Latest news with #MVGangaVilas
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Antara Cruises Unveils New Domestic Heritage Routes Amid Rising Indian Travel Trends, ET TravelWorld
Advt Antara launches sustainably built catamarans for Bhitarkanika in Odisha Following the resounding success of the MV Ganga Vilas, which debuted as the longest river cruise in 2023, these two-suite, eco-friendly vessels—MV Mahanadi and MV Bhitarkanika—are poised to redefine exploration in the Bhitarkanika mangrove wetland of Odisha. Besides each suite featuring luxurious amenities, guests can partake in immersive excursions led by expert guides. See More Details Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Luxury river cruise operator Antara Cruises is shifting focus toward the domestic market with the launch of shorter itineraries designed specifically for Indian travellers , marking a strategic pivot from its traditional international clientele company announced four new routes ranging from two to four days, scheduled to begin operations in August and September 2025. The move comes as the operator seeks to capitalise on growing demand from Indian travellers for condensed yet immersive cultural new offerings represent a departure from Antara 's typical longer journeys that have primarily attracted international guests. Company founder and chairman Raj Singh acknowledged the shift, stating that the routes are "designed to meet growing interest from Indian travellers seeking shorter, meaningful getaways that go beyond the conventional."The shortest option, a two-night "Creeks & Crocodiles" journey through Bhitarkanika National Park , begins August 2nd and targets weekend travellers from nearby Bhubaneswar, located 3.5 hours from the embarkation point at routes focus on Odisha's Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem, often called the "mini-Amazon." The longer four-day version extends beyond the standard Dangamal destination to include Habali Kathi, offering wildlife spotting opportunities, including estuarine crocodiles and various bird remaining two routes cover the Hooghly River between Kolkata and Mayapur, featuring cultural stops at historic sites including the Hooghly Imambara and ISKCON's Mayapur headquarters. These September departures include visits to traditional textile centres and colonial heritage domestic market expansion reflects broader trends in India's travel sector, where operators are increasingly targeting local travellers seeking premium experiences closer to home. Antara's move comes as river cruising remains a relatively niche segment in India's tourism company plans weekly departures for the new routes, maintaining its all-inclusive model aboard boutique vessels. Pricing details were not disclosed in the cruising has traditionally been dominated by international operators focusing on foreign tourists visiting India's waterways. Antara's domestic pivot suggests the company sees potential in developing the local market for heritage and nature-focused river timing coincides with increased interest in sustainable and experiential travel options among Indian travellers, particularly in the premium segment where Antara four routes are scheduled to commence operations between August and September 2025, with bookings expected to open shortly.
NDTV
23-04-2025
- NDTV
5 Cruise Trips In India For A Luxurious Holiday Onboard
Sunsets on deck, cocktails in hand, and waking up in a new city without lifting a finger — cruising isn't just for the Mediterranean elite. India's cruise scene is quietly blowing up, and it's time more travellers took notice. From floating past coconut groves in Kerala to catching the twinkling skyline of Mumbai from the sea, these cruise trips show you a side of the country that's seriously underrated. Add in luxury cabins, local cuisine, and curated excursions, and you've got a travel experience that blends comfort with culture. Here are five of the best cruise holidays in India right now. Here Are 5 Must-Do Cruise Holidays In India: 1. Luxury On The Ganges With Antara Cruises If slow travel is your thing, this one's a dream. MV Ganga Vilas by Antara Cruises takes you through the heritage-rich stretch between Kolkata and Varanasi. Think colonial architecture, hidden temples, and local markets — all viewed from the plush comfort of a five-star floating hotel. You'll drift past sleepy villages and golden fields while sipping masala chai on the sundeck. It's calm, it's cultured, and yes, it comes with a spa. Best For: History buffs and luxury lovers Duration: 19 Nights/20 Days Highlight: Stopping at the terracotta temples of Kalna and the spiritual ghats of Varanasi This isn't your typical cruise — no grand ships or packed decks. Instead, think ultra-private houseboats that glide through the lush backwaters of Alleppey. Spice Routes offers high-end kettuvallams (traditional rice boats turned boutique stays) complete with air-conditioned suites and onboard chefs. You'll float past paddy fields, sleepy villages, and fishermen casting their nets at dawn. It's a vibe. Expect luxuries like relaxing massages, jacuzzi, immersive experiences, and lots of seafood! Best For: Couples, wellness travellers Duration: 1 Night/2 Days Highlight: Fresh seafood cooked on board while anchored on a quiet backwater stretch 3. The Sunderbans Safari With Vivada Cruises This one's for the adventurers. Cruising through the Sunderbans — the world's largest mangrove forest and home to the elusive Royal Bengal tiger — is like floating through a nature documentary. Operators like Vivada Cruises run multi-day trips with guided jungle walks and boat safaris. The cabins are cosy, the views are wild, and you'll probably spot crocodiles sunning themselves by the riverbanks. Best For: Wildlife fans, nature photographers Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days Highlight: The chance to (safely) spot the Royal Bengal Tiger in the wild from your deck 4. Mumbai-Lakshadweep Tour With Cordelia Cruises If white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and zero network coverage sound like your kind of break, this cruise ticks all the right boxes. Departing from Mumbai, this tropical route takes you straight to Lakshadweep's coral-kissed shores, with stops at islands like Kavaratti and Kadmat. Think Maldives, but make it Indian — more low-key, and way more laid-back. Cordelia Empress's onboard vibes are high-energy with theme nights, infinity pool hangs, and sea-view cabins that'll make you forget about your inbox. Offboard, it's all about snorkelling, kayaking, and exploring coral reefs that feel straight out of a nature doc. Best For: Beach bums, adventure seekers, honeymooners Duration: 4 Nights/5 Days Highlight: Waking up to the bluest ocean you've ever seen and spending the day hopping between white-sand islands Photo: Courtesy of Adventure River Cruises Sailing through Assam's mighty Brahmaputra River is a one-of-a-kind experience. This isn't a lazy river cruise — think powerful waters, tea plantations, tribal villages, and UNESCO sites. The MV Mahabaahu by Adventure River Cruises offers well-curated itineraries with cultural performances, jeep safaris at Kaziranga National Park, and sunset views that hit different. You'll even cruise past India's largest river island, Majuli. Best For: Off-the-beaten-path explorers Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days Highlight: Spotting one-horned rhinos and feasting on Assamese thalis
