Hotel Story
Founded by visionary Raj Singh, Antara Cruises represents a lifelong mission born from childhood boat rides in Bharatpur. An innovative figure in India’s travel and conservation landscape since 1979, Raj is a renowned wildlife expert, author of landmark field guides, and founder of The Bagh Resorts. His understanding that great civilizations flourished along rivers inspired him to revive India’s forgotten riverine histories, launching India’s first river journeys in over a century in 2003.
The philosophy embraces “Today’s monsoon makes tomorrow’s cruises,” recognizing rivers as timeless arteries of culture, trade, and spiritual connection. Boutique vessels blend colonial, Mughal, and Art Deco touches with sustainability and luxury, serving regional specialties using traditional methods.
Unlike conventional river cruising, Antara offers unparalleled access to India’s most sacred and biodiverse waterways—the Ganges, Sundarbans, and Bhitarkanika. As an indigenous firm, they provide authentic cultural immersions celebrating Bengal’s artisans, privileged access to untouched landscapes inaccessible by land, and curated shore excursions with genuine local interactions at monuments, temples, and palaces. Guests witness morning aarti ceremonies on sacred waters, encounter over 320 bird species in mangrove forests, enjoy daily market-sourced regional cuisine prepared with traditional methods, and experience authentic rituals while cruising aboard thoughtfully designed ships that reflect India’s architectural heritage, creating deeply personal connections with the country’s living cultural and natural treasures.
