Raj Singh grew up boating on the reservoirs and waterways of Rajasthan, an image completely different from the arid landscape that the state conjures up in the mind. Years later in 2009 he started interplanetary travelIt is expected to reconnect travelers with the ancient, spiritual and cultural significance of India’s rivers. Nearly two decades later, India is also focusing on taking advantage of its extensive waterways and coastal power by doubling down on it. cruise tourism,

While grand voyages were once the province of the West, major cruise players around the world are now exploiting the unrealized market potential in Southeast Asia, particularly India, which has become the second largest cruise market in Asia. India is also understanding this reality, the central government has recently announced a five-year Cruise India MissionThe aim is to boost cruise tourism in India to 1 million passengers by 2029 and create 400,000 jobs. Singh, who is a pioneer of luxury river cruises in South Asia, expects India, with its vast coastline and rich cultural heritage, to become an important hub. For cruise tourism. He talks to us about Antara Cruises, the evolution of cruise tourism and the future as he sees it:

Can you share the story behind Antara Cruz? What inspired you to enter the luxury cruise industry in India?

Rivers like the Ganges are not just natural features – they are an integral part of India’s spiritual and cultural identity. Through river cruises, I wanted to provide passengers with a more intimate, immersive experience, allowing them to explore areas that are often hidden from view.

As pioneers of luxury river cruises in South Asia, we place an emphasis on responsible tourism. Our tours support sustainable travel while highlighting the natural beauty and diverse heritage of the areas we visit. We are committed to fostering connections between cultures, such as our historic journey between India and Bangladesh, and our world’s longest river journey connecting the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, with rivers as bridges between history and people. To strengthen.

How have you seen cruise tourism evolve in India over the last few years?

Historically, India’s tourism landscape was more focused on land-based travel, but river cruises are gaining significant traction, especially in the luxury segment. This shift is being driven by several key factors, including a growing appetite for unique, immersive travel experiences and a growing interest in India’s rivers as cultural and spiritual assets.

Over the past decade, we have seen a growing recognition of rivers not only as geographical destinations but also as important connectors of history, heritage and local cultures. The Indian government’s focus on improving river infrastructure, particularly through the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has been important in opening up new routes and making river cruises a more viable and sustainable form of tourism.

What changes have you seen in the preferences of Indian travelers when it comes to luxury cruising?

Over the past few years, we have seen a significant shift in the preferences of Indian travelers when it comes to luxury cruising. The most notable change is the increasing demand for Experiential, immersive travel Instead of just traditional luxury. Indian travelers are increasingly looking for unique, offbeat destinations as well as personalized experiences that connect them more deeply with the places they visit.

Awareness and desire for this has also increased Responsible and sustainable travelToday’s luxury cruisers are not only interested in opulence and comfort, but also in ensuring that their travel choices have a positive impact on local communities and preserve the environment. This has led us to focus on destinations that showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of less explored areas, while also prioritizing sustainability in our operations.

Another important trend is Interest in cultural and spiritual travels is increasingIndian travelers look for deeper connections with the destinations they visit. For example, many of our guests seek the opportunity to visit sacred sites along the Ganges or connect with local artisans in rural Bengal, combining luxury with authentic cultural immersion.

Additionally, there has been a greater focus on travelers post-pandemic Privacy and exclusivityOur guests are increasingly opting for intimate cruise experiences with private suites, fewer passengers, and exclusive services, ensuring both safety and personal attention.

Your ships explore some of the lesser-known areas of India. How do you select these destinations, and what unique experiences do they offer?

At Antara Cruises, we carefully select our destinations to provide guests with a truly immersive and authentic experience. Our focus is on lesser-known, off-beat regions of India that are rich in culture, history and natural beauty, which often remain untouched by mass tourism.

When selecting destinations, we give priority to areas where the river is central to the lives of the local people. For example, princely Murshidabad offers a fascinating glimpse into India’s royal past, where travelers can see the grand architecture, historic palaces and lush gardens that once belonged to the Nawabs of Bengal. In contrast, the Artisans of Bengal Tour gives guests the opportunity to engage directly with traditional artisans, giving them the chance to learn about the intricate techniques behind Bengal’s famous handmade textiles, including muslin and silk.

We offer a truly unique experience with Europe on the Ganges with the Sundarbans – a journey that combines the European beauty with the local charm of the Sundarbans, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, rich in biodiversity and Is full of wildlife. Varanasi Special allows guests to stay on the banks of the sacred Ganges, offering a deep spiritual connection with one of India’s most sacred places, where they can participate in rituals, visit temples and experience this ancient One can experience the vibrant culture of the city.

How do you see cruise tourism evolving in India over the next decade?

The future of cruise tourism in India over the next decade is incredibly promising. We are already seeing a significant increase in demand from domestic travellers, and this is expected to grow as more Indians discover the unique appeal of river travel. With more people seeking rich, immersive travel experiences, the trend toward experiential tourism is gaining momentum. Travelers today want to connect more deeply with the places they visit, which is exactly what river cruising is – an intimate way to explore India’s rivers, nature, wildlife and local cultures.

Also read: India eyes cruise tourism pie with launch of Cruise India Mission

At Antara Cruises, we are excited about some of the emerging trends shaping the future of cruise tourism. One major development is the demand for shorter travel itineraries. We have launched 2-night/3-day and 3-night/4-day cruises to destinations such as Bhitarkanika and Varanasi, catering to travelers who prefer a more compact but intense experience without a long layover. We do. We are also thrilled by the growing interest in nature-focused and wildlife-focused cruises. India’s rivers provide unparalleled access to pristine ecosystems and wildlife sanctuaries, and we see immense potential in creating more immersive itineraries that allow travelers to explore India’s diverse landscapes, from wildlife in the Sundarbans to the rich cultural heritage along the Ganges. Allow detection.

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