Cruising into My Pre-Birthday Bash: A Royal Affair on the Sabarmati


When I was younger, birthdays were like that one sock you always lose in the laundry—easily overlooked and not really missed. The spotlight was firmly on the kids’ birthdays, because nothing screams "parenting" quite like throwing a lavish party for a toddler who will only remember the cake (if that). But as the kids flew the nest, my spouse and I found ourselves in the spotlight again, and guess what? We’re loving it!

Now, birthdays, anniversaries, and every festive occasion have become grand affairs. This year, I decided to up the ante—because why not? Channeling my inner Ambani, I thought, "If they can have a pre-wedding bash, why can't I have a pre-birthday bash?" And that’s exactly what I did!

We planned a fabulous pre-birthday lunch, but this wasn’t just any lunch—it was a luxurious river cruise on the Sabarmati in Ahmedabad. Because if you’re going to celebrate, you might as well do it in style! Life’s too short not to treat yourself like royalty at least once a year.

Akshar River Cruise Lunch

After a bit of deliberation, we settled on Akshar River Cruise, and it did not disappoint. In fact, I’d give them a solid 5 stars for ambience, service, and food. It was a delightful experience from start to finish.

How to Board?

If you’re visiting Ahmedabad and want to experience the city from a whole new perspective, a river cruise along the Sabarmati should definitely be on your itinerary. This scenic journey blends history, culture, and nature, giving you a fresh view of the city. 

But wait, it gets even better! The emergence of cruise restaurants has turned this already magical experience into a culinary adventure. Picture this: dining on a luxury river cruise, under the stars, with historical landmarks floating by. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Booking your river cruise is easy-peasy. Whether you’re planning a special celebration like a birthday, wedding, or corporate event, or just want to relax with some live music on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, this cruise restaurant has got you covered. You can book your table online, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. 

New multi-level-parking was nearby and you can land directly into the riverside garden by a skywalk. 

So, next time you’re in Ahmedabad, don’t miss out on this gastronomic voyage along the Sabarmati—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

Insider Info

You can book your table online at [Akshar River Cruise](https://aksharrivercruise.com/). 

Right now, they’re offering a lunch deal for just ₹899 per head due to the monsoon season. Dinner is priced at ₹2000 per head. 

Kids aged 4-7 are counted as children and are charged accordingly. We opted for the lunch cruise so we could enjoy the daytime views—and because, to be honest, the idea of being on water at night is a bit too thrilling for my taste. 😋

 The Experience

We arrived half an hour before our booking time, just as instructed in the confirmation message from the cruise company. After checking in at the reception and receiving our wristbands, we were served a refreshing kiwi drink in the waiting hall. Before boarding, all passengers were given a quick safety briefing. 

As soon as everyone was on board, the cruise set sail. The restaurant’s interior was soothing, and we were guided to our reserved table. We were lucky enough to snag a spot by the window, allowing us to take in the picturesque scenery as we cruised along the river.

 The Menu

Now, let’s talk about the food. The menu was extensive and delicious, with a variety of dishes that included some rare finds like mangodi-green onion and baingan rajwadi. Each dish was accompanied by a calorie count, but honestly, who’s counting calories when you’re indulging in a feast like this? I’m sharing a video where you can see the full spread, from starters to desserts.


Check the Menu Here 👆!

After a lavish lunch, we headed up to the deck where a mocktail bar was set up (it is Gujarat, after all 😊). We enjoyed the scenery, the pleasant weather, and some good music. After snapping a few photos, we made our way back down as the cruise neared its end.

The Window Seat!

The Verdict

The 1.5-hour river cruise was a delightful experience. Here’s how I’d rate it:

Service: 5/5

Ambience: 4.5/5

Food: 5/5

Menu: 5/5

Just to be clear, this isn’t a paid review. We paid for our food and had an amazing time, so if you’re looking for something special to do in Ahmedabad, give the Akshar River Cruise a try!


It is not a paid review. We paid for our food. 

Neerja Bhatnagar

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