Antara Cruise: world’s longest river expedition

Antara Cruise is the perfect way to see India’s Ganges River. The Antara Ganga Vilas offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the river’s beautiful scenery. The Varanasi to the Dibrugarh cruise route is the longest river cruise in the world and it will take you through some of the most beautiful places in India

Antara Ganga Vilas

The Antara Ganga Vilas offers breathtaking river views, locally inspired food, and immersive nature experiences. Here’s what to expect from this luxurious suite river cruise in India.

The world’s longest river cruise for the 51-day journey from Varanasi to Dibrugarh. This epic cruise has been designed for those curious to explore the historic river Ganga, 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, to get the inside scoop on what guests can expect from this unique journey.

First & Basic River Cruise

Antara Ganga Vilas will set sail from Varanasi 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. The estimated drive time from Nimati Ghat to Dibrugarh Airport is four hours.

What To Expect

The Antara Ganga Vilas is an exclusive all-suite cruise that offers guests 24×7 views of the river from their floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the 18 beautifully appointed suites. The rooms onboard are inspired by the paintings of renowned German artist Josef Albers, whose abstract paintings are characterized by a calming, meditative quality. This sense of peace and tranquility is evident in each suite, which features Indian fabrics, weaves, and handmade furniture.

Rooms come complete with all of the modern amenities you could ask for, including a minibar, heater, wardrobe, television, and an ensuite bathroom with a high-pressure shower. You’ll also find a range of bathroom amenities by Forest Essentials, including a selection of bath oils, hair oils, sleep mists, and face mists that are available on demand.

 WiFi onboard

Yes, there is internet service available, but please be aware that connectivity can vary depending on your location on the river. We think you’ll find that to be the least of your concerns though, as the real beauty of this trip is getting away from it all and enjoying nature.

What Kind of Experience?

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. You’ll have ample opportunity to explore India’s fabled river while also taking in all of the incredible sights and sounds that it has to offer

There are itineraries for every region that is custom-tailored to provide the best possible experience. For instance, in Varanasi, you will get to experience the iconic Ganga Aarti, visit the 18th century Takht Sri Patna Sahib Temple Golghar, explore the Bihar Yoga School, and ride on a tonga in Murshidabad. In Kolkata, you can visit Kumartuli, the flower market, and take a canoe ride in the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. And in Assam, you can visit the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

Onboard Facilities

Onboard, you can expect plenty of entertainment, from movies and games to dance performances, music recitals, and book readings. There’s also a spa that offers Balinese and Swedish-style therapies, Ayurvedic treatments, and beauty services. So relax and enjoy your time onboard!

Your Experts Onboard

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

 51-days Journey?

No, you don’t have to stay the entire duration of the trip if you don’t want to. “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.

The Max. Cost?

For two people, the suite starts at Rs55 lakhs for the 51-day itinerary. This includes all meals, experiences, guided tours, accommodation, and excursions, but excludes taxes.

How to Book?

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

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