Cruising Down India’s Timeless Rivers with Antara Cruises

For Raj Singh, the Founder and Chairman of Antara Cruises, rivers have always held a quiet kind of power. As the Founder of Antara Cruises, one of India’s pioneering luxury river cruise brands, his story begins not with ships or sails but with a deep love for nature, a keen eye for heritage, and an instinct for uncovering journeys waiting to be reimagined.

“My journey into the world of luxury river cruising began with a deep-seated love for travel and a fascination with India's rivers. Growing up, I spent a lot of time near rivers, and I was always captivated by their serene beauty and the life that thrived around them,” he recalls. Years in the travel and hospitality industry eventually led him to a realisation that there was a significant gap in luxury river cruises in India. “This realisation, combined with my passion for rivers, inspired me to establish Antara River Cruises. Our aim was to create an unparalleled experience that combines luxury with the rich cultural heritage of India’s river landscapes.”

Discovering India, Gently

For Singh, the magic of sailing along the Ganges or the Brahmaputra is unlike any other mode of travel. “Sailing the Ganges or Brahmaputra rivers offers travellers an opportunity to experience India at a slower pace, away from crowds and noise. Passing through remote villages, ancient temples, and natural landscapes, not easily accessible by road, guests can discover India in a peaceful and immersive way.”

But the experience isn’t just about scenic views. It’s about what happens in the stillness and the slow rhythm of rediscovery. “Antara Cruises offers a luxurious and relaxing experience that goes beyond scenic views. We curate journeys where guests can reconnect with nature, culture and themselves.”

For the New Generation of Explorers

Interestingly, the brand’s experiential model is resonating just as much with Gen Z and millennials. “They are curious to experience something new. They are conscious of sustainability and keen to protect the environment. They are also fast paced and desire to discover new, unexplored horizons,” Singh explains. “Our experiences offer authentic, responsible and adventurous travel.”

Luxury with a Purpose

As conversations around conscious travel gain momentum, Antara Cruises is already paving a thoughtful way. Sustainability, for them, is embedded in the day-to-day.
“On our cruises, sustainability means no single-use plastic, locally sourced ingredients, and minimal waste practices,” Singh says. From farm-to-table cuisine and organic products to solar-powered systems and onboard STPs, the commitment is clear. “For the conscious traveller, these measures reflect that we are a luxury brand with a purpose — committed to preserving the waters, wildlife, and culture of the rivers we sail on.”

Finding Wonder, Even After Decades

Having personally explored these rivers for decades, Singh still finds them full of surprises. “The river is full of wonders and surprises at every turn. Even after decades, the people, culture, and the way these areas continue to flourish with art and tradition remain fascinating.”
Two stretches in particular are close to his heart. “The Ganga stretch from Kolkata to Mayapur is an absolute delight. Sailing this holy river into one of the most sacred places in the country — Mayapur (ISKCON) — is a journey that enriches spiritual growth.”

The other is for nature lovers: “The Bhitarkanika cruise takes you through the second-largest mangrove forest in India, replete with 320 species of exotic birds, exciting aquatic life and a delight for photographers. Those looking for a quiet getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life can enjoy communing with nature while sailing on the meandering rivers amidst the green and peaceful mangrove forest.”

The Antara Signature

So what is it that truly defines the Antara experience? According to Singh, it’s in the details and in the deeply personalised service. “Everything onboard reflects luxury and personalised service. Our locally sourced food and curated excursions into the land often go beyond what guests expect. The scenic views of the river and onboard cultural performances at sunset, amidst the backdrop of historic locations like Murshidabad offers a magical, ethereal experience.”

A Brand That Pioneered a Movement

Since its founding in 2009, Antara Cruises has grown into a symbol of India’s potential for meaningful luxury tourism. From the iconic MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, to boutique catamaran journeys through the mangroves of Bhitarkanika, the brand has carved out a new definition of inland travel. Their itineraries cater to both international guests and Indian travellers seeking quieter, more connected journeys blending world-class hospitality with India’s timeless storytelling.

At its heart, Antara isn’t just a cruise company. It’s a custodian of rivers, cultures, and moments that matter. In the words of Raj Singh, it’s where “guests can reconnect with nature, culture and themselves,” and where every sail feels like coming home to something deeper.