Cruises in India are the epitome of luxury, a favourite among international jetsetters visiting the country and quickly catching on with Indian viewers. When it comes to cruise packages from India, the buzzwords are relaxed and pampered.

A typical cruise in India takes place aboard a vessel or a houseboat that sails at its own leisurely speed to some of India's most beautiful sites and islands, as well as open seas. As strange as it may seem, India has a long history of cruises, as ancient history suggests. Because of its importance as a major commerce hub, it established maritime routes that were used by boats and ships as early as the 4th century. In truth, India's two largest seaports, Mumbai and Kochi, are both on the country's western Arabian Sea coast.

Vishakhapatnam is the largest port on the eastern coast. Most cruises leave Mumbai from the historic Gateway of India and travel deep into the Arabian Sea. Some Goa cruises double as floating casinos, sailing into international waterways to provide gambling on their decks. It's no surprise that Indian cruises are genuinely spectacular.

The Oberoi Motor Vessel, one of the most popular luxury liners, sets sail from Alleppey on a three-night voyage. There are a handful of luxury cruises and houseboats in the quiet backwaters of Kochi, Kumarakom, and Alleppey, particularly in Kochi (formerly Cochin), that offer the perfect getaway for rest-starved souls.

Kochi is a 2000-year-old harbour that sees hundreds of cruise ships depart each day. Providing amazing cruise trips as a result. The hypnotic backwaters — a lovely area of tranquil canals, serene lagoons, enormous lakes, and unpredictable rivers that change character with every twist and turn around low barrier islands – are a must-see for visitors.