Wednesday, July 3, 2024
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Recently, pioneers of river cruising in India hosted 50 UK agents aboard the rivership Antara Ganges Voyager II for a three-night, four-day journey from June 8-11, 2024. The meticulously planned cruise aimed to highlight the delights of navigating the Ganges and exploring towns along its banks, and it was enthusiastically received by the guests.
Mr Raj Singh Promotor and Managing Director Antara Cruises welcomed the guests on board with a traditional welcome of garlands and tikas and said, “ We are delighted that they could experience sailing on the Indian waterways, particularly on the sacred river Ganga, flowing more than 1,500 miles from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. It was on the banks of the Ganga in Sarnath that the Buddha preached his first sermon in 528 BCE, and it was along these waters that the British built the first capital of the British Raj, Kolkata”.
The cruise itinerary included the following highlights:
Day 1: The cruise began with a scenic sail along the Ganges, offering views of Kolkata’s iconic landmarks such as the High Court, Belur Math, Howrah train station, and various bathing and ferry ghats along the riverbanks.
Day 2: Guests enjoyed an excursion to Kalna, where they explored the Rajbari Temple Complex via electric rickshaws. This complex boasts the region’s largest concentration of temples, including the Nabakailas Temple, constructed in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, featuring 108 sloped-roof shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. They also visited a local market known for its seasonal vegetables and fruits.
Later in the day, the cruise continued downstream to Chandernagore, a former French colony established in 1673. Here, guests strolled along the riverside promenade and visited colonial-era buildings such as the former French governor’s residence, now a museum, and the Sacred Heart Church designed by French architect Jacques Duchatz, inaugurated in 1884.
The tour concluded with a panoramic exploration of Kolkata, showcasing its well-preserved British colonial architecture. Highlights included the Writer’s Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India, Dalhousie Square, and the must-visit St. John’s Church, Kolkata’s oldest Anglican church built in 1756. Guests also had the opportunity for a memorable photo at the grand Victoria Memorial.
The Antara Story: Antara believes the best way to experience South Asia is from its rivers. Founded in 2003 by travel industry pioneer and naturalist Raj Singh, Antara has grown into a fleet of nine thoughtfully designed ships that sail South Asia’s most iconic rivers. Antara offers guests luxurious accommodations from which to enjoy vibrant landscapes, local cultures, crafts, and wildlife along the Ganga, Padma, and Brahmaputra River systems, offering the world’s longest river cruises. In 2024, Antara began sailing on the four rivers of Bhitarkanika National Park, India’s second-largest mangrove forest, continuing its commitment to showcasing indigenous environments and cultures sustainably, with renowned hospitality and meticulously designed ships.
