If you have a desire to discover the plains of the northern region of India, here presents an exceptional 51-day river voyage. A grand expedition is set to commence this December, cruising through the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers on the latest art-deco boutique ship by Antara Cruises, the Antara Ganga Vilas. Stretching from Kashi in Uttar Pradesh to Dibrugarh in Assam, this voyage meanders through 27 smaller rivers, spanning five states and two nations. This voyage caters to travelers seeking relaxation, history aficionados, admirers of culture, and nature enthusiasts, providing them with the option to hop on and off at specific segments, granting them the liberty to explore.
Sharing thoughts on this exceptional itinerary, the Founder Chairman of Antara Luxury River Cruises, Raj Singh, expressed, ‘Each encounter has been personally evaluated and crafted by me for like-minded wanderers. The noteworthy route has been meticulously devised with the collaborative efforts of the Governments of India and Bangladesh, ensuring a seamless passage between the two nations.’
Crafted in the modern mid-20th century style, the Antara Ganga Vilas features 18 sumptuous suites, embodying a luxurious fusion of sophisticated textures and understated grace. Drawing inspiration from a color-square painting by Josef Albers, a renowned designer and educator from Bauhaus and Black Mountain, each chamber is adorned with exquisite Indian-made fabrics, linens, furniture, and tableware, some being handcrafted along the river. The commodious interior of the ship is illuminated by spacious guillotine windows offering captivating views of the river.
The itinerary includes both onshore and off-shore adventures, commencing from Varanasi, with brief excursions to renowned heritage sites, providing profound insights into colonial legacies and regional customs. Continuing through the UNESCO-protected Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, the ship sails into Bangladesh, offering passengers visits to the bustling floating markets of Barisal, the iconic 60-dome mosque of Bagerhat, and the heritage town of Sonargaon. Subsequently, the vessel voyages northward through the Jamuna from Dhaka and then eastward to re-enter India at Dhubri, traversing the Brahmaputra for the Assam segment of the journey, exploring the untamed wilderness and myriad cultural sites before reaching Dibrugarh.
Delving deeper into the experiential aspect of the voyage, Mr. Singh elaborated, ‘Our voyagers will witness the art of brassware and textiles being skillfully crafted in the villages of Matiari, stepping onto archaeological sites dating back over 2500 years. They shall traverse Vikramshila, renowned as one of the largest Buddhist universities alongside Nalanda, and Bhagalpur for its ancient Tussar silk weaving, all while absorbing the captivating colonial, Dutch, and French influences and architecture dispersed throughout the Bengal interiors. The raw, unblemished beauty near the Bangladesh-India border bordering the Sunderbans, and engaging with local artisans and their craft- we have meticulously curated every aspect of the odyssey to offer genuine insights into this distinctive region, complemented by the mesmerizing riverscapes provided by the revered Ganga and Brahmaputra.’
In addition to the Antara Ganga Vilas, the brand manages four other vessels on the Ganges and has an extensive development plan with four more ships set to sail this year in Orissa’s wildlife region. Each vessel possesses a unique character, drawing inspiration from the rich art and culture of the country.
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