The Ganges, or Mother Ganga as ‘she’ is better known in India, is the spiritual heart of the country. For the living a dip in this sacred river washes away previous negative karma. However many Hindus choose to make their final journey here so that their bodies may be cremated on the River’s banks in order to attain Moksha or peace, at the time of death. It is this very juxtaposition, the living pilgrims ritually bathing in the river a short way from the cremation ghats that is both fascinating and somewhat perplexing. For many a visit to the Ganges, and in particular one of the many centres on the river such as Varanasi, is the highlight of a tour to India. Now with the introduction of specially designed cruise vessels there is the opportunity of accessing the more rural and quaint side of this river and the many incredible sights along it’s shore.