“There is a growing awareness and interest in river cruising, though it will take time for it to become mainstream. As more people experience and talk about it, I believe river cruising will continue to grow and become a staple in the Indian tourism landscape,” said Antara Luxury Cruises’ Founder, Raj Singh, in his one-on-one interaction with T3.
Antara Luxury Cruises, the trailblazer in Indian river cruising, is setting its sights on new horizons with ambitious plans for a cruise in Kashmir while the company also prepares for another successful, fully sold-out season of the 51-day long Ganga Vilas journey. T3 interviewed the company’s Founder, Raj Singh, the driving force behind Antara as he shared insights on the recent expansions, growth aspects, growing awareness of river cruising and what lies ahead for the company.
Cruise in Kashmir:
“We’re exploring the possibility of launching a cruise in Kashmir, a region with immense potential for river cruising,” shared Singh, adding the idea is in concept phase.
“The government has shown interest. We have the fundamental elements in place, though it will require some updates and fresh surveys. I conducted my initial research 20 years ago, and with a route from Wular Lake which is the highest to the outskirts of Srinagar, there are wonderful opportunities for a 2 to 3-night cruise experience,” he added.
He also mentioned the potential for river cruises in Punjab, the Harike wetlands and other regions across India. “There are 100s of rivers across India, including Godavari, Kaveri, and in Kerala, that we as a river cruising industry could explore.”
Bookings pouring in for Ganga Vilas; growth over 15%
Besides this upcoming season being already sold out, Ganga Vilas has also received bookings for 2025-26, starting October till March, with most passengers being foreign tourists. Indian tourists generally prefer shorter trips of two to three nights, stated Singh.
“Ganga Vilas is indeed a unique and extensive journey, spanning from Varanasi through Bangladesh to Assam. We’ve also received significant support from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Shipping, which has been instrumental in helping us manage challenges like technical issues and fluctuating water levels. The journey continued successfully last year from December to March, despite lower water levels between Varanasi and Patna,” Singh added.
When asked, he shared that Antara’s business, post Ganga Vilas launch, is growing at a steady pace of 15-20% annually. “We’re also expanding our operational season, which used to run from October to March. Now, it extends from September to April, allowing us to cater to more tourists and capitalise on the increasing demand.”
This year, the Ganga Vilas, a 51-day journey, is already commencing the operations from the first week of October, starting from Kolkata to Varanasi, and will continue its route to Guwahati, and beyond.
Known as the world’s longest river cruise and inaugurated by PM Modi, Ganga Vilas covers more than 3200 kms across 27 river systems in 5 states in India.
Upcoming catamarans in Odisha, Varanasi
Antara Cruises is also expanding its fleet and offerings to cater to shorter trip preferences, particularly with the launch of new catamarans in Odisha and the upcoming one in Varanasi.
“The expansion of our fleet with catamarans, which starts to happen from October this year is part of our strategy to cater to the preferences of Indian tourists, who favour shorter, more manageable trips. We are launching two-bedroom catamarans in Bhitarkanika National Park, with two already operational and two more set to join by October/ November. These catamarans offer a unique experience as they navigate the National Waterway No. 5, enhancing the appeal of river cruising in this region,” he said.
Additionally, recognising the historical and cultural significance of Varanasi, Antara will base one of the ships, the Bengal Ganga, in Varanasi. “This ship will possibly then sail towards Allahabad and Patna, depending on the water conditions.”
Another exciting project ‘wildlife on the Ganga’, will combine cultural integration and local community involvement, mainly into Sundarbans. “We are relaunching this in a different way this October.”
By sourcing local produce, utilizing eco-friendly transportation, and engaging with local craftsmen and weavers, Antara also aims to create a sustainable tourism model that benefits both visitors and local communities, Singh reiterated.
Rise of River cruise tourism and its distinctiveness
The rise of river cruising in India has been gradual but significant. Ten years ago, it was a niche segment with limited awareness. Today, it’s becoming a well-recognized travel option. Singh agreed that there have been noticeable changes and a growing awareness and recognition of river cruise tourism as a distinct sector, separate from sea cruises. The Ministry of Shipping has acknowledged this, and there are ongoing discussions about infrastructure development to support this niche.
On this, Singh recalled that the launch of Ganga Vilas brought river cruising into the spotlight, and its extended coverage over 15 days kept the conversation alive, unlike other news that fades quickly. “There is a growing awareness and interest in river cruising, though it will take time for it to become mainstream. As more people experience and talk about it, I believe river cruising will continue to grow and become a staple in the Indian tourism landscape.”
Historically, river cruise tourism in India was overshadowed by cargo and sea cruises, but now it is being viewed as a significant revenue-generating activity. Unlike sea cruises, which often involve brief stops at ports, river cruise tourism keeps tourists within the country, contributing significantly to the local economy through extended stays and spending, shared Singh. He further added that this shift in perception and the recognition of river cruise tourism’s potential is also a positive outcome from the G20 discussions in India.
Speaking of Antara’s competitive edge, Singh emphasised that the company sets its sights beyond Indian shores. “We don’t just compete with other Indian river cruise companies; we’re competing with river cruises in Europe, Southeast Asia, the Amazon, and the Nile. Our goal is to surpass global standards in service quality and experience. River cruising on the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and other Indian rivers is gaining recognition, but we aim to elevate it to the level of internationally renowned cruises like those on the Nile.”
On a personal note, Singh also shared his deep connection with the rivers he cruises. “There’s nothing quite like the Ganga. The serenity and spiritual energy you feel while cruising on the Ganga is unmatched,” he said. He also recounted memorable experiences on the Yangtze River in China and the Oxus River (Amu Darya) in Central Asia, highlighting the unique charm of each river.
