If you have ever dreamt of exploring the exquisite northern plains of India, here’s a remarkable 51-day river cruise waiting for you. Set to commence this December, this extraordinary journey will take you through the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers aboard Antara Cruises’ latest art-deco boutique vessel, Antara Ganga Vilas. Spanning from Kashi in Uttar Pradesh to Dibrugarh in Assam, this river expedition will navigate through 27 smaller rivers, crossing five states and two countries. Tailored for leisure travelers, history enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and nature admirers, the cruise allows passengers the flexibility to hop on and off at specific segments.
Reflecting on this distinctive itinerary, Raj Singh, the Founder Chairman of Antara Luxury River Cruises, remarked, “Each experience has been personally curated and designed by me for fellow passionate travelers. The historical route has been meticulously planned with the support and collaboration of the Governments of India and Bangladesh to ensure a seamless journey between the two nations.”
Designed in the mid-20th-century modern style, the luxurious 18-suite Antara Ganga Vilas seamlessly blends refined textures with understated elegance. Each suite draws inspiration from a color-square painting by Bauhaus and Black Mountain designer Josef Albers. The exquisite fabrics, linens, furniture, and serveware are all sourced from India, with some items crafted along the river itself. The ship’s expansive spaces are adorned with large guillotine windows that offer captivating views of the river.
The cruise will offer both onshore and offshore experiences, commencing in Varanasi with short day trips to world heritage sites along the way, providing insights into colonial influences and regional customs. It will then journey through the UNESCO-protected Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, before crossing into Bangladesh. Passengers will have the chance to explore the vibrant floating markets of Barisal, the iconic 60-dome mosque of Bagerhat, and the heritage town of Sonargaon in Bangladesh. Heading north into the Jamuna from Dhaka and then eastward to re-enter India at Dhubri, the cruise will envelop the Brahmaputra region, meandering through a blend of wilderness and rich cultural sites before reaching Dibrugarh.
Expounding on the experiential richness of the journey, Mr. Singh mentioned, “Our guests will witness the handcrafting of brassware and textiles in the villages of Matiari, tread on archaeological sites dating back over 2500 years, and visit Vikramshila, renowned for being one of the largest Buddhist universities, along with Nalanda and Bhagalpur for its ancient Tussar silk weaving traditions. From the unique colonial, Dutch, and French architectural influences in Bengal to the raw beauty along the Bangladesh-India border in the Sunderbans, and engaging with local artisans, every detail of the journey has been meticulously curated to provide a true understanding of this remarkable region while reveling in the stunning river landscapes offered by the revered Ganga and Brahmaputra.”
In addition to the Antara Ganga Vilas, the brand operates four other ships on the Ganges, with a robust development pipeline including four more ships in Orissa’s wildlife region this year. Each ship boasts a distinctive character and draws inspiration from the art and culture of the country.
Image Source: VarnaK / Shutterstock
