has been signed with the IWAI for the supply of six catamaran boats, with two boats each planned for Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.
Currently, one catamaran boat each has been delivered to Ayodhya and Kashi, with a seating capacity of 50 passengers. To enhance the tourist experience, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Corporation has requested that future catamarans be open-air, complete with a deck, pantry, toilets, and other essential amenities. These features will allow visitors to fully enjoy the scenic beauty of the rivers and their surroundings.
In addition to the catamarans, electric boats were recently handed over to Prayagraj by the IWAI, further expanding the state’s water-based travel options. These include two mini-cruise boats, seating 30 passengers each, and six motorboats, each accommodating six tourists, along with two rescue boats. All boats are expected to be operational following the monsoon season.
Singh also affirmed that “Tourists from across India and the globe will have plethora of options to explore in the state. With the arrival of the open catamaran boats, visitors will soon be able to enjoy refreshing water excursions while basking in the scenic landscapes of Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.”
