Antara Cruises, India’s leading luxury river cruise company, has long been known for its commitment to redefining experiential travel and offering immersive heritage journeys along India’s iconic rivers. With its reputation for impeccable service and unique, culturally rich experiences, Antara Cruises has attracted travelers from around the world seeking to explore the scenic and historical gems of India in luxury. Now, with the growing interest among Indian travelers for shorter yet equally immersive getaways, the company is expanding its footprint within the domestic market to cater to this new demand.

Recognizing that today’s Indian travelers are increasingly seeking convenience without compromising on the depth and richness of their experiences, Antara Cruises has crafted new itineraries designed specifically for the domestic market. These new journeys are perfect for those looking for meaningful vacations that combine the allure of nature, cultural heritage, and the comfort of luxurious accommodations. The new itineraries will allow Indian guests to explore India’s heritage sites, tranquil river landscapes, and unique ecosystems in a way that’s more accessible and tailored to their busy schedules.

The luxury river cruise company has always been committed to providing bespoke and immersive travel experiences, and these new domestic itineraries promise to meet the evolving preferences of Indian travelers. With shorter durations, ranging from 2 to 4 days, these cruises are designed to offer guests a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery—without the need for long travel times. By launching these thoughtfully curated itineraries, Antara Cruises is poised to offer Indian travelers a world-class experience, right on their doorstep.

While traditionally favoured by international guests and for longer journeys, Antara Cruises is now enhancing its offerings with flexible itineraries, making river cruising more accessible and appealing to Indian travellers who prefer weekend escapes or extended cultural immersions.

Introducing the New Routes:

Creeks & Crocodiles, Gupti – Dangamal – Gupti (2 Nights/3 Days starts from 2nd August 2025)

Lying along the Bay of Bengal coast, Bhitarkanika – often called the ‘mini-Amazon’ – is India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem. Embark at Gupti, a scenic village about 3.5 hours from Bhubaneswar. The cruise includes a village walk, traditional Odia dinner, and a full-day sail to Dangamal, where guests can spot estuarine crocodiles, spotted deer, monitor lizards, wild boars, Indian pythons, rhesus macaques, and a variety of birds. A visit to the forest’s Orientation Centre is included before returning to Gupti.

Mangrove Majesty, Gupti – Dangamal – Habali Kathi –Gupti (3 Nights/4 Days starts from 4th August 2025)

A more enriching exploration of Bhitarkanika National Park, this extended itinerary sails beyond Dangamal to HabaliKathi. The journey includes guided nature walks, tranquil riverscapes, and opportunities to spot rare species in their natural habitat.

Kolkata – Mayapur, Upstream (3 Nights/4 Days starts from 15th September 2025)

A serene sail along the Hooghly River from Kolkata to Mayapur, with stops at Bandel and Kalna. Highlights include the historic Hooghly Imambara, Rajbari Temple Complex, and the sacred ISKCON headquarters in Mayapur.

Mayapur – Kolkata, Downstream (3 Nights/4 Days starts from 18th September 2025)

Begins with a visit to the iconic ISKCON temple complex in Mayapur, followed by Guptipara, a rural town known for its paddy fields and Himsagar mangoes. Explore Vaishnav temples with exquisite terracotta work, witness Jacquard and Jamdani saree weaving in Fulia, and then continue to the French colonial town of Chandernagore and the Danish heritage sites in Serampore.

On these new routes, Raj Singh, Founder and Chairman of Antara Cruises, stated, “Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of hosting travellers from around the world. Now, we’re seeing growing interest from Indian travellers seeking shorter, meaningful getaways that go beyond the conventional. These new voyages are designed to meet that need, combining cultural richness, flexible durations, and the signature elegance of every Antara journey. We’re excited to welcome more Indian guests aboard.”

These additions aim to align with the evolving preferences of Indian travellers – with departures scheduled weekly, custom-curated experiences, and all-inclusive stays aboard the company’s boutique ships and catamarans.

About Antara Cruises

Antara Cruises is a luxury river cruise company offering exceptional experiences along India’s iconic rivers. Known for its impeccable service and personalized itineraries, Antara Cruises provides intimate, culturally immersive journeys that allow guests to explore India’s heritage, art, and natural beauty in the most luxurious setting possible. With a focus on sustainable travel and authentic local experiences, Antara Cruises is redefining luxury river cruising in India

The post Antara Cruises Expands in India with New Shorter Itineraries Along Bhitarkanika, Hooghly River, and Mayapur to Kolkata appeared first on Travel And Tour World.