After its successful debut with the world’s longest cruise journey that sailed through 25 river systems, five states and two countries, Antara Ganga Vilas now announces short 3–4-day cruises for the upcoming September 2023 season. The shorter departures are for travellers who want fulfilling, immersive experiences without an extended vacation.
Guests can choose from Antara Ganga Vilas’ enriching sailing programmes that will take guests from Kolkata to Varanasi via historical places such as Murshidabad, Patna and Buxar. A special itinerary allows guests to explore the ancient city of Varanasi in plushness right from the lap of the river Ganga. A perfect mix to experience the land and the river through the eyes of Raj Singh. They have also announced shorter departures from Kolkata to Dhaka as well in spring 2024.
“The idea is for guests to pack and unpack just once and yet gently immerse into a varied sensory experience through the stories of many cultures, the joys of the beautiful riverscapes and signature Antara services along the way that capture the essence of the passing region,” says Raj Singh, Founding Chairman,Antara Cruises.
He continues, “We are also organising special interest charters focussed on culture, cuisine or textiles. For example the Antara kitchen prepares litti chokha, a truly regional dish from Bihar as you sail through Patna, or interacts with Sheherwali cultures whilst sailing through the old capital of Murshidabad.
“We must have Narmada Vilas, Godavari Vilas, Mahanadi Vilas, Cauvery Vilas and many more river cruises all across our river-rich nation,” Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal stressed. He further urged business leaders to collaborate and develop new river cruising experiences across India. This call to action was also made during the 4th Tourism Working Group Meeting.
Elaborating on the bespoke services and offerings onboard, Annapurna Garimella, the designer and experience curator adds, “We offer the best amenities to our guests in rooms and on-board. Forest Essentials toiletries, 200 GSM towels and bedsheets, fresh ingredients from the banks etc give guests maximum comfort while a select list of international and Indian films, music and dance performances add to the stimulation. We weave sustainability into the structural design of the ship too, with sewage and water treatment plants onboard, dolphin deterrents, eliminating single-use plastic to name a few.”These itineraries continue to extend the brand’s philosophy of contemporary cruising on ancient rivers, personalised services whilst embracing the spirit of slow travel to discover the secrets of the waterways and the shores.
