Antara Cruises Expands Domestic Offerings: Shorter Heritage Routes

The company declared four new routes, two to four days, scheduled to begin operations in August and September 2025. The move comes as the operator seeks to capitalise on growing demand from Indian travellers for condensed yet indulgent cultural experiences. Pricing details were not disclosed in the announcement.  

Luxury river cruise operator Antara Cruises is shifting focus toward the domestic market with the launch of shorter itineraries curated specifically for Indian travellers, marking a strategic pivot from its traditional international clientele base. The company announced four new routes, from two to four days, scheduled to begin operations in August and September 2025. The offer comes as the operator seeks to capitalise on growing demand from Indian travellers for condensed yet immersive cultural experiences.

The new offerings represent a departure from Antara's typical longer journeys, which have primarily attracted international guests. Company founder and chairman Raj Singh acknowledged the shift, stating that the routes are designed to meet growing interest from Indian travellers seeking shorter, meaningful getaways that go beyond the conventional.

The shortest option, a two-night Creeks and Crocodiles journey through Bhitrakanika National Park, begins August 2nd and targets weekend travellers from Bhubaneshwar, located 3.5 hours from the embarkation point at Gupti. Two routes focus on Odisha's Bhitarkanika mangrove exosystem, often called the mini Amazon. The four-day version extends beyond the standard Dangamal destination to include Habali Kathi, offering wildlife spotting opportunities, including estuarine crocodiles and various bird species. The remaining two routes cover the Hooghly River between Kolkata and Mayapur, featuring cultural stops at historic sites, including the Hooghly Imambara and ISKCON's Mayapur headquarters. These September departures include visits to a traditional textile centre and colonial heritage sites.

 Market Strategy

Domestic market expansion reflects prominent trends in India's travel industry, where operators quickly target local passengers with a premium experience near their homes. Antara's features remain a relatively niche section in India's tourism market, as a river cruise. The company plans weekly departures for the new routes, maintaining its all-inclusive model aboard boutique vessels, with pricing details not disclosed in the announcement.

International operators have traditionally dominated river cruising, focusing on foreign tourists visiting India's waterways. Antara's domestic pivot suggests the company sees potential in developing the local market for heritage—and nature-focused river experiences. The timing coincides with increased interest in sustainable and experimental travel options among Indian travellers, particularly in Antara's premium segment. All four routes are scheduled to commence operations between August and September 2025, with bookings expected to open shortly.

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