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I Sailed on the Longest Luxury River Cruise in the World — Here's What It Was Like

A cultural ritual in Varanasi, 15 days in Bangladesh, and incredible wildlife spotting opportunities were among the trip's highlights.

The Operator

The itinerary.

Courtesy of Exotic Heritage Group

The Ganges is to India what the Nile is to Egypt and what the Euphrates is to Mesopotamia: It's the beating heart of the destination's cultural and economic life. Flowing more than 1,500 miles from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges nurtured the Hindu holy city of Varanasi for thousands of years. It was on these banks that the Buddha preached his first sermon in 528 BCE, and it was along these waters that the British built the first capital of the British Raj, Kolkata.

Where the river flows through land, it shelters some of the most endangered aquatic fauna in the world, and where it meets the sea, it spawns one of the largest mangrove forests on Earth. And yet, never has a luxury river cruise sailed the Ganges — at least not one that compared to world-class river itineraries in other parts of the world.

This changed last year, when India's Antara Luxury River Cruises launched an epic itinerary down the Ganges and its sister river, the Brahmaputra. Covering nearly 2,000 miles in 51 days, it is the longest river cruise in the world.

Here's what it's like.

Kolkata-based Antara Luxury River Cruises operates the tour, a subsidiary of the Exotic Heritage Group , which has been involved in luxury travel in India for the last 30 years.

Raj Singh, an Indian wildlife expert and luxury travel pioneer, is among the trip promoters of this journey, as is Andrea Massari , a Singapore-based cruise expert who has previously managed luxury river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar with Ayravata Cruises and the Mekong River in Vietnam with Pandaw Cruises. An architect by training, Massari oversees the technology of the cruise ships. A third director is Annapurna Garimella, an art historian, designer, author, and doctor of philosophy from Columbia University, who oversees the design elements of the cruise.

The group owns four luxury cruise vessels deployed on shorter luxury cruises until now.

The cruise begins at the holy city of Varanasi in central India. While here, guests witness Ganga Aarti, an awe-inspiring ritual performed at sundown each day on the banks of the Ganges. In this tradition, a cohort of priests offer ritual prayers in honor of the river, which is worshiped as a goddess in Hinduism. 

With flickering flames of multi-tiered brass lamps dancing against the night sky, the deep, harmonic thrum of conch shells piercing the air, and the chant of soul-stirring mantras floating over the water, the Ganga Aarti is a spellbinding performance of a living tradition that has continued unbroken for thousands of years. Once departed from Varanasi, the cruise journeys downstream and to more than 50 remarkable destinations, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, natural parks, and historical metropolises. Kaziranga National Park is among these special places, home to more than two-thirds of the surviving population of the endangered one-horned rhino, as well as Majuli — the largest river island in the world.  

mlharing/Getty Images

Other major stops along the route include Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment and one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Buddhists all over the world; Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, once the capital of the British Raj in India and home of Nobel laureates Mother Teresa and Rabindranath Tagore. Kolkata is also the epicenter of the global jute industry, accounting for the bulk of its production and export.

Murshidabad and Sualkuchi — two cities famous worldwide for their mulberry silk textiles — are also significant itinerary stops. Guests get to see the art of sericulture (silk production) up close and the craft of weaving some of the finest silk textiles on earth.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a bustling city of crafts, culture, and beautiful Islamic architecture. The cruise spends 15 days in Bangladesh before reentering India. 

MD MARUF HASSAN/Getty Images

In the Sundarbans — the largest mangrove forests on earth and home of the endangered Bengal tiger — guests are privy to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mangroves, comprised of trees that grow in saline water, typically where rivers meet the sea, are biodiversity hotspots and act as huge carbon sinks, helping combat climate change. It is an ecological wonder to behold firsthand.

The cruise ends at Dibrugarh, a city in the northeastern Assam region of India known for its eponymous Assam tea. Famous for its sprawling tea estates, Dibrugarh produces so much high-quality tea that it is known as the Tea City of India.

All this is in addition to the remarkable views guests can expect while onboard the boat, with the geography and the landscape changing as you sail. Animal spotting is undoubtedly likely, as the Ganges is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Gangetic dolphin, otters, at least 15 species of freshwater turtles, and three varieties of crocodile, including the critically endangered gharial , found only in the Ganges.

The MS Ganga Vilas is a luxury vessel done in Art Deco style. At more than 200 feet long and nearly 40 feet wide, it is a vessel made for small, intimate journeys rather than big, boisterous tours.

There are 18 luxury suites here, and they spread across three decks with a capacity to host 36 guests in total. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling French windows for optimal views. For an even more expansive perspective, guests can head to the sundeck to sunbathe, participate in a yoga session, or just relax.  You might spot river dolphins leaping out of the water if you're lucky. 

The restaurant onboard seats up to 40 guests and serves Indian and Continental fare. There’s also a spa and a gym available. The vessel is also home to a reverse-osmosis water plant, which provides fresh and safe drinking water. Its hospital-grade silencers ensure a noise-free cruise experience for guests and the river’s fragile fauna. 

To further ensure that the vessel causes the least stress on the river’s ecosystem, the operator uses sea vessel-grade oil-water separators to ensure that the oil is separated from the water in the vessel’s discharge. Premium sewage treatment plants ensure that no contamination of the river water occurs from the waste generated on the ship. No plastic is used on board; water is served in aluminum water bottles, which guests can take as souvenirs. 

Tickets for the 51-day cruise start at $16,500 and can be booked here .

Related Articles

Antara Luxury River Cruises

Flow along the ganges with style, cultural exchange, and sustainability.

Explore India along the majestic Ganges River and engage in cultural experiences in cities like Kolkata, Bandel, Nabadwip, Chandernagore, and more. Antara’s voyages are designed to explore India’s most beautiful destinations. Take a journey through India’s second largest mangrove forest as you sail through Bhitarkanika National Park.

Antara Cruises is a locally-managed enterprise that reintroduced river cruising to India after 100 years. Travelers experience the history and culture of the Ganges River through onboard luxury provided by local chefs and artisans and all-inclusive offboard excursions that mindfully interact with local communities. 

Specializing in low-impact, low-volume sailing, their largest vessel carries just 56 guests. Wood furniture, hand-stenciled murals, and locally-imported textiles showcase India’s unique and renowned hospitality while surrounding guests in its rich history.

Offboard activities consist of shopping in the village and market, as well as ingredient shopping for meal planning on the ship. The staff and management are conscious of preventing overconsumption and commercialization in every interaction and event.

Amenities at Antara Luxury River Cruises

What to know about antara luxury river cruises, hotel address.

New Delhi, India

closest airport

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

from airport

20 min drive

About the Location

Boarding Locations:

Botanical Garden Jetty ,

Botanical Garden Gate No. 1

Shibpur Engineering College Road

Landmark – 55 Bus Stand

Howrah – 711102

Indentured Memorial Jetty

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port

Kolkata Port Trust

Kolkata – 700043

Kolkata Airport  : Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Dumdum, Kolkata

Highlights & Activities

Cultural Education

Offboard excursions

Culinary Masters

Regenerative impact, antara cruises stands out for their exceptional regenerative efforts. their commitment is evident through their consideration of marine life effects, culturally sensitive activities, and a diverse culinary selection, which even features the ganges’ inaugural vegan river cruise..

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Antara Ganga Vilas: All aboard the world’s longest river cruise for a meditative stay

The Antara Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, starts its 50-day journey from Varanasi to Dibrugarh. The epic cruise will set sail along the River Ganga and has been designed for people curious to learn and explore the historic river, its rich ecosystems and its biodiversity. On the eve of its maiden voyage, we spoke to Raj Singh, Founder and Chairman of Antara Luxury River Cruises for the inside scoop on what guests can expect from this unique journey. 

First, the basics

Antara Ganga Vilas will set sail from Varanasi on 13 January and disembark at Nimati Ghat in Dibrugarh, Assam, 51 days later. The journey will cover Ghazipur, Buxar, Patna, Munger, Murshidabad, Kalna, Kolkata , Bangar Island, Dhaka, Sirajganj, Guwahati, and more. At Nimati Ghat, airport transfers will be provided to Dibrugarh Airport, which is a four-hour drive away. 

Also read: This bar in Varanasi is a stunning homage to the River Ganga

What are the rooms like onboard?

The Antara Ganga Vilas is an all-suite cruise. All of the 18 suites onboard come with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow river views 24x7. All the rooms are inspired by the paintings of German artist Josef Albers, whose experiments with colour resulted in abstract paintings that were almost meditative. Each suite is designed to exude a similar sense of peace, with Indian fabrics, weaves and handmade furniture. All modern amenities are available, including a minibar, heater, wardrobe, television, ensuite bathroom with a high-pressure shower and bathroom amenities by Forest Essentials . A range of bath oils, hair oils, sleep mists and face mists are available on demand.

Suites offer unmatched river views.

Is there WiFi onboard?

Yes there is, but connectivity will vary since you will be on the river. The best part is, you won’t care much for the internet and will likely be distracted by the riverscapes and curated experiences. 

What kind of experiences can you expect?

Sunbeds on the sundeck.

There are both on-shore and off-shore experiences as part of the journey, all of which are designed to help you learn more about the art, culture, history and wildlife that the Ganga offers. There are customised itineraries for every region. For instance, you will get to experience the iconic Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, visit the the 18th century Takht Sri Patna Sahib Temple Golghar in Patna, explore the Bihar Yoga School, ride on a tonga in Murshidabad, visit Kumartuli and the flower market in Kolkata, take a canoe ride in the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans and visit the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. Onboard, expect movies, games, dance performances, music recitals, book readings and lectures. There's also a spa that offers Balinese and Swedish style therapies, along with Ayurvedic treatments and beauty services.

Also read: 11 extraordinary modern homes built in forests

Who are the experts onboard?

Raj Singh , a renowned conservationist, wildlife author and tour leader himself, will be onboard with you on the entire journey, along with guides  Sumit Bhattacharya and  Sabyasachi . Art historian and designer  Annapurna Garimella and poacher-turned-naturalist  Anil Mistry will also be onboard and lead several talks and activities. 

What will the food be like?

The restaurant onboard.

There is one onboard restaurant for guests to dine at. While Singh encourages guests to dine at the restaurant to facilitate interaction, meals can be served anywhere you want on request. Lunch will be a light buffet while dinner will be a formal sit-down affair. Everything will be made in-house and from scratch, and the menu will feature Indian and international cuisines. As far as possible, each day's meal will be inspired by that day’s destination to give the guests a wholesome experience. No alcohol will be served onboard. 

Do you have to stay for the 51-day journey?

The short answer is, no you don’t. It’s entirely up to you. “Some guests are checking in at Varanasi and checking out at Kolkata, while some carry on till Dibrugarh,” says Singh. However, he does advise against a short hop-on hop-off schedule since the experience has been curated to be more immersive. While most guests on this maiden voyage have signed up for a minimum of 18 days, Singh recommends at least 5-7 days to truly be immersed in the experience.

Also read: Sabyasachi's first store in New York is authentic, maximalist, and India-proud

 How much does it cost? 

A suite that accommodates two starts at Rs55 lakhs for the 51-day itinerary. This includes all meals, experiences, guided tours, the stay and excursions and excludes taxes. 

When is the next cruise?

The next sailing season begins in October 2023 and bookings are already open. Reservation enquiries at  [email protected] . 

This story first appeared on Conde Nast Traveller India.  

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Antara River Cruises has introduced luxury river cruising across India with an exceptional attention to detail. An invitation to take you to untouched destinations bringing unmatched hospitality and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences.
• Offering more than a mere journey, we take you on an experiential voyage into luxury, art, culture and entertainment. Every little detail on the Ganges Voyager has been carefully assimilated to make your vacation unforgettable.
• There’s only one point of view on an Antara Cruise – the suite view.  An all suite fleet of ships with french balconies and  large public spaces for you to enjoy and soak in the luxury of space. An inviting bed facing the ever-changing scenery.
• The pioneering Ganges Voyager carries just 56 guests and offers a warm and relaxed experience. The ship takes you back in time with the grace and style of the colonial era with wood furniture and hand-stenciled murals.
• Antara Ganges Voyager II is a spacious, high-ceilinged 28 suites serene sanctuary, with beautiful hand-painted murals and all the comforts of a five-star hotel. All suites have a cosy sitting area and a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
• Antara Nauka Vilas will be the epitome of luxury in river cruising. An elegant 32 meter vessel with just one-presidential suite on a wooden ship to offer travellers the most exquisite experience of romance.

EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE

We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.

• Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
• Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
• Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
• Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
• Complimentary private airport transfers.
• Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
• Early check-in and late check-out.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.

A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.

ACTIVITIES:

The Luxe Voyager is an authorized travel agent for Antara Luxury River Cruises. Chat with one of our expert travel designers today to begin planning your exotic river voyage in India

Call: +852 9465 4577

Email: [email protected].

Antara River Cruises has introduced luxury river cruising across India with an exceptional  attention to detail. An invitation to take you to untouched destinations bringing unmatched hospitality and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences.  With luxury in every nook and corner, the river cruises by Antara are designed to make sure you have the most enthralling journey on our rivers. From comfortable suite accommodation to high-end amenities, the cruises are equipped with everything you need while sailing. All suite river cruise with personalized butler service makes Antara the finest cruise in this part of the world. Warm and friendly service with attention to detail are a delight for the travellers. With a vision to make your journey along the ancient river routes of India memorable, we have meticulously carved out itineraries to explore some of the most beautiful destinations from Kolkata to Varanasi.

Discover new cultures, new experiences and new destinations while you sail on the rivers of India. Enjoy all the pampering you deserve with our all inclusive amenities and services. With one price that includes accommodation, all meals, fine wines, champagnes, premium spirits, speciality teas and shore excursions to complimentary Wi-Fi and more. All you need to do is sit back and unwind. Our chefs have curated Michelin-inspired, incredibly flavoured, regionally influenced menus to take you on a culinary journey. A combination of local and international delicacies are available onboard. Antara Destination Discoveries – inclusive and optional shore excursions, Signature Events and Pre and Post journeys – create a holistic cruise experience.

There’s only one point of view on an Antara Cruise —the suite view.  An all suite fleet of ships with french balconies and  large public spaces for you to enjoy and soak in the luxury of space. An inviting bed facing the ever-changing scenery. Our floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between outside and in, yet clearly present a world waiting to be explored your way. An all suite award winning Antara river cruise promises to sail you into a world of comfort and style. With spacious accommodation, french balconies and other luxury amenities, Antara cruise promises an exceptional experience. There’s only one point of view on an Antara Cruise – the suite view.  An all suite fleet of ships with french balconies and  large public spaces for you to enjoy and soak in the luxury of space. An inviting bed facing the ever-changing scenery.

Antara Ganges Voyager

The mighty river Ganges, also known as Ganga in Sanskrit, represents grace and timeless existence. For centuries, travellers have explored different parts of the country through the Ganges. Ganges Voyager offers travel experiences in the Indian Subcontinent by sailing in some of South Asia’s finest luxury river cruise ships. The epitome of elegance and luxury.

Antara Ganges Voyager II

Discover new cultures, new experiences and new destinations while you sail on the Ganges, on our award winning river cruise. Experience true luxury  tour while witnessing rich culture with the care and hospitality of the Ganges Voyager II and its crew.

Antara Nauka Vilas

After the success of our luxury cruises on the ancient river route of the Ganges, we are all set to launch Antara Nauka Vilas, an elegant one presidential suite wooden ship offering travellers the most exquisite experience of romance. Stay tuned as we launch this much-anticipated cruise vessel.

Antara Ganga Vilas

Launching in 2021, Antara Ganga Vilas is home to 18 tastefully adorned suites. She is built with a unique design and a futuristic vision which blends the cultural and modern amenities with minimalistic designs, and defines the boutique experiences on water.

All suite cruises with personalised butler service and the highest staff-to-guest ratio, your Antara River Experience is true luxury. Our chefs have curated Michelin-inspired, incredibly flavoured, regionally influenced menus to take you on a culinary journey. A combination of local and international delicacies are available onboard.

Enjoy all the pampering you deserve with our all inclusive amenities and services. With one price that includes accommodation, all meals, fine wines, champagnes, premium spirits, speciality teas and shore excursions to complimentary Wi-Fi and more. All you need to do is sit back and unwind. Sail on the All-suite ships designed to give you a “sense of place” that take you into the heart of India. With large indoor and outdoor public spaces, french balconies and large windows ensuring you the perfect riverscapes.

With a vision to make your journey along the ancient river routes of India memorable, we have meticulously carved out itineraries to explore some of the most beautiful destinations from Kolkata to Varanasi. Discover new cultures, new experiences and new destinations while you sail on the rivers of India. After spending the day in off-board excursions, enjoy cultural dance performances within the premises of the cruise. These folk dance forms offer a glimpse into India’s rich heritage and culture through their synchronized moves and attire.

Antara Destination Discoveries – inclusive and optional shore excursions, Signature Events and Pre and Post journeys – create a holistic cruise experience. Curated experiences at each destination with unrivalled options – both inclusive and optional – are curated to give you ample choices  which range from culinary to cultural, wildlife to spiritual and much more. Each voyage has a signature event. This complimentary experience combines privileged access and transformational experiences to make you want even more. From Jaipur to Delhi, linger a little longer in some of India’s most intriguing cities with a choice of optional pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and curated multi-night programs.

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Area, country, kolkata , india, nearest airport, netaji subhas chandra bose  international airport ,  kolkata, local currency, indian rupee, time change, hindi,english, best time to go, october to march, related hotels.

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India’s New Luxury River Cruise: Antara Cruises’s MV Ganga Vilas

by Vishal Jain | Jan 19, 2023

Explore the majestic Ganga River in style with MV Ganga Vilas. Enjoy a luxurious river cruise experience that takes you through ancient sites, bustling cities and lush landscapes.

Experience India uniquely and luxuriously – embark on a premium Ganges River Cruise. This grand voyage takes you through India’s heartland over the course of 51 days in unparalleled comfort.

The cruise on MV Ganga Vilas by Antara Cruises is unlike anything else – it is India’s first full-fledged luxury river experience, with all the amenities of an exquisite luxury resort. With India’s rich and diverse landscape as your backdrop, explore India in a way only this river can offer. From India’s bustling cities to its remote villages and exotic wildlife, this cruise ensures you don’t miss a thing.

It will be quite an experience to cruise along the Ganges River , a waterway used for navigation and transportation for thousands of years. India’s river cruise offers a unique journey you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Enjoy freshly prepared meals, luxurious cabins and unparalleled service from the India-trained crew onboard MV Ganga Vilas, already sold out until March 2024.

The journey along the River Ganges onboard MV Ganga Vilas

The river sailing on MV Ganga Vilas begins in Varanasi , India’s spiritual capital, and continues eastwards for Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh. Over the course of 3200 km and 51 days, explore 27 river systems through five states in eastern India. Discover unique wildlife, vibrant cities and ancient monuments along the way. From World Heritage Sites to river ghats and national parks, this is a journey of a lifetime.

Antara Cruises also offers 3- to 8-day journeys, allowing you to tailor your trip based on the time you have. So regardless of the duration of your cruise, you can expect to be entertained and pampered with carefully curated onboard experiences .

Sights along the river system include Kashi , Bodh Gaya , Vikramshila , Patna and Majuli . You will also have the opportunity to cruise through Dhaka in Bangladesh for a unique multinational experience. Marvel at India’s natural diversity as you pass through the Sundarbans and forests of Assam .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Antara Heritage River Journeys (@antara_cruises)

What’s onboard MV Ganga Vilas

MV Ganga Vilas is a 62-metre long, 12-metre wide river cruise carrying 36 passengers in 18 luxe suites. It features three decks, butler service, inspired cuisine, wifi, all-inclusive shore excursions, and signature events. With a draft requirement of only 1.4m MV Ganga Vilas can traverse shallow waters, allowing travellers to explore almost all parts of the river. In addition, a high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personalized services, allowing guests to make the most of their luxury river cruise.

The rise of river cruising in India

India’s river cruise industry is beginning to rise, with offerings similar to river cruises found on the Danube , Rhine and Seine . Now travellers can experience a luxurious river cruise on India’s waterways, complete with all the amenities associated with traditional river cruising. At the same time, ten new passenger ship terminals along National Waterway-2 (an 891-kilometre section of the Brahmaputra River) will allow travellers from all around the world to explore and experience the river’s diverse culture.

During a speech in December, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “This will be an unprecedented cruise of its kind in the whole world. It will also be a reflection of the growing cruise tourism (industry) in India.”

Kashif Siddiqui, Antara’s director of sales and marketing, told CNN in an interview that the plan is to run the 3,200-km cruise on the Ganges twice a year between October and March when the weather is nice, and the river water is high. Tickets to board the MV Ganga Vilas costs between 4.2 million to 4.5 million rupees or $51,000 to $54,800 per guest.

Antara Cruise’s MV Ganga Vilas is a magnificent river-travel experience that will take you through India in time and style, making it a journey to remember forever. ◼

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© This article was first published online in Jan 2023 – World Travel Magazine .

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Antara Cruises has introduced luxury river cruising to India giving us an opportunity to explore India differently. Starting with Ganges river cruises, you get to visit offbeat destinations along the Ganga and experience the slow life from the comfort of your luxury cruise ship. Antara curates luxury experiences that take you through ancient river routes that includes wildlife safaris, exploring indigenous birds and animals in their natural habitat, private river bank experiences and much more. Come aboard and discover India’s fine tradition of hospitality with globally benchmarked services. 

Antara Cruises - Destinations

The Antara journey is along the ancient river routes of East India - the itineraries are meticulously carved out  to explore some of the most beautiful destinations from Kolkata to Varanasi. Unearth the many hidden gems of West Bengal along the way such as the handloom paradise of Shantipur and the French colony of Chandernagore.

Chandernagore

Chandernagore is a small city just west of the Hoogly River and is a part of Kolkatta district. The town of Chandernagore is Bengal’s hidden gem. Known for its beautiful buildings, it was one of the most important French settlements in Asia in the 18 th century. Chandernagore is a marvel of town planning with an iron grid layout and a spectacular promenade along the Hooghly. The promenade – the Strand, has some of the town’s most spectacular buildings.

Sudhanyakhali

Sudhanyakhali is the name of a Forest Camp in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve of West Bengal, India which is situated on an island. It is also a tourist attraction because of the famous Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower. Here you can get a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger, saltwater crocodile, axis deer and wild boars. You can also soak in the viewsof the forest and rich flora and fauna around it.

The Sundarbans is a mangrove area in the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It spans from the Hooghly River in India's state of West Bengal to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh. The Sundarbans is home to an estimated 2600 animal species, including 50 mammalian species such as The Bengal Tiger, Asian Small-clawed Otters and Gangetic River Dolphins, 356 Bird Species such as Ospreys, 11 species of turtles, 13 lizards, 37 snakes, 10 toads, more than 350 species of fishes.

Ganges Voyager

This all-suite ship features the largest standard accommodations in river cruising, offering panoramic views from the balcony windows. You can also savour Michelin-inspired cuisine and exceptional service onboard while sailing to discover India’s glorious destinations. The ship also has a sun deck to watch sunrises and sunsets on-board, as well as a spa and fitness centre.

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Hemant Mediratta joins Antara Luxury River Cruises as Co-Founder and COO

“I have probably experienced most of the world’s sea and river cruises, and so you can say, I have always had a deep and abiding connection,” shares luxury hospitality industry leader Hemant Mediratta as he recently launched a new river cruise brand, Antara Luxury River Cruises. Joining the company as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Hemant Mediratta has laid the agenda and a clear roadmap for expansion with new cruise ships and enhanced service offerings.

Antara Cruises is India’s leading luxury river cruising company that owns and operates its fleet across the Indian rivers. The lavish all-suite cruises take you to untouched destinations along the Indian rivers while you experience the all-inclusive warm, personalized and unmatched Antara hospitality . 

Owned by Heritage River Journeys that has over 15 years of proven expertise in innovative small ship design that is socially and environmentally responsible, Antara Cruises, with over 100 team members has already set high standards in the luxury river cruising ships making it the ideal choice for top international cruising partners. 

Hemant Mediratta brings with him over two decades of hospitality experience and has earlier served as the Senior Vice President of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. Speaking about the brand, he said, “Antara, derived from the Sanskrit word “Antar” meaning “the distinction”, became a source of inspiration for us to make a difference and take you on a journey along the spiritual rivers of India, to rediscover yourself and experience the joy of spending time with your loved ones in luxury. We want travel to be experiential and transformative and this is our attempt with Antara”. 

Welcoming Hemant Mediratta, Raj Singh, Founder, and Chairman of the group said, “we are extremely delighted to have Hemant on board. He comes with rich experience of building organizations and expanding and developing new markets for us. I am sure he will add tremendous value towards the growth of Antara Cruises”.

Luxury river cruising is relatively a new concept in India with tremendous scope for experiential discovery of both, the known and the untouched destinations of the country. Since its launch, the brand has been extremely well received by the well-heeled luxury traveler who seeks a seamless holiday experience be it a pre-wedding retreat, milestone events like anniversaries, birthdays, spiritual retreats and family reunion while sailing on the Ganges. The ships are currently stationed in Kolkata, follow the course of the holy river up to Varanasi and have itineraries available for bespoke charters from 2-11 nights itinerary. 

As the world continues to address the challenges regarding COVID-19, Hemant Mediratta said,“We have introduced ‘ANTARA ASSURE” a heightened hygiene, health and safety protocol that has been implemented based on local and international health experts and authorities to offer a comforting and enjoyable experience to our guests and a safe workplace for our team members.” 

With two additional ships soon to debut, Antara Cruises will be announcing operations along with new destinations that will allow travelers a unique view while sailing through fascinating sites located along the most iconic, historically rich Indian rivers.

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Antara Cruises launches the world’s longest river cruise journey

Launching this December, Antara Luxury River Cruises embarks on the longest river journey in the world, an epic 51-day cruise along the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. From Kashi (Uttar Pradesh) to Dibrugarh (Assam) via Sunderbans and Bangladesh, one can now sail across 27 smaller rivers, 5 states and 2 countries. The 51-day cruise aboard Antara’s newest art-deco boutique ship, Antara Ganga Vilas, is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to explore South Asian culture along some of its most ancient regions and systems. Perfect for leisure travellers, history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers, the cruise further allows for a hop-on and hop-off option for those who would like to travel only on specific segments.

Commenting on this unique itinerary, a pioneer in luxury river tourism and Founder Chairman of Antara Luxury River Cruises, Raj Singh comments, “Each experience has been personally vetted and designed by me for fellow enthusiastic travellers. The historic route has been finalized with the support, assistance and cooperation of the Governments of India and Bangladesh that are working together to ensure a seamless travel between the two countries.”

Raj Singh is also a renowned authority on Indian wildlife and has authored well-respected guides on the mammals, birds and aquatic life of the subcontinent.

Along the journey, each day will have an offshore and onshore experience. Starting at Varanasi, with short day trips to the sites along the way, the cruise will meander the Ganges’ waters stopping at world heritage sites and ancient places in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and into West Bengal for deep insights into its colonial influences and regional traditions. Cruising through the world’s largest mangrove forest, UNESCO-protected Sundarbans, the ship enters Bangladesh. Shopping from the floating markets of Barisal onwards to Bagerhat which houses the famed 60 dome mosque to Sonargaon, the heritage town in the country. The journey will continue from Dhaka into the Jamuna to the north of Bangladesh and turn east to re-enter India at Dhubri, embracing the Brahmaputra for the Assam leg of the trip, sailing through the wild and numerous cultural sites along the way.

Elaborating on the wealth of experiences the journey offers, Raj Singh adds, “Our guests visit Matiari where they watch brassware and textiles in the villages being hand-created, they walk on the same grounds on archaeological sites that date to over 2500 years. We go to Vikramshila, one of the largest Buddhist universities alongside Nalanda and Bhagalpur for its centuries old Tussar silk weaving traditions. The fascinating colonial, Dutch and French influences and architecture across the interiors of Bengal, the raw untouched beauty across the Bangladesh-India border with the Sunderbans, precious arts and artisan visits where guests can engage with and talk to them- we have so carefully curated the entire journey, each stop, and every experience. A real insight into understanding this special region whilst enjoying the phenomenal riverscapes that the revered Ganga and Brahmaputra offer.”

Reflecting upon the artisans and the craft techniques that have lived along these ever-changing yet seemingly eternal riverbanks, Annapurna Garimella, an art historian and Director of Antara Cruises adds, “Life and civilizations began along these rivers; and artistic expression is the most powerful reflection of a culture. The cruise explores so many of these facets whether in food, textiles, architecture or agriculture. Sailing through this vast landscape is to immerse oneself into the culture of this land we now call India.”

Built-in the mid-20th century modern style, the 18-suite Antara Ganga Vilas is a luxurious amalgamation of refined texture and simple elegance. Each room is inspired by a color-square painting by Bauhaus and Black Mountain designer-teacher Josef Albers and all fabrics, linen, furniture and serveware are made in India, and some are even made along the river. Large ceiling-to-floor guillotine windows bring enchanting river views into the ship’s expansive spaces, further enhancing the feeling of moving within and yet observing a riverscape in motion.

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• Leaders Speak
• Brand Solutions
• Antara Luxury River cruises to launch longest river cruise connecting India and Bangladesh later this year

• P Krishna Kumar ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Apr 22, 2022 at 10:46 AM IST

IRCTC to promote Antara Luxury River Cruises on the Ganges

Antara Ganges Voyager is a luxury cruise liner housing 26 deluxe cabins and 2 suites across its three decks.

• By P Krishna Kumar ,
• Published On Apr 22, 2022 at 10:37 AM IST

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