ITINERARIES

Our itineraries show visitors South Asia in a new light

Explore ancient culture. The astonishing wildlife. The people and places. On a slow float past bustling settlements and through the deep, mysterious bends of the river, you begin to understand how it connects history, faith, craft, trade and the people that are nurtured by it. Our itineraries take a deep dive into this philosophy. 

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On Antara’s river cruises, on our ships or catamarans, you’ll explore colonial architecture and ancient temples, photograph sleepy fishing villages amid mustard fields, and shop at artisan colonies. Celebrate local festivals at the holy ghats of Varanasi, eat regional delicacies in Bihar and see Bengal weavers producing fine fabrics in their homes. You'll traverse the vivid mangrove ecosystem at the mouth of the sprawling Ganges delta that hides crocodiles and tigers in its tangled heart.

FEATURED ITINERARIES

Antara’s curated journeys offer culture, leisure, nature – and perspectives of life on the river to intrigue and rejuvenate you. And within each featured itinerary, experiences can be customized by duration, theme or interest. Craft your special or intimate experience on Antara River Cruises with our Bespoke Journeys.
As you plan your journey with us, please review our Terms and Conditions here.

Crocodile at bhitarkanika

MV BHITARKANIKA & MV MAHANADI

Cruising in Bhitarkanika

Lying on the coast of Bay of Bengal in Odisha, Bhitarkanika National Park, popularly called the mini-Amazon, is the second largest Mangrove ecosystem of our country after the Sundarbans. Traverse the estuarine region of the Brahmani – Baitarani River systems with a chance to walk through mangrove forest to the Habalikathi beach.

Duration: 3 Nights & 4 Days
Departure: 01 Aug 2024 – Sails every Monday

Amazon of the east itinerary

MV BHITARKANIKA & MV MAHANADI

Amazon of the East

Lying on the coast of Bay of Bengal, Bhitarkanika, popularly referred to as the mini-Amazon, is the second largest Mangrove ecosystem of our country after the Sundarbans. Bhitarkanika originates from a blend of two Odia words – Bhitar which means interior inside and Kanika that translates to exceptional beauty.

Duration: 2 Nights & 3 Days
Departure: 01 Aug 2024 – Sails every Thursday & Saturday

Kolkata Cruise

MV GANGES VOYAGER

Princely Murshidabad​

Explore the rich history and colonial heritage of Bengal from where the British Raj took root and spread through much of South Asia. Nawabs, princes, battlefields, temples, tombs, mosques and churches, quaint riverside villages and grand palaces – all to explore in this cruise.

Duration: 7 Nights & 8 Days
Departure: 01 Oct 2025 | 27 Dec 2025 | 07 Jan 2026

Kalna Shiv Mandir West Bengal

MV GANGES VOYAGER

Artisans of Bengal

A themed cruise exploring the cultural heritage of Bengal along with different traditions of textile weaving and indigenous crafts combined with an insight into erstwhile colonies like French Chandernagore and Danish Serampore. From historical shiya centre and terracotta temples to the modern ISKCON temple; this cruise offers all and more!

Duration: 7 Nights & 8 Days
Departure: 8 Sep 2025

Birds of bhitarkanika

MV GANGES VOYAGER

Europe on the Ganges with Sundarbans

A uniquely themed cruise combining the colonial heritage of Bengal with the wild nature of the Sundarbans.  From a Danish colony to a Francophone town cruising down to the Bay of Bengal immersing in the unique ecosystem of the World Heritage Sundarbans delta.

Duration: 6 Nights & 7 Days
Departure: 31 Jan 2025 | 21 Mar 2025 | 13 Dec 2025 | 24 Apr 2026

Ganga Aarti

MV BENGAL GANGA

Varanasi: A Mystical Journey

Banaras, Kashi, Varanasi, many names, one soul, the world’s oldest living city associated with Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. “Death here brings salvation” makes it a major centre for pilgrimage. Set out to experience the many facets of this city from the ghats and temples to shopping for the famous banarasi silk. 

Duration: 3 Nights & 4 Days
Departure: Sails Every Monday & Friday

Ganga Pooja in varanasi

MV BENGAL GANGA

Dev Diwali in Varanasi

Witness the festivities of Dev Diwali, the “Festival of Lights of the Gods” when all the ghats are lit with more than a million diyas, earthen lamps in honour of River Ganga. It is believed that the gods descend to Earth to bathe in the Ganges on this day.

Duration: 3 Nights & 4 Days
Departure: 14 Nov 2024

Kolkata to Varanasi Upstream​

MV GANGA VILAS

Kolkata to Varanasi Upstream

Following the river’s course upstream from the Hooghly in Kolkata through several tributaries to reach the holy city of Varanasi. A journey traversing through historical, archaeological, and cultural sites.

Duration: 19 Nights & 20 Days
Departure: 8 Oct 2024 | 14 Oct 2025

Varanasi to Kolkata Downstream​ Cruise

MV GANGA VILAS

Varanasi to Kolkata Downstream

Sailing downstream from the holy city of Varanasi to the colonial heritage of Kolkata, a journey through time and tide, features different cultures, history, and heritage. 

Duration: 19 Nights & 20 Days
Departure: 30 Oct 2024 | 06 Nov 2025

Treading the Buddha’s Trail

MV GANGA VILAS

Treading the Buddha’s Trail

Embark the Ganga Vilas and set out to explore some historical sites associated with the life of Buddha along with a journey through Magadha, (modern day Bihar), which was the centre of politico-cultural power and a haven of learning since ancient times. Combined with a land tour of Nalanda, Bodhgaya, and Varanasi.

Duration: 10 Nights & 11 Days
Departure: 13 Oct 2024 | 10 Dec 2025

Varanasi to Dibrugarh Epic Cruise

MV GANGA VILAS

Varanasi to Dibrugarh Epic Cruise

The Ganga Vilas sails the longest, most picturesque river cruise in the world. The Ganges, the Padma, and the Brahmaputra star in this epic cruise of 51 days across 2 countries, 5 states, and 27 river systems, from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Dhaka.

Duration: 49 Nights & 50 Days
Departure: Anytime

Kolkata to Dhaka Downstream​ Cruise

MV GANGA VILAS

Kolkata to Dhaka Downstream

Cruising down the Hooghly, traversing the Sundarbans and sailing on the Padma – a journey combining the cultural, and natural aspects of India and Bangladesh, neighbours on the globe with souls bound by history.

Duration: 11 Nights & 12 Days
Departure: 30 Mar 2025

Dhaka to Kolkata Upstream Cruise

MV GANGA VILAS

Dhaka to Kolkata Upstream

Sail up the Padma through the Sundarbans and the Hooghly, a unique journey from Dhaka to Kolkata that features historical sites like Sonargaon, floating markets, riverine villages, chances to spot the Gangetic river dolphins, tribal cultures and more. 

Duration: 11 Nights & 12 Days
Departure: 10 Apr 2025

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">LAND TOURS

At Antara, we also help you explore South Asia more fully with eclectic and exciting pre- and post-cruise itineraries.

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